Carol Beckstrand Allen passed away peacefully at her home in Gilbert on July 10, 2021, just four days beyond her 88th birthday. Carol was born July 6, 1933 in St. Anthony, Idaho to Melvin H. and Virginia Hinckley Beckstrand. She spent her growing up years in Meadow, Provo and American Fork, Utah. She grew up with younger siblings: Helen, Harlo, Paul and Judy and a large extended family.
She met Merle M. Allen, Jr. at BYU and they were married August 16, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. Merle and Carol raised their 6 children in Scottsdale and Mesa, Arizona. Family life included: boating trips to Lake Powell, Lake Havasu, the lakes along the Salt River, also many annual beach trips to San Diego, CA and San Carlos, Mexico. Throughout her life she enjoyed serving in ward and stake callings and fully enjoyed living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Her life was filled with service toward her family, her church and community. Carol was an exceptional quilter. She made over 100 quilts including one for each of her grandchildren at their high school graduation. Carol and Merle served 4 missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at BYU Hawaii, Provo Utah MTC, Hong Kong as the Asia Area-Humanitarian Leaders and Cove Fort Historical Site. They also represented BYU-Hawaii in Wuhan, China where they taught as exchange professors. Carol was a lifelong teacher. She was a volunteer tutor, taught English as a second language, and recently stated that no teaching opportunity gave her greater joy than her 7-year-old-primary class and helping the children prepare for baptism. She recently concluded her service as a primary teacher after five years.
Merle and Carol celebrated 67 years together. She was the love of his life. She will be greatly missed by her husband and six children: Leslie (Don) Patterson, Shauna (Fred) Mortensen, Denise (Curtis) Clifford, Colette (Kent) Hatfield, Mark (Audralyn) Allen and Brian (Jeannine) Allen, her 32 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 10:00 am at the Gilbert Val Vista Stake Center, 1005 N. Voyager Dr., Gilbert, AZ. A visitation will be held Friday, July 16, 2021, 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Funeral Home, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ and Saturday, July 17, 2021, 9-10 am at the Gilbert Val Vista Stake Center prior to the service. If remembrances other than flowers are desired, a donation to the Church Humanitarian Fund is suggested.
I spent a year in Az in 1989 as a SA Rotary exchange student and will never forget Carol’s smile, caring heart and love to her children. She was and will always be an inspiration in a special corner of my heart. God bless her
I am so grateful for Carol’s example in raising a beautiful family.
I am so grateful to have been able to learn and work for her. She taught me so much . She was always so happy and always worried about others before herself. I’m so sorry I won’t be able to attend her funeral. I love all of you. Jeanne Padilla
Carol was a beautiful women inside and out. I love that i got to spend some time with her doing some re decorating in her home. She raised a beautiful family ( especially her amazing daughter colette) . Her beautiful spirit will be missed but heaven is celebrating the return of this beautiful spirit. Lots of love to all of her posterity.
Wen-Chi and I will never forget how much Sister Allen helped us when we were in Hawaii. She was always kind and smiling, a great example to many. We miss her.
We were so sorry to learn of the passing of Carol. She was a very special lady. We send our sympathy to all the family.
Jed and Nedra
Carol is such a kind, compassionate person. I’m so glad I got to know her through the book club we both belonged too. I will be unable to attend the gathering on Saturday as I will be at my Mothers funeral celebration in Provo. Love to this beautiful family and my sincere condolences .
I was so sad to hear of Carol’s passing. She was such a sweet friend to all; she will be missed. My love and prayers for her family.
Carol has always been a gentle, loving and compassionate woman. Her example of living a Christ-like life will be remembered and missed. We pray for comfort for her many family members. We’re thankful for our times with her.
I love Sister Allen and am so grateful for the time we have had to know her here! She is a beautiful lady who was always so kind and thoughtful to others. My prayers are with the family in this time. We love you! She knows our Savior lives and always tried to be like him! God be with you till we meet again sweet lady!
Oh how we love Carol. We will not only miss her winsome smile and delightful personality but a happy friendship that has spanned more than 70 years. That our daughter married Brian is purely frosting on our relationship. We will miss her more than words can express but we will always happily remember our associations with her from American Fork to Arizona and Hawaii. Our best and happiest wishes go out to Merle and all their wonderful family. With love and much aloha. Gayle and Olani
Carol’s daughter, Colette always speaks so highly of her mother for being a beautiful mother, grandmother, wife and teacher. I often think “if Carol is half and loving as Colette describes, then she is the kindest lady on earth.”
Peace to her family that will miss her dearly.
A jewel of a neighbor and sweet friend, who welcomed me with open heart . My heart is pained at this news of her passing. Blessings and comfort to Merle and family. She will always be remembered for her kindness.
Carol was one of the lights of the Lakeside ward. She and Meryl have touched the lives of everyone who had any contact with them. While we feel such sorrow for Meryl and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, what peace comes in knowing that a great eternal reward is awaiting her for a life well lived. Cindy and I will remember the Allen family in our prayers and are so grateful for the love and example and inspiration that they brought to our ward family, to our family, and to all that knew her. RIP Carol and may our Father bring peace to her wonderful husband and family.
I was so sad to hear of Carol’s passing. She was such a good, kind, loving friend to my Mom. The few weeks before my mom’s passing, Carol took the time to visit her on a regular basis and ask questions about her life so that we would have a written history. This was such a dear gift for our family. I loved chance meetings at church when we would pass in the hall, or at Stake Meetings. I’m so blessed to have had the opportunity to know her. She will be greatly missed. Praying that Merle will feel the love and comfort of friends and family at this time
Sending love and sympathy to your family. What a beautiful mother you were blessed with. May you find peace and comfort in the days to come. Love, Gary and Rosemarie Gunnell