Carla Locke

Obituary for Carla Locke

Carla Gay Saunders Locke, 89, of Dripping Springs, Texas, died on May 22, 2024.

She was born in Ogden, Utah in 1934 to Albert and Bernice Saunders. She married John Robert Locke on February 26, 1953, in Ogden, Utah, and was sealed to him in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 21, 1960.

With John, Carla made the Air Force her home and career. Every three years they moved bases and the idea of going somewhere new thrilled Carla. Louisiana was one of her favorite moves. Going from Utah to Louisiana was akin to taking her to the moon, but she adapted to this new and strange environment like a real trooper. She loved the different lifestyle and leisurely pace of this southern state. Carla and John lived in six states and two foreign countries, including France, where she immersed herself in French history and culture. She loved visiting Europe’s historical sites, dropping everything to go to a castle or museum. Her favorite place was wherever John was. She loved him more than she loved her own life. She proved she would risk her life for him one dark night in Louisiana. To put that story here would take too much space so ask John what happened.

When she and John were dating she said she wanted five or six children. She envisioned that one would be a red-haired girl and one a blond-haired boy. John will tell you that he filled her order to a tee. Not only did she have six babies but they adopted three more little ones along the way. So she raised nine children and gave each of them her love and attention.

Carla loved life and could get excited over the slightest thing. Once in Louisiana, she saw small lights in some dark shadows. When John told her they were lightning bugs, she almost jumped out of the car. She said she thought that lightning bugs only existed in fairy tales. She maintained many childlike qualities as she grew older and had more life experiences.

Carla loved Jesus Christ. She loved the Church and served by accepting callings and supporting John when he was called to serve. She served as a teacher, Relief Society president, missionary, and temple worker.

Carla raised nine children, along with many, many friends of those nine. One time when one of her sons was playing with a friend this friend soiled his pants. He was afraid his mother would spank him. Carla’s son told his friend, “You can come to my house. My mother won’t care, she will just wash your clothes.” There are too many people to name who felt Carla’s loving influence.

Carla is predeceased by her parents, Albert and Bernice Saunders, and her brother, Robert Saunders. She is survived by her husband, John Robert Locke; her sisters Diane Saunders Hilton, Nancy Saunders McPherson, and Betty Saunders Cottle; her children JeanMarie Locke, JanaLee (Curtis) Hankins, JoiAnn (Kenny) Solt, JeriLynne (Leonard) Lamb, Jack Alfred (Jennifer) Locke, John Albert (Jennie) Locke, Charlie Otero, Danny (Tina) Otero, and Carmen (Leonard) Montoya; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 31, 2024, at 1 p.m. CT at the Austin Texas Oak Hill Stake Center, 5201 Convict Hill Rd in Austin, with a live stream broadcast for those who want to join remotely.  https://zoom.us/j/99077873764