Our devoted husband, beloved father, and cherished grandfather, Gary Elmo Farnsworth, 82, returned home to his Father in Heaven while surrounded by his loving family, on August 7, 2022 after suffering a massive stroke.
He was born January 29, 1940, to Elmo B. and Elnora East Farnsworth in Ignacio, Colorado. He was the oldest of six children. He grew up in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and finally Enterprise, Utah.
Gary met his sweetheart LaRae Staheli after moving to Enterprise as a teenager. They were sealed in the St. George Temple on November 1, 1958. Our father’s greatest joy was his family, in fact, there was no faster way to light up his face with an ear-to-ear smile that was contagious than the mention of one of his 8 children, 45 grandchildren, and 96 great-grandchildren, with two on the way. He loved babies. Gary was a loving husband as he cared for his wife of 64 years, a loyal father, and an adoring grandfather. He is a gentle giant and a hard worker. He farmed and ranched in the Enterprise Valley for most of his life. Because of him, we love Jazz basketball, Rook, The Ranch, fresh produce from his garden, old western and Hallmark movies, his delicious cooking, Paula’s Mexican restaurant, a good puzzle, and things he created in his woodshop. He could create and fix almost anything and made many gifts for his children and grandchildren.
Gary and LaRae dedicated their lives to their Father in Heaven, together they faithfully served as ordinance workers in the St. George temple for 18 years. They blessed the lives of many by serving missions in Winnipeg, Canada; Chicago, Illinois; and Nauvoo, Illinois Temple mission. They shared the love and light of Jesus Christ with all those within their reach. Their offering to the Lord was their family. Gary was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. He served in many callings, but his favorite was that of a primary teacher.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Karen Tait; brother Nathan; Son-in-law Curt Dial; grandchildren Brandie Bracken, and Wendy Pollock; great-grandchildren Gunner Bracken, Ensley Olsen, Skiler Bracken, and Carter Stratton.
He is survived by his loving wife, LaRae; and their children Blane (MaRee), Ross (Sherilyn) all of Enterprise, UT, Bernice (Brian) Stratton of Hurricane, UT -currently serving in the Czech/Slovakia mission, Glenda (Merril) Pollock of Enterprise, UT, LaDonna (Russ) Smith of Hurricane, UT, Cindy Dial of South Jordan, UT, Russell (Jenny) of Herriman, UT, and Greg (Amy) of Lubbock, TX; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sisters Edith Day, Joan (Merrill) Fisher, and Francine (Fred) Wood.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
With a viewing on Friday, August 12, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Stake Center, 77 South Center, Enterprise, Utah.
Interment will be at the Enterprise, Utah cemetery under the direction of McMillan Mortuary.
Services can also be viewed via Zoom Link:
Passcode: 805291
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Gary Elmo Farnsworth hosted by McMillan Mortuary.
Our devoted husband, beloved father, and cherished grandfather, Gary Elmo Farnsworth, 82, returned home to his Father in Heaven while surrounded by his loving family, on August 7, 2022 after suffering a massive stroke.
He was born January 29, 1940, to Elmo B. and Elnora East Farnsworth in Ignacio, Colorado. He was the oldest of six children. He grew up in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and finally Enterprise, Utah.
Gary met his sweetheart LaRae Staheli after moving to Enterprise as a teenager. They were sealed in the St. George Temple on November 1, 1958. Our father’s greatest joy was his family, in fact, there was no faster way to light up his face with an ear-to-ear smile that was contagious than the mention of one of his 8 children, 45 grandchildren, and 96 great-grandchildren, with two on the way. He loved babies. Gary was a loving husband as he cared for his wife of 64 years, a loyal father, and an adoring grandfather. He is a gentle giant and a hard worker. He farmed and ranched in the Enterprise Valley for most of his life. Because of him, we love Jazz basketball, Rook, The Ranch, fresh produce from his garden, old western and Hallmark movies, his delicious cooking, Paula’s Mexican restaurant, a good puzzle, and things he created in his woodshop. He could create and fix almost anything and made many gifts for his children and grandchildren.
Gary and LaRae dedicated their lives to their Father in Heaven, together they faithfully served as ordinance workers in the St. George temple for 18 years. They blessed the lives of many by serving missions in Winnipeg, Canada; Chicago, Illinois; and Nauvoo, Illinois Temple mission. They shared the love and light of Jesus Christ with all those within their reach. Their offering to the Lord was their family. Gary was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. He served in many callings, but his favorite was that of a primary teacher.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Karen Tait; brother Nathan; Son-in-law Curt Dial; grandchildren Brandie Bracken, and Wendy Pollock; great-grandchildren Gunner Bracken, Ensley Olsen, Skiler Bracken, and Carter Stratton.
He is survived by his loving wife, LaRae; and their children Blane (MaRee), Ross (Sherilyn) all of Enterprise, UT, Bernice (Brian) Stratton of Hurricane, UT -currently serving in the Czech/Slovakia mission, Glenda (Merril) Pollock of Enterprise, UT, LaDonna (Russ) Smith of Hurricane, UT, Cindy Dial of South Jordan, UT, Russell (Jenny) of Herriman, UT, and Greg (Amy) of Lubbock, TX; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sisters Edith Day, Joan (Merrill) Fisher, and Francine (Fred) Wood.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
With a viewing on Friday, August 12, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Stake Center, 77 South Center, Enterprise, Utah.
Interment will be at the Enterprise, Utah cemetery under the direction of McMillan Mortuary.
Services can also be viewed via Zoom Link:
Passcode: 805291
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Gary Elmo Farnsworth hosted by McMillan Mortuary.
