Gerald Charles Woodbury

Gerald Charles Woodbury, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home from kidney cancer on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

Jerry was born on November 1, 1938, in Delta, Utah, the second of six children born to Donald and Mary Woodbury. He grew up in Delta and Santaquin, Utah before serving in the Army Reserves for six months in California. A pillar of faith throughout his life, he served a 2.5-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southwest Indian Mission to the Navajo Nation. Upon his return, he married his high school sweetheart, Mona Rae Lamb, on October 28, 1961, in the Manti Temple. Together, they shared nearly 65 wonderful years of marriage.

He graduated from Brigham Young University with a master's degree and remained an avid "Y" fan until the very end. His dedication to education and faith shaped his career. He worked for Indian Seminaries, which took his growing family to Arizona and New Mexico, and later worked for Church Schools in Tonga. In 1974, they moved to Taylorsville, Utah, where they remained. He concluded his career after 30 years with Murray School District as a Junior High Counselor, leaving a lasting impact on countless youth.

Jerry was a devoted family man who was strong in both stature and spirit. He was a just man who lived with unwavering discipline and a deep work ethic which he will be remembered for. He was known to be kind, thoughtful, and generous. Through life's many hard challenges and even during his final illnesses, he never complained, meeting every obstacle with a quiet, patient resilience. Incredibly industrious, thrifty (some might say cheap), and mechanical. He was a very hands-on man who would study hard to learn how to fix anything. He was always ready to lend his handyman skills to help. Outside of his professional life, he brought immense joy to his family through simple traditions, including his famous Sunday night popcorn.

A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Jerry was a faithful temple goer and a true pillar of faith in his community who leaned heavily on the spirit. He served diligently in many capacities over his life, including as the first Bishop of the Taylorsville 23rd Ward, a member of the Stake Presidency, and as the Stake Patriarch. He also gave 11 years of dedicated service as an executive secretary to three different bishops. His missionary heart never faded; he and Mona later served two full-time couple missions together, first in Hong Kong, China, and later on at Welfare/Temple Square. He approached every single calling with the utmost diligence and faith. Jerry leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and integrity that will continue to guide his family for generations.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mary Woodbury; his siblings, Audrey and Daryl (Karin) Woodbury; his granddaughter, Madison Andersen; and several nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife, Mona; his nine children: RaAnn (Randy) Foote, Joan (Brent) Fillmore, Tracy (Teresa) Woodbury, Chris (Brian) Kennedy, Jennifer (Jason) Andersen, Jonathan (Dori) Woodbury, Jeff (Kami) Woodbury, Elena Hansen, and Laura (Jason) Hayes; as well as 44 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Carl (Carrie) Woodbury, Catherine (Carl) Paystrup, and Suzanne (Dee Jay) McCollum; and many nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to extend gratitude to the Huntsman Cancer Institute team including CNS staff, and all those who so lovingly helped Jerry through his final stages of life.

Services Information:

• Evening Viewing: Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McDougal Funeral Home (4330 S Redwood Road, Taylorsville, UT 84123).

• Day-of Viewing: Friday, September 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4932 S 3200 W, Taylorsville, UT 84129).

• Funeral Service: Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4932 S 3200 W, Taylorsville, UT 84129).

• Graveside Interment Service: Friday, September 25, 2026, following the funeral service, at the Santaquin City Cemetery (100 East 300 South, Santaquin, UT 84655).