Cornelia Kros

Cornelia Ottolina Kros (Slierendregt) passed away in her home early Wednesday morning, April 2, 2025 with her family nearby.

Cornelia, lovingly known as “Mom”, was born on January 23, 1934, in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands, to Willem Abraham Slierendregt and Rijkeltje Asselman. Alongside her parents and sisters, Anna Marie and Aalderika, the family immigrated to Utah in 1951.

It was during this time that she met John Kros, while organizing a basketball club. They fell in love and were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on November 12, 1954. Cornelia and John spent 65 wonderful years together before his passing on September 9, 2019.

Their honeymoon was an adventure in a tent in Yellowstone, and their shared love of the outdoors led to many motorcycle trips and countless family memories hiking, fishing, enjoying campfires, and barbecuing together. Some of their favorite places included Moon Lake, Bear Lake, Joe’s Valley, the Uinta Mountains, and many others.

At the young age of 17, shortly after immigrating, Cornelia lived and worked apart from her family as a maid in Salt Lake City while learning English and adjusting to a new life. These early experiences helped shape her nurturing. Later, she devoted herself fully to raising, supporting, and teaching her own family.
Cornelia was a talented cook, seamstress, and homemaker. She even refinished furniture-just one of many skills she used to make a warm and loving home. Family gatherings, especially during the holidays, were filled with delicious food, laughter, and stories, often told in her native Dutch.
She is survived by her sons James D. (Sandra) Kros and Gregory J. (Melissa) Kros; daughters Sylvia Williams and Diana (Gregory P.) Stevens; 14 Grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters Anna Maria and Aalderika, and her grandson, Marcus W. Kros.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Intermountain Health Home Services for their compassion and respect during Mom’s final days.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 9th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State Street, Murray, Utah, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at the Murray City Cemetery, 5490 South Vine Street Murray, Utah.

Donations can be made to The Humane Society of Utah.