Carol Kay Cox Grange was born on March 4, 1950, in Orangeville, Utah, the third of eleven children born to Ruth and Fred Cox. Carol Kay grew up on a farm, where she spent her days feeding lambs, watching sheep being sheared, and running wild through the hills with her siblings and cousins. They played on haystacks, caught pollywogs in the creek, swam in the dam, and stayed up late laughing and singing together. A young child with a nurturing spirit, Carol was her mother’s right hand and trusted helper— always lending a hand to support her family and help care for her younger siblings. After high school, her brother Leonard entrusted her with his MG sports car while he was away serving in the Army. Carol loved taking it for a thrilling spin down the canyon—proof of the adventurous spark behind her gentle demeanor.
Carol Kay met her husband, Kerry Grange, in high school and wrote to him while he served a mission in Australia. When he returned, their bond only deepened, and it wasn’t long before they were married in the Manti Temple on December 11, 1971. Together, they welcomed two beautiful children into the world—Kori Rae and Nathan Mark. Carol was unwavering in her devotion to her children and dedication to her family. Carol and Kerry opened the “Hobby Horse,” a western tack store in their home city of Huntington, Utah, with a second store opened soon after in Price, Utah. During this time, Kerry also worked as a coal miner to help support their growing family.
In 1979, tragedy struck when a mine collapse claimed Kerry’s life. At just 29 years old, Carol Kay found herself a widow with two young children, only 6 and 5 years old. In the face of overwhelming loss and uncertainty, she showed extraordinary strength by dedicating her life to their children’s future. With grace and determination, she worked tirelessly to provide them with stability. She made their home a place of safety and warmth, encouraging them to follow their dreams. She championed their education and taught them the importance of strong values. Most notably, she taught unconditional love through both word and example.
Carol Kay was a woman of great faith. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many roles, including Relief Society President, Family History consultant, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. Her lessons were heartfelt and engaging. While Kori and Nathan were serving missions in South Africa and Italy, Carol wrote to them every week—her steady voice of encouragement and love resounding no matter how great the physical distance between them.
Carol’s greatest joy came from being a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and poured her heart into every moment with them—spending countless hours outside, hosting sleepovers and movie nights, playing games, doing puzzles, and delivering some of the most memorable hugs. Carol had an unrivaled way of making them feel seen and cherished, which was reflected in her ability to give the most thoughtful and personalized gifts. Her home was a sanctuary for others, a space intentionally curated for comfort and belonging. Her knack for creating magic was reflected in the thousands of small, thoughtful things she did: the intricate quilts and cross-stitches she sewed by hand, the garden she lovingly tended each year, the meals she cooked with unmatched care—strawberry cheesecake, caramel brownies, and homemade chicken noodle soup.
Carol gave her all to the people she loved, selflessly and completely. A quiet hero, she held her family together with all her heart. Her tender sacrifices and deep devotion to others transcends the lives she directly touched. Carol’s legacy, that of love without conditions, will unequivocally echo through generations to come.
Carol Kay is survived by her children, Kori (Brent) Cook and Nathan (Michelle) Grange; her beloved grandchildren, Alexa (Beau) Ivie, Tayvan Cook, Beau (Dani) Cook, Nikai Cook, Avery and Keira Grange; her great-grandchildren, Breckston and Raelie Ivie; her siblings, Greg (Daryla) Cox, Winona (Theron) Sondrup, Thayne (Carol) Cox, Leslie (Lisa) Cox, (Richard) Webb, Courtney (Lorraine) Cox, Nancy (Kent) Jorgensen, Selma (Todd) Jorgensen, Edna Beth (Jed) Bailey, Teresa (Mike) Whitmer, Denise (Steve) Stiles, Cindy (Donald) Mortensen, Therron (Estelle) Grange, and Wendy (Troy) Mikesell.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Kerry Grange; her parents, Fred and Ruth Cox; his parents, Ray and Phyllis Grange; brother, Leonard Cox; and sister, Claudia Webb.
A Celebration of Carol’s Life will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 3:30 p.m., at Miller’s Landing (Mitchell Funeral Home’s – Huntington Location) 123 North Main Street in Huntington. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. prior to the celebration at the funeral home in Huntington. 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