Kara JoAnn Mele Cunningham, age 43, passed away January 12, 2025, with her family by her side at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City.
She was born January 28, 1981 in Price, Utah. Kara is the loving daughter of Tracy and Ellie Jones and Lou and Kathy Mele.
Kara was a hard worker and accomplished many things in her life, from gymnastics, cheerleading, college and master’s degrees, to clinical director of Four Corners Community Behavioral Health, and so much in between. She went through life gathering as many gems as she could, calling them friends. Kara loved them with all her heart.
She believed her greatest accomplishments were her children, Austin J. and Sophi Rose. She also had two step-daughters whom she loved very much, Kylee and Jacee.
Kara leaves a legacy she learned from her grandpa, Popie. She loved unconditionally, forgave all and forgot about fault; she believed everyone deserved the best this life has to offer, and that everyone was treated the same. It didn’t matter what hood you came from.
Kara always wore a smile. You would never know she was suffering unless she told you. She wore the following banner, and wore it well: “You never know how strong you are, till strong is your only choice.” She was so strong.
Kara earned her title the day she was born: “Earth Angel.” She brought great joy and happiness all along the way! If Kara was a part of your life you knew, without a doubt, you were loved. We will miss those bright shining eyes, and always see her smile.
Kara loved being with family at gatherings, no matter where, no matter when. She loved the outdoors from camping, fishing and shooting guns with her dad Tracy, to catching Major League Baseball games, and attended many. She loved watching her little brother and her son play! When Kara traveled for work, if there was a baseball game near, she’d grab Taylor and off they’d go, along with anyone else that was willing. “GO BOSTON.”
Those she leaves behind, with sadness of heart, are her children, Austin J. and Sophi Rose, Kylee (Hank), Jacee (Josh and Hadlee); special niece, Camry (JJ) and her sweetie great nephew, Brixton; niece, Italia; parents, Tracy and Ellie Jones, and Lou and Kathy Mele; her sweet sister who served Kara well, Courtney; brother, Justin; step-siblings, Jeremy and Jessica; her BFF Paul, who taught her what love looks like and how it looks to love; her Nanie; and many aunts, uncles, cousins that she loves to infinity and beyond, along with many, many friends and associates; and dear to her heart, Darrell and Ilene Cunningham.
Her little brother Tracy passed away before her. That was one of her life’s most tragic times. Others who passed on before her, Popie (Evert Winder); grandparents, Lou and Claudette; aunt Pattie; cousin Mandi; and many others whom she loved.
When you see a butterfly or a Gerber daisy just know she is right by your side.
Funeral service, Friday, January 17, 2025, 11:00 a.m., Helper Stake Center (150 Ridgeway St., Helper, Utah 84526). The family will receive friends Thursday evening at Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street, Price, Utah 84501) from 5-7:00 p.m. and at the church Friday one hour prior to the service. Interment, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper, Utah.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Kara online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.
Good night sunshine,
Good night rain.
Good night Austin and Sophi,
Till we meet again.
I Love You,
MOM