Kathleen LaVon Campbell Thompson Obituary (1940

Kathleen LaVon Campbell Thompson, age 80, from Orem, Utah died peacefully in her sleep on February 4, 2020. Kathleen was born January 16, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Leland Orson Campbell and LaVon Seethaler. Kathleen grew up in the avenues of Salt Lake City and would often tell stories of going downtown with her mother and sister. It was there that she took dance lessons, studied piano, and learned to love music. She started teaching piano lessons while she was still in high school. While at East High School, Kathleen and a group of over 20 childhood friends formed a club called Amicitiae, which means “friendship among women.” They held regular meetings, did activities, and went on trips together; including a senior trip to California where they went to the new (two-year-old) Disneyland, and appeared on the television show “Queen for a Day.” This friendship club was very important to Kathleen and many members are still in touch to this day. After graduating from East High School, Kathleen went to the University of Utah to study music. She was a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, a professional music sorority. While at the U of U she joined the choir where she met and fell in love with Gary Ray Thompson. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 14, 1962, and spent 56 wonderful years together. After graduating from the U of U, and while Gary was away in the Navy, Kathleen decided to continue her music education at Brigham Young University, and successfully earned her Master’s Degree in Music Education. This opened the door for her to become a junior high school music teacher in the Granite School District, and later at the middle school on the Navy base in Japan. This is where Gary was stationed for the last 3 ½ years of his Naval career and he was fortunate enough to have Kathleen and their children with him. Upon returning home from Japan, Kathleen and Gary eventually settled in Orem, Utah where they raised their 5 children. Kathleen continued to teach private piano lessons and had a career that spanned over 40 years. Kathleen always enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was working in her garden or going on family vacations. She would often tell of childhood family trips going camping and fishing at Yellowstone, Mesa Verde, Zion’s, and many other beautiful places. She passed on this love of travel and outdoors to her own family. Kathleen and Gary celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Yellowstone with their children and grandchildren. Kathleen was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings including being the pianist and chorister for the Primary, Relief Society, and the Ward, as well as being a teacher for Seminary, Primary, Relief Society, Family History, and Gospel Doctrine. Her love for Family History enabled her to serve a Genealogy Extractions mission for her stake. She was always considered the family genealogist, and her countless hours of research have allowed her to compile numerous books filled with family histories and pedigree charts. Kathleen had many talents and she loved to share them. She was a wonderful cook and she loved having large family gatherings where everyone shared good food and good company. She liked to sew, quilt, and crochet, and she made many blankets for family members. She had a talent for writing, and published several children’s and youth books. She also liked to paint and sketch, and her treasured artwork was gifted to her family. Family was most important to Kathleen. She always cherished the time spent with her family, whether it was going to concerts or plays, watching movies, traveling, spending time outdoors, or just being with her children and grandchildren. Kathleen is survived by her children: David, Rebecca Lopez (Ray), Michael (Merilee Tanner), Tamara Allen (Daniel), and Daniel (Jennifer Weight). 17 grandchildren: Spencer Lopez (Kenzie), Kathleen Lopez, Nicole Lopez, Joseph Lopez, Isaac Thompson, Oliver Thompson, Kailey Allen Phi (Thai), Randy Allen (Lindy), Lillian Allen, Amanda Allen, Kaleb Thompson, Joycelynn Thompson, Jonathan Thompson, Natalie Thompson, Meladie Thompson, Robert Thompson, and Abbi Thompson. She is also survived by her brother, Howard Campbell. Kathleen is preceded in death by her husband, Gary; her son, Joseph; her parents; and her sister, Eva Mary. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Grove Park Chapel, 190 North 800 West, Orem, Utah. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com.