Retta Willson

Retta Willson

Early in the morning of September 26, 2024, our angel returned to her Father in Heaven, rejoining the love of her life, Steve, for what we are sure was one of the most tender reunions in the eternities.

Retta Carlene Willson was born to Ray and Edna Tippets in 1945 in Ogden, Utah. After graduating from Minidoka County High School, she moved to the Salt Lake Area with her best friend to attend Stevens-Henager College. There she met her cowboy, Stephen Willson who was hesitant to help his sister in yet another move but was assured it was a new roommate who turned out to be his future “gorgeous wife.” He asked to be compensated with a date and from then on, they were inseparable. They were sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple in 1964.

They spent the next 54 years together, raising seven children, Wendy (Dale) Curtis, Brent (Anne) Willson, Travis (Penny) Willson, Melanie (Jeff) Jensen, Tyler (Emily) Willson, Trenton, and Lenny (Connie) Willson. She is survived by her seven children, 27 grandchildren, almost nine great-grandchildren, her sisters Karen and Betty, and her brother Paul. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, those she babysat (who still consider her a mother figure), and her children’s and grandchildren’s friends, all of whom she accepted into her home as her own and for whom she was known as “Mom.”

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Steve, whom she yearned to rejoin for over six years, her grandson, Victor, six of her nine brothers and sisters, and her parents.

Carlene was a strong but quiet person with the voice of an angel, fiercely protective of her children, and had an unexpected sense of humor, at times complimenting the cleanliness of grandchildren’s ceilings rather than criticizing the less-than-tidy floor. Her 15-per-day hug policy made sure her posterity knew they were loved. She unconditionally accepted anyone who came through the door, including in-laws, nephews, nieces, friends, and the many stray pets Dad brought home. Her home was a refuge for many where all felt loved.

Carlene loved books, music, sunrises and sunsets, the leaves in the fall, the birds in the spring, and especially rainbows. Carlene and Steve would spend hours together or with any available grandchildren on extended drives that sometimes turned into overnight stays to admire God’s creations and enjoy time together while also building too many memories to list here.

Carlene leaves a legacy of faith, love, and the importance of eternal families. While we will miss her in this mortal life, we rejoice in her reunion with her loved ones in the next.

Carlene’s family will accept visitors on Saturday, October 5, 2024, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Elmo Ward Chapel (170 E Main St, Elmo, UT). A graveside service at 11:15 a.m. at the Elmo Cemetery will follow, followed by a celebration of life at the Elmo Chapel. Arrangements are in the trusted care of Fausett Mortuaries where family and friends are always welcome and may share memories online at www.fausettmortuary.com.