Florence Karin Bannon King

Florence King passed away in her home surrounded by her family. Florence lived a full, happy, healthy life. In her later years, though vascular dementia took much from her, it could not rob her of her loving heart.

Florence married Warren “Pat” King at 18 and they lived lovingly together for 68 years. They began their life with very little but with deep love, faith, and determination they were very blessed. Florence was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Venice Bannon. Florence is survived by her six children, Patrick King, Catherine Sudbury (Ray), Michael King (Alicyn), Thomas King (Robin), Daniel King, and Colleen Johnson (Dave); 17 grandchildren Jeremy King, Nicholas King (Ashley), Brittany King, Mathew King (Stacy), Carlton Sudbury (Richelle), Danica Perez, Corrine Sudbury, Mikel King, Alexandra Penington (Nick), Erica King, William King (Savannah), Emily King, Zachary King, Megan King, Hunter Johnson, Cassidy Johnson, and Ciara-Olivia King; 13 great grandchildren; and five siblings Valerie Lager, Catherine Hill, Cynthia Bannon, Annhara Klesath, and Harry Bannon.

Florence found quiet joy in making jewelry, cross stitching, puzzling, canning everything (fruits, jams, pickles, tomatoes), reading with the children at Guadalupe Center, caring for her family, and making the most of what they had. Florence was a wonderful seamstress and made most of her own clothes, her young children’s clothes, and both of her daughters beautiful wedding dresses. Florence loved time with her grandchildren baking and decorating sugar cookies and having sleep overs with everyone in the same oversized bed. Florence was the perfect hostess and could pull a dinner party together for fifty with little notice. Florence was always active. She played tennis and golf, rode bikes and was in a bowling league. With her family and friends, she loved to play cards. The family game was Pinocle, but she played with bridge and ninety-nine groups. With her husband Pat, Florence travelled the world visiting every continent.

Florence lived simply, spending only what is necessary and finding fulfillment not in possessions, but in generosity. Prosperity never changed Florence, she was her own mechanic, contractor, and landscaper. The most extravagant artwork in her home was framed puzzles, cross stitch, and pictures of loved ones. Florence was a devout catholic and was active in her church. Florence’s generosity has impacted more than fifty human service organizations around the world. Honoring Florence’s compassion and enduring commitment to strengthening families, The Children’s Center Utah West Valley location will be called the Florence K. King Children’s Mental Health Center with a beautiful portrait of Florence located in their donor recognition area.  The Children’s Center Utah provides comprehensive, trauma-informed mental health services for children ages 0–6 and their families, addressing challenges at a critical stage of development.

Florence lived a full happy life, and her legacy of giving will live on through her children and the next generations. We are grateful for our memories of her. Florence will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1375 Spring Lane Holladay, Utah. Followed by a Celebration of Life and Naming Dedication at the Cottonwood Country Club, 1780 Lakewood Dr., Holladay, UT at 12:30 PM.

She will be laid to rest privately at Larkin Sunset Gardens.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Children’s Center Utah at 3725 W. 4100 S. West Valley City, Utah 84120.