Carol B. Coon, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on February 4, 2022 at the age of 85.
Carol was born on March 17, 1936 in Pocatello, Idaho, the third of five children. She spent her youth in Pocatello where she excelled in both academics and ballet. In addition, she always held a job and was often described as a hard worker. After graduating from Pocatello High School, she attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. In addition, she earned additional credits towards a Special Education degree. At BYU, Carol met Richard her freshman year and they shortly became engaged. Carol faithfully waited for Richard while he served a 2 ½ year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were married on June 9, 1959 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Carol and Richard had three children; two sons, Brent and Alan, and a daughter, Diana.
Carol was a devoted wife and mother. She was an excellent cook and homemaker. She was known for her organizational and problem solving skills. She was active in her kid’s lives, volunteering in their classrooms, actively participating in the PTA, and served as the PTA President for a year.
Carol made friends easily and endeared herself to many. She was always there for her friends in times of need and served them with love and compassion. Consequently, when Carol made friends, they became life long relationships.
People would often refer to Carol as “classy” as she was always well dressed and well mannered. She had great interpersonal skills and could strike up a conversation with anyone she met. She always carried herself with grace and dignity and left a good impression on those she associated with.
Once her kids were older, Carol returned to her teaching career. She taught school for many years and worked mostly with special needs students. She worked closely with their parents as well in order to help them reach their full potential. She genuinely cared for those she taught and truly advocated on their behalf.
Carol was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in numerous callings, including Relief Society President and Stake Relief Society President. Carol was a natural leader and lived a life of service, always looking out for the welfare of others. She often found the “one in need” that no one else recognized and quietly served them.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Archie Coon, her parents, Cromwell and Millie Bird, her grandson, Brook Coon, granddaughter, Cienna Coon, brother, Richard Bird, and sister, Marilyn Darling. Survived by her three children, Brent (Diana), Alan, and Diana Featherstone (Greg), 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and her sister Margaret Christiansen, and brother William Bird (Pauline).
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 9th from 10:00 to 10:45 AM followed by a funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.) Sandy. For those wanting to virtually attend services please visit www.larkinmortuary.com
The family would like to express gratitude for the loving care she received by the staff at Ashford Memory Care and Inspiration Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
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Jacoba "Cobie" Derryberry
It is impossible to express the grief I have for the passing of the grandmother I always wanted. It is a strange feeling to be a grandchild and not know of her passing until after the funeral has already occurred.
Due to her own unfortunate trauma, she only favored her female child, and only truly acknowledged those grandchildren, specifically also the one that was female. It was often said when she was alive “you know you have more than one grandchild”.
I remember when I was a child I begged for both of my Coon grandparents to spend time with me. I finally convinced them one year to spend a Christmas with our family instead. Much to my joy they came that year, then to my dismay they decided their favorite grandchild was too sad. They booked a flight out for the next morning and flew out on Christmas Eve morning. I never did get a single holiday with my grandparents. As much as I begged throughout the years, I never did get the grandparents I desperately wanted. In adulthood when I’d call she did not want to know about my life and only ever spoke of her favorite grandchild. I never did get the presents, the dresses, the visits, or the effort. I grieve for the grandmother I wish I had, and I wish that I knew.
I deeply grieve the protentional relationship I could have had in my life both as a child and as an adult that I never had. I am grateful for the life lessons I have learned from her and this experience, as they will not be repeated. “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself”-Elenor Roosevelt. Rest in peace Grandma.