Kathleen Rivera

Kathleen Elaine Kneeshaw Rivera returned to her beloved Heavenly Parents on the 18th of November 2022. She was born the day before Pearl Harbor in the Bay Area of California to John Kneeshaw and Vera Allen. She joined a family of 2 brothers, Kenneth and Michael. Kathie’s family moved to the “country” where they had a few farm animals and a big garden. She always spoke fondly of many parts of her childhood, though acknowledging that there were hard times as well. When she was 17, she moved with her mother and brothers to Utah. Though she always loved the Bay Area (and the SF Giants), Utah eventually became home. One of the biggest reasons it became home was it was where she met her husband, Leonard Rivera. They married in the late 1960s and spent the next 50+ years together. Kathie and Leonard had three children and raised them in Salt Lake City. Kathie and Leonard’s marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in 1992.
In her early adulthood, Kathie worked as a CNA. But, after marrying, she became a homemaker and sold Avon for many years. Kathie was a talented artist and writer. She loved reading, poetry, sketching, knitting, sewing, and embroidery. Countless people have received blankets she knitted. One of her greatest joys was to share her talent. Kathie was also an avid reader, and though she did not have an extensive formal education, she loved learning and read to educate herself as well as for entertainment. She had a particular love for language and history.
Kathie was born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints and remained a practicing member throughout her life. Her favorite calling was teaching Primary and delighted in getting to know the children in her classes and providing a well-prepared lesson—always with snacks!
Kathie loved her family and she sought to serve them to the best of her ability. Her greatest service came in the final years of Leonard’s life as she cared for and nurtured him through several illnesses. Kathie was generous and gave to many charitable causes over her lifetime. The Utah Food Bank and Best Friend’s Animal Sanctuary were two most dear to her heart.
Kathie is survived by her son Jeff (Stephanie) Rivera and her daughter, Liz Rivera, as well as several beautiful grandchildren, and her beloved Labrador. She is proceeded in death by her husband, parents, brothers, and son (Matthew). We trust in a happy reunion.
In recognition of Kathie’s giving spirit and desire to keep things “low-key” a service-oriented open house will be held in her honor. All those who are able to attend will be given flowers to take and give to someone who needs them.
A special thank-you to Suncrest Hospice, specifically her nurse, Melissa, and her aides, Brooke and Marzena. Your tender care of Kathie and her family will never be forgotten. Suzi’s Senior Companions (Donna, Christina, Brynn, Aspen, Emily, and Amy) also played an important role in her final months.