Carolyn Curtis Tanner was born in Litchfield Park, Arizona on January 7, 1941. She was the oldest of 5 children (Nik–deceased, Linda, Bobbie, and Ann) born to Armon and Fay Curtis.
She was married to her sweetheart, Lyle Tanner, in the Mesa Arizona temple on June 4, 1959. These two lovebirds welcome three children into their home, Dianna, Curtis, and Mike. Over the years the family moved around from AZ, FL, CA, and MI, pursuing education and professional opportunities, with Lyle and Carolyn building their home in Queen Creek, AZ.
Carolyn was actively involved in her church and her favorite callings were when she could teach the gospel to others and serve in the temple. She advocated for education for all, was the keeper of family stories, and sought to better the world wherever she was. She loved to create beautiful things, sewing her own clothes and draperies, and was known for her homemade rolls. She loved to travel and experience new places, people, cultures, and perspectives.
Her passionate love for all of God’s children was passed onto her from her mother and grandmothers. Her desire to become a teacher was finally realized at the age of 40. She taught primary grades for 9 years, then transitioned to being a Secondary School Principal, ending her career working for the Arizona State Department of Education focusing on ensuring reading success for children.
She took great joy in the lives of her 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren with 3 more on the way. She would always light up whenever she saw them and was known for bragging about their accomplishments to her morning walking group.
Carolyn passed away in Florence, AZ on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in the loving care of her cousins, Kim and Marilyn Willis.
She is proceeded in death by her parents Armon and Fay, brother Nik, sweetheart Lyle Tanner, and second husband Dean Clarkson.
She is survived by her sisters, her 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and soon to be 17 great grandchildren.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday April 19, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1249 S 48th St, Mesa, AZ 85206.
The viewing will be from 8:30-9:45am with the Memorial Service starting at 10am. A graveside service to follow at ~12:30pm at the Mesa Cemetery (1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201).
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
My Dear Cousin Carolyn- With my Sympathy and my Love I hate to see you Go – but we have had good times! So glad we are Cousins and will be Family through Eternity! Thanks for your Example and Love through the Years! I Love You♥️
Love to all of Carolyn’s family. Linda, Bobbie and Ann, her 3 children and her grandchildren you are all in our prayers. Carolyn was always so beautiful and special to all of us younger Nikolaus cousins. Such a gracious and loving lady. Thanks to Kim and Marilyn for their love for her and tender care to the very end.
I have always thought a lot of Carolyn! She was always so kind a loving to everyone. I loved going to visit her with my mom. She is a classy lady. I love you, and you will be missed. Thankfully families are forever. Prayers and thoughts to her family. I dearly love this Nikolaus family of mine.
She was very sweet and loved very much by Kim and my sister
Marilyn.I enjoyed meeting her.
I am sure she is at peace, now.