Carolyn Ruth Player Burrell

Carolyn was born on March 11, 1943 to Heber and Ruth Player in Salt Lake City UT.

Carolyn graduated from Highland High School and often spoke about how Highland won the football championship in 1959 and what a celebration everyone had, as well as all the places they would hang out at or the eateries in those days in the sugarhouse area. She was proud to have been a “Highland Ram” as she would say.

After Carolyn graduated from high school, she began life as an adult and began working and gaining knowledge in areas that were of interest to her. Some of her interests included her desire to become a wife and mother, in which she did.

Carolyn gave birth to her first son Brian on June 24, 1962. Although her first marriage was short, Carolyn would say Brian was her happiness, and her world.

On August 18, 1971 Carolyn married Gordon Knight Burrell. Carolyn was protective of herself and her son Brian, and made Gordon wait 5 years before she would make the commitment to marry him. She was feisty.

Carolyn and Gordon went on to have 3 children, Shawn, Brett and Kevin. Gordon also adopted Brian as his own. Their family of six was complete. Carolyn and Gordon had a wonderful 43 years of marriage together before Gordon passed.

Carolyn loved to work on fun projects. When she was younger you would often find her in her sewing room working on making shirts for her kids, patching up pants, or making blankets or other fun things. Carolyn also had an immense love for reading. She would go through books very quickly. She often would share books back and forth with her daughter in law and friends. Carolyn enjoyed listening to classical music, and loved playing the violin. She had the opportunity to play and perform in several orchestras which brought her great joy. In her early 40’s she found that she had a talent for performing funny skits in front of people. She would impersonate Lilly Tomlin Skits and Mama (from Carol Burnett) skits. She would perform at some of her work parties, Ward Roadshow parties, and friend parties. She was absolutely hilarious. Carolyn and Gordon both loved to travel and as they aged into their golden year’s they had the chance to serve a mission at the Kirland Ohio Visitor Center, and to travel extensively to several parts of the world including Jerusalem. Her very favorite place in all the world though was Hawaii. She made Gordon take her there a few times.

Carolyn has faith and hope in Jesus Christ and passed away just one day before what would have been celebrated as hers and Gordons 52nd anniversary. She reunited with him just in time so they could celebrate their special time in the afterlife together.

Carolyn was predeceased by her grandparents Ab & Evelyn Jenkins (Former Salt Lake mayor and creator of the Mormon Meteor Race cars), her parents Heber and Ruth Player, her husband Gordon and grandson Alex Burrell. Carolyn is survived by her sons Brian Burrell (and partner Heather Baugh), Shawn & Kathy Burrell, Brett & Christie Burrell, Kevin Burrell and grandchildren Chantle, Dianna, Marissa, Savannah, Ariana, Nicholas, RubyLyn, as well as 9 great-grandchildren whom she loved very much. Also, she is survived by her siblings David and Dianne Player, and Evelyn and Brian Doran.

Graveside service will be held at Wasatch Lawns Memorial Park at 3401 S. Highland Dr. Millcreek, UT 84106. The date will be Tuesday August 22, 2023 graveside from 10:00-11:00.