Carol Dawn Mortensen Darlington, Age 86, passed away peacefully at home, reuniting with her eternal sweetheart on Christmas Day 2021.
Mother was born at “dawn” on May 25, 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Leo Clair Mortensen and Elizabeth Crabtree Mortensen.
She attended schools in Salt Lake City where she met Don in the fifth grade at Sumner Elementary School. Their courtship continued until they were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on Jan 8, 1957. They were blessed with three daughters and one son to complete their family: Linda (David) Dickey, Price, UT, Bonnie Darlington Roy, UT, Michael Don Darlington (Deceased), Debbie (John) Whipple, Idaho Falls, ID.
She was a faithful and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all of her life. She shared her simple, yet firm testimony through her loving and compassionate actions and example to others. She served in many callings in primary, relief society, and young women’s, and is most remembered as the chorister in every organization. Even to the very end, mom could be seen keeping perfect time and, from her chair, leading the Tabernacle Choir. She loved serving in the temple and enjoyed attending regularly. Mother and dad served for 4.5 years as church service missionaries at Helaman Hollow. We were all taught by her powerful example how to compassionately serve and love others.
The three of us have worked together to care for our sweet mother for the last 2.5 years since dad passed away. We are grateful for the opportunity we have had to spend time with her. It has been an honor and privilege to care for her and fulfill our promise to our dad.
Mom was a talented homemaker and enjoyed baking, sewing, cleaning and especially embroidery. Hundreds of her family and friends have been the happy recipients of her yummy date nut bread, or one of her beautiful embroidered towels.
She enjoyed watching the Utah Jazz games, traveling, playing cards, and spending time with family. We have many fond memories of camping and fishing, especially at Moon Lake, and many other trips in our camper. Mom had a beautiful voice and loved singing and dancing. Even at 86, it was not uncommon to see her “busting a move” when her favorite music was playing.
She is survived by her three daughters; sisters-in-law, Susan Kranz, Janice Darlington, and Wyoma Darlington; grandchildren; Wendy (Carter), Jacob (Amanda), Michelle (Brian), Mark (Shylie), Ryan (Katie), Jenna, Kelton (Marissa), Jaron (Shandria); great-grandchildren, Morgan, Kennidy, Bayn, Ellie, Naomi, Blake, Jaxton, Skyler, Presley, and Dax.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don; infant son, Michael Don; granddaughter, Courtney Dawn Whipple; brother, Robert L. Mortensen; and sister, Colleen Peart Edwards.
Funeral service, Friday, December 31, 2021, 10:00 a.m., Price 8th Ward (995 East 700 North). The family will receive friends at Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Graveside service, 2:45 p.m., Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park (3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City). Those wishing to watch the service may do so by scrolling to bottom of Carol’s obituary on Mitchell Funeral Home’s webpage and clicking the play button on the video that will appear approximately 20 minutes before the service. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home in Price where friends are always welcome and may share memories of Carol online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.