Carolyn Von Bown Washburn

Carolyn Von Bown Washburn, age 75, passed away peacefully at Ridgeview Gardens assisted living. She was born on May 7, 1950, in Richfield, Utah, to Deloy Bown and Margaret Hoyle. Carolyn married Danny Washburn in 1969, and together they built a life centered on family and community. They later divorced in 2005. Carolyn made her home in St. George, Utah, where she continued to touch many lives. In 2010, she married Gene Gates, gaining a large and loving extended family. Education was both Carolyn’s passion and her life’s work. She attended Southern Utah University and Utah State University, later earning her master’s degree from Utah State University. She devoted many years to teaching and service, working as a first-grade teacher at Ashman Elementary, operating her own preschool, and teaching reading to adults at Cedar Ridge High School. She also served her community as a member of the Sevier County School Board. Later in her career, she worked as the Family Home and Consumer Science Agent for the Utah State University Extension Office, continuing to educate and support families. Carolyn had a deep love for music and found great joy in playing the piano. She shared that gift by teaching piano to many students over the years. She was a creative and talented woman, and everything she touched she turned into something beautiful. Carolyn had a generous heart and found great fulfillment in serving others. She was deeply involved in her community and her church, always willing to give of her time, talents, and love. Carolyn was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend who impacted countless lives through her kindness and dedication. She was preceded in death by her parents, Deloy and Margaret Bown, and her sister, Marilyn Bown. She is survived by her children, Jesse Washburn and Ashley Stebbins, and her cherished grandchildren, Kambree and Brogan Washburn, and Drew Stebbins. She is also survived by her husband Gene, his eight children and their many grandchildren; and her sister Sharilyn Christensen (Terry). Carolyn will be remembered for her lifelong commitment to education, her service to her community, and the love she shared so generously with family and friends. Her legacy of kindness, creativity, and service will continue to live on in all who knew her. The family would like to extend gratitude for the service shown to our mother by Ridgeview Assisted Living. They treated her with such kindness and thoughtfulness. Their service will always be remembered. Also thankful for the care she received through Atlas Hospice and Dr. Scott Foster. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 am, 912 South 740 East, St. George, UT, 84790. There will be a Graveside Service in Monroe, UT to be announced at a later date.