It is with great sadness that we as a family announce the sudden passing of our mother, grandmother, partner, friend, Carol Houston Christensen on November 3rd, 2026.

Carol was born February 22, 1962, in Hollywood, California and adopted at birth by her parents Ramona and Wayne Houston. This brought her into a dynamic, vibrant family with many aunts, uncles, and cousins whom she loves dearly. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of summers spent on Cedar Mountain, camping and horseback riding.

Carol spent many years searching for and eventually connecting with her birth mother, Cherokee Barton, and several half siblings. This connection modeled an enhanced sense of self and pride in her Native American heritage and spirituality.

Carol spent her early years growing up in Costa Mesa, California. She was a track and tennis star at Escondido High School and also developed a love of the ocean and surfing. Somehow, she learned to ride a bicycle to the beach while balancing a long board. She maintained a love and longing for the ocean throughout her life.

Carol had a fascination with science. She earned an associate’s degree in biology from Southern Utah University. She worked for many years as a skilled massage therapist and esthetician. Clients gravitated to her not only for her expertise, but also for her intuitive, healing empathy.

Carol knew from an early age that she wanted to be a mother and have a family. The greatest joys of her life were daughter, Robyn, and sons, Tyler and Bryce. She also burst with uncompromised love for seven grandchildren, who are without a doubt the smartest, most talented, most beautiful grandchildren in the entire universe. Not a day has gone by without her mentioning them or looking at one of thousands of pictures she has on her phone.

If Carol were to name her favorite places on earth, they would include the waters of Kaui, Pathway of the Gods in Italy, and the glorious Amalfi Coast. However, nothing compares to the joy and comfort she felt being in a home she loved, cuddled by adoring dogs, surrounded by family she so loved and who loved her. Best friend, partner, and soulmate Bennett will be forever grateful for the past 23 years spent together with Carol experiencing and learning the most important lesson of life.

In our sadness we take comfort in knowing that Carol has been united with her son Bryce, who she has desperately missed since his passing September 1st, 2025.

Carol leaves behind a brokenhearted partner and soulmate of 23 years, Bennett Navarro, daughter Robyn (Devin), and son Tyler (Abbi). She is preceded in death by her parents Ramona and Wayne, and son Bryce.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. George animal shelter.