Carol Joyce McElprang Stokes Pilling was born on July 6, 1935 in Huntington, Utah to Peter Elven and Beulah Margurite Ungerman McElprang. She was born on a long beautiful kitchen table with her grandfather assisting the doctor. She returned home to her Heavenly Father on September 30, 2024 peacefully surrounded by her loving family in her home. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Her childhood was one of happiness, hard work, and was enhanced with friendships that lasted a lifetime. She developed ranching and horsemanship skills, assisting her father and grandfather. She and her younger brother, Lee thrashed grain, spent time in the hayfields, and herded cows up Huntington Canyon and on Gentry Mountain.

Her passion was horse riding and competing in the arena. She was crowned royalty in the Robber’s Roost Round Up Rodeo. She also enjoyed participating in 4H and Jr Livestock Shows. She had a tender heart for animals and lovingly cared for many pets and strays throughout the years.

She married Rae A. Stokes on August 22, 1952; together they raised three boys and three girls. They later divorced. She married David Kent Pilling on April 25, 1980; they later divorced.

Her greatest treasures were her six precious children, 17 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren, who will love and adore her forever.

She worked for the Emery County School District, American Coal Company, Huntington City, and was involved in various civic duties.

She was an excellent seamstress. She crafted many masterpieces including, choir dresses, baby blessing outfits, school clothes, dance and gymnastics suits, coats, stuffed animals, rodeo royalty wear, furniture for dollhouses, and many other treasures. She recently was hand-braiding beautiful rugs for her family. Each article she designed was sewn with precision and love.

Carol was an intelligent and classy woman. She enjoyed socializing and was a great story teller. She was known and admired for her big heart and compassionate soul. She found great joy in serving others especially those who were down and out or just needed help. She dearly loved her aunt, June and provided care and support in Junes’ later years. She was a one of a kind woman who had many special talents and abilities. Her loss is felt greatly by those who loved her but comfort is found in knowing of the glorious reunion she is having with those she has greatly missed.

She is survived by her children, Susan (Gary) Sitterud, Clark Stokes, Carla Anderson, and Corinne (Bruce) Wilson; siblings, Mary Marie Sitterud, Lee (Lori) McElprang, Beulah May Oveson, Donna Ruth Lemon, Eddis (Mike) Witt, and Thomas (Terry) McElprang; 17 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elven and Beulah McElprang; her two sons, Elven Ray and David Lee Stokes; son-in-law, William “Bill” Anderson; grandson, JayDee Wilson; and her infant brother, Reid McElprang.

The family would like to extend their love and appreciation for Symbii Home Health and Hospice, and a special thanks to Tianna McElprang and Chancy Curtis for their loving care of our beloved mother and grandmother.

Funeral service, Monday, October 7, 2024, 11:00 a.m., Huntington Stake Center (240 North Main Street) in Huntington. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and on Monday morning from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Huntington City Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Carol online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net