Gwen Rae White, 73, surrounded by her family, moved beyond this mortal plane on August 1, 2024 in West Jordan.

Gwen was born October 25 1950 to loving parents William and Lucy. She graduated from Pleasant Grove High School as a member of the cheer squad. While growing up she connected with her surroundings and the outdoors where it put her on the path of “ Living in harmony today not on death”. In reflection of that she pursued to make sure everyone smiled and her laugh will echo thru the thickest of walls. She found great joy in April Fools and would be remanded when she would glue fingers to eyebrows to the classic of fair game on anyone who fell asleep first. Many mornings result in shock, laughter and then the hug and warm cup of coffee.

With the love of the outdoors she couldn’t stay in one place for long and would insist on exploring what the world gave her. From small town Utah to the bayou of Louisiana and the majesty of California, she just explored and touched the lives of people around her. When she was actually settled in one place she would insist on taking the infamous cross country roadtrip, creating memories and shared stories that would bring tears and laughter. She would also collect rocks to the dismay of anyone moving her in her nomad ways. But then she would counter it with a rock she painted or send you out the door with a new story to tell.

In her later life she was a strong advocate for the homeless and for the 4th Street Mayo Clinic, downtown Salt Lake City. There she would do all that she can and volunteered her shoulder, her jokes, her hugs and her genuine support for all that she encountered, a trait that she had instilled into her family of taking care of others before oneself. She fought thru her own pain (including “Velcro Legs”) to make sure everyone is taken care of. She was especially proud in passing down her adventures to her grandchildren whenever they would visit, sit them in a chair and talk to no end.

She is preceded by her mother Lucy Lewis, her father William Wallace White, and sister Helen Graves. She is survived by her sister Donna Marie White Barnett; her children Jennifer, Chris, Cory (Jaylene), and Anneke (Scot); her nieces; Pamela and Brenda, and her nephews; Josh and Jared. She coddled her 15 grandchildren and her 6 great-grandchildren where she found joy in them from the moment they were born. She leaves a legacy of laughter, love for traditions and story telling.

The family would like to send a heart felt thank you to the staff at Holy Cross Jordan Valley Hospital for their care and attention that they provided. The family will be doing a celebration of life and request that in lieu of flowers for the family a donation to the homeless shelter or to the women’s clinic in her name be given. Thanks should be given as well to Utah Valley Mortuary for their kind words and assistance.