FUNERAL SERVICE LIVE STREAM LINK
Deon T. Carpenter age 92, of Helena passed away at her home Tuesday evening, September 16, 2025.
Deon was born in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, September 13, 1933, in a one-bedroom home that her father built and added on twice. First was on the back with a bedroom and laundry/back entrance and then later on the front was a bedroom and living room. Mom had an older brother, Sharon, and a younger brother, Gerald plus 5 younger 2 sisters and another brother then twin brothers. Eight children in the family.
Growing up between the two brothers she loved to climb trees, play basketball, ride bikes, kick the can, hide n/ seek, kick ball, whatever the boys did.
She attended Onequa Grade School, Jackson Jr. High School, and graduated from West High School in 1951. Because the twins were born that year and only 3:13 lbs. and 4:14 lbs her Mom and Dad asked her to stay home from going to college to help with them. She did have a reprieve during the Christmas holidays when an uncle’s brother, Fred, from Missoula, MT was driving down to Inglewood, CA to be with his brother and picked up Deon to take her down also. Toured Knott’s Berry Farm, saw the Rose Bowl Parade, plus all the floats that were in the parade. A glorious week.
Started college and worked part-time at Glen Bros. Music store. Not having enough money to start a second semester, she got a job with Movitz Company (a wholesale jeweler).
Doug & Deon knew each other at West High school in Salt Lake City. Doug had an early morning seminary class with “Duff” Hanks and as he left Deon would come with the Bullough twins each morning that her Dad picked up and play the organ. After Doug’s mission he was visiting with Duane Bullough at the U of U and asked who was left to date and Duane told him I was still around. When he called for a date, she said she was busy and turned him down but he persisted another time and she went out with him. They always had a good time and loved going roller skating because Doug used to work at the rink and skated very well. After a few dates Doug started talking about marriage and one night he remembered that he dreamed on his mission that he married her. She questioned that but he said he wrote it down in his I.P. (Inspirational Pieces) book so they drove back to his place while he ran in to get his book. It was in there and had a great impression upon Deon after that. That page is in now in Deon’s Book of Remembrance.
Married Douglas C. Carpenter, Jr. on February 18, 1954. They had 7 children (6 boys and 1 girl). They now have 22 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.
Deon started piano lessons at eight and played the piano for Primary while still in Primary, then accompanied her mother’s 3-part choir, then church organist in her teens. She loved playing the piano, dancing, basketball, skiing, snow shoeing, garage sales, estate sales, being a secretary and watching movies,
After the children were all gone from home, she and Doug went on a humanitarian mission (1997-1999) to the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) and Minsk, Belarus. It was like playing Santa Claus to many different organizations. The last six months of their mission they were at the humanitarian center in Salt Lake and asked to be in charge of the “Quilts For Kosovo”. Receiving them at the dock, how to pack and ship them to Kosovo. The church asked for 30,000 but received over 150,000. They were given the name of “Dynamic Duo” and when it was time to leave, the center had a party where they were presented with capes.
Moving to Montana had so many blessings. Doug’s job helped him retire comfortably and after their mission, he was called to be a sealer in the Billings, Montana Temple. They both served for 19 years as an ordinance worker.
Because there were two married children in Helena with six grandchildren, they moved to Helena in March of 2005.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday September 29, 2025
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4225 Bobcat Drive
Helena, Montana
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday September 29, 2025
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4225 Bobcat Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
Interment
Approximately 3:00 p.m.
Monday September 29, 2025
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
4:00 p.m
Monday September 29, 2025
Cultural Center of the Church
4225 Bobcat Drive
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday September 29, 2025
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4225 Bobcat Drive
Helena, Montana
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday September 29, 2025
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4225 Bobcat Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
Interment
Approximately 3:00 p.m.
Monday September 29, 2025
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
4:00 p.m
Monday September 29, 2025
Cultural Center of the Church
4225 Bobcat Drive
Helena, Montana
Share
Linda says
I will miss you dearly Aunt Deon! My childhood memories are filled with the times cousins got together. Good food, raspberry picking, garden fresh veggies and always a smile and laughter. I enjoyed the instruments and piano playing at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Piñatas filled with candy that you had to fight for.
Good talks. Great times. Love you much, God bless, Linda Johnson Black
Bill & Linda Meuret says
Deon was a special soul, always willing to help when needed. She loved her music as much as we enjoyed listening to it. Loved her family dearly. We will miss her smile.
Shanna Brubaker says
Deon was such a special person to me. I was in the same ward as her for several years. I was blessed to be her visiting teacher for about 3 years before the ward was split. I know she is having a great reunion with her husband Doug and all of the other family members who have passed on. Rest in peace Deon until we meet again.
Mary Kay Bennett says
I really enjoyed Deon and I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.
We lived in the same Condo Association area that she did and I always looked forward to her driving by.
She always remembered us during Christmas with a little box of treats.
My loss not to have known her better.
Mary Kay Bennett
Judy Ordahl says
Wayne and I were so blessed to live for 10 years at Fox Hollow we made so many wonderful friends and having Doug and Deon right next door was extra special . Always enjoyed hearing Deon playing the piano when our windows were open and they were always sharing baked bread and goodies. Our prayers and sympathy to all her family.. Wayne and Judy Ordahl
Melea M Mortenson says
I was honored to get to work with Deon in the office of the Helena Temple this past 2 years. I love and admire her so much. She shared music, recipes, stories of faith and encouragement with me—such a joy to spend time with her! it was perfectly clear how much she loved her family and the Lord and I will always remember her incredible example. I hope to be like her when I am 90!!! ❤️🙏—-Melea Mortenson
Mark Carpenter says
My Mom was a classic, a real lady, and well rounded personality. She was always quick with a smile and loved to have fun, but always put in the work. She was talented, generous, and kind, and everyone loved her. We’ll miss you, Mom.
For those not able to travel to Helena for the funeral service may watch the Zoom live stream by clicking this link.
https://zoom.us/j/96784327154?pwd=7PlS9t1Eswt0R7APiVVMWyCYrzFUnj.1
Mark Carpenter says
Dear ASW,
If you do not want the Zoom link in my submitted note, can you put it above under the Funeral Service address or something like that.
Thanks.
Mark
~
Don and Mary Phillips says
Dear Family,
Prayers of Comfort and Healing and Love ❤️ your mother will always be remembered for her care, thoughtfulness and love of everyone she came in contact with. May you keep close as families. Deon is now with her Eternal Companion whom she has missed for along time.
With Friendship and Love,
Myrna Johnson says
Deon was the best sister ever. I loved it when Doug and Deon would come to SLC and stay with us. The kids always enjoyed them also. She will be missed so much. I’ve already thought of things I’d like to tell her and can’t. I’m so happy she is at peace. It will be a good day when we meet again. Love ❤️. Your sis Myrna
Dan and Carolyn Rogers says
One thing about Deon, she was always smiling! We enjoyed being her next door neighbor for the past 7 years. Such an adventurous lady, taking a hot air balloon ride just a couple years ago. She still travelled to see family and every Sunday her house was filled with family. She loved watching her little great grandchildren playing in the back yard. We miss her!
Manley and Jeannine Stallings says
We so enjoyed having our Empty Nesters activity at Doug and Deon’s because at their house it always included Deon playing several beautiful piano numbers for us. She was an exceptional pianist and we all enjoyed every second of it. Deon was always a lot of fun and she and I had lots of great phone conversations back in the day. Really missed her when we ended up in different wards. She was a great lady and lived an exemplary life. So glad to have known her.
Daphne Swedman says
I was lucky to share so many years with Deon & Doug as my neighbor on Fox Hollow Drive in Montana, She was always the first to Welcome me back each year for the summer, with trimmer in hand, She was ready to help. We laugh out loud, share times together, we had so many happy moments especially playing”Wipe-Out”. Though we were so different, we were the best of neighbors. I will miss her dearly and carried her in my heart always…..