Carolyn Kirkham

In the early hours of August 1, 2017, beloved mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grand mother, and friend, Carolyn Thomsen Kirkham slipped from this life into the next. We are confident she was met there by her parents, Douglas 'Pete' and Lucile Thomsen, who preceded her, as well as other loved ones including her beloved dogs Arno and Petey.
Mom was born in Salt Lake City Utah on May 28, 1935. She was raised in the Sugarhouse area in the Richards ward. She attended South High school, the University of Utah, and graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Journalism and English. At a singles activity she met a handsome and robust redhead, Kreg Kirkham, who captured her heart. She wrote to him while he served in the Korean conflict. They married on September 12, 1958.
It was many years before they were able to have children, but eventually they were blessed with five: Becki (Scott) Clayson, Alan (Lauree) Kirkham, Janette Kirkham, Kendall Kirkham, and Colleen (Curtis) Fisher. She has twelve grandchildren, one great-grand daughter, and another one on the way.
Mom's greatest joy was her children and being a mother. She was a wonderful cook and seamstress. She loved photography, books, drives up the canyon, and learning new things. She had a talent for finding unusual gifts. She crocheted many items for LDS Humanitarian projects; there are children all over the world wearing hats and booties made by Mom. She was made of true grit and faithfully endured many physical and personal challenges. She stepped up and did what was needed to make sure the family's needs were met. She worked in a variety of jobs all over Salt Lake and Utah Counties. She was industrious and hard working - an example of perseverance to the end. She will be missed.
The family would like to thank Kisha, Cassie, and Bryce at American Fork Hospital for their tender care of Mom during her final hours, and their compassion to us.
A celebration of her life will be held Friday August 4, 2017 at 11 am with a viewing preceding it from 9:45-10:45 at Anderson Mortuary Lone Peak 6141 West 11000 North, Highland, Utah. Please share a memory at andersonmorturay.com.