Kathy Rees, who devoted thousands of hours volunteering to support local youth in Aberdeen, particularly in the realm of music and performance, passed away Saturday at her home in Utah due to complications related to cancer. She was 71.

She and her husband John Rees, an obstetrician-gynecologist on Grays Harbor for many years, moved to Aberdeen in 1988, where they raised their two kids Dallan and Sydney.

In high school, Dallan started his own DJ business, which Kathy helped out with and continued for him after he went to college. After that, she became heavily invested in helping out at the Aberdeen School District and the 7th Street Theater, helping with sound production for choruses and theater plays, often working with well-known music teacher Pat Wilhelms, who died last November.

“She did it for no cost, just because she wanted to and her love of Aberdeen; it saved them each probably several thousand dollars,” said John. “She had an incredible love for kids and the youth of Aberdeen. She enjoyed just being in the room, enjoying the music that came out of it.”

Kathy’s daughter Sydney was also interested in music, and spent several years in Nashville, Tennessee, as a professional singer before moving to Utah.

Kathy was born Nov. 5, 1947, in Provo, Utah.

Along with the local schools, Kathy was very involved with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Aberdeen, where she volunteered and served as a seminary teacher.

After being diagnosed with cancer more than 13 years ago, she helped establish the Breast Cancer Alliance of Grays Harbor, which aims to support those affected by breast cancer in the area.

“Everything was good about her,” said John. “She loved everybody, worked close with the church and school district, helped teachers. She never complained about anything, even at the time of her death, she was a very positive individual.”

Kathy and John moved backed to the Provo area for retirement, where they were close to their children and two grandchildren.

A “celebration” service for Kathy’s life will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Edgemont Stake Center, 303 West 3700 North, Provo, Utah. A viewing will precede the celebration Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects to Kathy and her family Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Berg Mortuary, 185 E Center St., also in Provo.