Carolyn Spencer

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Carolyn R. Spencer, age 79, of Duchesne, Utah, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, surrounded by her family, from complications of a devastating fall. Mom never got to see the beautiful mountain views from her hospital room — but they brought peace and solace to those who sat beside her during her final days.

Carolyn was born December 22, 1946, in Roosevelt, Utah, to Quinten and Edna Rowley Rasmussen and grew up on the Blue Bench in Duchesne, graduating from Duchesne High School in 1965. As a young girl she delighted in learning about nature. Through the local 4-H program she learned all she could and developed a love for creatures big and small, flowers, rocks, and dirt — a love she faithfully passed on to her posterity.

She was married for time and all eternity to Harold Spencer on June 28, 1965, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Carolyn had a firm testimony of Jesus Christ, His Atonement, and eternal families.

After marrying her sweetheart, Harold, she devoted herself to raising their family, serving in church callings, and creating a home where family and friends naturally gathered. Her first daughter Angella was born July 10, 1966. Paul followed in 1969, Alan in 1970, and Russell in 1974.

In 1976, a baby girl, Raina Kathryn, was born with severe birth defects and passed away a few months later. Doctors advised Carolyn not to have more children, but she knew her family was not yet complete. In 1978, Krystal was welcomed into the family, and in 1981, after a birth that nearly cost her life, Carrie was born. Carolyn was always proud of delivering two breech babies, several ten-pound babies, and for having many unmedicated births.

Carolyn was her children’s greatest cheerleader. She encouraged them to be independent and to learn how to make their own decisions. She had the patience of a saint and spent many years helping with the Boy Scouts in her ward, packing the car with one too many boys and taking them on adventures to lakes and hiking trails.

Her home was always open, and no one ever left hungry. She was famous for her cinnamon rolls and even taught classes on the art of bread and dough making. Her apricot raspberry pies, chocolate cakes, carrot cakes, and even fruitcakes were loved by many. She also loved fabric and sewing and was often making a bag, an apron, or a thoughtful gift for someone she loved.

She faithfully served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. She served in Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society presidencies and always gave her whole heart to those she served. Later she was called to teach classes on Teaching in the Savior’s Way. Those who knew her felt she truly embodied that calling, teaching with patience, kindness, and Christlike love.

Mom had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She taught her children and grandchildren to love the tiny, simple things in life — a beautiful sunset, a blooming cactus, rainbows, and birds. She enjoyed fresh raspberries in her cereal, cream on her pancakes, and the company of her beloved cat, “Bella.” She enjoyed soap operas, magazines, and Channel 2 news. She loved painting, arrowhead hunting, tasty treats, time spent at Moon Lake, and quiet evenings with word searches, western movies, or game shows.

Mom always made everyone feel welcome and was never too busy for her children or grandchildren. No matter how tired she was after a long day with family at the farm, she would perk up, pile the grandkids into the old “Jimmy,” and drive down to the garden to pick vegetables and watermelon.

In 2011, Carolyn began a difficult battle with neuropathy as her legs started to fail her. Despite the pain, she continued to attend baby blessings, sealings, baptisms, mission celebrations, and church whenever she could, determined to be present for the people and moments she loved most. As getting around became more difficult, she found joy connecting with both new and old friends on Facebook. She may have quietly set a record for the most packages delivered to one home in a single week — and possibly the number of times a credit card was compromised due to those purchases.

Mom filled her home with faith, laughter, good food, and unconditional love. Those who knew her will continue to see her influence in the generations she leaves behind. She and Harold shared a quiet and steady love that began when they first met and spanned more than 60 years. Mom married her best friend, and together they gave their children a lifelong example of devotion, patience, and unwavering commitment to each other and their family. The heart of Mom’s home was her kitchen, where warm food, laughter, and love were always waiting.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 60 years, Harold of Duchesne; children: Angella (Kevin) Workman, Paul (Caralee) Spencer, Alan (Katrina) Spencer, and Russell (Valerie) Spencer, all of Duchesne; Krystal (Mark) Reidhead and Carrie (Joe) Allred, both of Ballard; 37 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, with three on the way; sisters, Maureen Rasmussen of Farmington, New Mexico, and Loraine Manganello of Olathe, Colorado; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Raina Kathryn Spencer; an infant granddaughter, Evelyn Spencer; siblings: Jerry Merkley, Marianne Defa, and Quinten Rasmussen; and her parents.

Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the incredible ICU, Trauma, and Neurological teams at Utah Valley Hospital for their compassionate care and the kindness they showed to Mom and our family during her final days.

We take comfort in knowing that through the Savior’s plan and the blessings of the temple, families can be together forever. We love you Mom!

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Duchesne Stake Center. A viewing will be held Thursday from 6:00–8:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00–10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church.

Burial will be in the Duchesne City Cemetery.

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