Margaret Carlston

University of Utah’s First Homecoming Queen

Our dear, sweet mother, Margaret Jane Price Carlston passed away Sunday, April 29, 2012, after an amazing life of 96 years. Margaret was born April 6, 1916 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Edna Hampton and Charles William Price. She was proud of her pioneer grandparents and inherited their strong pioneer qualities that carried her throughout her life. Margaret grew up in the Avenues of Salt Lake City.  She attended East High School and the University of Utah where she pledged the Delta Gamma Sorority.  She loved her DG sisterhood and remained an active member for 75 years.  Margaret was honored to be the first U of U homecoming queen in 1936.  Her status as a queen was never lost, as she lived a regal life. She graduated from the U with a degree in Business/Type and a teaching credential.

Margaret married Kenneth DeWitt Carlston on January 20, 1940.  Together, they raised five children in Whittier, California.  In her mid 50’s, while her youngest children were in high school, Margaret went back to college to earn her California teacher''s credential and became a substitute teacher for the Fullerton Union High School District, where she taught for nearly 30 years.  Margaret retired at the age of 86 because she was “just too busy”. She loved that her students thought she was a “real cool sub”.

Margaret loved reading, the theater, Shakespeare, BYU ballroom dance, hanging out with her friends at the Hollywood Bowl, eating ice cream on her patio with family and friends and Catalina Island where she spent her summers of her youth.  Most of all she loved people.  Margaret never met a stranger. She made everyone she met feel special.  She was the “Other Mother” to many and a friend to all. She was confident in herself and shared her love of life with all who knew her.  She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She served in many callings but her favorites were visiting teacher and teaching the 16-17 year olds Sunday school class.

She is survived by her five children: Dennis (Peggy) Carlston, Ontario, CA, Greg (Mary) Carlston, San Clemente, CA, Kathy (Jarel) Miner, SLC, UT, Steve (Loni) Carlston, Studio City, CA, and Susan (Erick) Markey, SLC, UT, 20 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.  Preceded in death by her parents, husband, Tyler Carlston-grandson, Hampton Price-brother, Barbara Waldrop-sister.

Our family would like to thank all who loved our mother and for the tender care you gave her during her final days. Thank you to the wonderful CNA''s, “the butler” and administrators at the Coventry Assisted Living in Cottonwood Heights,  Heather with Envision, Jennifer with Haven Hospice and the other Haven angels. We also thank Kevin for his daily hugs and kisses on her forehead, Amber and Debbie for their kindness, and Jolene for her weekly hair dos.  She loved you dearly.

Ever the party girl, we will be celebrating Margaret''s life Saturday, May 12, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cottonwood Heights Stake Center, 6890 S. Whitmore Way (2225 E.) Cottonwood Heights, Utah, where family and friends may visit from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m.  Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to Primary Children''s Medical Center Foundation (primarychildrens.org) or to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund (pef.lds.org/pef/howcanihelp).

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