Carolyn Kelly Dickson

While surrounded by loving family, Carolyn Kelly Dickson slipped into eternity and peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father on March 19, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister whose presence radiated kindness and strength.

Born in Portland, Oregon, to Carol Dorcheus and Robert Long, Carolyn’s life journey led her to St. Ignatius, Montana, where her mother married John Jay “Jack” Kelly, who completed Carolyn’s family. She grew up in Montana, graduating from Bozeman High School in 1961 before continuing her education at Montana State College and later Utah State University, where she graduated in 1964. While at Utah State, she met the love of her life, Jan Dickson, and they were sealed for eternity on June 25, 1965, in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Carolyn’s beauty was undeniable—both in appearance and in spirit. She was a runner-up for Miss Montana State College two years in a row, was crowned Military Ball Queen, and was honored by various college organizations for her beauty and grace. Yet, beyond her radiant smile and elegance, Carolyn’s greatest beauty was found in her compassionate service and unwavering devotion to her family. She was the proud mother of eight beloved sons, born within eleven and a half years, and found endless joy in her growing family, which included 12 grandsons, six granddaughters, and seven great-grandchildren. To her, they were her greatest accomplishment, her “pride and joy,” and she often expressed her gratitude that all her boys were still with her.

Though raising a large family required boundless energy, Carolyn found ways to nurture both her creativity and her community. She expressed her artistic soul through writing a heartfelt poem, His Father’s Keys, which was published in the Relief Society Magazine. She also dedicated herself to service to her community, holding various church callings, leading the local elementary school PTA, and later becoming involved in the State PTA, where she was nominated for State PTA President. As her children grew, Carolyn returned to the workforce as an educator. Ultimately, she spent the majority of her career as the coordinator for the Newspapers in Education program at the Deseret News, from which she retired in 2007 and influenced countless young minds.

Carolyn was a woman of deep faith who exemplified Christ-like love and service. She served in many capacities within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she dedicated herself with the simple devotion to those she served, including as Relief Society President, Cub Scout leader, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. However, one of her greatest joys was serving alongside Jan as an ordinance worker, shift coordinator, and staff coordinator in the Salt Lake Temple for over 13 years, where she edified countless souls of both patrons and workers alike.

Carolyn’s legacy of love, faith, and selfless service will continue to shine in the lives of those she touched. She is survived by her loving husband, Jan; her eight sons, Dru, Dane, Bryan, Christopher, James, Jeffrey, Robert, and Alex; her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her two dear sisters, Katheryn and Jay Elizabeth. Though we mourn her passing, we find peace in knowing that Carolyn’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 1845 E. 7200 S. in Cottonwood Heights, including online access through Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/98242193028  Family and friends may pay their respects during viewings at the same location on Thursday, March 27, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral. Interment will follow at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights.