Carol Mae Hess Haacke's Obituary
Carol Mae Hess Haacke
Carol Mae Hess Haacke, 1929 – 2021, now with her eternal sweetheart, Bud, who welcomed her, I’m sure, with the words “I love you”, the same last words he said to her before he passed through the veil.
The service will be streamed on-line virtually on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/events/5575229529184017. All information at the bottom.
Carol was born October 10, 1929 to Rhea M. Udy and Vernon L. Hess. She passed away April 5, 2021 after valiantly living with dementia for 10 years. She was surrounded with love by her daughter, son and daughter-in-law and the care of her hospice nurse, Dee at her passing.
She was born in Tremonton, Utah and as a child loved being surrounded by a large extended family. She was the eldest daughter and years later she was excited and blessed to get a sister, LaVon. They were each other's best friends, as their family moved often to Montana, Colorado, and Salt Lake City, they depended on one another and are best friends still. When she was 16 she was blessed with another sister, Margaret Ann. She loved her dearly, but at the age of 7 she was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away. Mom’s heart was broken.
She met her eternal sweetheart, Bud, after WWII through a mutual friend. Her best friend was dating Bud’s friend and she told mom they needed to go on a double date and mom had to go with Bud cuz he had a car. Well that started the romance of 63 years and beyond the grave. He was her love and she was his. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 21, 1949 and started the rest of lives together in Woods Cross, UT.
She was a mild, brave, strong woman and mother, as our dad would be out of town often for work. She would load 3 kids in the car and drive across the desert to Ely, NV so we could see dad. We think of her bravery, as there was nothing on that road back then but barren desert and no cell phones, but our parents knew family was important.
She was an incredible seamstress. She sewed all our clothes when we were young (that was the thing back then); especially our Easter outfits. They were always matching. Many of the neighbors would come to her for help and advice.
Carol was a talented artist. In her younger years she would paint with watercolors and later after she retired she took up ceramics. She painted many figurines for her grandchildren and family, which are now cherished treasures.
She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day. She served quietly and meekly, but she served with compassion and love. She served in the Primary, Relief Society and as the ward librarian for many years, where she used her artistic talents. She had a love for Visiting Teaching and served the sisters with dedicated love and compassion. Later she served in the Bountiful Temple where she sat with, and prepared the children, for sealings with their parents. She loved going to the temple. She had a strong testimony and a love for the Savior. As her dementia progressed it was amazing to see her become more in-tune with the world when General Conference was on. You could actually see her spirit awaken. She recognized the messages of the Savior.
After raising her family, she decided she wanted to go back to work. There was an opening at Woods Cross City for a police secretary, she applied. Our dad thought she would not be hired, but she was, which lead to a 17 year career as the police secretary and court clerk. She loved her job and the close associations she developed.
She was blessed to be the grandma of 7 wonderful grandchildren. They are her pride and joy. She loved throwing them birthday parties, planning family barbeques, taking them to Disneyland, to the park and Sunday dinners with roast, potatoes and her favorite rolls. She gave them all her love. As they grew and married she gained more grandchildren through their spouses. She loved each of them they married and later many grandchildren (and greats) were added to the family. She loves them all.
Our parents loved to travel and we were blessed to take a family vacation each year. Dad would say “We’re not going camping cuz your mom needs a vacation”, so we were spoiled. In their later years they would travel with mom’s sister and husband, Bob and LaVon, they had many wonderful adventures and fun times together (sometimes causing mischief). On one of those trips she earned the title of “Bahama Moma” from her sister.
Right before dad passed away, she was diagnosed with multi-frac dementia. She courageously lived with it for 10 years and would get frustrated with herself often saying “Why I can’t I remember?”. It was heartbreaking to watch her regress, but many tender mercies came through her struggles. We are at peace now knowing she is with her sweetheart, Bud, her son, Kurt and many other family members, her sister and parents who she loves. Mom we all love you and will be eternally grateful for your unselfish love, sacrifices and the example you set for us. My brother stated that she had a very loving heart and that she loved everyone that came into our home and welcomed them. Our parents opened their home to many a “stray traveler”.
After our dad passed away, someone told me their daughter said this “Do you know who the most cute and in-love couple in the ward is?” Her mother responded with “No, I don’t”. Her reply was “It is Bud and Carol Haacke”. What a special tribute to our parents, to see them through others eyes and now they are united again.
She is survived by her daughter, Jeri Lynn Haacke, son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Vicky Haacke, 13 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and several great, great grandchildren, her sister LaVon and her husband, Bob Walkenhorst, many nieces and nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by her eternal sweetheart, Lorus “Bud” Haacke, her son, Kurt, her parents Vernon & Rhea Hess, her little sister, Margaret Ann.
We would like to extend a very, very sincere heartfelt thanks, and love, to those who helped care for her in her final years. To Stefanie, her nurse, Ashlie, her CNA and Kelsie, her music therapist (who will sing at her services) from Atlas Hospice for their 3 years of service, compassion and love to all of us. They have become our true friends. To the many, many friends and Relief Society sisters who would offer friendship and unconditional Christ-like service to love and sit with her daily. She felt of each of your spirits and you brought peace and joy to her. To Dee, Abbi and Chelsea from Inspiration Hospice who were right there with us ‘til the end. They brought us comfort at a time of sorrow. To all those and many more who served us whether it was a listening ear, a shoulder to lean and cry on, a meal, words of encouragement and much more. We sincerely thank you and love you all.
Funeral services will be held 12 Noon, Friday, April 9, 2021 at the Woods Cross 2nd Ward, 792 West 1500 South, Woods Cross, UT. A viewing will be held at the church prior to services from 10:30 to 11:45. Interment at the Bountiful City Cemetery.
We are requesting all those attending in person to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines by wearing masks (even if vaccinated) and consideration of social distancing.
The service will be streamed on-line virtually on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/events/5575229529184017
What’s your fondest memory of Carol?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carol?
Share a story where Carol's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carol you’ll never forget.
How did Carol make you smile?