Carolyn Holfeltz Steed Dobson

Carolyn Dobson, age 87, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on November 2, 2026 leaving behind a family who deeply loved her. She was born in humble circumstances on February 16, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Elvira Ann Ross and David John Holfeltz. She was the youngest of five children, joining her siblings Ervin, Eva, Melva Jean, and Calvin. Being eleven years younger than Calvin, she was affectionately called the caboose of the family. Her sister Melva was given the honor of naming her, choosing Carolyn. Her mother intentionally did not give her a middle name, remarking that she would acquire more names throughout her lifetime—a prediction that certainly came true. Carolyn graduated from West High School and attended LDS Business College.

She married Alec Williams and together they had three children: Alec (Buff), Shaunna, and Alan. Following their divorce, she met John Kay Steed on a blind date. John brought two children to the family, Bob and Gail. Carolyn and John were married and welcomed two more children, Douglas and Laura, creating a true "yours, mine, and ours" family. They were later sealed as a family in the Salt Lake Temple. After John's passing in 1999, Carolyn met and married Gerald Dobson, welcoming his three children, Juli, Mary Jo, and Brad, into her heart.

Family was everything to her. If one of the children wanted to go and do something, she would drop everything to be with them—even when the activity wasn’t her favorite. She truly dedicated her life to putting her loved ones first, and that devotion is something we will all remember and cherish.

Mom was truly amazing. She skillfully managed a household of seven children, tended a half-acre garden alongside her husband, and canned fruits and vegetables to sustain their large family. An avid crafter and homemaker, she created quilts for her children and grandchildren, crocheted, painted, gardened, baked bread and delighted everyone with her delicious homemade chocolates. She had a remarkable green thumb with indoor and outdoor plants alike—if a plant was struggling, she could easily bring it back to life. She loved animals, cared for many throughout her life. Camping adventures in the camper with family was a treasured event. Being surrounded by nature brought her great joy, as she saw beauty in all of God's creations. She was also fortunate to travel the world and loved experiencing all the beauty and wonders it had to offer and always encouraged us to travel while we were young enough to enjoy it.

Once the older children had grown and moved out, she began working as a data specialist in the computer department at the Davis County Courthouse. Throughout her life, she also generously volunteered her time with organizations including the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Lakeview Hospital, and the Salt Lake County Center for the Arts.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served diligently wherever she was called. Notably, she and Jerry served together at the Davis County Jail for eight years, teaching and sharing their testimonies.

She is survived by her children Bob Steed, Gail (Scott) Frazier, Shaunna Gowan, Alan (Summer) Steed, Douglas (Lisa) Steed, Laura (Robert) Libby and Jerry’s children Juli Kae (Glade) Johnson, Mary Jo (Todd) Harris, Brad, 24 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents; siblings Ervin, Eva, Melva Jean, and Calvin; son Alec (Buff) Steed, son-in-law’s Earl Gowan, Glade Johnson.

A celebration of life will be held at Creekside Senior Center, 430 West 400 North, Bountiful on November 7, 2026 at 6:30 pm. Interment in the Farmington Cemetery at a later date.