February 4, 1929 ~ August 2, 2010

Our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Carol Stark Swenson, 81, passed peacefully from this earth surrounded by her family on August 2, 2010 from a courageous battle with cancer.

Carol was the third daughter born to Wilford John Stark and Olive Johnson, on February 4, 1929 in Orem, Utah. She grew up and worked on the family farm where she gained a love for gardening and flowers. Carol graduated from Pleasant Grove High School where she met the love of her life. She married her friend and sweetheart, John Y Swenson of Pleasant Grove on June 14, 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple. They purchased John's family farm where Carol worked alongside her husband for years. She had a love for music and was blessed with a beautiful voice and sang in ward and community choirs.

She was an active member of the LDS Church, serving in many callings at the stake and ward level. Her favorite calling was that of temple worker. She loved the temple and found great satisfaction in participating in various assignments at the Provo and Mount Timpanogos Temples.

Carol is survived by her children:  Mary (Ken) Thompson, Highland; Reed (MaryAnn) Swenson, Alpine;  David (Paige) Swenson, Logan; Jill (Blair) Caldwell, Pleasant Grove; 23 grandchildren, 11great-grandchildren (with three more expected this year); three siblings Margaret (Rex) Walker, Kamas; Edith (Darwin) Veteto, Sandy; Rosalyn Beveridge, Orem; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband John and two children: son, Stephen and daughter, Robyn.

Funeral services will be held, Friday, August 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Manila 10^th Ward Chapel, 375 West Box Elder Drive, (approx.4100 North Canyon Road, Pleasant Grove). Friends and family may call Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove and at the church on Friday from 9:30-10:45 am.  Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com. 

Condolences (5)

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Terry and Maureen Reid said:

The mortal world has just lost one of the few people in whom there was no guile. Carol is a one of a kind lady. All our love at this tender time. Terry and Maureen

August 04, 2010

Saundra Buckley said:

A few of the neighbor ladies decided to plant some flowers for Carol when we learned she only had a month or so left here. We never told her these flowers were in her honor, but the morning we "secretly" were to meet very early I got out the wheelbarrel, fertilizer, and all the plants which we purchased the previous day. At this time, Carol was not able to get out of the house much at all, but that morning she walked out to the driveway and was looking my way so I told her we were planting some flowers and asked if she would like to direct me where to do so. (I always asked for her advice prior to planting in our common areas.) Like the trooper she always was, she walked over to the island near her home, checked out all the flowers and walked around telling us just where she thought each one and which one should be planted then said she needed to get back inside. Somehow I knew she "felt" something going on with flowers and she had to be a part of whatever it was. As a neighbor said to me the other day, "What will we ever do without Carol?" I believe this is what many people are thinking now. She was a very special angel here on earth and my life is richer because of her.

August 06, 2010

Earl McIntyre said:

Aunt Carol was a great support to me at a time when it meant the most. She was always kind and supportive. She seemed to see positive things in me that I hadn’t seen in myself and with a kind smile and friendly, but firm approach, she provided incouragement to do what seemed beyond my abilities and out of my comfort zone. I have benefited from her association and been encouraged to be a better person. She always had a pleasant word and encouraging remarks. I’m a better person for having known her and join you in mourning her passing. I feel consoled in knowing she was a great person and has gone to a better life. Earl McIntyre 6 Aug 2010

August 06, 2010

Robert and Kathy Kresser Family said:

Dear Swenson and Caldwell family, We are sorry for your loss. You will be in our hearts and prayers. With love, Robert, Kathy, Kara, Cory and Josh Kresser

August 07, 2010

Swen R. Howard said:

I remember being around Uncle John & Aunt Carol when I was younger & feeling like the more time I spent around them, the the better person I'd be. I hold those memories dear & know their influence for good has been felt far & wide. Aunt Carol is in a better place & lived a life to be exemplified. My condolences to the family who sorrows & misses her dearly. What a comfort it is to know that we are only separated for a time & will be reunited again. How grateful we should be for the promise of eternal families. All my love. Swen (Bob & Lois Howard's oldest & grandson of Roy & Lorraine Boyer).

August 09, 2010