Katherine Sarah Wilkins (Ahmu)

Katherine Sarah (Ah Mu) Wilkins, 64, devoted mother and friend, was called home to her Heavenly family in the morning of November 3, 2020 in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri.
Born in 1956 in Hamilton, New Zealand, Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, Edna (Ormsby) Ah Mu and Richard Ah Mu, sister Christel Eileen (Ah Mu) Davis, and brother Richard (Henry) Fruean Ah Mu. She is survived by her siblings Louisa Jane (Ah Mu) Thompson, Melba Adel Ah Mu, Oliver Ormsby Ah Mu, and Joseph David Ah Mu.
Married to Carl George Wilkins on June 9, 1976 in the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they share six children together: Carl Andrew Wilkins, Katherine Marie (Wilkins) Smith, Adriane Rachel (Wilkins) Ragan, Flint Richard Wilkins, Abel Havea Wilkins, and Ethan George Wilkins. Katherine was later married to Luis Morales Flores on September 20, 2001 in Provo, UT; they share two children: Alden Nathaniel Makana Flores and Luke Froilan Savea Flores. Her grandchildren include: Sophia, Leah, Xela, Carly Jo, Rider, Thomas, Henry, Jeffrey, Georgiana, Jacob, Hoturoa, and Moana; she loved each one dearly.
A true girl from Aotearoa, she loved her mountains, ocean, flowers, and was a friend to all creatures. Katherine received her early education from Rhode Street School and Maeroa School in Hamilton, where she learned many skills in addition to her academics. This education instilled in her a love of reading, training in sewing and cooking, and a place where her imagination could shine. In early 1969, her family immigrated from New Zealand to Oahu, Hawaii. Education differences between New Zealand and Hawaii allowed Katherine to attend Kahuku High School at the age of 13; she then graduated the week she turned 16. Due to the age gap, her mother got her a job at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) in the Maori Village where Katherine learned about her heritage, made friends, and danced in the much-applauded PCC Night Show. Her experiences at the PCC were cherished and she shared those talents with many people over the rest of her life. Katherine was so proud to graduate from Kahuku and made it a priority to attend her high school reunions.
In 1972, the Ah Mu family moved again to Independence, Missouri and helped establish the blossoming, Latter-day Saint Polynesian community and later on became naturalized citizens in 1978. The Ah Mu’s, as well as several other Polynesian families, moved to Independence during this time for religious reasons. Katherine loved the United States and living in such a close-knit, Polynesian community. She had countless friends she cherished. Over the years, Katherine’s many talents were used in sewing exquisite costumes and dresses, cooking for hundreds of people, and dancing in many luaus and festivals which helped pay for the construction of the Latter-day Saint Independence Stake Center building.
In 1977, Katherine had her first child, Carl Andrew. Although Katherine was a woman of many talents, she considered herself a mother above all else. In 2002, Luke Froilan, her youngest, was born. She had 8 children in the span of 25 years. She cherished each one of them and helped cultivate their unique gifts and talents. Motherhood came naturally to Katherine as she was very tender-hearted. In 1988 her son, Flint Richard, was born with Down syndrome. Katherine did not know what this disability would mean for her son. She sought the guidance of the Lord and numerous books and foundations to help give her son the very best. She valued the Sunshine Foundation for their support, Lakeview Woods for their early education program, and Northwood for helping to prepare Flint for job skills training. If there was something she could do for her children, she would do it without hesitation. Although her sons and daughters moved all over the U.S., they loved their Mom with the same devotion through which she loved them. Katherine had a special gift of helping others reach their full potential; she pushed her children to develop their talents, obtain an education, and use those things to serve others.
Katherine had an unwavering testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ, which she carried throughout all her life’s trials and triumphs. She was a very active member in the Latter-day Saint community and served many times as a teacher and counselor. She loved working with the youth and little children and teaching them about God’s love for them. Some of her pearls of wisdom were “Take your troubles to the Lord and He will never let you down,” and “If you don’t know what to do, pray.” While her family misses her sorely, we understand this is not the end and we will rejoice when we see her again.
Funeral services for Katherine will be held on Tuesday November 10, 2020 at the Norfleet Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Raytown, MO. The public viewing will be held at 10:00-11:00 am, and the burial will be held at Brooking Cemetery in Raytown, MO at 1:00 pm.
Flowers can be sent to the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E 39th St South, Independence, MO 64055. A memorial page with service details is available on the Speaks website at: https://www.speakschapel.com/memorials/katherine-wilkins/4388981/