Karen Ilene Belliston

Karen Ilene Belliston, age 84, of Mona, Utah, passed away on March 21, 2026 surrounded by her family.

She was born on October 10, 1941 in San Francisco, California. She was the third of four children born to Rulon and Ilene Mansfield. Her brothers, Ronald (Marilyn) Mansfield, Jay (Norma) Mansfield, and her sister Darlene (Bob) Thatcher.

She was preceded in death by her husband Keith, all of her siblings, and two great-grandchildren, her sweet angel babies, Nora Valtinson and Sione Kolomalu.

She lived in California for the first six months of her life and then moved to Orem, Utah. She married Grant Kay from Mona, Utah and had five daughters. Connie (George) Morgan, DeAnn (Kevin) Young, Kristy (Tony) Mortezazadeh, RaNae (Shane) Bryan, and Melinda (Matt) Bryan. She and Grant raised their daughters in Nephi and Mona, Utah. They were divorced after 24 years of marriage. She then married Keith Belliston in 1985 adding his four children to hers. Keith’s children include Mike (Tina) Belliston, Cindy (Jack) Molyneaux, Shane (Diana) Bunker, and Angie (Dan) Postelnicu. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti, Utah Temple. They were married 23 years prior to her sweetheart Keith passing away in 2008.

Karen was a fiery redhead which later earned her the nickname Grandma Red. She will forever lovingly be referred to as that by her whole family and so many in the community. She was a beloved lunch lady for several schools in the Juab school district. The majority of time was spent at Mona Elementary which she absolutely loved. It was a very special part of her life. The kids loved her so much and she loved every one of them. They all knew her as Grandma Red and loved the sweet and sincere attention she gave them.

She was known for many wonderful things, one of which was her sense of humor. She always had a quick wit and made people laugh. Her humor and spunk especially came out during her later years in life. You’d often see her singing, dancing, and saying some silly phrase. She truly did bring so much light to so many people. We love her for always having a positive outlook on life and helping us see things with a better perspective. She taught us all so much about being a good, honest, and sincere person. She taught us the importance of being a close family and remaining so by getting together often and showing love, kindness, and support for one another.

Karen has so many friends who have made her life full. She shared her humor easily with them and they now treasure all the belly laughs and sore cheeks. She was also known as one of the original Coke Ladies and held many fond memories of that time. We are so grateful for the love and joy you all brought to her life. Thank you for the amazing support you’ve given her throughout her life and especially the last few years.

Karen was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She had a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and loved listening to General Conference talks. She was an example in many ways, especially the power and blessing of prayer.

We, as her family, love her so much and she will be missed beyond words. Her light will live on with us. Our memories are our treasures.

Grandma Red has a beautiful legacy of 34 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, plus one on the way, and one great-great grandchild. All of which love and adore her so much and will deeply miss their interactions with her.

We are so grateful for the support and love that her Home Health Nurse, Christie Cropper, has shown mom. She truly had genuine and sincere love and concern for her. We are so grateful for the amazing staff at Laurel Groves in Nephi. They loved her from the start and got to experience her light and joy. We are so grateful for the hospice team at CVMC and the special support of Juliann Parkin helping us through this time.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 26th at 11:00 a.m. at the Mona 3rd and 4th Ward Chapel at 65 W 800 S, Mona. There will be a viewing Wednesday, March 25th from 6-8 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home at 94 W 300 S, Nephi, Utah, as well as a viewing prior to the funeral Thursday morning 9:45-10:45 a.m.