Mary Kaye Willden

Mary Kaye Reese Willden, 59, passed away peacefully at her West Jordan home on April 4, 2026, with her children, son-in-law, and husband at her bedside. She was an amazing mother, wife, and friend -- known to her family, friends, and coworkers as MK.

She was born in Provo, Utah, October 2, 1966, to Wayne and Barbara Reese. She graduated from Granger High School where she excelled in gymnastics, winning several awards in beam during her time there. She met her husband Kenny Willden in the summer of 1982; they were high school sweethearts.

She attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. College wasn't for her, Kenny was. They married on September 26, 1986, and were blessed with two exceptional children, Derek and Daysia.

She adored penguins and frogs and decorated her home with an abundance of both. She enjoyed reading, watching scary movies, crafting, gardening, and eating candy. She enjoyed the gut-wrenching thrill rides at amusement parks, especially roller coasters. She made ceramics, diamond art, and other crafts, often giving special handmade gifts to friends and family. MK was an excellent cook and shared her recipes and cooking tips freely.

She was a generous, thoughtful, loving, and loyal friend and had a great devotion to helping others. She had a way of listening that made you feel heard, and loving that made you feel whole. She gave her time volunteering at multiple meaningful community events, including the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics.

She was an asset to every employer she worked for. She enjoyed working at Zion's Bank, Brite Music, and at Financial Network. You could always count on her to be fully engaged in every task. She brought a lively, fun, and creative personality to the workplace - often playing a prank, making everyone laugh, and enjoyed decorating her and her coworkers' offices.

MK loved to travel and spent many happy days with her family exploring and experiencing unique attractions in several states. Among her favorites were camping trips to beautiful sites throughout Utah, and she looked forward to the annual family reunions with her large extended family. She loved to ski and spent many happy hours skiing downhill in the mountains at Deer Valley and Brighton with her dad and her children.

She is survived by her husband Kenny, her son Derek, her daughter Daysia (Joseph Bresnahan), mother Barbara and step-father Earl Copfer, sisters Tracy Aagard (James), Sheri Harris (Jeff), Sydney Seitz (Sheldon), Stacy Platt (Randy), brothers Mark Nielson (Kim), David Copfer (Tammy Greenlaw) Steven, and Russel Copfer, and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family, her two dogs, Pepper and Hershey, cat, Wall-E, and many close friends who are more like family.

Preceded in death by her dad Wayne and stepmom Sharon.

MK will be incredibly missed by all who had the honor of knowing and spending time with her.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday evening, April 10, 2026, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, at the Welby 4th Ward LDS Church, 9376 South 4000 West, West Jordan, Utah. There will be no viewing prior to the funeral services.

The family thanks you for your support and asks you to share this memorial with anyone who was touched by MK's life. Please visit her online tribute page at www.mcdougalfuneralhomes.com for condolences or to share a favorite memory.