Carol Anne Sturges

Carol Anne Sturges, born on April 18, 1947 in Denver, CO, passed away on February 1, 2025 in Salt Lake City, UT. Carol was the youngest child of Harold Ranshaw Zeller & Donna Avis Pixler, growing up in Denver, CO. After graduating high school, she moved to California, where she worked for Pacific Bell as a switchboard operator in San Francisco. It was there that she met Jonathan Oldham Sturges while he was teaching at the Treasure Island Naval Base. Their relationship flourished in the Bay area, and they were married in the chapel on Treasure Island on February 1, 1974. A few years later, they were accepted into the Navy exchange program and went to Flensburg, West Germany, where he served in the fast attack squadron of the German Navy. Both of their sons were born in Germany while living there: Jason in 1981 & Mitchell in 1986. After completing his service in the Navy in Norfolk, VA, the family moved to Salt Lake City, UT in 1995, when Jonathan began teaching NJROTC at West High School. Carol was a devoted housewife during most of the 80s & 90s raising their children; after the boys were a bit older, she began working for JCPenney's catalog department in Bountiful & later Salt Lake City for over 13 years, retiring in 2009. 

She was a lover of all things dachshund or owl-related, an avid Denver Broncos fan, and no stranger to a good sale when shopping. Carol loved most any dessert (except for chocolate) and is well-known for saying "there is always room for ice cream - it will help settle your stomach!" She was a frequent attendee of movies, shows in the theatre, and any of her sons' musical performances-even some that were out of state! Carol was active in her churches - in both Norfolk (Second Presbyterian) & Salt Lake City (First Presbyterian), participating in youth, social, fellowship, and leadership programs. She was a lifelong learner herself and promoted it in both of her kids. Additionally, she encouraged her sons to be committed, responsible, and accountable in all their endeavors. Carol was always willing to lend a hand to help, care, or support someone; and took great pride in serving on the Women's Board of Westminster University for 7 years. Regularly able to strike up conversations with people she had just met, she quickly made friends wherever she went. So much so, that her neighbors & friends at Legacy Village of Sugarhouse referred to her as the Mayor there! Her great smile and caring heart will be missed by so many. Carol is survived by sons Jason & Mitchell (Seth), brother Donald Zeller, stepsister Kendra O'Hayre (Arthur), and stepmother Linda Zeller.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the John O. & Carol A. Sturges Scholarship at Westminster University by sending donations to 1840 South 1300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84105 or visit http://bit.ly/WestminsterSturgesScholarship to give online.