Kathleen 'Kathy' M. Barlow Obituary (1950

Kathleen M. Barlow (Kathy), age 74, passed away on Saturday, March 8th in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born on March 26th in Salt Lake City, Utah to Gladys Mae Steed and George Edward Nichols. She lived in Utah most of her life and loved living close to her father and her children. Mom (Baub) led a simple life with unique challenges. She raised four wonderful, strong children as a single mother and worked to support her family as a grocery checker. Her children were her pride and joy from the time she had her first at age 20 until the day she passed. While the struggles of being a single mother were real and challenging, she kept a smile on her face for the customers she served for 30 years. She worked with many amazing people that she loved and that she called friends. Her kindness and gentle way left an impact on those that knew her. Her children will remember a woman that never gave up, and they will never hear the word “WELL” without thinking of her. Mom’s illness came on suddenly last fall. She had just moved into her cute little apartment and was enjoying an independent life with her best friend, her cat, her “Baby Boy Kitty”. She’d just gotten settled into her new home and was making friends with other residents, when her feet and legs began to give her a great deal of pain. Over a few short months, she quickly went from an independent self-sufficient woman to relying on her children to help her accomplish the simple tasks that she used to take joy in like running to the grocery store to buy her Mentos. Her beloved friend, Kitty, who had also fallen ill, was by her side, watching over her until her last day. He followed along to be with her just hours after mom left us. To the medical staff that helped diagnose and treat Mom over the past three months, thank you for making that time dignified, comfortable and hopeful. On March 7th, she underwent a procedure that she was excited for. It worked spectacularly and gave her true hope. Following the procedure, she felt immediate relief from the pain that had persisted for months. That evening and into the next morning, she slept better than she had in years. She drifted away early Saturday morning showing no signs of pain or struggle to embark on her new journey, while surrounded by her beloved children and family . To every friend, family member and person that supported her and her children through this complex and unexpected challenge you are appreciated more than we can even express. Your compassion and generosity made mom’s last months easier, and she was so appreciative and grateful to everyone that showed her kindness. Kathy is survived by her four children Wendy, Jimmy, Rocky and Nick, their children, significant others and significant people. She is preceded in death by her father, her mother, and her older sister Dolores “Pinky” Ziesenhenne and followed shortly by her Baby Boy Kitty. She will be remembered fondly by those that knew and loved her. We love you so much, Mom and thank you for all your sacrifices and love and the wonderful lives you helped us create. A commemoration of Kathy’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22nd from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Forest Dale Golf Course, 2375 South 900 East. Everyone is welcome. Come as you are, we are all here for one another to celebrate Kathy’s life and 75th birthday.