Catherine Anderson Rees
1919 ~ 2007
Catherine Anderson Rees spent her final moments August 22, 2007 surrounded by her caring family. Already the world feels a little empty after her passing, for she was a giant spirit, strong and tender, and the great matriarch of our devoted family.Born October 25, 1919 in Moroni, UT to Ernest and Vanorma Blackham Anderson, Catherine was the oldest of four children. Her childhood was filled with music, a gift that blessed and enriched her entire life. She was a bright student. After high school, she attended Snow College.
Her musical endeavors eventually led her to true love when she was asked to be the pianist for a local high school play. The choir director at the school was a handsome young man named Leslie Rees from Wales, Utah. Our family folklore describes this as when the Prince of Wales met the Angel of Moroni.
Catherine married Leslie Edmunds Rees December 14, 1937 in the Manti Temple. They made their home in Pleasant Grove where they shared a wonderful life together revolving around music, family and faith. They were blessed with four daughters, Carol Gay, Deanna, Roslyn, and Marianne. Catherine was a devoted mother to her children. She celebrated their every success and mourned with them in their sorrows.
Her membership in the LDS church was a central part of her life. Throughout her years she served as president of every different auxiliary organization and on countless boards and committees. She gave of her time, talents and resources willingly. Even in her later years, when bound to a wheelchair, she continued to serve those in her ward and neighborhood unceasingly.
She had a great love for Pleasant Grove and devoted time to enriching the community with her talents. She was a longtime member of the Cadmus Club. Along with Lee, she enjoyed her association with the Timpanogos Chorale. She was involved in countless concerts and community productions. She also taught piano and violin lessons for years.
Her talents weren't limited to music. She was a gifted writer and a creator of amazing handiwork. Her hands were always busy making something beautiful for those she loved. She hand-stitched quilts for each of her grandchildren and adorned every new baby within her circle with exquisite blankets, sweaters, hats, and booties.
Throughout her life, she kept her mind active. She was a voracious reader and stayed on top of current events and popular culture. She was absolutely delightful to visit with and enjoyed nothing more than a good laugh and a great story. She had a fantastic sense of humor and a wonderful honesty about her, which attracted a steady flow of family and friends to her door.
She will be missed immensely. However, we celebrate the blissful reunions she is joining and the freedom from the physical pain that has been her longtime companion. Her remarkable legacy will continue to inspire us.
Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie E. Rees; both parents; her daughter, Deanna (Sidney) Beveridge; two sisters and one brother. She is survived by daughters Carol Gay (Keyne) Thorne, St. George; Roslyn (Maurice) Keetch, Draper; Marianne, Pleasant Grove; 14 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Catherine will be held Sat., August 25, 2007 at 11 a.m. in the Timpanogos 7th Ward Chapel, 500 North 332 East, Pleasant Grove, UT. Family and friends may call Fri. evening from 6-8 p.m. at Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 N. 900 E., American Fork, Utah and an additional viewing at the church on Saturday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment at Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.