Heaven welcomed home our sweet mom, Carolyn Edythe Gilger, where she joyfully reunited with her beloved husband. She passed away on October 30, 2025, in Cedar City, Utah. Carolyn was born to Jesse and Edythe Holmes on May 25, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Carolyn graduated from West High School and was employed at Cedar High School for 31 years.
She married her sweetheart, Clinton Gilger, on May 1, 1969, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Later, they were sealed in the St. George Utah Temple on December 8, 1978. Together, they raised six children: Robert, Jody, David, Lynnette, Deanna, and Allison.
Carolyn loved her family, her friends, and her Savior. She spent many happy years working at Cedar High School, always cheering on the Redmen and lovingly “whipping her kids into shape” as if they were her own. She found great joy in sharing her faith and testimony with everyone she met.
Carolyn was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed music, serving others, crocheting, walking, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her children: Robert (Miki) Keene of St. George, UT; Jody DeRyke of Cedar City, UT; David (Kathleen) Keene of Caliente, NV; Lynnette (Gregg) Lofgran of Ashburn, VA; Deanna (Garrett) Oleen of Round Rock, TX; and Allison (Stacey) Palmer of Cedar City, UT; as well as 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clinton Gilger; her brother, Richard Holmes; her sisters, Judy Lee and Joan Holmes; and her son-in-law, John DeRyke.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Southern Utah Mortuary. Viewings will be held Tuesday, November 4, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., and Wednesday, November 5, from 9:30–10:30 a.m., all at Southern Utah Mortuary. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.
To view a livestream of the service and share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org