Catherine Utterson

Catherine Pauline (Ward) Utterson, 68, passed away peacefully on September 22nd. She was born in Norfolk, VA to Leo and Marita (Magrane) Ward on May 30th, 1954. She graduated from Lincoln High School, then she went on to graduate from Simpson College. She enjoyed a photography class at Grand View University where she met her husband, David Utterson. They recently celebrated 35 years of marriage on September 26th and raised 2 children on the southside of Des Moines.

Catherine worked in the hospitality business and had many stories of the celebrities that had stayed in the hotels she worked in, which included the Hotel Fort Des Moines and The Great Smokies Hilton in Asheville, NC. She worked at Mercy Hospital where she was the spokesperson for Mercy when Ozzy Osbourne was brought into the ER after the Infamous bat incident. She then went on to retire from Principal Financial Group, where she excelled at any role she was in. After retiring she worked at The American Red Cross and enjoyed planning many events for them.

Catherine was a meticulous planner and enjoyed hosting any event or family gathering on Patio Utterson. She enjoyed time with her grandchildren- she taught them how to count by using her lipstick tubes! Catherine loved live music, listening to Beatlebrunch every Sunday, and attending any show that came to the Civic Center or was at the Des Moines Playhouse. Her passion was shopping and she enjoyed the many trips to Country Club Plaza in Kansas City. In her free time, she would read, watch soaps (As the World Turns was her favorite), play continuous rounds of Wordle, and shop online.

Those left to treasure her memory include her children Mary (Brandon) Bean and Matthew Utterson, and grandchildren Chloe and Nile. Sisters Amy (Michael) Blair, Sarah (Jeff) Horn, and Carole George. She also leaves behind a host of family and friends. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Marita Ward, Brothers Tom Ward, and John Ward, and Nieces Luci Ward and Jillian Blair.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Lyon St, 605 Lyon St. Funeral will follow. Her burial will be immediately following the funeral at Allen Township Cemetery in Carlisle.

Contributions can be made to the family or to the DSM Playhouse.

“Cheers”

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