Carol Jean Thedell Fairbanks of Draper, Utah, peacefully left this world at age 83, surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, after suffering a heart attack earlier that day. Carol was a devoted wife, a mother of seven children, and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother.
Carol was born on June 3, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Emil Gustave and Lela Brown Thedell. Ten years later, her brother David joined the family. Carol loved music and exceled in playing the violin. After graduating from East High, she married her sweetheart Lynn D Fairbanks in the Salt Lake Temple on August 14, 1952. They enjoyed sixty-six rich and fulfilling years together.
Carol was a wonderful example of patience, love and kindness. She was devoted to her children and encouraged their individuality and talents. She taught her family about the importance of eating healthy and exercising, and spent time teaching her love of cooking, sewing and reading. All seven of her children are examples of her unending dedication.
Despite her disease of rheumatoid arthritis, she continued to play the violin, compete in tennis, and served many in her church and community. In her later years, after surviving brain cancer and suffering several strokes, she maintained her positive outlook on life, never spoke an unkind word and always thanked everyone for any care given in her behalf.
Carol loved to travel. She and Lynn traveled the world and visited over 50 countries. They also lived in several states, including Michigan, California and Utah where they raised their family. She loved the Lord and was faithful and devoted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout her life. In 2000, Carol and Lynn served an LDS mission at the San Diego Mormon Battalion.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Emil Gustave and Lela Thedell, son-in-law Michael Pinkston and granddaughter Linnie Jean Pinkston.
She is survived by brother David Thedell, and her seven children, Janette (Lance) Paull, Susan (Harold) Ellsworth, Karen (Jeff) Pinkston Wajda, Carolynn (Steve) Jennings, Bradford (Lezlie) Fairbanks, Steven (Thalene) Fairbanks and Gregory (Teresa) Fairbanks, 28 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the Corner Canyon 4th Ward, 13366 S 1300 E, Draper, Utah. There will be a viewing from 10-11:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will take place at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Published in Salt Lake Tribune from Jan. 18 to Jan. 19, 2018
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