Grace Tusie James Utley Obituary (1916 - 2007)

“Umie” Grace Tusie James Utley, our beloved “Umie Gracie,” who knew how to make a great celebration out of every birthday and special occasion and didn’t miss an opportunity to share her love and testimony with everyone she met, died Friday. She was 91. Grace made wonderful contributions working in the PTA, Murray Federated Service Club, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, manager of LaRie’s in Murray, Utah, personnel manager at Southeast Furniture Co., Stake Relief Society President, and serving with her husband in the Idaho Falls Temple Visitor’s Center, Jackson Hole Visitor’s Center, Temple Square, and later with her sister Flora at the Jordan River Temple. She especially enjoyed serving in a variety of positions in her LDS Ward and Stake. Jokingly, she says that she has served in every position except High Priest Group Leader. Grace James Utley was born February 29, 1916, Marysville, Utah, to Garfield James and Lucy Nay. She married “her handsome prince” John Elgin Utley on March 31, 1939 in Circleville, Utah, and was then sealed in marriage for all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on January 21, 1944. Grace is survived by her two daughters, Sandra (Eric) Stephan and Anna Lee Harper; son, James (Jaymie) Utley; 18 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Flora B. James Gibbs. Preceded in death by her husband; 3 sisters; 4 brothers; son-in-law, Ray Harper; grandson, James Ray Harper; grandson-in-law, Mark Wayne Ivison. Her family and friends will always love and remember Grace as one “who stayed the course, fought the good fight, and kept the faith.” Love and kisses to you Umie, until we meet again. Many thanks to the caretakers at the Murray Care Center and the Golden Living Center in Provo- especially Dottie, Renee, and Dee. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 5, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. at the Murray 23rd Ward, 755 East Three Fountains Drive. Friends may call Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State Street, and Wednesday 12:00-12:45 p.m. at the church. Interment at Murray City Cemetery.