Jan. 29-1940-Aug. 7, 2022
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 Aug. 7, 2022, after suffering a massive stroke.
He was born Jan., 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 Nov. 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 eight 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, Utah; Bernice (Brian) Stratton of Hurricane, Utah, currently serving in the Czech/Slovakia mission; Glenda (Merril) Pollock of Enterprise, Utah; LaDonna (Russ) Smith of Hurricane, Utah; Cindy Dial of South Jordan, Utah; Russell (Jenny) of Herriman, Utah; and Greg (Amy) of Lubbock, Texas; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sisters Edith Day, Joan (Merrill) Fisher, and Francine (Fred) Wood.
Viewing will be Friday, Aug. 12, 6-8 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 13, 9-10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center, 77 South Center, Enterprise, Utah.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 13, at 11 a.m.
Interment will be at the Enterprise, Utah, cemetery under the direction of McMillan Mortuary.
Condolences may be shared on the McMillan Mortuary website. The service will be live-streamed through the website.