Ann Gillen

Ann Wheatley Gillen
May 13, 1947 – February 17, 2026

Ann Wheatley Gillen, lovingly known as “Ann Bird,” passed away at the age of 78, fighting a long and valiant fight with dementia. Ann was surrounded by loved ones in her final days with whom she was able to lovingly say goodbye. She is leaving behind a legacy of faith, love of music, laughter, and deep devotion to family.

Ann was born on May 13, 1947, in Trefnant, Abergele, Wales. She later moved with her family to Lethbridge, Canada, and eventually to the United States, where she settled in Salt Lake City, and then Murray, Utah. It was there she met the love of her life, Darrell Lee Gillen. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on March 15, 1968, a covenant that defined the rest of her life.

Together, Ann and Darrell built a beautiful life and raised their family in Sandy, Utah. They later spent 17 meaningful years in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before eventually retiring in Lehi, Utah. No matter where life took them, Ann made every house a home. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Family was everything to her. She delighted in creating memories, gathering everyone together, and filling her home with warmth and music. There was music in every room, and usually her beautiful, unmistakable laugh right along with it. That laugh was her superpower. It lifted spirits, lightened burdens, and brought joy wherever she went.

Ann’s early career started as a licensed practical nurse at Cottonwood Hospital, where she served with compassion and quiet strength. Her life was defined by service. She also loved the Lord and served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many positions in the Church including Stake and Ward Relief Society President, Primary President, and Young Women’s President. She loved teaching Seminary and loved the students she taught for several years in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She also served two missions with her husband in Toronto, Canada, and Orem, Utah, dedicating herself to sharing testimony of her Savior that she loved so deeply. Her faith was steady, sincere, and the guiding force of her life.

She loved to travel with her sweetheart, creating adventures and memories that spanned continents. However, no matter where she traveled, her heart was always anchored in her family and her testimony.

She is preceded in death by her son, Nicholas, with whom she will now enjoy a loving reunion; her parents, Beryl Mary Wheatley and Wilfrid Hampden Wheatley; and her sister, Susan Hatch.

Ann is survived by her loving husband, Darrell; her children Christine (Troy) Donovan, Sharon (Christopher) Johnson, Heather (Brian) Chandler, Benjamin (Mindy) Gillen, and Jacob (Lilet) Gillen; two brothers and two sisters; 23 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren (with number 25 on the way). Her posterity is her greatest legacy.

She will be remembered for the light she shared with all who came in contact with her. She was an angel on earth. She lived her testimony every single day. Her influence will echo in the laughter of her grandchildren, in the music that fills their homes, and in the faith that continues through generations.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Pheasant Pointe 1st Ward building located at 890 West 3070 North, Lehi, Utah, 84043. A viewing will be held for family and friends from 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at the Murray City Cemetery, located at 5490 South Vine Street, Murray, UT.