Carol J Koehler

Carol Johnston Koehler was born February 15, 1933, in Hollywood, California, to William A. and Phillis (Schaub) Johnston. She married Russell (Sam) Williams on June 13, 1953, and together they had four children. They divorced in 1969. Carol later married Robert Koehler on May 7, 1976.

Around the age of five, Carol’s family moved from California back to Utah. Her growing-up years were spent in the Price and Provo areas. After her marriage to Sam and the birth of her four children, the family moved to Salt Lake City. Carol attended Stevens–Henager College, where she received an Executive Secretarial diploma, and was hired as an executive secretary to Vice President James C. Taylor at Utah Power & Light.

After some time, she secured a position as a right-of-way agent for Utah Power & Light — quite an accomplishment at the time. She was only the second female right-of-way agent to be hired. Carol traveled all over Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho procuring rights for power lines, often dealing with many “good ol’ boys” who had never worked with a woman in that capacity. She loved her work and the places it took her.

After marrying Bob, the couple spent many happy days at lakes around Utah — Bear Lake, Lake Powell, and Flaming Gorge — fishing, boating, and water skiing, which she absolutely loved. Carol enjoyed sewing and made all her professional outfits for work: beautifully tailored jackets, pants, and skirts.

After retirement, Carol and Bob relocated to St. George, Utah. She loved her garden and spent many hours picking and drying grapes and making apricot leather. She enjoyed quilting and singing in the choir at the St. George Catholic Church. She loved the cooler months, when she could start a fire in the wood stove and work on a puzzle. Carol also dabbled in painting and enjoyed any kind of artistic pursuit. She had a quick wit, and even while suffering from dementia, she could still deliver a few unforgettable zingers.

Carol is survived by her children Paula Williams, Laurel (Mark) Pierson, and Stacy Williams (Richard Tackett); six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepchildren Elizabeth (Bj) Moore and Robert (Shannon) Koehler; four step-grandchildren; thirteen step–great-grandchildren; and sisters Lee Bechtel and Judi Robinson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Koehler, son Chad Williams, grandson Eli Williams, step-grandson Travis Koehler, and sisters Norma Lee and Kolleen Smith.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Carol was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, and it was her wish that more research be done to improve understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s Disease.