Carole Maughan Akerlow

Carole Maughan Akerlow, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home, with her loving husband and children by her side, on August 26, 2026, at the age of 85, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Carole was born on September 23, 1940, the only child of Carlisle Gunnel and Helen Clark Maughan. She grew up in Salt Lake City and was part of the first graduating class of Highland High School in 1959. Carole loved learning, and that love continued at the University of Utah, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s diploma in History and English. She obtained a teaching certificate from the State of Utah and later taught at Olympus Junior High and conducted testing for the Salt Lake School District.

While studying at the “U,” Carole met the love of her life, Charles (Chuck) William Akerlow, on a blind date where they attended the annual Snow Carnival dance. They dated for two-and-a-half years, including many nights spent dancing at the Union Building. They were married July 12, 1962, and later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity on September 22, 1972. For over 64 years, they were best friends and each other’s most ardent supporters. They remain eternal companions. Chuck has remarked that Carole was always a lady and that she made a gentleman out of him.

As an only child, Carole’s true desire was to have a large family. Together with her loving spouse, they had six children: Julianne, Elizabeth, Michael Charles, Allison, Steven Scott, and Amy.

In 1964, Chuck and Carole took baby Julie and headed off to Kentucky and Augusta, Georgia, for 2 years of active Army duty. After a year enjoying southern hospitality, Chuck was deployed to Vietnam for a year. When he returned, they moved into the Parleys Stake, which became home for the next 60 years. It was here that Chuck joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 12, 1971.

Carole loved to teach, read literature, and study the gospel of Jesus Christ. She loved curling up on a back porch sofa with a good book and a Diet Coke. For nearly 50 years, Carole enjoyed learning and laughing with her dear book club friends as they shared insights from all genres of literature. The piles of books throughout her home included works from the world’s greatest writers to those teaching about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her intellectual curiosity made dinner conversations lively and meaningful to all those around her table.

Carole enjoyed travelling the world but especially in the western United States. Trips to Palm Desert, Scottsdale, Newport Beach, and Wilmette, Illinois were some of her favorite adventures where she could enjoy the sun, shopping, and time with family. Having grandchildren in Wilmette made it feel like home.

Carole’s garden was one of great joy for her, as well as for any passerby. It was filled with a variety of flowers including dahlias, roses, and zinnias in pinks and purples. She relished time outside watering her flowers and planting her annuals. Each year, she had vibrant flowerpots made to give to the women in her family for Mother’s Day.

As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Carole made every birthday, holiday, and conversation a special occasion. She was genuinely interested in the lives of her family and friends. Carole was known for her homemade chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate frosted brownies, which were favorites--especially on the 4th of July. Carole was a wonderful mother and was deeply interested in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She would treat them to lunch or just sit on the back patio, hearing about their lives. Her home was always a place where she welcomed anyone who came to visit. She was quick to offer a drink or something to eat as soon as they walked in the door. She also displayed a quick sense of humor and a sparkle in her eye that brought laughter and joy to everyone who knew her.

Carole lived a life full of joy and service. She was a powerful example of Christlike living and loving to her six children, eighteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Her service to family, friends, and neighbors emanated from a loving and generous heart. Carole was forever grateful for her pioneer forebears who came from England and Scotland and settled the Cache Valley. And, of course, her family members now feel about her that same depth of gratitude for her legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness.

As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Carole served in many capacities. She spoke fondly of her time as Primary chorister, in the Parleys Stake Young Women Presidency, and in her ward Relief Society presidency. In addition, Carole taught many classes, served on numerous Relief Society committees and, most important, taught her husband the gospel of Jesus Christ. She also served for 11 years in the Salt Lake Temple just prior to its closing – service she enjoyed with Chuck and with many dear friends.

She is survived by her husband, daughters Julianne (Ken) Black, Elizabeth (Cameron) Wilson, Allison (Scott) Samuelson and Amy (Larry) Gelwix, as well as her sons Michael Charles Akerlow and Steven Scott (Becky) Akerlow. She is also survived by grandchildren Sarah, Katie, Jeffrey, Harrison, Charles, Alexander, Caroline, Olivia, Thomas, Gavin, James, Luke, Emily, Samuel, Liza, Lucy, Jane and Annie, and great-grandchildren Andrew, Zachary, Thomas, Taya Rose, and Amelia. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Carlisle and Helen Maughan.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 5, at 11:00 am at the Parleys Third Ward, 2615 Stringham Avenue, Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held on Friday, September 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Parleys Third Ward and again on Saturday, September 5, from 10:00 to 10:45 am prior to the services. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn. The family is deeply grateful for Wendy and the team at Hospice for Utah for their loving assistance to Carole during her final days. The family also wishes to thank Larkin Mortuary for their kind, gentle, and professional care.