Carmen Swensen

Our most amazing, strong, courageous beautiful mother passed away March 16, 2023 at the young age of 90. With loving arms her sweetheart Keith welcomed her to the other side of the veil to meet our loving Savior. She is survived by her sister Anena Martin, her 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 12 ½ great- grandchildren.

Her Daddy William Irvin Johnston and Mother Anena Lucille Johnston welcomed her into their loving family on August 24, 1932. She was the eldest of 4 children.

While working in a radiologist office with Helen Swensen the two made a plan for her to go on a blind date with Helen's brother Keith. As you can guess sparks flew and they were married March 21, 1952. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls, Idaho temple.

Over the years their family grew and they were able to expand their family to 7. They had 4 children (David, Karen, Margo, Neal) born in Idaho, and their baby (Laurie)was born in California.

Mom embraced the role as homemaker and could do just about anything you could think of. She loved working with her hands making things. Crocheting Afghans, sewing Quilts, knitting sweaters, cross stitch pictures, needle point Christmas stockings, painted ceramics etc.etc. She was the master and could do it all.

She had many jobs to help her family out financially. She started early helping her daddy's general store. She worked as a veterinary assistant, attendance secretary at the jr. high school, teller and loan officer at the bank, and one of her favorites was when she worked at a craft store. 

Church service was always very important to her. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in all organization. Primary teacher and leader, scout leader, young women's leader, librarian and even at the age of 82 she served in the presidency of the relief society. In 2004 she served a mission in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma mission. 
Three of her children and 4 of her grandchildren served missions all over the world. Missionary work has always had a special place in her heart. She housed and did laundry for missionaries serving in her stake for 13 years.

Carmen joined her husband Keith A. Swensen, brothers Jack Johnston, Kent Johnston, and sweet little great-grandchildren Colin and Brooks.

She is survived by her sister Anena Martin (Guy), children: David Swensen (Jo), Karen Nelson (Ken), Margo Roper (Mark), Neal Swensen, Laurie Paxton (Gordon). Grand children Tawnya Blanksma (Adam), Rashelle Merrick (Tony), Julia Gillett, Christian Swensen (Shayleen), Amanda Marinko (Nick), Cory Paxton, Nicole (Mertlich), Brandon Paxton, Garret Roper, Savannah Capron (Dustyn) ,and her many great-grandchildren.

We would especially like to say thank you to all of the Doctors, nurses and medical personnel who worked tirelessly to make sure she got the best care possible.

 Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 23, 2023, 11:00 a.m.. at the Bluffdale 10th Ward, 14650 South 3200 West, Bluffdale, Utah.  Viewings will be held Wednesday, March 22, 2023, 6-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, and again Thursday, March 23 10-10:45 a.m. at the Bluffdale 10th Ward, 14650 South 3200 West, Bluffdale, Utah. Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023, 1:00 p.m.
Interment, Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery , Idaho.