Carolyn Kay Heath

Carolyn Kay Heath, 83, passed into new life with her Savior on June 17, 2026.

Carolyn was born on October 14, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Ed and June Sarver. She grew up in Corydon, Iowa, where she developed the strong faith, work ethic, and love for learning that would define her life. She graduated from high school in 1960 and went on to attend college in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, earning a degree in Elementary Education in 1964.

Following graduation, Carolyn began her teaching career with Des Moines Public Schools, teaching fifth grade. During the summer of 1964, she met Donovan M. Heath at First Baptist Church in Humeston, Iowa. By December they were engaged, and on June 20, 1965, they were married, beginning a partnership in life, faith, and education that would span more than six decades.

The first week of July 1965, Carolyn and Don set off for Lake Valley, New Mexico, on the Navajo Reservation, where Carolyn taught beginning students and Don taught second grade. The following year they were recruited to Dilcon, Arizona, another Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school. While teaching there, both Carolyn and Don continued their education during the summers at Northern Arizona University, eventually earning master's degrees.

During their years in Arizona, they welcomed two children into their family: Kristin Kay Heath, born in 1967, and Devin Lane Heath, born in 1970.

In 1980, Carolyn and Don moved their family to Farmington, New Mexico, where they both joined Farmington Municipal Schools. While Don later pursued opportunities at San Juan College and other business ventures, Carolyn remained steadfast in her calling as an educator. She taught first grade at Apache Elementary School until 1992, then continued as a reading specialist at Apache and later for the district, helping both students and teachers develop effective reading instruction. Her influence extended far beyond her own classroom, impacting generations of children and educators. After 43 years of faithful service to the education of children, Carolyn retired in 2008.

Carolyn's greatest devotion was to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A faithful and fervent believer, she served the church throughout her life by playing piano and organ, singing in the choir, and encouraging others in their faith. She was also deeply involved in Community Bible Study, where she eventually served as a director and touched many lives through her leadership and love for Scripture.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and June Sarver; a brother; two sisters; and her beloved daughter, Kristin Kay Heath.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 61 years, Donovan M. Heath; her son, Devin Heath and wife Rebecca; son-in-law, Russell Morris, nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many extended family members, friends, former students, and colleagues whose lives she enriched by her kindness, wisdom, and faith.

A celebration of Carolyn's life will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hills Church Youth Center, located at 5101 N. Dustin Avenue, Farmington, New Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who knew Carolyn to honor her memory by investing in the education of a child, sharing the love of Christ, or simply taking the time to read with a young learner-causes that were close to her heart throughout her life.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23