Carol Gericke

Carolyn Joan Atherton

April 5, 1940 – 2026

Carolyn Joan Atherton was born April 5, 1940, in Santa Monica, California, to loving parents who raised her with strong family values and a love for the outdoors.

Carol was born during World War II. Her mother worked in a factory while her father served in the United States Navy. During those years, Carol spent much of her time with her grandparents. She was the middle child, with an older half-brother, Warner, and a younger brother, Raymond Jr., affectionately known as “Jr.”

Following the war, Carol's family lived in the Los Angeles area before moving to Northern California. She began school in Berkeley and later lived in Oakland. Around the age of 10, her family returned to West Los Angeles, where she attended school in the Cheviot Hills area. Carol graduated from Hamilton High School, where she was a member of the drill team and participated in Rainbow Girls and The Dardenells.

Carol developed a lifelong love of horses at a young age. Her family had a cabin in Crestline, California, and she frequently spent time there. She would save her money so she could visit the stables and go horseback riding. During one of her visits with her grandmother, Nana Warner, Carol met her first husband, Dave. They later married and lived in San Bernardino, California, where they welcomed their daughter, Donna M. Their marriage ended in divorce after approximately three years.

Carol later met her second husband, Garry, at the stables. Together they lived in Idyllwild, California, where their son, Roy W., was born. They later moved to Riverside and then Glen Avon, California.

Carol worked as a playground supervisor at an elementary school and later worked as a collector for Bank of America. She was very involved in her son Roy’s junior rodeo activities and even operated a hot dog stand at the rodeos.

Eventually, Carol and Garry moved from California to Antimony, Utah, where they built their own home on 40 acres. Carol loved the land, her animals, gardening, and the peaceful country lifestyle. After Garry’s passing, she moved to Cedar City, Utah, where she built a home and continued to enjoy the things she loved most.

Carol will be remembered for her love of gardening, macramé, horses, animals, family, and the simple joys of life. She had a special ability to find happiness in caring for the things and people around her, and she leaves behind countless memories that will be treasured by her family for generations to come.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Garry, and her parents.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna M. Twitchell (Lloyd); her son, Roy W. Gericke (Angie); five grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Our House Assisted Living and Atlas Hospice Comfort Care for their compassionate care, kindness, and support given to Carol and her family.

A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Cedar Valley Funeral, 2086 N Main St., Cedar City, Utah.

Burial will follow the service in Widtsoe, Garfield County, Utah.

Carol will be deeply missed, but her love, laughter, strength, and memories will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends.

Forever loved. Forever remembered.