Gayle Ann Wilkey Ludlow

Gayle Wilkey Ludlow passed away in Nephi, Utah, March 24, 2026 at 80 years young, after spending the day surrounded by her family. She was loved by everyone who knew her, especially her four children, sixteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Gayle was born on September 15, 1945, in Payson, Utah, to Clarence Lemore Wilkey and Helen McPherson, as the youngest of four children. Life taught her resilience early on when her mother passed away when Gayle was just five years old, leaving the family to lean on one another in ways that shaped her warm, compassionate heart. Five years later, her father married Florence Cook, welcoming another sister to the family.

Gayle attended Juab High School, in Nephi, where she was a member of the drill team, a cheerleader and was crowned Nebonian Queen. This was about the time that she met Johnny —the handsome lifeguard at the Nephi Pool—an encounter that turned into her favorite love story and one she never tired of telling. Following High School, she attended Snow College and soon after married that handsome lifeguard, John Miles Ludlow, on August 20, 1964 in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity.

The newlyweds lived in Provo until John finished his degree at BYU, and welcomed their first child there. After graduation, they settled in Nephi and helped build the family business, Nephi Lumber. Three more cherished children joined the family. Gayle’s family was the center of her life. She was their biggest supporter—never missing a motocross race, Boy Scout court of honor, wrestling match, baseball game, dance recital, or cheer competition. Thanks to her unwavering dedication (and loudest cheering), she developed a deep love for Juab High wrestling and was recently honored as the very first “Super Fan” inducted into the Juab Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Gayle loved life and loved people. She worked hard in everything she did, whether raising her children, waitressing early in their marriage, assisting with speech therapy in local elementary schools, or serving for 23 years as a dedicated board member of Central Valley Medical Center. Her influence was felt by everyone she met, bringing joy into their life.

Archeology held a special place in her heart. She dreamed of being an archaeologist which led to filling her home with rocks and imagining being on her own expeditions. Ten years ago, Gayle decided to embark on an adventure and left for a real archaeology dig in Belize, joyfully chasing buried history.

She was an active and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings throughout her life, including Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, in the temple, and serving alongside John in the Juab County Jail Branch. She had a gift for finding people who needed help—often in the most unexpected places and, sometimes, in delightfully awkward moments, and lifting them up. She spent her life reaching for those in need with an outstretched hand.

Her joy, later in life, shifted to telling stories to elementary school children and puppet shows with a special-needs group. Gayle looked forward to every October when she was an official storyteller with the Nephi Library Ghost Tours.

Gayle would tell you that her greatest joy was her love for John and her family. She leaves a legacy of love with her children, Cindy Whipple (Gary), Rodney Ludlow (Angie), Waylund Ludlow (Marsha), Chet Ludlow (Karyn); 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons.

Gayle was preceded in death by her husband, John, who passed away nearly eight years ago; her parents, Clarence and Helen; her stepmother Florence; and her older brothers, Mack and Neil. She looked forward with joyful anticipation to being reunited with them.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Rosenbeck and Gayle’s nurses at Central Valley Medical Center, as well as the Hospice team, for their compassionate care during Gayle’s final days. They are also forever grateful to the 6th and 12th Wards in giving a lifetime of friendship and service to both of their parents, John and Gayle.

In lieu of flowers, please reach out to someone in need, show a little extra kindness, forgive a trespass, mend a relationship, find someone who feels lost, and spread joy to others in the most awkward places you can find.

Funeral Services will be held on April 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Nephi Stake Center Chapel at 351 N 100 W, Nephi, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on March 31, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, or prior to the service on April 1 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.