Caryl Mary Utley

January 2, 1925 - August 26, 2017

Caryl K. Utley, 92, of Dixon died, with family by her side, on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Dixon Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. She was born January 2, 1925 in Chicago, the daughter of Frank and Josephine Knight. A graduate of Carl Schurz High School, Chicago, she attended Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota. She graduated in 1947 with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. From 1947 to 1954, she was employed as a social worker at what was then the Dixon State Hospital (later the Dixon State School and, still later, the Dixon Developmental Center). It was during that period that she met Gordon D. Utley, whom she married November 17, 1954 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Dixon. During their engagement and early marriage, she spent many hours helping him renovate the 1800s farmhouse that would be their home for many years. Caryl resumed employment, in the capacity of administrator, at DSS / DDC in 1968, continuing until its closure in 1984. She was fiercely dedicated to the residents she served there. She then was employed briefly as a counselor at the Dixon Correctional Center prior to her retirement. She was a longtime member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, serving on the altar guild for 20 years. She was a member of the Phidian Art Club. She was a Red Cross certified lifesaver who loved the water. She served as a Girl Scout leader. An avid reader, she enjoyed a broad range of interests. She loved spending time with her family, who will always remember her ardent curiosity, interest in learning, love of music, and great affection for dogs and cats. Her husband preceded her in death July 15, 1976. She was also predeceased by her parents; stepmother, Anne E. Knight; brother, Frank J. Knight, Jr.; and sister, Dorothy McCooe. Survivors include her daughter, Sarah (Dr. Kurt) Nelson, Dixon; grandsons Luke Nelson, Dixon; Jacob Nelson, Marion, Iowa; and Benjamin Nelson, Dixon. She also is survived by her brothers-in-law, Dr. John Utley, Chicago; and Dr. Henry (Elaine) Utley, Athens, Georgia. She additionally is survived by several nieces and nephews. Also, she is survived by the wonderful residents, CNAs, nurses and other caregivers who were her Dixon Healthcare family for the past eight years. Cremation rites have been accorded. A gathering of family and friends will be in the fellowship hall of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Dixon, on Saturday, September 30, at 9:30 a.m. A memorial service in the church sanctuary will follow at 11 a.m. Rev. Wesley Hills, rector, and Rev. Thomas Lamb will co-officiate. Rev. Mary Ann Rhoades, deacon, will assist. Burial of cremains will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon. A memorial has been established to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.