Wilda Karaleen "Kerry" Kay Parkinson

Kerry passed away peacefully on July 19th 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, faith, and service. Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven from threads of music, art, family, and a deep devotion to God.
A gifted leader of her church choir, Kerry’s choice of music and leading lifted and inspired those around her. She loved to sing and loved the Tabernacle Choir so much that she auditioned and was put on the waiting list. She moved from Salt Lake before she was able to follow up on the call back.
She was also a talented writer, finding joy in expressing thoughts and testimony through the written word.
Kerry’s hands were truly magical. They created beauty in countless ways—through brush and ink, yarn and thread, soil and sun. She was a master of many crafts: an award-winning painter in all mediums, a member of the Watercolor Society, and a cherished teacher of both painting and calligraphy. Her passion extended to crocheting, knitting, tatting, and the careful preservation of nature’s bounty—she canned everything that came from her garden and trees.
Kerry treated her plants as tender companions, giving each one individual attention and care. Her love for learning never waned. She was a voracious reader and an avid student of the scriptures. She also enjoyed working on family history, contributing meaningfully to genealogy work and strengthening the roots of her family tree.
Kerry and her beloved husband faithfully served three LDS missions together—in Mongolia, Connecticut, and at the Bishop’s Storehouse—dedicating their time and hearts to serving the Lord and others.
Kerry courageously took on the role of mother to a family of seven ranging from 1-17 and added one more. She hung on through the thick and thin and today that family stands strong and united including 30 grandchildren and 60 great grandchildren who all love her.
Kerry’s life was one of compassion, creation, and quiet strength. She will be remembered not only for her many talents and accomplishments but for the lives she touched, and the love she so freely gave.
She is survived by her siblings, Doug (Maureen) Illum, Lon (Phyllis) Kay, Dawn Kay, Patty (Tom) Willis. Her children, Quin (Susan) Parkinson, Therina (Richard) Alexander, Jan (Leonard) Hawkes, Larel (Kim) Parkinson, Ted (Shauna) Parkinson, Blake (JuDean) Parkinson, Marcie Hirschi and Diana (Rodney) Janda, 30 grandchildren, and 60 great grandchildren. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide those she loved so well.
She is preceded in death by her husband James Parkinson, Sister Mollie Barnes, and brother Ken Illum.
A viewing will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 9-11:30 A.M. with a funeral service to follow at Noon. Services will be held at the Beaver Ward Chapel (16025 N Beaver Dam Rd. Collinston, UT 84306). Interment will follow in the Beaver Dam Cemetery. 

All who knew and loved Kerry are invited to attend and celebrate her life.