Carol Ann Winegar Ottesen

 She fondly recalls sliding down the hill of snow in her front yard using a slick metal cookie sheet for her sled. At age eleven, Mom experienced a powerful witness from the Holy Ghost of the truthfulness of the Gospel which she treasured throughout her life. It made a deep impression on her and she developed a faith she cherished with all her heart. Early on, Carol was playing the piano and participating in singing and drama groups. She went on to graduate from East High School, then attended The University of Utah where she sang with the Nonette’s choir. After studying piano for three years , she transferred to BYU for one year. 

During a church Gold and Green Ball, Carol met her future husband, Lester Keith Ottesen who was her best friend’s date. Mom and Dad traded a few dances and that was enough to spark a future friendship and eventual marriage on August 25, 1955 in the Salt Lake City Temple for time and all eternity.

Carol’s journey into motherhood began soon after; providing and caring for the needs of her husband and their six children they raised in Salt Lake, Utah; Lawndale, California; American Fork and lastly Highland, Utah. She was known to craft together piles of cloth diapers, children’s clothing, and dresses with her sewing abilities. She cooked a variety of her favorite soups, and roasts on Sunday. She canned for her large family, and one fall canned a cumulative 200 quarts of peaches, pears, apricots and cherries. But she also knew the value of occasional Mexican TV dinners, Mrs See’s Chocolates and a fun run to Marie Calendars for fresh strawberry pie. Mom loved family gatherings, holidays, picnics and evenings walks. She had quite an adventurous side. She worked one summer on with a  river rafting guide down the Colorado River on their Rainbow Bridge  Expeditions. 

Carol was also active in multiple Relief Society callings, temple service, and played the organ and piano in church for many years. Mom’s gift of piano and singing were shared generously and willingly. Her finger’s touch on the keys was beautiful to hear. Aside from her music, Carol loved keeping vibrant rose gardens growing while living in both California and Utah. She knew the names of each rose and where it originated and her roses thrived under her care. She also worked full time as a secretary for CES at Utah State Training School for 15 years. She was a dear friend to her neighbors, ward members and extended family. So many of neighbors and ward members have blessed and ministered to Mom’s life with their visits and care. We deeply thank you.

Her devotion to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and her love for her family has impacted four generations including 28 grandchildren and 54 great grandchildren. Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Vickie (Wayne) VanDeGraaff, Sterling (Mary) Ottesen, Stephen Ottesen (Jennifer), Karen (Sam) Rahman, Janet (John) Esser, Cathy Ottesen and her sister Joan Coombs.

She was preceded in death and is now joyfully reunited with her husband, Lester Keith Ottesen; her granddaughter Shannon Ottesen Evanson and grandson Benajmin VanDeGraaff; parents William Winegar and Pearl Langford Winegar; and siblings Ray Winegar, Elithe Doxey, LeMar Winegar, James Winegar, Keith Winegar, LeGrande Winegar, and Barry Winegar.

The Funeral Services  for Carol Ottesen will be held on Friday, January 6th at 11:00AM at the Highland 19th Ward, located at 9621 North 6050 West in Highland, UT. A viewing will be held on earlier at that location from 9:45 am to 10:45 am on Friday morning.  Another viewing will be held on the evening of January 5th from 6:00 – 8:00pm at the Lone Peak Chapel locate on 6141 West 11000 North, Highland, Utah 84006