Catheryn Ann Cobaugh White

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, our dear mother, sister, grandma, and friend Catheryn Ann Cobaugh White passed away at her home.

Cathy was born on November 6, 1946 in Troy, Ohio to John Cobaugh and Darlene Mae Beesley. She was raised in Ohio until the age of five and then moved to Ogden, Utah. Two years later her family moved to Sunset, Utah. She grew up in Sunset with three sisters and one brother, many cousins, and her grandmother. She was a Girl Scout, volunteered as a Candy Striper at a hospital in Ogden, and spent time volunteering at a care center (where she met her future husband’s grandmother before she met him!). She graduated from Clearfield High School in 1965 and shortly after started working for the 945th Air Force Reserve at Hill Air Force Base.

In June 1965, she was set up on a date by friends with a handsome fellow just out of the military. A year and a half later, she and David Leon White were married in Sunset, Utah on November 26, 1966 and the marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in February 1969. They lived a short time in Sunset and then moved to Layton when they purchased their first home. They spent lots of time with close friends Reed and Susan Thurgood as both their families grew. Cathy and Dave moved to a patio home in Layton in 2012 and enjoyed making new friends but kept in contact with many dear friends from their former neighborhood.

Cathy always wanted to be a mother and in August of 1968 a baby girl was born in California that needed a loving home. Cathy travelled to California and stayed with very close friends, the Owens family, as she navigated the adoption process. At the hospital she picked out the baby meant for her (the doctor literally asked her if she knew which baby was hers in the nursery, and she did) and brought Kim home to a proud new dad and became the best mom anyone could hope for.

In May, 1972 upon the insistence of almost 4 year old Kim,  that she have a baby brother, Cathy and Dave adopted a sweet baby boy that had been born in Provo, Utah. They named him David Curtis and their little family was now complete.

Initially, Cathy was a stay-at-home mom and worked a little on the side selling Jafra skin care products from home. She was always around to drive Curt to his many sports practices and games, Kim to softball and gymnastics, was a 4-H leader for gardening, entomology, canning, stamps, and cooking, was a homework helper extraordinaire, and loved to bake and cook. She volunteered at her children’s schools, Vae View Elementary and Central Davis Jr. High; you would often see her in the classroom helping kids with reading and math. She grew the biggest garden in the neighborhood and taught Kim and Curt a love for being outdoors. There was always a swimming pool, badminton net, or other sports equipment set up in the back yard. Cathy and Dave never missed a game, performance, or chance to support their children and they will always remember that she was there cheering them on and there for them whenever they needed her. She worked at the IRS in Ogden when her children were a little older and retired after 28 years. She made many friends and had fond memories of her time there.

She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and she held positions in the Relief Society, Young Women’s, Primary, and Sunday School. One of her favorite callings was as a Merrie Miss leader and she loved each of the girls she taught.

Cathy loved to read and when her vision began to decline, she relied on her Kindle for many years. The ability to make the font large was a blessing for her and she later discovered the joy of audio books. She was a stamp collector, the family genealogist, crocheted the most beautiful baby blankets, and loved to bake treats for the neighbors. Her biggest joy was spending time with family and she was the organizer of countless holiday dinners, family reunions, and vacations. Cathy spoke fondly of childhood trips to Ohio to visit her dad’s family. She always cherished her trip to Germany with her mom to visit her sister, Sherry. She also took a Mexican Riviera cruise with her mom and years later with her husband, daughter and her family, and her son-in-law’s family, she went on a Caribbean cruise that she never forgot. She loved to camp, fish, attend family activities, and go on Sunday drives in the fall to see the beautiful changing leaves. Cathy had a big heart and her family meant the world to her. She was there to help whenever needed and she put herself second many times to make sure others were taken care of.

Cathy was preceded in death by her husband, David, her parents, a sister, Carolyn Hower, and brother-in-law, Ray Hower.

She is survived by her daughter, Kim (Sean) Valeika; son, David Curtis White; bonus daughter, Dawni White; siblings, Sherry Claywell, John Randy Cobaugh, and Jacqueline (Russ) Van Meeteren. Her adored grandchildren are Anthony (Marcela), Braden, Skyler (Camille), and Hunter White; and Lillian, Sophie, and Elsie Valeika. She was so proud to become a great grandma to Victoria, Olivia, Alijana, Andrew, Azlee, and Amelia White. Cathy was so happy to gain some bonus grandchildren and have as part of her family: Drayden (Amanda), Kaylee, Emery, and Raya Rupe, Garrett Rupe, and Duncan Schofield (Bry Green) and Connor Green. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and her dear friend of sixty plus years, Susan Thurgood.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful IHC Hospital 5th floor staff, the caring staff at Whisper Cove Assisted Living, Katie, Chantel, and Jaelyn at Inspiration Hospice for their kindness and daily visits, Lisa, Tim, and Stacie at Assisting Hands, Drs. Mike Kirkham & staff, Rawlins, Richman, and the amazing team at Utah Wound Clinic in Layton.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20 at 11:00 am at Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road, South Ogden. Family and friends may visit Friday, December 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday, December 20 from 9:00 to 10:30 am at Lindquist’s Mortuary, 1867 N Fairfield Rd., Layton.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a favorite charity, the missionary fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or consider making a donation to a homeless shelter.