Anne Castleton

Anne Thurgood Castleton

August 20, 1935 – August 28, 2025

Anne Thurgood Castleton passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by her loving husband, Grant, and their sons Ron and Jon.

Anne was born on August 20, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the first daughter of J. Grant Thurgood and Ethel Alder Thurgood. She was later joined by her brother David and sister Janet, with whom she shared lifelong bonds of love.

She attended Uintah Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, and East High School. After two years at the University of Utah, Anne attended Brigham Young University for three semesters before returning to graduate from the University of Utah in 1957 with a degree in Elementary Education. She cherished her time teaching third grade at Uintah Elementary-her childhood school-where she worked under the same principal she had admired as a student.

Anne was admired from her youth for her beauty, charm, and many friendships. A member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, she had many admirers and was often celebrated for her striking looks. She won numerous beauty contests and was honored as an attendant to the 1956 University of Utah Homecoming Queen.

Beyond her outward beauty, Anne was beloved for her extraordinary memory, captivating personality, and gift of conversation. She had an enchanting smile and a laugh so contagious that tears of joy were often shed-especially during lively card games of "Heck-of-a-Mess" with family members and dear friends Don and Mary Alice Moss.

On March 20, 1957, Anne was sealed to her eternal companion, Grant Whitney Castleton, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised four handsome sons-Doug, Jeff, Ron, and Jon-who brought her immeasurable joy and gratitude.

Anne delighted in travel and made precious memories with her family and friends in places such as Lake Powell, Sun Valley, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Mexico, and across Europe. London was her favorite destination, where she loved seeing Princess Diana and playfully imitating the British accent. She also cherished visiting Church history sites with her husband and closest companions.

An active and athletic woman, Anne grew up in a tennis-loving family alongside her father (Daddy) and sister Janet. She also enjoyed skiing, golfing, and swimming. She and Grant spent a lifetime attending sporting events at the University of Utah and BYU, always supporting their sons and later cheering on their grandchildren.

Anne was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in many callings within Primary and Young Women's and wholeheartedly supported her husband and sons in their priesthood duties. All four of her sons earned the rank of Eagle Scout in large part due to her encouragement and dedication. During their missionary service, she never missed sending weekly handwritten letters, each filled with love, testimony, and strength.

Anne cherished her friendships throughout her life, holding them close to her heart. She was especially grateful for her loving daughter-in-law, Pam, who became like a daughter to her.

She was also a constant support to her husband in developing their family business, Castleton's, where she proudly served as its best customer.

Anne was known for her remarkable ability to remember every birthday, anniversary, and special occasion of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends and relatives. Each was honored with a Hallmark card and a personal handwritten note, making everyone feel seen, loved, and celebrated.

She was a self-proclaimed night owl, rarely going to bed before midnight. She loved watching Johnny Carson, faithfully reading the obituary pages, checking the weather forecast, and delighted watching every Hallmark television show.

Together, Anne and Grant built two homes on Mount Olympus, where they raised their family and developed cherished friendships over four decades. Later, they moved to their home in Draper, where they found joy in new friendships within the Cottages Community, ward service, temple attendance, and wonderful neighbors.

Anne is survived by her eternal companion, Grant; two sons, Ron (Kim) and Jon (Wendy); her devoted daughter-in-law, Pam Pierce; her sister Janet; her brother David; sisters-in-law Judy Soderberg and Debbie Castleton; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her treasured sons Doug and Jeff, and members of Grant's family including two brothers, two sisters, and three brothers-in-law.

Funeral Services

Services will be held at the Draper 9th Ward, 12353 South 600 East, Draper, Utah 84020. A viewing will be held Friday, September 5, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the same location, and again Saturday, September 6, from 9:45–10:45 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. Services will be available to view online at the link below.

Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah.

The Castleton family expresses deep gratitude to Dignity Home Health–Hospice for their tender care during the past year, especially Becky and Carmen, whose daily kindness and love blessed Anne's final days. Appreciation is also extended to Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary for their compassionate and professional service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund, a cause especially dear to Anne's heart.

For more details, updload photos, leave condolances, and to view funeral services, please visit: https://my.gather.app/remember/anne-castleton