Lolla Gay McKendrick passed away peacefully on October 26, 2026, at the home of her son Shawn and his wife, Lauriann, in South Jordan, Utah, surrounded by loved ones. She was 89 years old. Born on April 8, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Lolla was the daughter of Wilford Wilson McKendrick and Lorna “Lona” Fern Fisher. After graduating from East High School, Lolla worked as a veterinary office manager and dental assistant before devoting herself primarily to being a mother and homemaker. Lolla was a patient and nurturing mother who gave her children the gift of being heard. She was a thoughtful listener, often providing comfort simply through her willingness to listen without judgment. She encouraged her children's interests and activities, giving them the freedom and trust to explore the world, develop independence, and discover their own paths. Lolla had a special affection for small, cute animals, a love she happily shared with her children. She even allowed baby ducks to be given as Easter gifts on several occasions. Her children would sometimes sneak their little ducks into bed with them in the early morning hours, resulting in frequent sheet changes. This was especially memorable given Lolla's fondness for maintaining a clean and orderly home. Lolla developed a deep appreciation for Polynesian culture and Hawaiian music. She enjoyed working behind the scenes with the Ports of Paradise entertainment group. Music of all kinds held a special place in her heart, particularly Polynesian music, although she also enjoyed many other gentle and melodic selections. She could spend hours simply sitting and listening to the music she loved. Her fondness for sunshine, warm weather, and palm trees reflected her appreciation for life's simple pleasures and eventually led her to Arizona, where she made her home for 37 years. Lolla had a lighthearted sense of humor about her resemblance to actress Elizabeth Taylor. She enjoyed recalling a visit to Las Vegas in her younger years when strangers mistook her for the famous actress and asked for her autograph. It was one of the many stories she shared with warmth and amusement. Some of Lolla's most meaningful moments were found in the everyday pleasures of life. She enjoyed reminiscing about family experiences and sharing conversations with her children and grandchildren. She also treasured memories from her own childhood, including the three goldfish she affectionately named Oodles, Boodles, and Toodles. She delighted in recalling how they would swim in the bathtub while their fishbowl was being cleaned. Perhaps this fond memory helped explain her willingness to let her own children enjoy similar adventures with their beloved little animals. Lavender was Lolla's favorite color, and she found comfort in a clean, peaceful, and orderly home. She often shared with her children that caring for her surroundings was one of the ways she created a sense of safety, stability, and harmony in her life. She took pride in her home and the welcoming environment she worked to maintain. Lolla expressed affection through physical warmth, attentiveness, and thoughtful gestures toward those she loved. Even when life presented difficult circumstances, she often found ways to remain positive and appreciate the good things around her. Throughout her life, Lolla experienced many changes and challenges that helped shape her independence, resilience, and understanding of herself and others. She was a private and sometimes complex person, yet those who knew her recognized her patience, generosity, and the unique ways she expressed her love for family. Her ability to find moments of hope, humor, and meaning remained an important part of who she was. Lolla lived with Alzheimer's disease during the later years of her life, as had her father. During the last two and a half years of her life, she returned to Utah, living in the home of her son Shawn, who served as her primary caregiver with the support and assistance of his wife, Lauriann. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilford Wilson McKendrick and Lorna “Lona” Fern Fisher, and her sister, Robyn Barr.

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Lolla is survived by her three children, her daughter, son Shawn (Lauriann), and youngest son; seven grandchildren, a granddaughter, Charei, Spencer, Gavin, Caelei, Cierstei, and another granddaughter; three greatgrandchildren, Aziah, Elsie, and Lucilla; and her nephew, Robb Barr.

Her grandchildren affectionately knew her as “Gwamees.” Her sister and nephew knew her as “Shnoodle.”

Lolla's life was defined not simply by the places she lived, the things she enjoyed, or the stories she told, but by the quieter ways she touched the lives of others. Her patience as a listener, the independence she encouraged in her children, her nurturing affection, and her appreciation for life's simple pleasures will remain part of her lasting legacy. She will be remembered as a woman of warmth, individuality, resilience, and quiet strength, whose love was often expressed through simple, everyday acts of care. Those who loved her will carry forward not only their memories of her, but also the many ways she helped shape their understanding of kindness, independence, and love. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

A viewing and cryptside service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026 , from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 .