Carol Bendixsen

Carol Bendixsen of Hermiston, Oregon, was born on December 24, 1929 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.On her own terms and with joyful anticipation of reuniting with the love of her life, family members and close friends, Carol Maughan Bendixsen left this life on November 29th, just a few weeks shy of her 89th birthday.  

Carol had an incorrigible zest for life accompanied by a deep desire to please those she loved. She possessed immense artistic ability and an eye for the beauty of nature. Significantly, she loved to laugh and enjoyed stimulating conversation.  In her last days, it was obvious that her lack of ability to converse and express her feelings was truly her biggest frustration. 

Carol grew up in Pocatello, Idaho with her parents, a sister and two handsome brothers.  She was a gifted dancer and prided herself on the title of Jitterbug Champion in high school. 
While attending BYU, she met a wonderful man for whom she made her famous fudge for on their very first date.  The rest is history.  Richard Bendixsen was purely and completely smitten with this tiny 5’2” firecracker. In September 1950 in the Idaho Falls Temple, they began building a beautiful life together. Over time the family grew to 5 children, 20 grandchildren and 60 great-children….undoubtedly the focus of Carol’s mortal existence and biggest source of joy.   Throughout her life, nothing brought her more giggles and smiles like visits from her grandkids and great grand
children. 
 
Carol had a magnetic personality and an appreciation for things done well.  She made her home a place of artistic expression that included an array of her beautiful oil paintings, her colorful and tasteful decorating and endless photographs of her family.  When you came to visit her, there was always a homemade treat and a cold drink to welcome you. It was as if she knew you were coming! Cooking for her family and friends was an expression of her love for others. She did it better than anyone we know. 

Her love of Jesus Christ and her testimony of Him fueled Carol throughout her life.  Her embrace of the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints comforted her and gave her purpose.  Her desire and ability to serve others came naturally, particularly helping those who were down trodden or over-burdened. Lifting and teaching those around her was her calling in life and one she seemingly mastered.

While our hearts ache at the monumental loss, those who loved her are relieved that she is no longer suffering.  Carol is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Richard Bendixsen,  her parents, Morgan and Eleanor, her sister, Helen and her brothers, Fred and Thomas, along with many loved nieces and nephews. She is survived by her five children, Sheila Reynolds (Garry) Kristine Bennett (Jon) Sue Theissen (Donna) Kurt Bendixsen (Susie) and Jenny Bauer (Eric), their children and grandchildren.  

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center, 1035 SE 9th St., Hermiston, OR 97838.

Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery, Hermiston, Oregon.

Please leave an online condolence for Carol’s family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements. 

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