Gayle Jones Andrus
1917 ~ 2008
Gayle J. Andrus, age 90, returned to the presence of her Heavenly Father on February 27, 2008, in Orem, Utah, from causes incident to age. The daughter of Jesse "Casey" Jones and Leda Robinson, Gayle was born on July 8, 1917, in Kanab, Utah, where she spent her childhood and youth. Although her mother died when Gayle was only seven, Gayle's maternal grandparents helped raise her until her father later married Wilmirth Johnson. On August 25, 1940, Gayle married Leland Wayne Thomas, of Southern California, and to this union were born three daughters, Leda Susan, Linda Gail, and Jaclyn.
Following her husband's unexpected death in a tragic car-train accident on April 24, 1952, Gayle remained a widow for nearly 12 years, during which time she lived in St. George, Utah, with her young daughters. Later, on October 10, 1963, Gayle married Grant Allen Graff, of Santa Clara, Utah, with whom she happily spent the next few years of her life until his sudden death on April 18, 1970.
Finding herself a widow again, Gayle ran for the office of Washington County Recorder, which race she won, unopposed, for two consecutive terms. Well into her second such term, she married James Alwyn Andrus, of St. George, on December 7, 1974. Soon thereafter, she was called to serve in the St. George Temple with her husband (who was the first counselor in the temple presidency) for five years.
After nearly 30 years of marriage, Gayle was widowed for the last time on November 2, 2003, when her husband and friend, Jim, passed away. Following Jim's death, Gayle moved to Orem, Utah, where she spent the last years of her life living with her youngest daughter's family.
Gayle is survived by her three daughters and their spouses, her seven stepchildren and their spouses, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren- all of whom will be forever blessed for having such a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend.
Mama, we will ALWAYS love you -with all our hearts and more!
A viewing will be held at the Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., on March 7, 2008, from 6-8 p.m. The following morning, March 8, another viewing will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Washington First Ward LDS Chapel, 82 N. Main, Washington, Utah, following which the funeral services will commence at 11 a.m. at that same place. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery, under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary.