Madge Gillespie Carpenter, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, at St. George Regional Hospital in St. George, Utah.
Born on March 13, 1941, in Cedar City, Utah, to Charles and Thelma Gillespie, Madge was the epitome of love, selflessness and devotion. She married B. Ray Carpenter on August 24, 1959, and they were sealed in the St. George Temple on Dec. 10, 1960.
Madge’s family was the axis around which her world turned. Her selfless love was not confined to her immediate family but extended to anyone who crossed her path. She was a mother not just to her children but also to many others she took under her wing, including numerous grandchildren she helped raise. This compassion dovetailed perfectly with her enduring faith as a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Alongside her husband Ray, she welcomed countless missionaries into their home, exemplifying a spirit of charity and kindness.
Her love for the Utah landscape, particularly the areas surrounding Cedar City, was second only to her love for her family. She was also proud to descend from early pioneers of Utah, a legacy she cherished.
Madge is survived by her loving husband Ray Carpenter and their five children RaeLynn (James) Hoskins of St. George, Utah; Kathy (Kenny) Anderton of Roosevelt, Utah; Sheri Wakeman of LaVerkin, Utah; Scott Carpenter of Ventura City, California; and Pamela (David) Malykont of Brookside, Utah. She also leaves behind her brother Guy Gillespie of Cedar City, Utah. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as sisters Dixie Lee Sprague, Mary DeLila Whitney and Dona Rae Church and a son-in-law Robert Wakeman.
Madge’s enduring legacy includes 35 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, each of whom she adored and deeply impacted. Every moment spent in her presence assured you of her unconditional love.
Services will be held as follows:
Sunday, Nov. 12, from 4-6 p.m., at Spilsbury Mortuary, located at 110 South Bluff St., St. George, Utah.
Monday, Nov. 13, from 910:45 a.m., at the LDS Stake Center Chapel at 860 North Fairway Drive, Washington, Utah.
The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at noon at the chapel, followed by burial at St. George Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Madge’s online guest book.