Kathie McGarry

1952 - 2025

Once Upon a Life: The Chapters of Kathleen (Kathie) Phillips McGarry

May 9, 1952 - October 12, 2025

Preface: Kathleen was a master storyteller, not just with words but with her life. Every lesson she taught, every song she played, every holiday celebrated, and every act of kindness she performed was a page in a story she shared with all who knew her.

Chapter 1: The Early Years

Kathleen was born in Rexburg, Idaho, to Max and Betty Phillips as the fifth of six children. A dedicated student, she excelled academically and graduated from Madison High School with a 3.9 GPA. Her favorite subjects were English and Literature, and she was known for her impressive vocabulary.

Chapter 2: A Love Story

Kathleen's sophomore year of high school proved to be a momentous one when she met her eternal companion, Tim McGarry, at a New Year's Eve party. On New Year's Eve, four years later, Tim proposed beside the haystacks on his family's farm. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 4, 1971, marking the beginning of 54 beautiful years of marriage. Through the joys and chaos of raising seven children and running a busy farm and cattle operation, Kathie and Tim's love only deepened. Tim was often heard saying that Kathie grew more beautiful with each passing day.

Chapter 3: The Heart of the Home

Kathleen had an extraordinary way of making each of her seven children feel like the center of her world. She had a gift for making every heart feel uniquely cherished-listening without judgement, offering comfort in moments of doubt, and providing wisdom that lit the path ahead. In her presence you felt understood, valued, and deeply loved, as if no one else mattered in that moment but you.

Armed with her favorite books such as The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter, Kathleen instilled a love of reading in her children and grandchildren. Kathleen didn't just read stories, she used a chorus of voices to make the stories come to life.

Kathleen never simply cooked a meal, wrapped a gift, or hosted a party-she transformed every occasion into a memorable experience. For her, presentation was an art form, and every detail carried her signature touch of creativity. Meals became celebrations, gifts were wrapped like treasures, and parties sparkled with originality. Whether it was a simple Family Home Evening night or a major holiday, each occasion was paired with a clever game, festive food, spiritual lesson, or meaningful theme that made these moments unforgettable.

Chapter 4: The Office Chronicles

For more than 30 years, Kathleen was the heart of the front office at Madison High School-first as the attendance secretary and later as the office manager. Her desk wasn't just a place to check in; it was a safe haven where students and faculty alike found understanding, help, and laughter. With her nonjudgmental spirit and quick sense of humor, she built connections that reached far beyond her job description. No matter where she went, former students would stop to chat. Beyond the office, Kathleen formed lasting friendships with the women she worked alongside, friendships that endured through decades of shared lunches and laughter, continuing right up until the time of her passing. Her warmth, wit, and unwavering kindness left an indelible mark on Madison High and on every life she touched.

Chapter 5: Musical Interludes

Music was a constant throughout Kathleen's life. She began piano lessons at just six years old and added the organ to her repertoire in high school. By junior high, she was playing piano for Primary, and in high school, she served as the ward organist. Kathleen shared her gift by teaching piano lessons after school. Over the years, her music touched countless lives as she accompanied soloists and performed beautiful arrangements for church programs and special occasions. Some of her most cherished moments were creating music with her children-duets with Michelle, accompanying Ashlee's stunning vocals, and supporting Brandon's cello solos. In her later years, Kathie continued her service as an organist at the Rexburg, Idaho, Temple and in her ward, offering her talents with grace and love. Her music was never just notes on a page-it was an expression of her heart and her faith.

Chapter 6: A Life Rooted in Faith, Teaching, & Service

Kathleen was a devoted, lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in many leadership roles in both the ward and stake. She especially enjoyed serving in the baptistry in the Rexburg, Idaho, Temple with Tim. Kathleen had a wonderful relationship with her Heavenly Father and a strong testimony of the Savior's atonement. She believed in forever families and had a deep desire to be obedient to the commandments.

Teaching was her joy, and she approached every lesson and talk with creativity and heart. Kathleen had a gift for making gospel and life principles unforgettable. Her lessons were never ordinary; they were vibrant, clever, and full of meaning, leaving her audience engaged and inspired long after the meeting ended. Kathleen's ability to weave humor, imagination, and faith together made her a beloved teacher and leader whose influence will be remembered for generations.

Have I done any good in the world today?' was more than a motto for Kathleen-it was the way she lived every day. Her kindness showed in countless ways, from quietly paying for the meal of the person behind her in line, to cooking for families who were sick or grieving, to offering light therapy to seniors in assisted living. Service wasn't just something Kathleen did, it was something she inspired in others. Throughout the year, she hosted creative parties that encouraged her children and grandchildren to spread kindness. Kathleen's life was a beautiful example of selflessness and joy, reminding all who knew her that the greatest happiness comes from lifting others.

After retirement, her service expanded to the political realm where she became passionate about assisting Tim in his role as precinct leader in Madison County and later became the secretary for the Upper Valley Republican Women.

Epilogue:

Kathleen's life was a story worth reading-a tale filled with chapters of love, service, and creativity. Though the final chapter has closed, her story lives on in the hearts of those who loved her-a timeless classic that will be reread in memories for generations to come.

In honor of our mother's beautiful legacy of kindness, we invite all who loved her to perform a small act of service-because nothing would make her happier than knowing goodness continues to ripple through the world in her memory.

Kathleen is survived by her loving husband Tim McGarry; daughters Michelle McGarry, Klissann (Matt) Francis, Kelli (Shane) Frost, Lacey (Scott) Ricks, Ashlee McGarry; sons Brandon (Brittni) McGarry and Logan (Whitney) McGarry; 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved sisters Pat (David) Mead, Evelyn (Doug) Frank, and Gail (Bruce) Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Betty Phillips, brother Burton, and sister Jenny.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Burton West LDS Church at 3958 W 2000 S, Rexburg. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg, and from 10:00 to 10:40 a.m. on Friday at the church. Internment will be at the Burton Cemetery.