Charles Carlton Ence ~ 2012Charles Carlton Ence passed away on October 10, 2012, the day of his 68th anniversary with his sweetheart Mary Mulder Ence. This exemplary father is honored by his seven children and their spouses, 37 grandchildren and 71 great-grandchildren. He leaves a legacy of family love nurtured at gatherings for any occasion. Carlton was a very involved father who took his children on camping trips to the Grand Tetons and excursions to other destinations in the west. He coached softball for years and he loved to go with his family to U football games. He helped with homework, required yard work and had high expectations of his children. His greatest joy was to be where his family was. He cherished his children and he told them often. Carlton had athletic talents that gave him pleasure throughout his life. In his youth, his prowess as a fast-pitch softball pitcher led many teams to All Church tournaments and championships. His skills in bowling, horseshoes and golf led him to participate at the World Senior Games in St. George. He was an excellent golfer and a renowned fundraiser for the University of Utah Crimson Club. As a young man, he worked at Auerbach department store in the Credit office, where he met a beautiful model/salesgirl named Mary. Their courtship was interrupted when Carlton enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Within the year, he came home on surprise leave and proposed to Mary Mulder. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1944. Carltons love for Mary was evident as he raised his family, insisting that his children be respectful to their mother for the efforts she made in their behalf. He worked for over 20 years at Litton Guidance and Control Systems eventually becoming the personnel manager. He was well respected and he enjoyed his associations there. Carlton loved the Lord Jesus Christ and instilled in each of his children the importance of living the gospel everyday and taking responsibility for their actions. His church service ranged from leadership positions to simple errands for the homebound people in his ward. He took his children to welfare farm assignments; he faithfully held family night with scriptures, music and games and always made an event of the semi-annual Priesthood meeting with his sons and grandsons. He was overjoyed to serve a mission to Honolulu, Hawaii with his companion Mary. Carlton valued education for himself and his children; when he graduated in business from the University of Utah at age 50, the same day as his oldest child, he felt it was one of his greatest accomplishments. He is preceded in death by his daughter Debra Mignon, brother Dean (Evelyn) Ence, sisters Vera (Oliver) Nelson and Marjorie (Ray) Anderson and his parents Charles and Julia Ardena Coons Ence. He is survived by his wife Mary, his children Karen (Fred) Johnsen, Marcy (Stephen) Barlow, Mary Michelle (Alan) Condie, Robert (Liz) Ence, Richard (Marla) Ence, Russell (Margaret) Ence and Ronald (Tonya) Ence and a joyous posterity of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.A viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 16, from 6-8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 So Highland Dr; and on Wednesday October 17 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Kenwood II Ward building (3080 So 1765 E). Funeral services will follow at 12 noon.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the LDS General Missionary Fund. The family expresses deep thanks to the hospice services of Hector, Laura and MaryAnn.
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