Judy Anne Carlson

Judy Anne Carlson passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family. Born on May 8, 1956, to Eli G. and Norma S. Larsen in Salt Lake City, Utah, Judy's life would span seven decades marked by adventure, resilience, and an infectious joy that touched everyone who knew her.

Judy's early years were spent in Kearns, Utah, before the family relocated to Clearfield, where she would come of age. At Clearfield High School, she blossomed into an active student, graduating in 1974 after participating enthusiastically in the Pep Club, French Club, and Drama Club. These activities reflected her vibrant personality and love for community involvement that would characterize her entire life.

It was during her high school years that Judy met Walter Beall, a military policeman stationed at Hill Air Force Base. Young love led them to California, where they lived in Carpinteria near Walt's family. Though their marriage would end in divorce in 1976, it blessed Judy with her first child, Jessica, whom she lovingly called her "newborn angel." Facing the challenges of single motherhood with characteristic determination, Judy returned to Clearfield with her infant daughter to rebuild her life.

Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Judy balanced the demands of motherhood while pursuing her education and career. She worked as a cashier for Safeway stores while attending Weber State College, where she would eventually earn her Bachelor's degree in Sociology. It was at Safeway that fate would intervene once again—as Judy checked out a customer's order, he was checking her out in return. That customer was Greg Carlson, an auditor for the Air Force, whose persistence in visiting the store finally led him to ask her out. When she said yes, it began a courtship that would define the rest of her life.

After ten months of dating, Greg proposed to Judy at Disneyland—a setting befitting someone who brought such joy and magic to the lives around her. They married on January 2, 1981, beginning a 45-year partnership that would take them across the globe.

Greg's career with the Air Force opened the world to Judy, and she embraced each new adventure with enthusiasm. After two years in Roy, Utah, the couple moved to England, settling in the small village of Gravely. For two years, they explored the countryside of England and Wales, visiting famous historic sites and taking memorable trips to Italy, France, and Denmark. These travels broadened Judy's horizons and created memories she would treasure for the rest of her life.

From England, they relocated to Highland, California, where they enjoyed the tourist attractions of Southern California for two and a half years. It was here that the most important event of this period occurred—the birth of their son Jacob. Judy's family was now complete, and her role as mother became the defining aspect of her identity.

The family's nomadic years continued with moves to East Layton, Utah, for two years, then to Littleton, Colorado, for a year and a half, before finally settling permanently in South Ogden, Utah. Each relocation brought new friends and experiences, and Judy had fond memories of every place they called home.

In South Ogden, Judy found her permanent community and devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She became like a mother to many of her nieces and nephews, extending her nurturing nature beyond her immediate household. Known for her big heart, quirky humor, and unwavering generosity, Judy was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome and loved.

Judy's interests reflected her zest for life—she loved shopping, dancing, and collecting knick-knacks that brought her joy. But perhaps her greatest pleasure came from spending time with family or chatting on the phone with loved ones. Her big laugh and joyful spirit became her trademark, bringing light to every gathering and comfort to those who needed it.

As her children grew and started families of their own, Judy embraced her roles as grandmother and great-grandmother with the same enthusiasm she brought to everything else. She delighted in her six grandchildren—Kaitlyn, Dallin, Jenna, Allie, Aden, and Harley—and her great-grandchild Savannah. Each child held a special place in her heart, and she took pride in watching them grow and develop their own unique personalities.

Throughout her life, Judy was surrounded by a large and loving family that reflected the warmth she brought to the world. Her sisters Alex Shade, Colleen Swartz, and Josie Endow, along with brothers David and Dan Larsen, provided a strong foundation of support and love that sustained her through all of life's adventures and challenges.

Judy Anne Carlson's life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and joy. From her early years in Utah to her travels around the world, from single motherhood to a loving marriage spanning nearly half a century, she approached each chapter with grace and enthusiasm. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts for generations to come.