Last Friday we lost our wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to breast cancer. Carolyn was born in Ogden, Utah to Don and Orelene Higgs. She graduated from Bonneville High School in 1991. She married Clayton Killpack at the age of 18. He was 21. Crista was born on her Dad's birthday; Dec. 18, 1993. CJ was born Aug. 1995. Then Carolyn graduated from Weber State University in 1997 in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Curtis brought up the rear in 1999. Carolyn was pregnant with twins, but lost these sweet peas just 12 weeks into the pregnancy when breast cancer reared its ugly head in 2004. Carolyn was an incredibly thoughtful and kind person. She'd leave hidden notes for her sisters and family. Her first thought was always how to make her family happy. She thought constantly thinking about the soccer-moms on the team, which kids were having difficulty, and how she could help them. Her laugh was contagious. Her eyes always sparkled. Her creativity was renowned. Friends and family waited anxiously every Christmas to see Carolyn's creative holiday card, which always included 3 kids, 4 chihuahuas, 1 golden retriever, and sometimes a soccer ball. Pseudonyms for Carolyn are Foxie, Boxie, Wifey, Mom, chick, strong, beautiful, and intelligent, and Krypto master of the universe. However, she will be best remembered for her deep love of her children, husband, and family. Carolyn was the consummate protective mother bear. She was known to run onto the soccer field during CJ's rec. soccer games to scold opposing players for kicking CJ when he didn't have the ball. She was also seen aggressively confronting another mom who had been chasing Crista and CJ around Orchard Elementary trying to spank them after a playground quarrel. She doggedly pursued a teacher's aide who struck her son in the face with a pencil after "excessive talking". And Crista, Mom would have been the one to greet your dates at the door with a freshly cleaned shotgun. (To the angry Mom, teacher's aide, opposing soccer players, and Crista's future boyfriends, please forgive Carolyn for being so protective of her kids.) As a kid, Boxie (the noise box) loved playing soccer for Ken Pierce in her Riverdale ward. She loved fixing old cars with her dad and absolutely glowed from his love and attention, which she craved and received in abundance throughout her life. She and her sisters, Becky and Maria, were often found playing in and sneaking around her Dad's classic cars. She was a straight-A student and developed her musical talents in both choir and band. Her mom was always impressed with Foxie's skill on the drums. Later on, her yearly visits to her sister, Julie, and brother-in-law, Steve, in Washington were absolutely treasured. Carolyn has a very special place in her heart for her sister, Susan. Susan was a mentor, dear friend, and second mom for her. It's obvious the two shared a deep bond when Susan swooped in, selflessly adding so much to Carolyn's care, throughout her battle, and as she became increasingly ill. Carolyn wants to thank her sister Maria for the endless hours of massage to help relieve pain, along with all her other service to Carolyn and her family. Thanks Becky, Kevin, Donnie and Wayne for years of love and caring service. Carolyn wanted her friends Janae, Hanisya, Debbie, and all her other girlfriends to know that she loved you. She especially loved and cared deeply for her best friend Cristan, despite the distance between them. Carolyn loved her soccer-mom friends: Dena, Nicole, Vicki, Andrea, Valerie, Jodelle, Adele, Tammy and all the other awesome soccer-parents who meant so much to her. As the team manager, Carolyn hated pestering you all for money, but loved each of you. Carolyn was so grateful to Justus for teaching CJ the game of soccer and for being his mentor and older brother. Carolyn will now rest with her sister June, brother Curtis, uncle Ted, father-in-law Lyle Killpack, grandpa Tom Higgs, grandmas Margaret Larkins and Elsie Higgs. Left here to care for her three children Crista, CJ, and Curtis; is her husband Clayton, her parents, Donald and Orelene Higgs, sisters Julie (Steve), Susan (Chris), Becky (Art), Maria (Brent); brothers Donnie (Julieanne), Kevin (Annette), and Wayne (Michele); sisters-in-law Maureen, Dorothy, Lori and Liane; and brothers-in-law Dave, Mike, Scott, Randy and John. There will be a viewing at the Mueller Park Stake Center, 1800 E. Mueller Park Rd. (1800 S.), Bountiful Utah, Wed. Feb. 16, 2011, from 6-8:00 p.m. The funeral will be at the same Stake Center, Thurs. Feb. 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Carolyn would want you to donate money to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, instead of sending flowers. Her final care has been entrusted to Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary. Interment will be in Ogden at Leavitt's.
Carolyn Higgs Killpack 9/27/73 ~ 2/11/11