Obituary: Karla Mouritsen Roderick

1918 ~ 2004

POCATELLO

- Karla Mouritsen Roderick, 86, of Pocatello passed away Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 in Logan, Utah, in the arms of her children following a short illness. She was a selfless soul and an angel to all her family, friends, and neighbors who benefited from her giving heart.

She was born July 15, 1918 in Montpelier, Idaho the daughter of Victor and Hortense Bird Mouritsen. She married Earl Hawkins Roderick June 28, 1938 in the Logan LDS Temple. After 51 years of marriage, Earl in 1990 preceded Karla in death. They were the proud parents of one daughter and two sons. Karla spent her childhood in several communities, notably Rexburg and Sugar City, Idaho, before moving with her family to Montpelier. She was a highly skilled homemaker who loved to cook and garden. Her flowers won blue ribbons at county fairs. Karla graduated from Montpelier High School, where she enjoyed music, loved to dance, and had a beautiful soprano voice. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in ward presidencies of the Relief Society and Primary. Her greatest joy was her family. After rearing three, she made it her life calling to encourage and assist her grandchildren to accomplish their goals. When difficulties arose, they knew "a call to Grandma" would help put things right.

In addition to her husband, Earl, Karla was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers. She is survived by her three children, DeAnna Coons of Memphis, Tennessee, Lee (Yvonne) Roderick of North Logan, and Lynn (Elaine) Roderick of Phoenix, Arizona; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 13, 2004, 11 a.m. at the Central Stake Center, 225 Oakwood Drive with Bishop Troy Ruud officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday evening, Dec.12, 2004 from 6-8 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. and Monday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Mountainview Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.