Kathleen Beers Deans

We didn’t get enough time with Kathy. We already miss her light, her strength, and her sense of humor. She was someone who truly loved with all her heart.

After a long, brave battle, Kathleen Beers Deans passed away due to complications from heart failure on Oct. 3, 2026, at St. Mark’s Hospital.

Her story started on Nov. 22, 1966, in Long Beach, California, where she was born to William and Denese Beers. From the time she was tiny, it was clear Kathy was filled with lots of love and lots of sass. In fact, Mom was reminiscing about her early years, and said, “She was so smart and strong, she could do anything!”

Toward the end of her elementary school years, the family moved to Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Throughout her childhood, she participated in many activities, from gymnastics and dance to plays and choir. As a student at Brighton High School, she was on the gymnastics team, drill team, and a cappella choir.

Kathy went on to graduate from the University of Utah with a BA in finance and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Though they grew up just minutes from each other in Cottonwood Heights, it wasn’t until college that Kathy dated and fell in love with Doug. She married her sweetheart just over a year later in the Salt Lake Temple on Nov. 30, 1987. They were looking forward to celebrating their 39th anniversary this year.

Several years later, they were thrilled to welcome their son, Janzen, to their family. From day one, he was the center of Kathy’s world. One of her favorite things in life was cheering on Janzen in sports, music, and other activities. Kate was also a regular on the sidelines for all her nieces’ and nephews’ events.

Throughout her career, she succeeded in different fields, including special education, customer service, and banking. She worked many years at Zions Bank, where due to her natural leadership skills and attention to detail, she ultimately served as branch manager at two locations.

Kathy was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding various church callings, including Young Women’s President.

She carried on the multigenerational family tradition of cheering on the Utes. You could find Kathy, Doug, and Janzen in the northeast corner of Rice Eccles Stadium every season.

One of our favorite things was learning from Kathy. She was an example to all of us of perseverance and courage, having overcome countless health setbacks throughout her life. We love you, Kathy, and will miss you forever!

Kathy is preceded in death by her father, William Beers, and her sister, Michele Beers Olson. She is survived by her husband, Doug; son, Janzen; mother, Denese Beers; sister, Cherie (Mike) DiReda; brother, Steve (Heather) Beers; and adoring in-laws, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Special thanks go to the St. Mark’s doctors, nurses, and staff for all the care and compassion you showed Kathy and her loved ones.

Funeral services will be held, Saturday, Oct. 10, 11:00 am, at the Draper Crescent View Stake Center on 11626 South 300 East, Draper, Utah. Viewings will be held at the same location on Friday, Oct. 9, 6:00 – 8:00 pm, and Saturday, Oct. 10, 10:00 – 10:45 am.