Karie Ann McCulloch

Karie Ann McCulloch’s spirit took flight on November 28, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. She was a bright light here on Earth, a devoted mother, a beloved teacher, a loving friend, and an extraordinary artist. She had the brightest smile and lit up a room wherever she went.  She was cheerful and kind to everyone she met.

She was born on July 7, 1975, to Annette and Richard McCulloch in Ogden, Utah. She enjoyed a happy and playful childhood. She and her older brother Bryant had many fun adventures full of innocent wonder. Their lifetime connection developed a sincere closeness full of love and friendship. She always found comfort and safety in her big brother.

Karie graduated from Ogden High in 1993, where she swam, played soccer, and was President of the Environment Club. After graduation, she married and had her beloved first child, Austin. Shortly thereafter, she found herself attending Weber State University as a single mom. She attended classes full-time and supported herself and her son by working at Weber State Bookstore’s Art Department, where she became known for creating elaborate and beautiful window displays. She graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Art Education in 1999.

She was immediately hired as a painting and photography teacher at Weber High School, where she taught until 2006. She was a popular and well-loved art teacher who fought for funding for the art program and helped it grow. She advocated for the importance of art in public education.

She married again and moved to Layton, where she welcomed two more children, Kydon and Escher. Her children were the center of her world, and she loved and protected them fiercely. She ensured that her boys grew up in a world filled with wonder, magic, and joy. She celebrated small and large occasions. Holidays were especially magic, whether it meant searching for a pot of gold left behind by leprechauns on St. Patrick’s Day or staying up all night to help Santa create the perfect Christmas. Birthdays were equally special with unique themes, costumes, decorations, games, and artistic cakes shared with loved ones. Karie loved to take her family on vacations to share her love of nature and exploration. Disneyland was a favorite destination, and she reveled at being in the ‘happiest place on earth’. As her boys became involved in activities, she cherished the time she spent with them in the car, having heart-to-heart conversations and learning about their dreams, fears, and aspirations. She tried to fit a thousand lifetimes of love into these few short years.

In 2006, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and found comfort and support in the Young Survivor’s group. After she successfully defeated cancer, she became an advocate for cancer research, participating in all-night cancer walks for years to come. She would remain cancer free for twelve years.

For the last decade of her life, she shared a home in Mountain Green with her boys and her dear mother, whom she loved to get nails done with and take on lunch dates. She also enjoyed “girl time” with her friends going dancing, to concerts, to art festivals, and get togethers. She was a source of support and strength for them during difficult times.

Above all, Karie was a talented artist and used her talent to fuel imagination and delight for all. She was an accomplished painter (watercolor) and photographer. She always had a sketchbook with her and enjoyed sharing her love of art with others. In recent years, Karie has taught art at HighMark Charter School through their after-school program and owned her own community art business, the Art Altier, in Mountain Green. She cultivated creativity and well-being in her students. One of the last series she worked on was her Guardian Series, which she made for those around her. They are a reminder to all she loved that she is still with them and watching over them.

She is survived by her boys, Austin (28), Kydon (20), and Escher (17); her brothers, David, Darin, and Bryant McCulloch; her nephew, Daeton McCulloch; and her niece, Kalie McCulloch. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her sister, Darla.

She also had a love for animals, having many cats and dogs throughout her life that brought her comfort during her many treatments and trying times.

Karie lived fully and loved fiercely. Her incredible strength and willpower defying the odds. She fought as hard as she could to stay with us as long as possible. She was the brightest light, and the world is a little darker without her in it. She touched everyone’s hearts around her and sprinkled our lives with her magic fairy dust. She will be forever loved, forever missed.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Tuesday, December 5th from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment will follow at Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch,

Food and life celebration will be held following interment at the LDS Church in Mountain Green, 5378 West Old Highway Road, Mountain Green, UT 84050.

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