Viewing-Larkin Sunset Lawn
2350 E 1300 S Salt Lake City, UT 84108Wednesday Oct 22, 2025: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Listen to Obituary
Our beautiful mother, Carol Ballantyne Gaines Spencer, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 17, 2025, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of love and faith. Mom was born on April 21, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri to Paul Brown Gaines and Dorothy Ballantyne Gaines. She spent her youth in Ogden, Utah, where she graduated from Ogden High School in 1952 before attending Brigham Young University.
On March 26, 1960, Mom married the love of her life, Sid K. Spencer Jr. Together they built a warm and loving home, raising three beautiful daughters and creating countless family memories. Her greatest joy was being a mother. Mom had so many gifts—making every gathering special, cooking delicious meals, and creating a home where everyone felt welcomed and loved.
Mom loved spending time outdoors with our family—skiing, boating, camping, and enjoying the beauty of summers in Star Valley and Grand Teton. She was an avid reader who could often finish a book in one sitting. She loved to sew and was a talented seamstress, and later in life she found great joy in painting with oils.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mom lived her faith through dedicated service in many callings. She and Dad were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 13, 2010. Mom and Dad loved being together. What a special blessing to watch Dad take tender care of mom this past year; he adored her. Mom spoke often of her friends—especially those in her Laird Avenue neighborhood and her friends in the Yale 2nd Ward. Mom loved being a member of The Daughters of Utah Pioneers and treasured the many friendships she made through that service.
Mom will always be remembered for her grace, talent, kindness, and unconditional love for her family. Her influence will always be felt—blessing our lives and the lives of all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Sid K. Spencer Jr; daughters Debbie Spencer Goldthorpe, Sheri (Jon) Brewer, and Whitney (Derek) Kimball; ten grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and her brother, John Andrew (Karla) Gaines. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Dorothy Gaines.
Friends are invited to attend a viewing on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S. in Salt Lake City. A private graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 23,2025, at Larkin Sunset Lawn.
Guestbook/Condolences
We had the privilege of living across the street from Carol and Sid on Laird Avenue for thirteen years. We’re so grateful for the time we shared with them. I also served as a visiting teacher with Carol. I admired her faith and loved her stories. Those visits are gifts I will treasure forever. Bob and I send our condolences. We know how much you will miss her.
Love, Char Nelson
Carol had SUCH a sweet spirit and brought a smile to everyone's face when she entered a room. She loved her children fiercely. Her children were the best caretakers who loved her immensely. We are sending so much love to her family and her husband through this difficult time. Love and Light!
Our dear Sid and family, We have loved, respected and admired you, Carol and your family since the year 1970 when we moved into your ward and neighborhood. We have missed seeing you on a regular basis as heretofore, and have often reflected on the wonderful service you rendered together at the Veteran's Hospital. The beautiful photo in the obituary tells so much about Carol and her goodness. And Sid, I have longed to be with you on the golf course once again. We know that you know the parting is temporary, and we bear witness to you that your relatiionsip with your beloved wife and mother is eternal in natire based on the individual covenants you have made with the Lord and those you have made with Carol and with each other.
I am so very sorry Sid for your loss! At these times we are faced with different and difficult challenges in our lives!
God bless and watch over you and your family!
Love - Your Brother Jay