Carol Ellen Hanks Talmage

Bountiful, Utah. Carol Ellen Hanks Talmage (92 years) peacefully passed away at home on March 25, 2020, with her family at her side. Carol was born on September 23, 1927, in Salem, Utah, where she was raised by Sarah Ellen Bearnson and Ernest C. Hanks. Carol was the oldest of four children. She had two brothers (Ernest and Richard, deceased) and one sister (Linda Peery, Spanish Fork, Utah).
She graduated from Spanish Fork High School and went on to attend LDS Hospital Nursing School while part of the Army Cadet Nursing Corp. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing at BYU. She had such a special relationship with her younger sister; she said she could not wait to come home from school to spend time with her. She missed her more than her parents.  
Carol met Burton Albert Talmage while working as a nurse at the Payson Hospital. They were married on September 20, 1950, in the Salt Lake Temple. She said Burt did not like dancing much but twirled her so many times at their reception that her veil fell off.  
Carol was the mother of four children, Carolyn (Craig, deceased) Black, Ronald (Annie) Talmage, Diane (Quentin) Steele and Annette (Ron) Graham. Carol has 20 grandchildren and 64 great-grandchildren, one who arrived the day before her passing, which produced the best smile on her face.
Carol later received her Master's Degree in nursing from BYU. She worked as a nurse at LDS Hospital, taught nursing for Utah Technical College, and retired after teaching for the BYU College of Nursing for 28 years.
Carol was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions in the Relief Society, "Mutual", and Primary. She served for 20 years as a worker in the Bountiful Temple. She loved her time at the temple. Mom loved the Lord. Her prayers on your behalf felt like a straight path to our Heavenly Father.  
As a child, she loved hiking and working on the farm with her family. At Easter, the family would gather at the farm and roast marshmallows and hot dogs while singing songs and enjoying time together. Mom had a heart-warming smile and cheerful disposition. She loved to travel and explore all corners of the world.  When watching TV, she would often say, "Oh, I've been there."
Mom was lovingly known by her family and friends for her love of sports. She played softball during high school. She was an avid BYU football and basketball fan as well as a fan of the Utah Jazz. She and her grandson (Dan) enjoyed taking the bus together to cheer the Cougars on. Family and friends knew not to call her during game time, unless it was her son-in-law Ron comparing notes with her.
Mom's family was a joy to her. She cooked, sewed, and enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved quilting as a pastime and made each of her grandchildren a quilt as a wedding present. Every grandchild thought they were the favorite, whether she was cheering at their sporting events, cooking for them, supporting them with their talents, or just spending time with them. She always kept treats on hand to send a snack bag home with the children whenever they visited with her.  
Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma, we love and will miss you terribly. We are so happy for you to be reunited with family, especially with Dad/Grandpa after 36 years.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a family graveside service was held at the Spanish Fork, Utah Cemetery instead of a funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BYU College of Nursing at http://give.byu.edu/nursing

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