Carma Jean Murdock Claerhout's Obituary
Carma Jean Murdock Claerhout
Carma was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 19, 1936, to Wallace and Wanda Stoney Murdock. She died at the age of 89 on January 29, 2025, in Millcreek City, Utah. She grew up in Beaver, Utah. When she was 15 years old her dad died. Her mother later married Ephraim LeRoy Puffer; his Army career moved them to San Francisco, Colorado Springs, Germany and Dugway, Utah, where she met her husband Arthur Claerhout. They were married at the Dugway Chapel on June 3, 1960. Carma worked various jobs in her career retiring from St Marks Hospital with 22 years of service.
She enjoyed toll and ceramic painting and every summer she planted rows and rows of marigolds and petunias. She spent many hours babysitting her grandkids and going to their baseball and football games. Her grandkids affectionately called her “Bamma.” She spent many summer trips at a summer home with family in North Creek, Beaver County and went on many cruises with family members.
In retirement, she generously volunteered her time. For over a decade, she delivered Meals on Wheels America, brought goods from the Utah Food Bank to the home-bound, and spent time visiting with them. She also enjoyed reading to elementary school children.
She made the best homemade fudge and penoche, which we all eagerly anticipated as the holidays approached. Fortunately, she passed down her confectionery skills to those of us willing to learn, ensuring that her delicious treats and the memory of her will always be with us.
Everyone who knew her always remarked on her sweetness and kindness. She will be deeply missed by all.
She is survived by her husband Art; sister-in-law Monica Brooks; daughters Michelle “Shelly” Hill, Cindy (Scott) Keyes, son Scott (Michelle) Claerhout; grandchildren Spencer (Nikki) Hill, Brandon (Ashley) Hill, Preston (Anna) Hill, Marcus (Annie) Keyes, Heidi Keyes, Alyssa (Parker) Maxwell, Zachary Claerhout; great grandchildren Ethan, Saydee, Jayden, Tatum, Owen, Lena Jean and Aurelia; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her brother Donald (Colleen) Murdock, sister Lela Rae (Ben) Messer, and special dogs April, Molly and Mushu.
Interred at Elysian Burial Gardens, Millcreek, Utah
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