Carita Annette Kenney

Carita Annette Blomquist Kenney, age 65, of Sandy, Utah, passed away on September 12, 2024. She was born on October 29, 1958 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the first of six children of Richard and Berit Blomquist, and is survived by her five siblings: Cheryl Helena Blomquist Feb 6, 1960, (Bryan Stone), Maureen Theresa Blomquist, Nov. 22,1961; Richard Stuart Blomquist, Sept. 28, 1963 (Sarah Brough); Michelle Renee Blomquist, May 27, 1966; and Dawn Berit Blomquist, Sept. 27, 1972 (Eric Oberg). The family originally resided in Salt Lake City, until they moved to Sandy, Utah where they lived through the rest of Carita’s childhood. 

From an early age, Carita was educated in and loved music. She began playing the violin and piano in elementary school, and her mother took her to the University of Utah to perform in the Utah Youth Symphony for four to five years. Although all of her siblings learned to play musical instruments, Carita was the one who pursued music and musical education throughout her life.

Carita attended Hillcrest High School where she was involved in the orchestra and the Madrigals Choral Program. She graduated in 1976, the year of the bicentennial. After graduation, she attended the University of Utah where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in music, with an emphasis in Violin. Prior to her graduation from the University, she served an LDS mission in Okayama, Japan from November 1979 through the Spring of 1981.

Carita met David B Kenney around January 1983 and they married on August 12, 1983. They are the parents of five beautiful children, Brent David Kenney, May 12, 1984; Kyle Richard Kenney, April 22, 1986 (Laura Ebling); Nicole Elise Kenney, October 7, 1988; Chelsey Allison Kenney, April 12, 1991 (Christopher McHugh); and Cameron Tyler Kenney, April 12, 1991 (Lluviany Ceballos). They are the grandparents of eight wonderful grandchildren: Brandon Kenney, James Kenney, Maeva Kenney, Aidan McHugh, Kieran McHugh, Gavin McHugh, Baby McHugh (Due Nov. 2024), and Baby Kenney (Due Jan. 2025).

During her life, Carita’s main joys were her family, her home, and music. Her priority was her children and grandchildren, and she made every effort to make them feel loved, safe, supported, included, and cared for. She endeavored to bring beautiful music into the world through multiple avenues including her own performances. She oversaw beautiful musical productions of the primary children in her church, and taught numerous children how to sing, play instruments, and perform. Carita often played the violin and piano for her kids. Her home was a beautiful oasis full of music, delicious food, and beautiful surroundings. She celebrated the seasons, holidays, and other special occasions through decorating her home, preparing meals, and hosting events, which established traditions and gave her family and guests something to look forward to. 

Carita was kind and engaged in what many would consider to be silent service, often making meals for those who were sick or grieving, and giving support behind the scenes in ways unlikely to ever receive public acknowledgement. She spent hundreds of hours providing service to her mother during the last years of her life, and she was always available to provide love and support to neighbors, family, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 7784 S. Highland Dr. (2000 E), Cottonwood Heights, Utah, at 11:00 a.m.  There will be a viewing prior to the services from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.  There will also be a viewing on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 6:00  to 8:00 p.m. at  the same LDS Church at 7784 S, Highland Dr., Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

Interment will be in the Memorial Mountain View Cemetery at 3115 Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

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