Carolyn "Sue" Howell

Carolyn Sue Howell, our beautiful mother, has gone home. Our family has lost a remarkable woman, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, and a dear friend. She was born on January 3, 1946, and passed away on September 7, 2026.

Sue was a pillar of strength and a source of love and light to all who knew her. She had a generous heart and a way of making those around her feel welcome, loved, and cared for. She will be deeply missed.

Born in Portland, Oregon, Sue always loved the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. As a young girl, she moved with her parents to Hemet, California, where she met the love of her life, Robert “Woody” Howell, at a high school dance. When Sue later returned to Portland, Woody knew he had to act quickly—he knew he could not let her get away. They were married in Oregon and then returned to California, where they built a life together and raised their family. Later, they would move to Elk Ridge, Utah where they lived for over 40 years, and most recently lived in Saratoga Springs, Utah for the past 6 years.

Their home was always the hub of family activities, filled with friends, laughter, and love. Sue and Woody were known for being exceptionally inclusive, helpful, kind, and generous. Their home was a place where people gathered and felt welcome.

Sue loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout her life, she served in many callings, both large and small. She especially enjoyed working with the children in Primary and loved her associations with her sisters in Relief Society. Sue shared the gospel with nearly everyone she met—sometimes whether they liked it or not! She was enthusiastic about what the gospel could offer those around her and knew firsthand the peace, purpose, and spirituality it had brought into her own life.

Her greatest joy was her family. Everything she did was motivated by her desire to help them grow, progress, and find happiness in their lives. Her home was filled with love and laughter. Sue felt it was a great privilege to be the mother of nine children and considered her family to be her greatest legacy.

Each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild was deeply loved by her. She would light up whenever a baby entered the room. She often said, “I can see eternity in a child's eyes.” Her love for her posterity was one of the defining characteristics of her life.

Sue is survived by her beloved husband, Robert “Woody” Howell; her nine children: Debi (Brian) Wolsey, Donna (Bruce) Allred, David (Tiffani) Howell, Danny Howell, Duane Howell, Diana (Paul) Benson, Dustin (Christin) Howell, Dalen (Sara) Howell, and Darcy (Jake) Christensen; her 30 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Pat (Dawn) Ennes and Lee (Desiree) Ennes.

One of the great blessings at the end of Sue's life was that she was able to see all of her posterity one last time before she moved on. She was delighted by this precious blessing. She told each of us how much she loved us and how proud she was of us. For our family, it was truly a tender mercy from the Lord—one we will treasure forever.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Olpin Family Mortuary; 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove, Utah.

A viewing for family and friends will be held that morning from 9:30 to 10:45 AM at the mortuary. The interment will follow services at the City of Saratoga Springs Cemetery.

Though we will miss her deeply, we are grateful for the life she lived, the love she gave, and the legacy she leaves behind. Her influence will continue through the many lives she touched and through the generations of family who will carry her love forward.