Ann Willardsen

With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Carol Ann (Annie) Braithwaite Willardsen. Annie was born on November 6, 1941 to Elliott Riley and Eva Carol (Mellor) Braithwaite in Salem, Oregon. She passed away on April 17, 2025 in South Jordan, Utah. Annie was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, wife, mother and friend. Her tender demeanor and generous heart were adored by all who knew her. Thankfully, we know she was greeted in heaven with open arms by some of the people who loved her most: Our Savior Jesus Christ, her parents, grandparents, two brothers (John and James Braithwaite), her husband (George Arthur Willardsen), two sons (John Elliott and Joseph George Willardsen) and many other family members.
Annie was a adored by her younger brothers John, George and James Braithwaite. She doted on her brothers and their children. She was a wonderful daughter and best friend to Granny B. They loved shopping, quilting, canning and Sunday dinners on Granny B's porch in the summertime. Manti was her sanctuary from the chaos of life. She loved going home each summer.
George Arthur Willardsen married Carol Ann on August 20,1960 in the Manti, Utah Temple. Annie attended Snow College, Utah State, and Brigham Young University. She studied Early Childhood Development and started a degree in Nursing. Memory Caroline (Matthew Dixon) was born in 1961. Upon completing dental school, Art and Ann moved to Vacaville, California and James Arthur (Andrea Hart) was born while they were living in Northern California. Their family moved to Rialto, California in 1968. Margaret Rosanne (Clark Cressman), John Elliott (Marie Garff), Joseph George (Audree Shelton) and Jared Christian (Patricia Willardson) were born while the family lived in Rialto. Art and Ann created a home of spirituality, hard work, humor and love. Art and Ann moved to Rancho Mirage, California in 1999. After the passing of Art, Ann moved to Utah to live closer to her children.
It is often said that behind every good man is a great woman. Carol Ann was the great woman that helped Arthur succeed as a Dentist, Stake President, School Board Member, and Temple Worker. Annie served many distinguished LDS Church leaders in our home. She worked tirelessly to help Arthur in work, church service and parenthood. She also served as a Primary President, Young Women's President, Relief Society President, Seminary teacher and Interfaith Council leader. Annie was diligent in her church service to build Christ's Kingdom and love others.
"Mama Willy" was a surrogate mom to many people. Our home was famous for her chocolate chip-cornflake cookies and the Snickers candy drawer. Friends were always welcome in our home and on family vacations. Our Lake Powell trips often included 20 extra buddies on the houseboat. Annie was willing to include others, if it meant having her children close to home.
28 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild love and cherish Granny Annie. Each child could share funny stories, and crazy "Ann"-tics about their adventures with Granny. Annie's grandchildren have heard pioneer stories, guzzled jello bottles, collected treasures and had many laughs at Granny's house. Most importantly, they have heard her share her testimony. Granny often voiced her love for the Savior and the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Annie took advantage of every opportunity to let her children and grandchildren know of her devotion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Life does not come with an instruction manual, but it does come with a mother. The Willardsen children and grandchildren are humbled and blessed by the love, compassion and guidance of our mother and granny. She sacrificed everything to see her children happy and successful. Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye, but we rejoice in the loving example and legacy that she leaves behind.
Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. on May 2, 2025 at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home 1007 West South Jordan Parkway in South Jordan, Utah. A viewing will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The graveside dedication will be held at Manti City Cemetery at 4:30 p.m.