Kathleen “Kathie” (Transtrum) Kynaston March 27, 1945 - October 31, 2019

Obituary

Kathleen Transtrum Kynaston (1945 – 2019) Kathleen (Kathie) Transtrum Kynaston passed peacefully from this life on October 31, 2019 at her home in Eagle, Idaho. She was born on March 27, 1945 in Atascadero, California to Jay Findlay Transtrum and Frances Packham. Though a lifelong resident of Idaho, Kathie spent her first days in California as she was born while her parents were en route to the west coast due to her father’s pending deployment with the Army to the South Pacific during WWII. The oldest of eight children, Kathie was like a second mother to her siblings: Roger (Marilyn), Margaret Ann (Chris) Sorensen, Susan Kay, Charles (Kenya), John (Lorraine), Toni, and George (Susan), with whom she enjoyed a lifelong friendship. Even as a young child she exhibited characteristics of kindness and concern for the needs and feelings of others which permeated throughout her life. For instance, when she started elementary school, she offered to take her lunch to school wrapped in newspaper to spare her parents the cost of a lunchbox knowing family finances were tight. Her mother described her as “a fun-loving, beautiful child with big blue eyes.” Kathie greatly valued education and put herself through college, earning a BA in English from Utah State University. After graduation, she taught Junior High English in Blackfoot. She also worked in the postal service and was the first female mail carrier in Idaho. She was a talented seamstress and musician. She taught piano to many children over several decades and often served as pianist, organist, and choir director in her church. She loved theater and drama and directed multiple plays and roadshows. She especially used her knowledge, gifts and talents as a full time mother to teach her children to love learning. Her example and tutelage led all of her children to graduate from college, serve missions, and marry in the temple. On August 1, 1967 she married Joseph Wilden Kynaston for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joe fell head over heels in love and tagged along with Kathie and her date to a dance where he made sure he was the first one to dance with her, and the one to bring her back home. He proposed nine days later. Their life long partnership and complimentary gifts and talents allowed them to accomplish many great things together while raising their large family. They were happily married for over 52 years at the time of her passing. Kathie truly exemplified and cherished her divine role of wife and mother. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother to her eight children. Her greatest trial was the death of her seven year-old daughter, Natalie, in 1988. Rather than allow her heart-break to drag her down into despair, she instead rallied her family in love, held them close, taught them of the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and encouraged them to stay on the covenant path so they could all be reunited as a family for eternity. This tragedy became a defining moment in her life and that of her family leaving an indelible bond. She served faithfully for her church in many callings and capacities, including Young Women and Primary President. She loved to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a teacher she was admired for her gospel knowledge, down-to-earth sense of humor, and ability to relate on a personal level with her students. Kathie served a full-time mission with her husband in the Florida, Ft. Lauderdale Mission. She and Joe also served as temple ordinance workers in both the Boise and Meridian Temples. Kathie had a great capacity to minister to and love others, and be a friend to the friendless. She was the loving matriarch of her family. She loved to gather her children and grandchildren around her. She and Joe would plan yearly camping trips to beautiful Cascade Lake creating countless fond memories for her children and grandchildren. She passed down to her posterity her love for the Savior Jesus Christ and set an example of what it really means to be His disciple. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who were privileged to know her. Her family joys in Kathie’s grand reunion in heaven with her beloved daughter Natalie, her parents, and other loved ones. Kathie is survived by her eternal companion Joe, her children Dean, Katie (Kirt) Nielsen, Andrew (Amelia), Michael (Cherilyn), Suzanne (Kaleb) Tracy, Patrick (Gina), and Matthew (Cara), her thirty-eight grandchildren, her beloved siblings, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other dear friends. Her family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the loving care given by the Park Lane Ward in the form of meals, visits, and service. Also many thanks to the doctors, nurses, and hospice workers who provided care and comfort during her prolonged final illness. Funeral Services will be held in the Park Lane Ward Chapel,1133 N. Park Lane Eagle, ID 83616 on Friday November 8, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held on Thursday November 7, 2019 at the Park Lane Ward chapel from 6:00-8:00 p.m., with a second viewing Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. just prior to the funeral. Internment will be in the Dry Creek Cemetery in Eagle, Idaho immediately following the funeral. For information regarding donations contact Andrew Kynaston via phone, text or email: 702-245-3137 anaclan@gmail.com.