Gayla Whitmore Critser passed away peacefully November 30, 2021, at the age of 81. She was born December 2, 1939, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Ruth Miller and George LaVearle Whitmore. Her childhood years were spent primarily in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Portland, Oregon.

Mom was born with a nurturing heart and a great love for family. She mothered everyone! Even at a young age, she was taking care of her family. In her youth, she often stayed with aunts and uncles during the summer. Family reunions were a high priority and she loved attending and visiting with her Miller family.

Following Mom’s graduation from high school, she moved to Provo to attend BYU as a Cougarette. Mom loved dancing as a young girl. She fondly remembers the many dance costumes her mother sewed for her. That love of dance continued throughout her life as she enjoyed dancing with her grandkids and great-grandkids.

She married Bryan Critser on December 22, 1964, in Portland, Oregon. They began their life together in Provo and started a family. The family spent a few years in Kirkland, Washington, before moving back to Utah County and settling in.

Mom spent her life serving others. She was involved for many years in the 4-H program as a local leader and a volunteer state coordinator for the international exchange program. She was invited to chaperone a group of students from Utah to Japan in the summer of 1988. Her relationships with her friends in Japan and other countries have meant a lot to her.

Gayla is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her family recalls many days when Mom was off serving people in her church and in the community. She thoroughly enjoyed her associations and friendships with ward members through the years. Relief Society was a huge part of her life. She served in many Relief Society callings and loved serving others.

Mom lived for her family. She rarely missed a track meet, swim meet, cross country race, tennis match, band/choir concert, recital, play, or any other event her kids or grandkids participated in. She was the ultimate cheerleader! She was everyone’s Mom and Grammy. All of our friends were welcomed, loved and well fed.

Mom was the ultimate caregiver. She gently and kindly cared for her grandmother, mother-in-law, and mother during their last years of life. It was a running joke that Mom/Grammy always made sure we had jackets on before going outside and that we knew where all the food and treats were in her home. She truly exemplified love, compassion, generosity and charity.

Gayla loved the Pacific Coast and the beach. Through her beach combing, she has amassed a collection of shells and other beach finds over the years and has used these in her room décor to remind her of her beloved Oregon coastline.

Mom spent her later years in Woodland Hills and St. George, Utah. She adored her friends in Woodland Hills and the beautiful surroundings. In St. George, she relished the warm weather and having family and friends come to visit.

She is survived by her husband, Bryan Critser; her four children: Cody (Scott) Towsey, Lane (Holly) Critser, Jana (Brad) Saunders, and Bryce (Verena) Critser; seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for family and close friends will be held at Walker Mortuary, 187 S Main, in Spanish Fork, Utah, Saturday, December 4, 2021. A viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

We respectfully ask that those attending any of the services, wear a mask. Dad is immuno-compromised. We are doing our best to keep him healthy. If you are feeling ill, please enjoy watching the service from home via the YouTube link.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of those who gave care and comfort to our mother during these past few years.