Pauline Harms Wallin

Pauline Harms Wallin, our cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024, in Provo, Utah, just one day shy of her 94th birthday. Born on December 15, 1930, in Thatcher, Arizona, Pauline was a beloved daughter of Walter Henry Harms and Lola Richardson. She grew up in Thatcher alongside her seven siblings.

Throughout her youth, Pauline developed a deep love for music and art. She pursued her music and art education at Gila Junior College, earning an Associate's Degree. After graduation, she realized that there was nothing left for her in Thatcher. She had a strong feeling that she should attend a summer session at Brigham Young University. Following that feeling, in June 1951 she enrolled at BYU where she met Carl Joel Wallin Jr., who would soon become her devoted husband. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married August 3, 1951, in the Salt Lake Temple. They became the proud parents of six children who they called the KK kids: Karlene, Karl Craig, Karolyn, Kathryn, Kelvin, and Keri. Their joyful marriage was sadly interrupted by Carl's passing on Thanksgiving Day in 1999. Thanks to their sealing in the Salt Lake Temple, Pauline and Carl are now reunited eternally.

After Carl's passing, Pauline found solace and companionship living with her daughter Karolyn and her family in Orem until she was called home. Pauline is survived by five of her children: Karlene Kjerstin of Layton, UT; Karl Craig Wallin (Ina) of Pasco, WA; Karolyn Covington (Stan) of Orem, UT; Kathryn Martin(Bruce) of Pearl River, LA ; Kelvin Joel Wallin of Springville, UT; two brothers, Lorin Harms of Tempe, AZ and Stephen Harms (Susan) of Mesa, AZ; one sister, Lynette Layton of Central, AZ; 24 grandchildren; and 41 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her daughter, Keri Mottishaw, her granddaughter, Jennifer Mottishaw, one brother, Callis Harms, and three sisters, Lorene Crockett, Carolyn Crockett, and Marvel Stradling.

A woman of deep faith and devotion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Pauline centered her life around spirituality and service. Her musical talents were among her most treasured gifts. A gifted pianist and organist with a great love for music, she shared her talents generously throughout her life. One of the crowning achievements of her musical journey was serving for seven years as an organist at the Mount Timpanogos Temple-a role she fulfilled with reverence and dedication.

Beyond music, Pauline embraced life's simple joys. She loved taking long walks, reading books that inspired both mind and spirit, singing with enthusiasm that uplifted those around her, and telling jokes that brought laughter to all who listened. Her warmth and vibrant personality left an indelible impression on everyone she encountered. She truly scattered sunshine everywhere she went.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter­ day Saints located at 665 South 200 West in Orem, Utah. A viewing for friends and family will be held Thursday evening, December 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary located at 495 South State Street in Orem, and on Friday just before the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page. 

For those unable to attend in person, you may view the service HERE