Carolyn Davis Bush

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Carolyn Davis Bush, passed peacefully from this life on February 13, 2025 after a faithful experience with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was a light to all and influenced many, radiating the light of Jesus Christ and drawing others closer to God through her unwavering confidence in Him. 

Carolyn was born on December 18, 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the second daughter of Donald Henry Davis and Dona Blanche Reid. She graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1971 and then from Brigham Young University in 1975 with a degree in Elementary Education and Learning Disabilities. She married her sweetheart, William Randall Bush, in the Salt Lake Temple on May 16, 1975.

Carolyn served extensively in education, first as a school teacher, then as an advocate for her own children by serving in each of their classes. For many years she worked as a local and state leader for Utah PTA, and also as a charter member of the Davis County Gifted Association. She later served as president of the Forest Grove School Board in Oregon. She was a teacher of teachers and enriched the lives of countless students, parents, and educators. 

She was a master storyteller with a gift to enliven a tale, sharing in such a way that would captivate eager listeners. She was a perfect host and provided amazing meals and ministering to her neighbors and friends. She had a love for fine music and taught others to love music including as a piano teacher for 30 years. She was an award-winning gardener and garden blogger who loved being outside in the Magic Hours. She routinely transformed bare ground into enchanting spaces. 

Carolyn lived her life as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She invited children, youth, and adults she served to discover for themselves the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She loved serving with her eternal companion in the House of the Lord, including assignments as an ordinance worker in the Mount Timpanogos and Draper temples. 

Her greatest joy is her posterity. She loved being a mother and delighted in seeing her children and grandchildren walk in truth and light. Her life has been one full of virtue, which she espoused at home and in the community. She defended the sanctity of home and family. 

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 50 years, William R. Bush; her eight children, David (Debbie) Bush, KellyAnne (Justin) Wright, Bryan (Camille) Bush, Cason (Breanne) Bush, Kathryn (Ben) Ontiveros, Rebecca Bush, Aaron (Carlie) Bush, and Emilee (Kaleb) Roosa; and 29 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Donald (Tami) Davis and Ronald (Lisa) Davis, and sister Marilyn (Gary) Frazier. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Linda Lee. 

Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate Carolyn's life on Saturday, February 22 at the Bridle Gate Ward Chapel, 4345 S Medallion Dr, Washington, Utah 84780. A viewing will be held at 9:00 a.m. and funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, UT 84770. 

Her family expresses heartfelt appreciation to those who lovingly cared for Carolyn, especially near the end of her life, including staff from Primrose Retirement Community and Dixie Hospice; her sweet sister-in-law Gayle Workman; her daughter and son-in-law, Kathryn and Ben Ontiveros; and her sweetheart, Bill, who provided unending selfless and gentle care. 

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6