Kathleen Jeppeson Ricci

I was born on September 14, 1946. My parents are Jack Junior Jeppeson and Juanita Lark Jeppeson. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Growing up the five of us shared great times together especially driving around in a red Triumph 3, always with the top down.

One of my greatest joys, however, was being a mother and a grandmother. I have two wonderful children, Nicole and John, whom I am extremely proud of. It was because of them I eventually went back to the University of Utah where I graduated with a degree in Accounting. Later on I had the opportunity to go to Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where I had my first Ahaa moment! Although late in my career I was able to apply many of the principles I learned there.

I married Ken Donarski in 1999. He is an amazing man who was also my best friend. He has been at my side every day fighting this disease. Always encouraging me but understanding the limitations I was facing.

I had the most rewarding career anyone could possibly have. At Salt Lake City I worked with a group of people who were as committed as I to providing housing for people with special needs. We built housing for homeless women, victims of domestic violence and housing for seniors. After working for the City I went to work for the Housing Authority of Salt Lake, during that time we built the first housing for chronically homeless as well as housing for seniors, families and homeless veterans.

Through out my life I have been very fortunate to be able to travel. Ken and I have experienced the sights of Europe, the Mediterranean and Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and most of the US. I have met incredible people and I appreciate each one.

I loved to cook for friends and entertain. Mostly I liked to share a good glass of wine and just enjoy my time with interesting people, family and close friends.

The last few years I have spent as much time as possible in our garden. It was a respite for me. A place of beauty and peacefulness, which I needed to help fight the cancer. Ken has taken such loving care of the garden and I have appreciated it.

I am survived by my father Jack Jeppeson; my husband Ken Donarski, my daughter Nicole (Kent) Corson; granddaughter Audrey; son John (Aimee Dubois); grandson Andrew; granddaughter Annalise; stepchildren Nathan and Erin Erickson; grandson EdWyn; granddaughter Evangeline, BethAnn Donarski. Along with brothers Blaine (Nancy) Jeppeson, Allen (Joni) Jeppeson; sisters Shannon (Jerry) Hines, Annette (Greig) Bridges; many nieces, nephews whom I love dearly and wonderful friends. I was preceded in death by my mother, whom I have missed so much.

A special thank you to Toni and Kevin Simmons, Kim and Steve Oliver, and Lottie Taylor.

I would like to invite you to one last celebration from me on Saturday, December 3rd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, to thank you for being an important part of my life and because you were, I was a better person for it. Complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building.