Katherine Helen Savage Bird, a beloved resident of Springville, Utah, passed away on December 20, 2024, at the age of 84. Her life, a tapestry woven with threads of love, resilience, and unwavering faith, concluded a cherished chapter in the hearts of all who knew her. While her story is deeply personal, exploring family histories often leads us to unexpected connections, and in remembering Katherine Savage Bird, we also touch upon the broader Savage lineage, perhaps even sparking curiosity about names like Jessie Savage Johns within the wider family tree.
Born on April 26, 1940, Katherine was the first beacon of joy for Clarence and Rose Lamb Savage. Her early years were further brightened by the arrival of her brother, Robert (Renate), and sister, LaRue (John Child), completing the initial Savage family circle. Life took an unexpected turn when Katherine was just three years old with the tragic loss of her father. These formative years, though shadowed by hardship, instilled in Katherine a remarkable grit and an indomitable spirit that would define her character. The family found renewed happiness when Rose remarried Waldo Harris Levanger, who lovingly embraced Katherine and her siblings as his own. Waldo, affectionately known as “Dad,” brought stability and warmth, and expanded the family with two more brothers, Jean (Bekky) and Kent (Abby) Levanger, further enriching Katherine’s life.
Katherine’s journey was one of overcoming adversity and embracing opportunities. A graduate of Springville High School, she earned an academic scholarship to Utah State University. However, the pull of home and family was strong, drawing her back to Springville. This return proved serendipitous in more ways than one. Securing a well-paying position at Geneva Steel, Katherine achieved a personal milestone by purchasing her dream car – a brand-new Corvair. More significantly, at a local picnic, fate intervened when she met Phillip Freeman Bird. A casual wave to Phil on the street, which Katherine playfully claimed to barely remember, sparked Phil’s interest and led to their first date.
The Corvair, once Katherine’s prized possession, soon paled in comparison to the love she found with Phil. With a touch of humor, she often joked about the trade, marrying Phil on August 24, 1962, in the sacred Manti Temple. Together, they embarked on a journey of building a truly exceptional life, grounded in mutual respect and unwavering affection.
Their family blossomed with the arrival of five children, each a unique blessing: Blaine (Marla), Brandt (Laura), Walter (Becky), Kirsten (Scott) Hullinger, and Lorna (Kirk) Newbold. Katherine and Phil’s love extended to their growing family, embracing each child and in-law with open arms. However, the true crescendo of joy arrived with the addition of 23 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, filling their lives with boundless love and laughter.
Katherine’s heart found its truest expression in her home and family. Serving, nurturing, and cherishing her loved ones were her greatest passions. Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house were legendary, featuring her famous mashed potatoes and her equally iconic question, “Is everybody happy?” She was the unwavering champion for each member of her family, spending countless hours supporting them in their endeavors. From ball games to recitals, Katherine was a constant presence, her “granny bag” overflowing with treats for every child, a testament to her generous spirit. She was, in essence, everyone’s grandma.
Her support extended beyond her grandchildren to her beloved husband, Phil. Throughout their marriage, Katherine was Phil’s steadfast partner in his work, community involvement, and church service. In recent years, this support was beautifully reciprocated as Phil became Katherine’s devoted primary caregiver, their enduring love story serving as an inspiring example for their family.
Relationships were the cornerstone of Katherine’s life. She found deep fulfillment in serving in the Primary and Young Women organizations within her church and as a visiting teacher, cherishing the connections she made. The visits from her ministering sisters were also a source of immense joy and comfort. Her time working at the office of J. Niel Strong forged lasting friendships, particularly with Niel’s mother, Jane Strong, relationships she treasured deeply. Even retirement couldn’t keep her away for long, as she returned to work for a few more years, drawn back by the camaraderie and connections she had built. Simple pleasures like visiting with family and friends, long phone calls with her sister-in-law, Renate, and chance encounters at Ream’s (much to Phil’s patient waiting in the car) filled her days with warmth and connection.
Katherine was a dynamo of energy and productivity, a “little lady” with immense strength. Despite facing significant health challenges in recent years, she met each obstacle with the same resilience and determination that had defined her since childhood. Complaints were never uttered; instead, her caregivers were met with gratitude and heartfelt “I love yous.”
Her deep faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ was a guiding light throughout her life. The Christmas season, with its spirit of giving and love, held a special place in her heart. Giving gifts, helping those in need, participating in charitable acts like purchasing goats through “Light the World” giving machines, serving others, expressing love, and gathering with family were her favorite expressions of the season. Christmas, for her family, will forever be a reminder of the hope of eternal life, a belief she held dear.
Gathering was indeed Katherine’s joy, and her family finds solace in knowing she is now reunited with loved ones who preceded her: her parents, brothers Robert and Jean, in-laws John and Bekky, and her precious granddaughter, Elle Hullinger. In their hearts, they imagine her greeting Elle with the same words she lovingly spoke to each grandchild, “I’m a lucky grandma!”
Mom, Grandma, Katherine, her family feels deeply blessed to have had her in their lives. Though her absence is deeply felt – “Ding-dong dang-it” – her legacy of love and faith remains an enduring gift.
Funeral services to honor Katherine’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint Chapel, 2379 River Bottom Road, Springville, Utah. Viewings will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wheeler & Sundberg Funeral Home, 211 East 200 South, Springville, Utah, and prior to the services on Monday at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.
Condolences can be shared with the family on this memorial page.
