Caryn Somerville

A beautiful ray of sunshine lightened our world on January 31, 1972, in Great Falls, Montana. Caryn Garner was born the 5th child and 2nd daughter of Carol Wright Garner and Richard Garner. When little "Carrie" was almost three years old, she moved with her Mom and siblings to Layton, Utah, where the influence of her sunshine continued to grow.

Caryn was excited to return to Montana each summer to spend time on Grandpa and Grandma Wright's farm. There were endless possibilities for fun! One of the most important parts of Caryn's life had its beginning during those summer visits. Her sweet Grandma Miriam taught her to play the piano. Throughout Caryn's life, she found joy in playing and listening to piano music. For many years, she was the pianist for Primary, our Church's organization to teach children faith in Jesus Christ through lessons and music. She was an excellent piano instructor, helping dozens of friends learn how to play the instrument she adored. She is proud that all her children have learned or are learning to play.

While in high school, Caryn met the tall, dark, and not-so-handsome Loren Somerville in gym class. He tried unsuccessfully to impress her with his athletic prowess, but it wasn't until they began working together at King's department store that his work ethic and tight jeans won her over. After graduation and Loren's church missionary service, their dreams came true by being married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on December 8, 1994. Although the high that day was only 32 degrees, their love melted the ice!

Caryn absolutely loved her family. More than any other activity she wanted to be with her husband, children, parents, and her siblings and their families. She would have been happy to live in a family commune with everyone close by. Frequent visits to northern Utah to be with family members was a permanent part of the Somerville calendar and budget. She is a gatherer at heart! It will not be surprising to see Caryn in the front of the welcoming committee, greeting each successive family member into the spirit world, wrapping her arms around them, and saying how happy she is to see them. Truly, her work and her glory is, and will continue to be, her precious posterity.

Caryn was heartbroken to learn that after Loren was hired to work as a religious educator for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they were moving with 4-month-old Luke to Tucson, Arizona in January 1998. For a girl who had never lived more than 15 minutes away from her mom, the news did not go over well. She quickly discovered however that she enjoyed making memories with her ever-growing Tucson family almost as much as with her eternal family. Caryn's ray of sunshine has warmed the desert for 28 years.

Even more than Caryn's love for her family, is her love and devotion to her Redeemer, Jesus Christ. She had a beautiful testimony of the Savior, and she spoke freely of him as a respected and honored Friend. She served in the Church for many years as an adult leader in the Young Women and Primary organizations.

She had epic faith in Jesus Christ even though it became apparent that she would not be healed from the terminal disease spreading in her body. In November 2019, Caryn was diagnosed with, but not defined by, metastatic breast cancer. She fought a majestic, 6-year battle worthy of the annals of heaven. Although cancer took her mortal body, it will not win because of Jesus Christ's victorious Resurrection. Caryn will live again and be reunited with her eagerly expectant family!

Caryn will be desperately missed by her husband Loren, and her beautiful children, daughter-in-law, and grandson: son, Luke (Trasea); daughters, Alexandrea, Lucy, and Charlotte; and grandson, Ezra. Caryn's memory will live on in the heart of her amazing mother, Carol Iverson, whom Caryn spoke with every day. She will also be missed by her siblings, Brett (Debbie) Garner, Chris (Jennifer) Garner, Matthew (Karen) Garner, Laura (Randy) Cowder, Andie (Jeff) Butler, and Mark (Annie) Iverson. Caryn dearly loved all her nieces and nephews and their children.

When Loren was a young teenager, he wrote in his journal that his dream girl would be short, beautiful, blonde, and an amazing pianist. Now this perfect woman is once again the girl of his dreams.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11:00am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3530 W Magee Rd, Tucson, AZ 85741.

Remote participation in the funeral can be accessed here: https://zoom.us/j/94328168312

or by going to https://broadcasts.churchofjesuschrist.org and entering this event code: 518819

The family will hold two public visitations: 1) Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5:00-8:00pm, at the Vistoso Memorial Chapel Funeral Home located at 2285 E Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Oro Valley, AZ 85755. 2) Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9:00-10:30am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3530 W Magee Rd., Tucson, AZ 85741.

The family gives everlasting thanks to the hundreds of friends and family members who have prayed for, served, and loved our sweet Caryn during her 6-year journey.