Carolyn Reed

Carolyn Jepson Reed was born September 30, 1946 in Hurricane, Utah to Max Gentry Jepson and Elda Arthella Nelson Jepson. She was proud that she had been born in the home that had been her grandparent’s and then her parent’s home and she was so proud of the faith and hard work and pioneer heritage that were the cause of that home and land ownership. She lived there with her parents, caring for her paternal grandmother and stayed there until 1955 when they moved to Yale Avenue in Salt Lake City, Utah to then take care of her maternal grandmother. She was the sweet first little sister of 4 older brothers whom she loved: Cecil, Truman, Max Elwood, and Don. Another little sister, Maxine, was born in 1949, but only lived 8 hours, and the family was so sad to lose her. Later Elizabeth (Betty Kay) was born and became mom’s lifelong sweetest and best friend. Another sibling had been expected much later at around the same time that Carolyn’s first child was due to be born, but was miscarried. Only a few years after moving to Salt Lake City Carolyn met the love of her life, Clare Reed. She and Clare were inseparable almost immediately and fell deeply in love and married November 19, 1962. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City temple. They made their first home there in Salt Lake City near Liberty Park. They had and cherished 5 children together. Carolyn deeply loved and was so proud of each of her children, their spouses, her 30 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren. Carolyn was such a loving, talented and creative person. Her whole life was filled with service to others. Whether it was caring for her sweetheart, a loved one, putting together weddings for her children, crocheting temple alter cloths, or creating beautiful paintings or flowers arrangements for others, she just loved being able to show her love and care for others. She was famous for all the beautiful flower arrangements she had created for many funerals, weddings, proms, and general kindnesses. For as long as her kids can remember she was always doing sweet things for others. She’d often send her kids, her grandchildren and also great-grandchildren on errands to deliver a special meal, a treat, or flowers to someone who needed a pick-me-up or who she was simply thinking of. Some of those recipients were her aunts. She had a sweet relationship with them and did many special things to show her affection for them. Carolyn & Clare moved many times throughout their marriage, but eventually came to reside in Hurricane, Utah near her parents and Carolyn had the great opportunity to love and care for her ailing mother for many years until her mother passed away in 1989. She did so very lovingly and attentively and willingly sacrificed much to be able to do so. Carolyn was a lifelong faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities, but her greatest service wasn’t just in church, but in serving others and simply trying to follow the Savior’s example. She would be the first to admit she wasn’t perfect at this, because no one can be, but she had such a loving heart and tried to always do what she thought was right. She leaves behind a legacy of love and caring. Many people have reached out to us to tell us that she “was one of the most selfless and Christlike people” they knew. Carolyn’s heart was irreparably broken when her second child, Curtis Shane Reed, passed away on April 6, 2020 of pancreatic cancer which had metastasized into his bones. She fought her own battle with cancer -hers being breast cancer, beginning six years ago and she so very nearly got to be declared 5 years cancer free, when unfortunately her cancer returned with a vengeance this past spring. It too had metastasized into her bones and throughout her body. She tried so hard to stay positive and to keep busy to avoid focusing on the pain. Even as she lost the full abilities of her body she kept trying to accomplish things and to keep going. She didn’t want to give up, even though her time was nearing the end and she desired greatly to be out of pain. Carolyn was surrounded by her earthly family as she was able to finally be released from her great pain into the arms of her waiting son, Shane, her parents, and the many other loved ones on the other side of the veil on Tuesday, November 1st, 2022 at 8:23pm in Hurricane, Utah She is proceeded in death by her parents Max and Elda Jepson, her sister Maxine, her brother Max Elwood Jepson, and her son Curtis Shane Reed. She is survived by her dedicated and loving husband, Clare Reed, and her children, Chris (Sisy) Reed, daughter in law Cyndee (Curtis Shane)Reed, Cheli (Clint) Webb, Craig (Celeste) Reed, Corinna (Chad) Magleby as well as her 30 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Although it is hard to see her go, we are so very grateful she is no longer suffering and we are grateful for the good life she lived. I know she would like us to thank the many friends, neighbors, loved ones, and all the sweet people who checked in on her and loved her. She was also especially thankful for the loving care she received from her sweetheart, Clare, from her children and grandchildren and her siblings and other caring loved ones. She will be missed and will always be loved. Goodnight our angel mother.

Carolyn Reed

September 30, 1946 - November 1, 2022