Caroline Ball Johnson passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday afternoon, February 26, 2015. She was 87 years old. Carol was engaged fully in her earthly responsibilities until the end of her mortal existence, and she was during those final moments blessed with the opportunity to share with her children and many of her grandchildren her affection for them and her life's philosophy. That philosophy was her tender admonition "to care for, be good to, and love one another."
Carol was born on August 16, 1927 in Lehi, Utah to Clarence and Arminta Fotheringham Ball. Although her family was hardly wealthy in a monetary sense, they were rich in affection and Carol led an almost idyllic childhood and adolescence with her many brothers and sisters. She thoroughly enjoyed sharing her reminiscences of those times. From cheerleading for the Lehi Pioneers, to flirting with the boys while working summers at Saratoga, to playing hide and seek in the Wing Mortuary, Carol reveled in life.
In June of 1948, she married her life's love Allan Russell Johnson. The two of them successfully pursued a career at the J. C. Penney Company, where Allan rose from a small store assistant manager to a Vice President of the corporation. They made myriad life-long friends along the way as they journeyed from Malad, Idaho to New York City, with other stops in Los Angeles (twice), San Francisco, and Kansas City. Those friendships were facilitated in large measure by the grace and charm of Carol, and her unparalleled ability to create and maintain an inviting home.
Allan and Carol raised three sons, Robert (Bob), Brian, and Brent. They dearly loved their "boys," made endless sacrifices for them, and patiently shared with them the lessons of life. Carol "retired" to Salt Lake City with her husband in 1986. While Allan commenced a second career as owner of several Hallmark stores, Carol engaged in awhirlwind of activities with her friends and especially her grandchildren. She was fondly known as "fun" grandma. She loved playing with and hosting unforgettable parties for her grandchildren.
Carol's family rejoices in her life well lived, and is excited for her heavenly reunion now with her husband, her parents, and all of her siblings. She is survived by her sons, thirteen grandchildren, one great grandson, and innumerable friends. They all may come to call on Sunday evening, March 1, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Larkin Mortuary at 10600 South 1950 East, Sandy, Utah. A private memorial service will be held for family members only.
