Carol Ann Beckwith

Carol Ann Beckwith of Draper, Utah, died April 26, 2019, in Salt Lake City, with her daughters and sons-in-law at her side, telling her how much they loved her and how much she will be missed. Carol was a 2001 “newcomer” to Salt Lake City, where she relocated with her husband, Gilbert Beckwith, who died in 2006. Though she was born and raised in Aroostook County, Maine, she made dozens and dozens of great friends in Utah, as she did everywhere she lived and traveled.

Carol was born in Presque Isle, Maine, on August 17, 1942 to Harold and Faye (Pratt) Culberson. On October 28, 1961, she married Gilbert Ernest Beckwith, in Fort Fairfield, Maine, where they were both raised. They lived in Madawaska, Maine, for 20 years, and raised their two daughters, Deborah and Cynthia, there. Beginning in the early 80s, Gib’s career in the paper industry took them to Bucksport, Maine, then Sartell, Minnesota, and finally Monroe, Connecticut, before they built a house and retired to Draper, Utah.

What Carol lacked in height, she made up for in charisma. She collected lifelong friends, whether they wanted to be collected or not, and she loved to throw a good dinner party. She was an active member of the Salt Lake Newcomers Club, where she served as treasurer. She was also editor of the group’s monthly newsletter, the Oasis.

Before moving to Utah, she was a Weight Watchers lecturer, a volunteer for the American Red Cross and ran a small travel company for a few years. She enjoyed walking, biking, cooking, baking, home decorating and watching the deer and quail in her backyard.

In 2006, she met Gene Curtiss at a Newcomers event. Gene became her best friend and partner for the rest of her life. They enjoyed traveling around the world, biking, wine tasting, hosting parties and cooking together. They built a house in North Las Vegas, where they spent their winters, and found another engaging group of friends.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Richard Culberson. She is survived by daughter Deborah Rodriguez, son-in-law George Rodriguez, daughter Cynthia Beckwith, son-in-law Ryan Dutcher and partner Gene Curtiss. Cynthia’s two kitties, Rudy and Stella, also want to be mentioned … they already miss her terribly.

Her family and Gene thank everyone at Huntsman Cancer Hospital, Community Nursing Services and Huntsman at Home Hospice. Leukemia is a terrible disease, and we felt fortunate to have a team of smart, caring and thoughtful nurses, aides and doctors advising and helping us through every step of her challenging illness.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 17, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. To honor Carol’s spirit, we ask that you forego the black and instead wear a bright color, RED was her favorite (though purple or yellow would be fine). Bring your memories to share.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in her memory to the American Red Cross, the Utah Food Bank, Girls Inc. of Orange County or The Nature Conservancy.