Connie Cardall Gilbert

Connie Cardall Gilbert completed her earthly journey on August 30, 2026. Connie’s life was marked by faith, service, family, teaching, creativity, and a quiet determination to make the lives of those around her better.

Connie was born on June 19, 1948 to Gordon and Nedra Cardall and was the oldest of their three children. She grew up in Bountiful, Utah, and graduated from Bountiful High School in 1966. During high school, Connie played clarinet in both the concert band and Pep Band and served as editor of the literary yearbook. She was a talented pianist and an excellent student.

Connie earned a scholarship to Utah State University, where she studied elementary education. She loved living in the dorms and especially enjoyed the fun and lasting friendships she made with her roommates. After two years at Utah State, Connie met a wonderful senior named Max Gilbert. She fell in love, and on August 15, 1968, Max and Connie were married in the Salt Lake City Temple.

After graduating from USU, Max and Connie lived in the Salt Lake area for a few years before moving to Fairview, Idaho, where Max took over the family dairy farm. Connie embraced farm life and the many responsibilities that came with it. She loved raising her family and finding joy in the everyday experiences of country living.

Connie began her teaching career as a substitute teacher in the Preston School District. Shortly after her youngest child started school, she began teaching second grade full-time. She loved her students and took great satisfaction in helping children learn and grow. She continued teaching until her retirement in May 2011. Even after leaving the classroom, the teacher in Connie remained evident in the way she encouraged others to read, study, and continue learning.

Connie was dedicated to her church and served faithfully throughout her life. She accepted calls in numerous positions in the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She also enjoyed serving as ward organist for many years. In 2013, Connie and Max were called to serve a full-time mission to the Washington Vancouver Mission Office together. They served for 18 months and loved every minute of their time there.

Connie was an avid reader and frequently participated in book clubs. She was also creative and skilled with her hands. In her younger adult years, she sewed clothing for her family, making clothes not simply because it was practical, but because she enjoyed creating something special for those she loved. In her later years, quilting became a favorite pastime. She also enjoyed crocheting and cross stitching and took pleasure in the beauty and usefulness of things she could make herself.

Connie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 18 years ago. Despite the challenges of the disease, she continued teaching 2nd grade for a few years following her diagnosis and then served a full-time mission with Max. As the effects of Parkinson’s relentlessly worsened, Max became her devoted caregiver. His love and commitment to Connie were constant, and together they faced the difficulties of her illness with courage and faith.

After Max’s passing in 2025, Connie moved to Birch Creek Assisted Living in Smithfield. There she received wonderful care and developed new friendships. Her family is tremendously grateful to the staff and residents at Birch Creek for their kindness, patience, companionship, and the dignity they gave Connie during the final chapter of her life.

Connie’s greatest legacy is her family. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and found great joy in watching their lives unfold. She is survived by her four children, Jamie (Marvin) Lewis, Christi (Kevin) Johnson, Ryan (Alecia) Gilbert, and Kevin (Kimberly) Gilbert; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Alan (Nancy) Cardall; brother-in-law Dave Summers; and in-laws Arlo and Ann Gilbert and Madge Meek.

Connie was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Max; her parents; her sister, Julie Summers; and brother-in-law, Stephen Meek.

Connie will be remembered for her love of family, her devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, her years of service as a teacher, her love of books and music, her creativity, and her ability to find happiness in simple things. She leaves behind a family who will miss her deeply but who are grateful for the example she gave them and for the many years they were blessed to have her in their lives.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 5th at the Fairview 1st Ward Chapel, 165 W 4800 S, Preston, Idaho. A viewing will be held on Friday evening, September 4th from 6:30-8:00 pm at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S 800 E, Preston, Idaho and again prior to the service on Saturday from 9:00 - 10:00 at the Fairview 1st Ward Chapel. Interment will be in the Fairview Idaho Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider paying it forward by sharing an act of kindness or donating to a literacy organization such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.