Susan Farnsworth

It is with deep love and gratitude that we celebrate the life of Susan Jane (Cooper) Farnsworth, who passed away peacefully in her home in South Jordan, Utah, on October 3, 2024, at the age of 68. Born on March 4, 1956, in Billings, Montana, Susan spent her life dedicated to her family and her Savior Jesus Christ. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, love, and a life devoted to serving those around her.

Susan is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Robert Farnsworth, their four children: Angela (Scott) Cummings, Jason Farnsworth, Michelle (Joseph) Kimberling, and Tony (Meghan) Farnsworth; and her brother John. She had nine grandchildren, each of whom she adored and will always carry the joy and love she imparted in their hearts. Susan’s greatest joy in life was her family, and she treated every moment with them as though she knew time was the most precious gift. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Patricia (Skinner) Cooper, and her sister, Mary Ann Cafferty.

Susan grew up in various places, including Billings, Montana; Twin Falls, Idaho; Denver, Colorado; and Boise, Idaho. In her youth, she enjoyed being outdoors, making mud pies, playing the clarinet, skiing, and dancing on the high school drill team. In high school, she attended seminary classes with friends and was later baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1974. She went on to attend Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, where she earned an associate's degree in accounting and met the love of her life, Robert Farnsworth. They married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1976. Together, they raised a loving family, traversing the country—and beyond—as Bob’s career took them to Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Panama, Arizona, Maryland, and, finally, Utah.

Susan faced many health challenges throughout her life with unwavering faith. When her children were still very young she received a life-saving kidney transplant from her mother—a gift of deep love that gave her many precious decades more with her family. Reflecting on this, she wrote in her memoir, “My mother gave me life twice…. Because of her gift, I could raise our children and be there for their weddings. I have been able to know all our grandchildren.”

Never one to turn down a calling, Susan served in many ways in her wards throughout her life, as a beloved Primary President, Young Women’s President, Primary teacher, Seminary teacher, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. Cherished service opportunities of note include her time serving at Temple Square as a host in the Conference Center and at the Relief Society Building, as well as the callings she served in, alongside her husband Bob, as temple workers in the Washington D.C. Temple and the two years they spent serving in the downtown Detroit branch. 

Susan found great joy in her creativity, love for travel, and appreciation of the outdoors. Her talent for sewing led her to run several businesses from her home, including wedding dresses, draperies, and interior decorating. Through the success of these businesses, she was able to save for family vacations, children’s college and mission expenses, and supplement retirement planning, an example of hard work that is an enduring lesson to her family. Later in life, she embraced her artistic side, focusing on watercolor and oil painting, often capturing the beauty of flowers and Utah’s landscapes. She loved driving through the mountains to admire the vibrant fall colors, especially in autumn. Always up for an adventure, Susan’s love for travel allowed her to explore new places and deepen her appreciation for US and world history.

Susan had a remarkable gift for making everyone she knew feel truly special. She was known for her heartfelt, thoughtful, hand-crafted letters, sent for birthdays, graduations, holidays, or simply any occasion when she felt inspired. Each letter reflected her deep love and care for those around her.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Susan found great comfort in her faith. Her example of love, service, and creativity will continue to inspire those who knew her. Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate her incredible life. We hope the countless lives she touched will live on as a legacy and remind us that time spent with loved ones is the most precious gift of all.

In lieu of flowers please be kind to someone, call a friend or relative, forgive someone, send a card, and consider the gift of life you can offer by becoming a living organ donor.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, October 20th from 6:00-8:00pm at Larkin Mortuary-Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South, Riverton, Utah and on Monday, October 21st from 9:30-10:30am at The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4517 West Mille Lacs Drive, South Jordan, Utah, with funeral services to follow at 11:00am.

Funeral Services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the previously held services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.