Kathleen Dendle Haycock

Kathleen Dendle Haycock died peacefully in her home and entered into the arms of Jesus in Cedar City, Utah on Sunday, March 31st, 2024. She was surrounded by her immediate family in her final days.

Kathy was born in Camden, New Jersey to William and Anita Dendle. She grew up and attended school in San Diego, California and graduated from Madison High School. After high school, Kathy attended Bloomsburg State College in Pennsylvania, then came back to San Diego where she became a secretary to the Dean of Humanities at Palomar College, in San Marcos, CA.

On December 29th, 1973, Kathy married Douglas, her loving husband of 50 years at a church ceremony in Escondido, CA. As a young military wife, she taught piano and organ lessons to adults and children and met many friends on their various deployments. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Kathy completed a 36-week Chinese cooking course and was very proud of her new skill. Kathy loved music. She was part of a singing quartet during her time at college and she loved playing the piano and organ.

Back in San Diego, Kathy’s interest in teaching grew and she eventually went back to school and graduated with her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in 1990. She later got her teaching credential from Cal State San Marcos. Her previous teaching aide positions in the school district ultimately led to a full-time teaching position at Grant Middle School in Escondido, CA. Kathy loved her students, and they loved her. She was an honored recipient of the Teacher of the Year award for the Escondido Union School District for the 1995/1996 school year. She taught at Grant (Mission) Middle School until her retirement in 2010.

Kathy had a deeply personal relationship with Jesus, and regularly attended Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido where she also brought her children up to know and love Jesus. Kathy loved traveling with her husband, and spending time with friends and family. Kathy loved cats, country music, doll collecting, and most of all, being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Once she and Doug moved to Cedar City, she joined a
quilting group and attended weekly boxing classes to keep fit. Kathy will be remembered for her outgoing and loving personality, as well as her beautiful smile.

She is survived by her husband Douglas M. Haycock of Cedar City, UT, son David D. Haycock (Michelle) of Escondido, CA, daughter Rebecca K. Grainger (James) of Aurora, CO, stepdaughters Kristine Sage and Kimberly Kelly of Washington. Grandchildren Kaylin, Andrew, Jack, Mia, and two great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Arrangements are being handled by Southern Utah Mortuary. No services will be held. The family would like to thank Iron County Health, Sun Tree Hospice, and Kathy’s personal care team for their love, care, and support over the past four years. Online Condolences can be sent at www.mortuary.org.