Katherine Jensen Hansen Griffin

“To plant a garden is to have faith in tomorrow,” by Audrey Hepburn.

Above the door to Kathy’s beautiful garden, these words beckon us to live with optimism. In life, she coaxed her flowers into bloom just as she raised and cared for her family.

 Born on August 26, 1949, to Deloss and Vera Hansen, Katherine Jensen Hansen Griffin was the youngest of five children: Ross, David, twins Janet and Janeal. Raised by close family and friends, Kathy was just three when her mother passed away in a tragic car accident. Their heavenly reunion on May 29, 2024, must have been beyond joyous, especially as she’s the last child to return home at age 74. Surrounded by her family, she returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 On July 5, 1968, Kathy married Keith LaMont (Smiley) Griffin and they soon made their home in Winder, just north of Preston. They raised three children on the family farm and a lot of sheep. Everyone pitched in hauling hay, feeding all the animals, and doing the endless chores that instilled a solid work ethic. Much of the extended family lived nearby, and Kathy raised her children to be close to their cousins. They saw Preston and Grace cousins often and California cousins every summer.

 Never one to sit still, Kathy enjoyed a lifetime of gardening, collecting and restoring antique treasures, caring for animals (especially her dogs), serving others, and going for rides out in the country. Kathy was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many Primary and Relief Society callings, always going the extra mile for years with her visiting teaching assignments. Work outside the home kept her incredibly busy as well. She worked many years for her brother at Ross Distributing Company on Main Street, shipping HAM radios worldwide. Later, she was a baker for the Preston School District and is most famous for her homemade cinnamon rolls. Long after retirement, people wanted her recipe.

 Kathy was always proud of her heritage and hometown, descending from ancestors who were original settlers to the area. Of particular interest to her was the Bear River Massacre site, where their farm of 28 years was located. She continued to collect and research information about the site long after moving to town. Family history was always important to her, and her children know the stories by heart. But just to make sure, she leaves us with an amazing collection of scrapbooks, photos, and historical memorabilia, all carefully organized and labeled.

 Kathy is survived by her husband and children: Kerry (Cole) Smith of Centerville, Utah; Karen (Zan) Murray of Wellsville, Utah; Kelly Griffin (and dog Peggy) of Preston. She has six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Legacy House in Logan and her hospice care teams. Our sincerest thanks also to Jason and Chani Krogue for her additional care.

 Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Preston South Stake Center, 55 East 100 South, Preston, Idaho. Viewings will be held Monday 6-8:00 pm at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East, Preston, Idaho, and Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the South Stake Center.  Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with family at webbmortuary.com.