Karen Sue Davenport

Karen Sue (Salisbury) Davenport, age 63, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026, following an automobile collision.

Karen was born on August 20, 1963, in Bountiful, Utah, to Colleen Winegar Salisbury and John Frank Salisbury. The youngest of nine children, she grew up in the Bountiful area, surrounded by a large family. She attended Viewmont High School, where she enjoyed photography, participated on the yearbook staff, and managed the school’s hockey club.

Karen married Brent Morgan Hess-Davenport in 1982, beginning a life together that would be filled with family, love, and many shared experiences. Together, they welcomed four children: Brooke Ann, Stewart Morgan, John Earl, and Jordan Taylor. Karen also embraced Brent’s two sons from his previous marriage, Samuel Brent and David Walter, loving them as her own. Karen and Brent were later sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1985.

Karen was a talented and creative woman who especially enjoyed working with her hands. A skilled seamstress, she found joy in sewing, crocheting, needlepoint, and creating beautiful and useful things for those around her. Over the years, she made clothing, dance costumes, afghan blankets, and countless other handmade creations. She also had a love for writing, particularly poetry, and enjoyed reading and baking. The holidays held a special place in her heart, and her family will fondly remember the traditions and dishes she prepared.

One of Karen’s lifelong passions was ice hockey. Karen loved hockey from her early days managing high school hockey to watching and supporting the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, the Utah Grizzlies, and the Utah Mammoth. Karen found so much joy in attending games or simply watching games at home with her family. Hockey came to be the focus of many conversations with family and friends where she bragged about game scores and team wins. She couldn’t have been any more excited about NHL hockey in Utah.

From 2000 to 2026, Karen worked in various roles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including positions with Beehive Clothing and Deseret Industries. Her talents as a seamstress were evident in her work, and she developed many meaningful friendships throughout her career. She was appreciated by numerous coworkers, many of whom became cherished friends and a source of encouragement and support throughout her life.

Karen also enjoyed several years working as a substitute teacher for Granite School District. She enjoyed the opportunity to encourage young students and make a positive difference in their lives.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Karen served in many church callings over the years. One of her favorites was serving as Cub Scout den mother alongside her husband, Brent, who served as Scoutmaster. She especially enjoyed working with the boys and brought creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm to the role.

Throughout her life, Karen experienced significant loss and hardship, including the passing of her stepson Samuel in 2001 and her beloved husband Brent in 2008. During Brent’s illness, she devoted herself to his care and later continued in a caregiving role for her youngest son, Jordan. Through life’s many challenges, Karen demonstrated perseverance and a determination to continue forward.

Karen is survived by her children, Brooke (Jesse Starrett) Davenport, Stewart (Kristine) Davenport, John Davenport, and Jordan Davenport; her stepson, David (Genevie) Davenport; her nine grandchildren: Samuel Davenport, Joshua Davenport, Lucas Davenport, Davyn Deppe, Rose Starrett, River Starrett, Sonne Starrett, Sawyer Starrett, and Peter Davenport; her brother, Dennis (DeAnna) Tippetts; and her sisters, Francis Salisbury-Palmer, and Carla (Bernie) Maas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Brent Morgan Hess-Davenport; her parents, Colleen and John Salisbury; her brothers, Melvin Salisbury and Ray Tippetts; her sisters, Kaylene Tippetts Norton, Sherry Tippetts, and Christy Tippetts; her stepson, Samuel Brent Davenport; and her granddaughter, Clara Doyle.

Karen’s family takes comfort in their faith and the hope of a joyful reunion with her eternal companion and loved ones who preceded her in death. Her memory will live on through the lives she touched, the friendships she formed, and the stories and memories shared by those who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 6030 South Prairie View Drive, Taylorsville, Utah 84129. Friends and family are invited to attend viewings at the church on Friday, November 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, November 14, beginning at 12:00 p.m., prior to the funeral service.

Flowers may be delivered to the church on Friday, November 13, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

A Special Request from the Family

Karen’s youngest son, Jordan, was also involved in the automobile collision that claimed her life. He sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized as he begins what is expected to be a long road to recovery.

While the family is grateful for the progress he has made, there are still many uncertainties ahead. They ask that friends and loved ones continue to keep Jordan in their thoughts and prayers, asking for healing, strength, and comfort in the days and months to come.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, coworkers, neighbors, and loved ones who have offered kindness, prayers, and support during this difficult time.