Our beloved sister and dear aunt, Carol Clinger, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 24, 2018. Carol and her twin sister Joyce were born on December 22, 1950, to Arnold Jay Clinger and Ellen Brewer Clinger in Boise, Idaho. Carol lived most her school-age years in Boise, except for a two-year period when her father was transferred to Salt Lake City. Her Utah years were joyful, living near her grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. After returning to Boise, she continued her schooling and graduated from Borah High School. She grew up in a musical home and became an excellent piano player and an accompanist for the All-City Honor Chorus and Orchestra. Following high school, she attended Boise Junior College and Brigham Young University, majoring in elementary education.
Carol had a cheerful, friendly nature and made friends easily. She enjoyed many domestic talents, such as sewing, crafting, and crocheting. She was compassionate, helpful, and hard-working. After college, she worked five years for the State of Idaho in their Purchasing Department. She then spent several months working in Washington, D.C. and living with her sister Joyce. She made her way to the West again, but this time to Salt Lake City where she worked 22 years for Zions First National Bank. She then worked 16 years for Intermountain Healthcare in the Continuing Medical Education Department and later LDS Hospital's Huntsman Education Center where she handled their audiovisual needs. Carol officially retired in 2016 but desired to continue serving others as a hospital volunteer at the front desk of LDS Hospital. She dearly loved her hospital friends, who were amazingly supportive through her cancer diagnosis and her resultant chemo and radiation treatments. Through it all, she remained cheerful and positive.
During the early 90\s, Carol lovingly cared for both her parents, who were declining in health and who were then moved to Salt Lake. She tirelessly loved and nurtured both parents until the end of their days. For many years, she was the primary organization accompanist in her ward, as well as a faithful visiting teacher. These callings brought her great joy, and she loved her dear friends in the Valley View 3rd Ward in Holladay.
Carol's health declined over the years, and chronic pain set in. This slowed her body down but not her spirits. She continued serving her family, attending special events for her nieces and nephews, and sharing her home with house guests. Her faith and courage kept her going, and her family and dear friends loved her through some tough times. Her beloved aunt, Lugene Bowthorpe, also added light and laughter through her last months.
We are grateful for Carol's example of selfless service, endurance, and Christlike love. She and her family appreciate the loving care she received from Brighton hospice professionals and the caregivers at the Beehive Home in Draper. We rejoice in knowing that families are forever. Carol is survived by her siblings: Bryce A. (Caren) Clinger, Centerville, UT, and Joyce (Lane) Staples, Sandy, UT, and her adoring nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held Friday, September 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Larkins, 206 E. South Temple. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 29, at 1 p.m., following a brief viewing from noon to 12:45 p.m. Interment will be at Salt Lake Cemetery.
