Beth "Pug" Kikuchi

Beth “Pug” Kikuchi, loving wife of the late Tom “Burt” Kikuchi, died peacefully in her residence on March 23rd, 2025. Pug was born in Cove, Utah in 1931 to Ralph L. Day and Velva Grace Saxton, although there has been controversy about the date. The tired physician entered the wrong day on her birth certificate, but in classic Pug style, she and her family always celebrated it on her terms and as she knew it. Many will be surprised to read that she had a name different from Pug, which was a sticky nickname honoring her button nose and was given to her by new friends on her first day of school at Davis High. She iconically went on to be Pug at the workplace: Smith’s Food King, Tramell Crow Distribution, CUNA Mutual, and America First Credit Union. Pug is survived by her children Doug and Sandy Carlos, Wayne and Denise Carlos, Marsha Carlos, Doug Banks, Kara and Carrie Kikuchi. She also held in her heart the memory of her two children, Donny Carlos and Shanna Banks, as well as her grandson Cade Carlos who preceded her in death. While their absence left a profound space in her heart, she carried them with her every day. A devoted matriarch, she was Grandma Pug to fourteen grandchildren, dozens of great-grandchildren, and a handful of great-great-grandchildren. Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured, and she cherished each and every child. Pug is survived by her brother David Day and was preceded in death by her brothers Jack Day and Ted S. Day, as well as her sister Lynn Miller. She was previously married to the late Vaughn Carlos. Pug was smart, spunky, and opinionated. She was an avid reader and knew something about everything. Pug and her beloved husband Burt were quintessential snowbirds, traveling all over the country and making lasting friendships wherever they went. Pug was an excellent bowler and won many trophies and awards over the years. She also had a great passion for golf and was proud to have hit a hole-in-one on two occasions. Win or lose, she loved the Jazz and the Seahawks, watching every game she could. To say Pug had an outgoing and warm personality is an understatement. She was the center of engaging conversations everywhere she went, from the check-out line to the bingo table to the bleachers of her grandkids’ ball games to the 4th row of an Alan Jackson concert. Pug found joy in the simple pleasures of life and made the most of every minute. Pug’s family would like to thank Chancellor Gardens and Symbii Home Health & Hospice for providing excellent care and friendships. Per her request, there will be no service and a private family gathering will be held at a later time. She will be missed dearly and to quote Pug’s frequent parting words, we’ll “talk atcha later”.

Beth "Pug" Kikuchi

August 24, 1931 - March 23, 2025