Ellen Jane Carter

Ellen Jane Tafoya Carter, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the age of 92 in her home in Orem, Utah. Ellen was born in Denver, Colorado, on January 23, 1933, to Bernabe and Maria Hilaria Elisa “Lala” (Lucero) Tafoya. She was previously widowed (first husband: Huseyin Kaya from Turkey). She married Bruce Carter Sr. on October 15, 1954, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He preceded her in death. They are the parents of five children: Michael Carter of West Jordan, UT; Bruce (Maryl Johnson) Carter Jr. of Weatherford, TX; Kathy (Mark) Poulsen of Lehi, UT; Brian (LaDean Wooten) Carter of Fort Walton Beach, FL; and Elisa (Rick) Stoneman of Orem, UT.

Ellen grew up in a family of five girls and three boys. She dearly loved her siblings and was fond of getting together with them. Many times, over the years, family members lived with her. She was a prolific letter writer and kept many journals. It was important to her to stay in touch with her extended family, including distant relatives. She was the driving force behind many family reunions.

Ellen loved being a mother and devoted her life to raising five wonderful children. They are a tribute to her dedication. Always learning and growing, she often frequented libraries and attended UVU for years. Mom loved flowers, gardening, sewing, ceramics, and Jazz basketball. She was an avid seamstress and loved to give away her creations, including 100’s of quilts. Mom was generous, kind, compassionate, friendly, fun, and entertaining - a real character whose antics are legendary! She often dropped off Mexican food to her neighbors and even invited the whole ward to her home for dinner. She was famous for her Mexican food and could make delicious tamales, sometimes at 2:00 in the morning! She was very generous. You couldn’t visit her without leaving with a gift at her insistence. She loved her pets including her dogs, Benji & Widdle Guy, and her cats, Moo, Choo Choo, Fluffy, Cuddles, Tiger, Little One, Blackie, and Funny Face.

With her husband, Bruce, in the Air Force for 20 years, she moved a great deal. She lived in Texas, Arizona, and California many times. She also lived in Washington State, New York, and Utah. She has lived in her current home for 52 years.

Ellen is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many loved callings such as: Primary teacher, YW teacher, and Visiting Teacher. From the moment she was born, her testimony of her Savior Jesus Christ and her Father in Heaven was unwavering. She recognized God’s hand in her life.

Mom was very childlike, especially in her later years. She would break into laughter over the smallest things. She was very grateful.

In her youth, Mom lived in homes, cleaning and nannying. She also worked at Bender’s Bakery.

She is survived by her 5 children, 37 grandchildren, 94 great-grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren, her siblings: Linda Taylor (Art), Tom Tafoya (Elaine), and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bruce J. Carter, Sr., Huseyin Kaya, her parents, Bernabe and Maria Hilaria Elisa “Lala” (Lucero) Tafoya, her siblings, Angelina Pacheco, Jim Tafoya, Cecile Gallentine, Joy McBride, and Terry Tafoya, her daughter-in-law, Monika Carter, and her granddaughters, Elena Carter and Rachael Boch.

A viewing will be held at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home located at 495 S. State Street, Orem, on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 6:00 – 8:00 PM and Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 9:30 – 10:30 AM.

The funeral will be at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 S. State Street, Orem, UT, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The place of interment will be at the Orem Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem, UT.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Kyler Stoneman and Megan Browning and their sons, Bruce and Clark. Their love, support, and care allowed Ellen to remain in her home for ten years. We also thank Melisa Lang and her daughters, Sabine and Orianna, who lived and cared for her at the end of her life. We wish to thank Inspiration Hospice for their kind and thoughtful care.

Friends and family are invited to share your favorite stories and memories of Ellen. If you have any photos or videos, please share them with us at EllenCarter1933@gmail.com.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.