Russel Brooks

Russel Keath Brooks

April 14, 1947 - September 13, 2025

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, Russel Keath Brooks, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 78, surrounded by family and friends during his final days and hours.

Russel was born on April 14, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to William B. and Vica Maie Brooks. He was raised in Granger, Utah, where he graduated from Granger High School. On May 20, 1966, he married his childhood sweetheart and next-door neighbor, Carolyn Cramer, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Russel's greatest love was for his family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He adored his family, and they adored him. His grandchildren affectionately called him "Grandpa Pepsi," as he was almost never without his Holiday Oil mug filled with Pepsi. Many of them loved to sneak sips when he wasn't looking-though he always knew. He made each of them feel important and deeply loved by being present for the meaningful moments in their lives. We will miss his kind presence, his happy smile, and his infectious laugh.

He was an avid golfer and was often the first to arrive at the course each morning-sometimes even before the staff. He also loved camping and fishing at Trial Lake in the Uinta Mountains, especially when shared with family.

Russel loved his community and his country. He was proud to be a lifelong resident of West Valley City. He served for 20 years in the Utah Air National Guard, retiring as a Technical Sergeant. He also served on the West Valley City Council from 1995 through 2011, where he loved being involved with the people of West Valley. Professionally, Russel worked for 35 years at Mountain Fuel / Questar Gas, retiring as Supervisor of Measurement & Control and Meter Shop.

Russel was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a deep love for his Savior, Jesus Christ. He served in many callings throughout his life, including serving twice as bishop-being both the first and last bishop of the Colony Ward. He and Carolyn also served multiple missions together, including at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City, and in the North Carolina Raleigh Mission as Military Relations Specialists at Camp Lejeune. Additionally, they loved serving for many years in the baptistry of the Jordan River Temple. Russel was known for his kindness and Christlike love, and he emulated the Savior in the way he lived and served. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with his many dear friends.

Russel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn; his father, William; his mother, Vica Maie; his brothers Bruce, Gary, and Joe; and his sisters, Edith Henning and Raelynn Johnson.

He is survived by his three children: Christy (Jeff) Hansen of West Valley City; Heidi (Nathan) Spencer of Tracy, California; and Bryan (Cassidy) Brooks of South Jordan; as well as fourteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and his sister, Janet Allen.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Copper Creek Senior Living and the compassionate professionals at Ovation Hospice who provided exceptional care for Russel.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., with a viewing from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m., at the Memorial Ward building, 4251 South 4800 West, West Valley City, Utah. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park.