Carolyn Jane Hackbarth

Carolyn Hackbarth, 44 yrs young, died suddenly and unexpectedly at her home in Torrey, Utah, on Wednesday, the 28th of January 2026. She was born on the 8th day of April, 1981, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She grew up in Troy and Brighton, Michigan, and attended Michigan Tech and CU Boulder Colorado with a degree in Environmental Engineering. She is survived by the love of her life, Thann Baker, her parents, James and Karen Hackbarth, her siblings Andrea, Craig (Kari), and Kurt, and was the beloved Aunt to Alyssa & Parker Wilson and Emerie, Flynn, and Kolten Hackbarth.

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Carolyn Hackbarth—our beloved daughter, sister, auntie, and best friend. Carolyn was a light in our lives, a woman of depth and character whose devotion to those she loved was truly irreplaceable. While no words can fully capture her spirit, we find comfort in reflecting on the vibrant life she led.

As early as the age of one, Carolyn’s adventurous spirit and attention to detail were on full display. Her father once found her in the middle of the night in the kitchen, meticulously stacking blocks as high as her arms could reach. This drive to "extend her reach" defined her throughout her life.

Carolyn was a free spirit—kind, thoughtful, and effortlessly joyous. Her laugh was contagious, often turning into 15-minute interludes of pure delight, punctuated by her signature quirk—the way her shoulders would laugh right along with her. Though she possessed a rare and endless patience, it famously wore thin in only one scenario—when she was losing during family game nights.

Her adventurous life and career path eventually led her to the love of her life, Thann Baker. Together, they built a beautiful home and life, complete with their "wild and happy" Border Collie, Kopi (aptly named after the Triassic Moenkopi rock formation). Carolyn and Thann were inseparable; he quickly became a fixture at family gatherings and vacations, their combined presence bringing joy to every room they entered.

A true daughter of Mother Earth, Carolyn was a dedicated outdoorswoman who hiked or biked daily. As a National Park Hydrologic Technician, she turned her passion into a calling, collecting water quality data while traversing the most breathtaking landscapes in this country. Her generosity extended to the land and her community, whether she was volunteering for “Bike MS” or practicing her deep commitment to organic gardening, recycling, and sustainable living.

Carolyn’s world was a beautiful place to visit. Whether she was leading family members through the narrow canyons of Lake Powell or the rugged and scenic landscapes of Utah, she lived life like a perpetual vacation. She loved discovering new foods, local beers, and showing off her garden’s latest crops, like popcorn, peppers, and tomatoes. When she wasn't exploring, she was creating; her talent as a knitter left a colorful legacy. From socks to beanies, every loved one has a piece of her creativity to wear and keep her close.

Above all, Carolyn cherished her family, doing her best to join them on all of their trips and vacations. She loved spending time with her nieces and nephews, connecting with them through genuine patience and love, and earning the status as one of their favorite aunties. We cannot convey enough how deep our love for Carolyn is and always will be - she was a light in all of our lives, leaving a legacy as vibrant and enduring as the backcountry trails she so loved to explore.

We are currently planning a celebration of life with friends and family in Utah to share our favorite memories of Carolyn, tentatively scheduled around her birthday on April 8th. We will continue to share updates as plans develop. We encourage you to please leave a story, memory, or photo below in the guestbook, so that it can be incorporated into the keepsake book for the family.

Cremation Services will be held in the Magleby Mortuary and Cremation Center — Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti Utah.