Born November 9, 1911 in Boeckingen, Germany to Johannes and Maria Raisser Speidel and grew up in Stuttgart, Germany and passed on February 19, 2002.
Elisabeth loved school and learning, especially the training she received in the esteemed Home Economics School in Stuttgart. She arrived August 28, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY on the S.S. Europa, the newest, largest, fastest ship traveling in six days for her maiden voyage to America.
Her life took on new meaning when she was accepted at the Dr. Henry Albert Wade Private Hospital and Nursing School. While there, she met Luther Redford Gunnell in February 1933 after his release from the Swiss German Mission. Upon graduation from nursing school she secured employment at the Logan Cache Valley Hospital.
Luther and Elisabeth were married June 6, 1934 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. In July 1935 they moved to Salt Lake City where they have since resided. On November 29, 1940 Elisabeth took the oath of allegiance to the United States of America and became an American Citizen - this was very important to her! She loved America!
Elisabeth was active in the church and held many teaching and executive positions in Primary, MIA, and Relief Society. She received an honorary Golden Gleaner Award. She served on the Utah State PTA Board as Character and Spiritual Education Chair and she received the Utah State Honorary PTA Life Membership Award. She was also an associate member of the DUP. With her husband she served a leadership mission in the Liberty Stake.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband; a cherished granddaughter Angelique Gunnell Tilby; and was devastated by the untimely recent loss of her son, John Gunnell.
She is survived by daughter Ruth Marie Gunnell Grasser; son Joseph Walter Gunnell (Adrienne); and grandchildren Jennifer Gunnell, John Bradley Gunnell, Achelle, Aleta, and Annessa Gunnell. Siblings: Walter Speidel, Ruth Speidel Putzel; nieces: Daniela, Arnella; nephew Bertram. A special great-grandchild Shannae. And many deeply cherished friends!
Services Friday, Feb. 22, 1 p.m. Monument Park Chapel, 1565 Foothill, where friends my call from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Services under the direction of Larkin Sunset Lawn.