Karen Rae (Wood) Wilcox

Karen Rae Wood Wilcox passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, at the age of 85, after a life of faith, love, and service. She was born on May 3, 1940, in Malad, Idaho, to Ray and Velda Wood. Karen was raised in Fielding, Utah, the oldest of 6 children, where she learned the value of hard work, dedication, and family.

Karen attended Bear River High School where she sang with the choir, and formed lifelong friendships that she continued to cherish throughout her life. Following graduation she fell in love with Maurice Wilcox, the handsome young man from across the street, who had just returned from military service. He would soon become her eternal companion. They were married on September 11, 1958, in the Logan Temple, beginning a loving and devoted partnership that lasted 66 years. Karen and Maurice settled in Fielding, and raised 5 children together: Sheldon, Dallen, Diana, Amy Jo, and Jeremy.

Karen was a dedicated wife, homemaker, and loving mother. She was a very good cook and baker, well known for her home-made cinnamon rolls and pies. She always had something good to eat, and offered food to everyone who came through her door. She enjoyed gardening, canning, crocheting and quilting, and made special blankets and baby quilts for each one of the grandkids when they were born.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Karen served faithfully in many callings from Primary Chorister to Relief Society President. Karen frequently visited and took food to neighbors, and offered help to everyone. She had a special gift for making others feel cared for and loved.

Karen shared her many interests and talents. She was a member of the “Reflections” singing group for many years, and had a beautiful soprano singing voice. She donated countless hours as a member of the Farm Bureau. She read and judged student essays from throughout the Bear River Valley, and facilitated farm day visits for elementary school children. Together with Maurice, she worked at the Box Elder County Fair cook stand for many years.

Affectionately known as ‘Mimi”, she had a great love for all children, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mimi loved singing and reading stories with them and made each one feel special.

Karen loved to drive and go places in her beloved shiny red Buick. She took each of her grandkids, when they got old enough, on special road trips to Yellowstone or Bear Country in Idaho. One of the highlights from her travels was a 50th Anniversary Mexican Riviera Cruise with all of her adult children and their spouses.

Karen will be most remembered for the unconditional love that she extended to her family, friends, and virtually everyone that she came in contact with. Her genuine interest and care for others flowed effortlessly. She frequently expressed gratitude for her blessings, even when she faced hardship. Her positive attitude was an example to us all.

We will miss her dearly, but are happy that she is now reunited with her beloved Maurice, who died in 2024, and her loving parents. Karen is also preceded in death by granddaughter Amanda Jo Whiteley, great-grandson Stetson Petersen, brother-in-law Ronald Wilcox, and sisters-in-law Sharon Wilcox and JaNae Wood. She is survived by her children: Sheldon (Diana) Wilcox, Dallen (Linda) Wilcox, Diana (Richard) Balling, Amy Jo (Mitchell) Whiteley, Jeremy (Tiffany) Wilcox. She is survived by siblings: Terry Wood, Ann (Marvin) Spackman, Kirk (Rona) Wood, Byron (Kathy) Wood, Richard (Rebecca) Wood, and Seth (Susan) Wilcox. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Maple Springs of North Logan and CNS Community Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 1:00 P.M. with a viewing held prior from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at the Fielding Stake Chapel located at 4375 W. 15600 N. in Garland, Utah. Burial will be at the Fielding City Cemetery following the funeral. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.