- Date Of Birth: December 20, 1929
- Date Of Death: August 18, 2021
- State: Utah
Mary Helen Hardy White, Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother
Mary Helen Hardy White of Layton, Utah, returned to her Heavenly Home on August 18, 2021.
Mary Helen was the 3rd daughter born to Elsworth Colton Hardy and Mary Elizabeth Reese Hardy on December 20, 1929, in Kemmer, Wyoming. Mary came from a strong lineage; she was a cousin of prophet Joseph Smith and the second great granddaughter of George A. Smith, a pioneer that migrated west and was known as “The Potato Saint” that saved the pioneers from scurvy. Mary’s grandfather, George, and two others planted five acres of potatoes where the Salt Lake City office now stands. Later, the city of St. George, Utah, was named in his honor.
Shortly after Mary’s birth, the family relocated to Vernal, Utah, where her pioneer grandparents and the rest of her family lived. Her devoted parents nurtured Mary; she treasured the memories of her school days, teachers, and family members. Then, at the age of 13, her family moved to Price, Utah. Mary attended Carbon High School; while there, she was active in the sports program and the Pep Club; she enjoyed her time there and graduated in 1948.
Mary met her husband, Ray L. White, while attending the College of Eastern Utah- a branch of Utah State University. The two wed March 7, 1949, in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. One short month later, Ray was called to serve a two-year mission for the church. During those years apart in Salt Lake City, Mary lived with Ray’s brother Tom and sister-in-law, Jessie. While there, she was employed by Z.C.M.I and served weekly in the Salt Lake Temple. Upon completing Ray’s mission, the couple moved near the University of Utah, eventually purchased a home, and settled in Granger, Utah.
Mary kept busy raising their eight children while her husband, at the age of 26, was called to be a bishop, which was only possible because of her. Later with four children in college, Mary accepted an invitation from the founder and President of Zions Bank to serve as Branch Manager of the newly built bank in Granger. She worked for Zions Bank for 19 years as a manager of three branches and vice president. While in the position of manager of the first south branch in Salt Lake City, the bank was robbed. Mary chased the thief up the street and returned with the stolen money.
Mary enjoyed serving with Barbara Smith, the Chairman of the National Mother of the Year Committee. She was given many honors, which he seldom mentioned, such as “West Valley Business Woman of the Year” and an Honorary Colonel Rank given to her by the West Valley City Police Department. Mary traveled with Ray throughout Europe from Greece to Norway, where she helped arrange the hosting dinners and activities of the Utah Symphony. She participated with Ray in leadership activities in Australia with the M.I.A. General Board, and together they were in charge of the Golden Gleaner Dance celebration at BYU. They traveled as Advance Man Planning for the trade mission in the far east that took them to Korea, Hong Kong, and other islands. Mary worked concertedly with Ray in serving and leading, as he was Executive Director in the National Right to Life Campaign in the fight against abortion.
Mary served in many leadership positions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints throughout her life, including ward Young Women’s President, ward Relief Society President, Stake Relief Society Counselor, and stake Young Women’s President. Alongside her husband, Mary served six missions for the church, including Mission President and wife of the Texas, Fort Worth Mission; Orlando, Florda Temple; Preston, England Temple; Nauvoo Temple; and Dallas, Texas Temple.
Mary was liked, loved, and respected by those she met and with whom she associated. She hosted the prophet, general authorities, and other leaders in her home for many years. Mary loved people and possessed the talent of always remembering a person’s name, even after only a brief introduction. Of this talent, her husband called her his memory bank.
Mary was always an example of the believers. She wore her religion in her heart. Nothing she ever did or implied was motivated by self-aggrandizement. Mary was called an “elect lady” by a former president of the church. Mary Helen Hardy White will be remembered as one who practiced virtue and got things done.
Mary is survived by her husband of 73 years, Ray L White; sisters, June Klapakis, Joanne (Richard) Thompson; children, Debra (Mike) Gundersen, Shauna (Ted) Olsen, Marsha White, Cynthia (Jeffrey) Sweet, Bruce H. (Maryann) White, Laura (Paul) VanWagenen, Lisa (J. Stephen) Erekson; 57 grandchildren including spouses; and 82 great-grandchildren for a total of 139. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Francis; son, Ray L. White (Son); grandson, Austin Van Wagenen; and great-grandsons, Wade Gundersen and Seth Sweet.
A viewing will also be held at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Oakhills Ward building on Monday, August 23, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., located at 1410 East Gentile Street, Layton, Utah.
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