Kathleen "Katie" Parkin

Kathleen “Katie” Parkin, 68, of Salt Lake City, passed away at home during the early morning hours of November 11, 2016 after succumbing to complications of liver disease. She died peacefully and was surrounded by her children. Kathleen was born November 21, 1948 in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Vera Duryea and Edward Burke. Kathleen married Steven Patrick Berntsen in 1970 and were blessed with two sons Steven Douglass Berntsen and Edmund Burke Berntsen. Kathleen and Steven were divorced and in 1974 she married Orin Lamont Parkin and were blessed with three more children Michael Troy Parkin, Jenny Lynn Parkin (Call) and Deanna Duryea Parkin.

Kathleen was an immensely talented musician known for her belting soprano singing voice and emotionally engaging performances. She found her musical soul mate in her friend Rhona Legg and together they wrote and produced beautiful gospel centered music. Katie loved her children and her grandchildren almost as much as her fur babies who were her constant companions. Katie had a curious mind and was intrigued by Ancient Egypt, anthropology, archeology and other diverse areas of study. Katie had many talents but she excelled at making and maintaining deep meaningful friendships. She had a way of putting the world into perspective and always saying just the right thing. She was a comforter with an engaging sense of humor. We always knew which hospital room she was in because the nurses always came out with big smile on their faces. We will miss that most of all.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Robert Westmoreland; her husband Orin Lamont Parkin; and unexpectedly her son Steven Douglass Berntsen a mere 18 hours before her. She is survived by her children, 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A viewing is set for Friday November 18 from 6 to 8 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 19 at 11:00 am also at Russon Brothers Mortuary with a viewing from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E. College St. (4580 S), Salt Lake City.