Graveside
Larkin Sunset Gardens
1950 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, Utah, 84092Friday Mar 6, 2026: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
1946 ~ 2026
Larkin Sunset Gardens
1950 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, Utah, 84092Friday Mar 6, 2026: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Karen Lea Darton (Hall)
March 3, 1946 to February 24, 2026
On February 24, 2026 at 9:00 p.m., Karen Lea Darton stepped peacefully into eternity. She was 79 years young, steady in her faith, and unafraid of what comes next.
Karen was born March 3, 1946 in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Clifford Allen Hall and Elsie Lea Hall (Hatch). She grew up with strong values, a deep testimony, and a creative spark that would one day fill homes and hearts through her art.
She was preceded in death by her son, David, whom she loved fiercely and carried in her heart every single day.
She is survived by her husband Mel, her brother Kenny and her children Doug and his wife Andrea, and Leisa and her husband John. Her grandchildren Christian and his wife Kelli, Kaitlin and her husband Trevor, Brooke and her husband Trevor, Zach and his wife Emily, Jake and his wife Acelyn, Ethan, and Reagan. Also survived by her great grandchildren Heather, Leah, Lucas, Owen, and Walter, with two more on the way. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life. If you were part of her family, you knew you were loved.
Karen was an avid oil painter. She painted for family, friends, galleries, and taught countless painting classes over the years. She shared her knowledge freely and took genuine joy in watching others discover they could create something beautiful.
Her kitchen was sacred ground. No one ever left hungry. Her famous “puddin” and “hot chocolate toast” were less about food and more about love. Holidays were never small. They were events. If Karen was hosting, it was big, beautiful, and just a little over the top. She wanted us together, telling stories, passing the puddin’, and making room for one more at the table.
Karen was full of joy. She had a wonderful sense of humor and could find laughter even in hard seasons. Her faith was steady. She trusted the Lord, and that faith carried her all the way home. Karen’s greatest masterpiece was her family. She loved them more than anything and made sure they knew it. And she would want her family to continue in life with joy and laughter.
Although, she would probably tell us not to make a fuss. And then she would absolutely expect us to make a fuss. So we will gather. We will eat well. We will celebrate big. And we will love each other the way she loved us.
Services will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Funeral services at 11:00 a.m.
LDS Church
Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m.
Larkin Mausoleum
Oh my goodness. This is such a mixed blessing. Sorry for us who are left behind, grateful that she has graduated to a painless and rich eternal life. She was a dear friend, with a delightful smile and laugh. A beautiful friend inside and out. My deepest condolences to her family and all those who knew and love her.
My friend, I am so sorry about your loss. I am sure your mom would like you to start smiling soon again.
It is with a heart full of sorrow that I write this. My deepest condolences to Mel and to her family. Karen was beautiful inside and out. She brightened our day every time she stopped by the pharmacy. We will truly miss her beautiful smile and her kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My family has fond memories of being in Covina 2nd Ward together. She will be missed.
Dear Mel, so sorry to hear of your sweet wife’s passing. I know that has been hard on you and your family. Know that our hearts and prayers are with you. Love Nic and Carmen
So sorry for your loss, Karen was a delight.
We loved Karen. What beautiful women in side and out. Karen attended my sweet wife Wendy before she died. I will always be indebted to her. The world lost a great woman. Eternity, is forever
Just heard about Karen. I’m so sorry. We sat across from each other in church for years