Norma LaVon Hanson

Norma Lavon Carlston Hanson, age 88, of West Valley City, returned peacefully to her heavenly home on January 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her daughters in the comfort of her own home.

Norma was born on January 8, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to James Shelby and Weltha Kesler Carlston. She was the fourth of five children. She graduated from Olympus High School, and around that time met the love of her life and forever sweetheart, Kenneth Hanson. They wasted no time beginning their life together, and Kenneth proudly made Norma his young bride on September 7, 1956, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they built their "fortress" from the ground up in Granger, creating a home filled with love, creativity, and hard work.

Norma was the devoted mother of five children: Diana Baumann, Sherrie (Pete) Moesser, David Hanson, Stephen Hanson, and Pauline Hanson. She was also "mom" to countless pets and critters over the years-too many to list-but her dogs always held a special place in her heart.

Norma's talents were beyond measure. She was an exceptional seamstress who could make just about anything-from wedding dresses (including her own), airplane and boat interiors, RV seat covers, curtains, bedding, clothing, doll clothes, and countless crafts. She decorated beautiful wedding cakes, and every family member was blessed with a special homemade birthday cake. Norma also created flower arrangements, worked with leather, painted, made ceramics, and explored countless other creative pursuits. Her abilities seemed endless.

Her family always enjoyed a massive garden that produced an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Norma was an avid canner, and her fruit cellar truly "floweth over" with food storage. She loved to cook and collected boxes of cherished recipes.

Norma was home with her children for most of their growing-up years, which they were deeply fortunate to have. With such a rowdy bunch, she occasionally welcomed an escape of her own.

 She faithfully served in many church callings, including the Primary presidency and more than 30 years as a ward and stake librarian. She also demonstrated sewing machines, worked part-time at Reams as a cake decorator, was a member of the Hunter Lions Club, volunteered in plays, and played the guitar for fun.

Norma loved music, loved to dance, and learned several styles over the years. She danced all the way up to her final days-music moved her soul, and she loved to move with it.

Norma is survived by her daughters Diana Baumann, Sherrie (Pete) Moesser, and Pauline Hanson; her sister Donna Brace; brother Jerry (Shirley) Carlston; sister-in-law Saundra Carlston; eleven grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved "Dear" husband, Kenneth Hanson; her sons David and Stephen Hanson; her parents James and Weltha Carlston; her brothers Leon (Nancy) Carlston and Carl Carlston; and her precious granddaughter, Crystal Williams.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Norma's hospice team-Melissa, Landry, and Amanda-for their compassionate and loving care of our dear mother.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Saturday, January 24, 2026 ~ 11:00 a.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.  Viewing will be held 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service.

Interment, Larkin Sunset Gardens 10600 South1950 East, Sandy, Utah.