Kay Whiteley Eagar

Kay Whiteley Eagar (Katie, Grandma Tutu) was blessed to graduate from this earthly life into the arms of Jesus Christ on March 21, 2021, due to natural causes. Kay was born of Ida Burton (Burrows) and Jerry Lorraine Whiteley on March 5, 1940 in Montclair, New Jersey. She graduated from South High in Salt Lake City, Utah; received her Bachelors in Elementary Education and later, a Masters in Social Work, both from the University of Utah. She had a much loved and successful career in Social Work. She worked with cancer patients, back pain patients, and newborns. She worked at the University of Utah Fisher House, where she was the Director of military families. She also worked for the VA at the Tripler Hospital in Hawaii. Many benefited from her teaching and knowledge. Leo Brent Eagar swept her off her feet with thoughtful kindness and charm. They were sealed on November 17, 1960, in the Salt Lake Temple and started their family immediately. Together they raised 6 children who adored her. She had a special relationship with her youngest daughter who is “celestial” in nature. Mom cared for her lovingly, and always included her in our lives. Her efforts with Rachel could only be seen as heavenly, and completely selfless. Mom was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She put 100% effort into her many callings. She served in the Bonneville Stake Mission, and in the New York North Mission with L. Brent. Many West Point Academy cadets and members loved them and expressed touching stories of their time there. Mom had a great love for her ancestors, and spent many hours researching and performing ordinances in the temple. She was deeply intuitive to her connections to the other side. Mom could find fun anywhere and anytime. She dressed up in hilarious outfits, gave gifts with the most imaginative wrapping, and played loud opera in the car. Mom was an accomplished pianist and violinist. She played in many groups, and touched many hearts. She was a gifted writer and wrote faithfully to her children, grandchildren, and greats while on their missions and other life celebrations. She would often give us blessings, pray, and fast for us. Her family was her passion. Mom was an avid reader, mostly of gospel topics. She collected church doctrine books, and was well versed in their teachings. She would often read far into the night. She was generous in sharing those books as gifts, often signed with a note of testimony and love. She was an incredible seamstress and needlepointer. She could make anything from scratch and spent hours at the machine adding and embellishing simple pieces. She often helped people in need through fostering, and generous giving. Her love of animals was apparent. She had a talented eye for creating beautiful home spaces, and knew how to invite the spirit of God to dwell there. We always knew our home was a refuge. She was preceded in death by her parents, her bio brother William Whiteley, and her beloved gentle giant, L. Brent Eagar. She is survived by children: Leo Jonathan Eagar, Thaddeus Brent Eagar(Rebecca Uhlig), Jeremy Burton Eagar, Mary Vee Poelman(Douglas Poelman), Sarah Kay Cook(Blaine Cook), and Rachel Whiteley Eagar, 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. A celebration of Kay’s life will be held Friday April 2, 2021, with a viewing from 10:00am-10:45am and a memorial service at 11:00am at Murray 29th Ward, 6300 South 700 West, Murray Utah. Interment, Murray City Cemetery at approximately 1:00pm. Thanks to Serenity Funeral Home for hosting.

Kay Whiteley Eagar

March 5, 1940 - March 21, 2021