Carol Bean Bennett

Carol Bean Bennett passed away in her sleep as she wished on May 27, 2024. She was born October 16, 1929, to Seth and Lois Birch Bean in Rexburg, Idaho. She lived an amazing life during those 94 years.

The first four years of her life were spent with her parents who worked a dry farm on the rolling hills outside Ashton, Idaho. She had her very own body guard in the guise of a dog named Dot who followed her everywhere, and making sure she did not fall into the irrigation canal. When she was 5 years old, they moved to Twin Falls, Idaho. Her parents purchased 60 acres of land, built a house, grew wheat and raised animals to use for food and to sell. Over the years, Carol helped tend to the animals and helped her mother prepare meals for their family and the hired hands. Being the oldest, she took care of her two brothers Clinton and Glade, and her two sisters, Phyllis and Deon. These experiences were the foundation of a great work ethic which she utilized throughout her life. 

After high school, a wonderful man came into Carol’s life named Albert (Bert) Bennett Jr. Even though they lived in the same church boundaries, they did not get together until they both attended Brigham Young University. Bert served in World War II, then served an LDS mission. These events delayed his studies so he wanted to gain a degree before marrying. Then, the Korean War got in the way of his plans. Bert was called up for service and had to report in two weeks. He proposed to Carol and they hurried the marriage plans. On August 11, 1950, they “eloped” to the Logan Temple to be married.  A few family members were there with them to share in the special day.  

After the Korean War ended, Bert and Carol returned to BYU and while Bert was finishing his degree they welcomed their first child, Lois Ann. After graduating, Bert was hired by a company in California. After two years in California, they welcomed the second child, Jana. After being away from their families for a few years, and wanting their children to be closely involved with extended family, Bert was hired by a company near Salt Lake City. They moved to Utah and decided to settle in Bountiful. There, they welcomed two more girls, Lynne Marie, and Laurel Ruth. Carol loved nurturing her daughters and was so proud of each of them and their families, and oh how she loved and cared for her grandchildren! She always tried to make weekend stays special and educational experiences.

Because she grew up during the Depression, she knew about financial hardships. There was no money to purchase new things, so she had to make whatever was needed.  She knew how to sew, quilt, knit, crochet and preserve and can food. These skills were used raising her own family. She made clothes, costumes, and school outfits for all her young daughters. In her later years, she crocheted a border around countless baby bibs and blankets and gave them as gifts to expectant mothers in the neighborhood.  

Gardening was in Carol’s DNA. Her beautiful home in Bountiful was set on a quarter acre. The large backyard was full of fruit trees, strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, gooseberries, a large vegetable garden and always blooming flowers. She lovingly tended to all of these. Summers were spent with her four daughters canning and juicing all the fruits and vegetables so the family could enjoy the “fruits of her labor” all year.  

The Bennett home could have been called “The Crossroads of the West.” They hosted several visits of Church dignitaries from South America, Bert’s work acquaintances from Japan, and friends and family from England, Germany, Spain, and all across the United States. Carol’s doors and open arms were always extended. Everyone was well fed, well loved, and always eager to return.

Carol was an amazing cook. If you happened to be at the house at dinnertime, you were always invited to join. If a friend or neighbor was having a rough time, she would take them a home-cooked meal. She became known as the “Cookie Grandma”.  You could always count on leaving her home with cookies after a visit. 

Once when hosting Church dignitaries from South America in her home, after shuttling them back and forth between Bountiful and Salt Lake City, it was time for dinner. Instead of being treated to a restaurant meal, the guests exclaimed, “We want to eat at Carolitas!” 

Being involved in cultural, civic, and other endeavors is something Carol enjoyed being a part of. She was proud of her pioneer heritage and was a faithful member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She took part in Garden Club, volunteered at the voting booth for her district, and taught a class at the Utah State University Extension in Davis County.

Traveling was something Carol loved to do. She enjoyed going many places in the western United States while huddled snugly with her family in the camper, known as “The Cramper”.  In her later years she traveled to England, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and Spain to visit friends and relatives.

Carol appreciated being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony of the gospel. After serving in many church callings, including being a member of four Relief Society Presidencies and one Stake Young Women Presidency, her favorite calling was Compassionate Service Leader.  

If she were to have a middle name it would be Charity. She loved people and always went around quietly doing good. No matter who you were, after she met you, you instantly became family. She was the first to welcome new people into the neighborhood or to church. Even before she was a Compassionate Service Leader, she loved helping with funeral luncheons. When asked why she always volunteered to help with funeral luncheons she replied, “It was an honor to know them in life and a pleasure to serve them in death.”

Carol is preceded in death by her husband Albert Bennett Jr., her parents, Seth Bean and Lois Bean, and sisters Phyllis Hirst and Deon Chadwick. 

She is survived by her brothers: Clinton (Beverly) Bean and Glade (Kay) Bean, four daughters: Lois Ann (Dallas) Beckstead, Jana (Donald) Fox, Lynne Marie Bennett, and Laurel Ruth Bennett, and her grandchildren: James Albert McCormack, Timothy Glynn Martin, Carl Donald Fox, Carolynne Fox, Ian Albert (Maria) Bennett-Araya, Alex Jackson Bennett, Candice (Ray) Garfield, Lucas Ronald (Trisha) Beckstead, Westin Charles (Kortni) Beckstead, Alexis Anne (Gordon) Fox, and Shantel Ann (Jeremiah) Jenkins.

There will be no funeral, but we invite you to a viewing to celebrate her life. It will be held Friday, May 31, 2024, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street in Bountiful, Utah. A private interment for the family and relatives will take place Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the City View Mausoleum, 1001 E. 11th Ave. Salt Lake City, UT 84103.

Words cannot express our gratitude and love for the wonderful employees and aides of Country Care Assisted Living and Legacy House of Park Lane. Special gratitude goes to the amazing nurses and aides of Aspire Home Health and Hospice for their tender care of our mother and support for our family these past few years.

The Bennett family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude and love for the outpouring of kindness, concern, prayers, and support from friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please take a loved one out to dinner!