Karon Curtis obituary
February 4, 1940 — November 21, 2023
Nalders Funeral Home obituaries
Karon Sanders Curtis, 83, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, in Layton, Utah. Those who knew her were blessed by her unconditional love, service, genuine kindness, and fun sense of humor.
Karon was born on February 4, 1940, in Sugar City, Idaho to Myron and Elaine Sanders. She had two older siblings, twins named Lynn and Lyla. She looked up to her parents and her siblings and made wonderful memories with them. From her father she gained a love of fishing, horses, animals, and an appreciation for the beauty of the world, as well as being out to enjoy it! From her mother she learned the skills of hand stitching beautiful quilts, sewing, and serving others. Later in her life she lovingly stitched each of her children a temple quilt as a marriage gift. Karon loved to play softball, fish with her family, and embark on fun adventures with cousins and friends. Karon’s father took jobs in many different places which allowed Karon to go to different schools and make new life-long friends. Throughout these years she worked at family businesses as well as other places of employment, where she learned the importance of working hard.
After high school Karon started writing to a handsome young man named Neil Wesley Curtis, who was serving an LDS mission in the Northern States Mission. They had met before Neil’s mission and an attachment had formed. When Neil arrived home, they got engaged and eventually married in the LDS Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple on October 14, 1960. Karon took the promises she made in the temple seriously and devoted her life and heart to being a loving and supportive wife.
Neil and Karon started their married life in Jameston, Idaho on a piece of land that Neil purchased from his father. This is where they started their family, which would eventually include four daughters, Lynette, Cindy, Colleen, and Amy, and one son, Nathan. Lynette and Cindy were born while they lived in Jameston. Neil received a job opportunity with a company called Fluor Enterprises, Inc. in 1967, which took him and his family to different countries and states. This was the start of many moves that they would make during the next nine years. They lived in Fahaheel, Kuwait; Joliet, Illinois, where Nathan was born; Houston, Texas; Buena Park, California; Rexburg, Idaho; Tehran, Iran, where Colleen was born; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Shelley, Idaho, where Amy was born. After buying a home in Shelley, Idaho, Neil left Fluor and started a business called Tunex in Idaho Falls. They loved Shelley and had always wanted to make that their permanent home. In 1987 they moved to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, for a new business opportunity. While there, Karon showed her courage and strength as she conquered cancer. In 1990 they moved back to Shelley and settled back into their home. Wherever they lived, Karon adapted well and made friends.
Karon was a woman of faith. Her parents were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the age of eight Karon followed in her parents’ footsteps and decided to get baptized. This was a decision that she would spend the rest of her life supporting by dedicating herself to the gospel of Jesus Christ. She served in many different capacities as a member of the church. She was a Young Women’s President, Primary teacher, member of the Primary presidency, librarian, camp director, and Relief Society president three times. Karon had a lot of faith, great respect for Priesthood power, and a love of the Savior and her Heavenly Father. She had no fear of death, because of her strong testimony of eternal families.
Karon was a wonderful mother who taught her children the importance of being kind, honest, and to love and follow the Savior’s teachings. As a parent she was a comforter, a healer, a teacher, a peacemaker, and a gentle reminder that motherhood is a joy and something to be cherished. Karon also loved all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed making them laugh, by being silly. She cherished any time she could spend with them, and always prayed for their happiness. All those that know, and love Karon will miss her sweet smiles, amazing spirit, and warm hugs.
Karon was preceded in death by her parents Myron and Elaine Sanders, her brother Lynn Sanders, and her sister Lyla Kotter.
She is survived by her Husband, Neil Curtis; Children: Lynette (Tom) Saxton, West Richland, Washington; Cindy (Kevin) Murphy, Tremonton, Utah; Nathan (Lorraine) Curtis, Shelley, Idaho; Colleen (John) Godak, Boise, Idaho; Amy (Spencer) Taylor, Layton, Utah. Grandchildren: Ben (Karen) Anderson; Shane Anderson; Heidi Anderson; Kellie Anderson; Shauntel Anderson; Heather Murphy; Natalia (Taylor) Francom; Vanessa (Kyle) Sills; Isabella Murphy; Kayla (Darin) Post; Gracie Godak; Cassie Godak; Phoebe (James) Durfee; Lindon Taylor; Tristen Taylor. To date she has twelve great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Shelley 3rd and 5th Ward Building (513 South Park Ave). The family will receive friends Friday December 1st from 6:00 till 7:30 P.M. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley and Saturday from 12:30 till 1:40 P.M. at the church. The burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.
