Carolyn Marie Wold Ross

Carolyn Marie Ross, born January 25, 1956, in Ogden, Utah, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and love. She was the daughter of James L. and Carolyn Barr Wold and the beloved sister of Jim (Shelby) Wold and Paul (Patricia) Wold. She was born at Saint Benedicts Hospital. At the time of her birth, her mother Carolyn had intended to name her Kristen Kae and filled out her birth certificate as such. Unbeknownst to Carolyn, her husband Jim tore up the original certificate and renamed her Carolyn Marie after her mother and nicknamed her Skeeter, who she was known throughout her life.

Carolyn was her daddy’s girl. Her father Jim would see and care for her every day he could. He was her hero. Her mother Carolyn ran the household. She made sure her daughter had everything she always needed. They enjoyed Sunday dinners together, a ritual her mother continued after Jim passed to ensure quality time with the daughter she loved so much.

Carolyn attended Saint Joseph Elementary School for first and second grade before transferring to Marlon Hills in South Ogden. She attended South Junior High School and graduated from Bonneville High School. She attended 2 years at the University of Utah and finished her associate’s degree at Weber State University.

While working at Gibson Discount Center, Carolyn met Phillip N. Ross. Their connection grew into a marriage and a family that brought two children into the world: Krisha Danielle Ross and Adam Paul Ross (wife Jielian). Her legacy continued with her grandchildren, Auja McCallum (Koby McCallum), Christopher M. Neff “2.0,” and Tyus M. Neff “4.8”; and her great-granddaughter, Aaliyah Pearl McCallum.

Carolyn was very close to all her grandparents. She would occasionally stay overnight with her maternal grandparents, Robert and Mary Barr. There would be games at night with grandma and in the morning, grandpa would get her up early, give her a little bit of coffee, milk, and sugar and she would sit at his feet while they read paperback mystery novels. This began her lifelong passion for reading. Her mother has given her over 30 James Patterson’s novels, of whom she loves. As she got older, the home of her paternal grandparents, Carl and Lavina Wold, a place where everyone was welcome, became a haven and a place for joy. Grandpa always had candy, and grandma was there for long conversations, laughter, and lots of love.

Carolyn built an accomplished professional life. She served as assistant manager at the Defense Depot of Ogden’s Officers Club. She was Executive Assistant to CEOs John Goddard and Paul Nueenschwander, both giants of the financial industry in Utah. While working for them she had her first MS attack at their office. She worked with them from 1981-1991. They bought her first mobile cart.

She was a devout catholic. She was married in Saint Joseph’s Church by Father Joseph Mayo. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and during her battle with her illness received countless visits from Father Patrick Elliot and Father William Wheaton who provided support and encouragement. In 1997 Carolyn and her mother took a trip to Europe led by Monsignor Robert Servatius. The primary reason was to visit Lourdes and the Vatican. The first stop was Paris. There they visited small chapels at Notre Dame and Saint Catherines, where Monsignor Servatius said mass. They also dined at the Eifel Tower. They next traveled to Lourdes where both she and her mother were placed in the spring water to bless and heal them. And finally at the Vatican, Carolyn’s mother pushed her wheelchair to the front of a large crowd of thousands of people just to the side of Pope John Paul II as he said mass. After mass, Pope John Paul II blessed Carolyn, and her mother along with the other individuals in wheelchairs that day. It was a once in a lifetime trip.

She participated in groundbreaking immunology research as one of the first Copaxone study participants, paving the way for improved treatment and understanding of multiple sclerosis — a condition she faced with unmatched grace, humor, and resilience. She was an active advocate for disability rights. In the early 1990s, she proudly joined a group of representatives who traveled to Washington, D.C., to help advocate for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Carolyn’s spirit was defined by her laughter, faith, and boundless optimism. Carolyn was a huge sports fan. She loved her Cubs and her Eagles and never missed a game. She enjoyed pottery and ceramics and loved making keepsakes with her hands. She loved Law and Order, classic TV shows, and a cold Diet Pepsi. Even through her toughest days, she remained upbeat and full of light.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Katy Monks, Carolyn’s longtime caretaker, and her husband, Chris, for their devotion and friendship. Deep appreciation is also given to her nurse Diane Lee Higgs and her family for their years of care, compassion, and love. The family would also like to thank the Intermountain Health Home Care aides who cared for her twice a day for 12 years as well as Dr. Brooke R. Drollinger, MD. and Dr. Sydney C. Piercey MD. for their years of thoughtful care.

Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1100 East 5550 South, Ogden. Friends may visit with family on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. with Rosary from 7 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.