Wanda Gay Parks Gottfredson, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away Friday, November 13, 2020. It was a stormy night and as lighting lit the sky, we knew our mother’s energetic spirit had entered heaven.  Wanda was born July 21,1933, in Kingsport, Tennessee, to Lester Miles Parks and Eutaw Regina Montgomery.  She was the fifth of six children.

She was born a Tennessee girl whose heart never left the southern soil.  She was taught by the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ in Kingsport and baptized, at age 10. Her family left Tennessee, when she was twelve, to join the saints in Utah. Her passion and talent for music was realized in the Rocky Mountains.  Her God-given gifts were many, but music fueled her soul and led her to BYU, where she met her eternal companion, Don M. Gottfredson.  They were married in the Salt Lake Temple, September 4, 1952.

Wanda   went back to finish her schooling at BYU and began her career at Payson Jr. High in 1967. She taught English, Music, Drama and Debate.  Her career lasted 26 years, but her influence will impact generations.  Teaching fulfilled her desire to be of service to society.  She felt rewarded for her work when former students returned, many years later, to express appreciation for her influence in their lives

She had a strong testimony of the Savior and used her talents in service. She taught Gospel Doctrine and led many choirs, well into her 80’s, expressing her love and testimony through music. Her love for her family was the driving force of her life. Her energetic spirit lifted those around her. Her quick wit and zest for life drew people to her.  Her family and friends knew she had a competitive nature and she relished a contest of any sort.

Her retirement years with Don were filled with travel, bowling, church service, and sweet moments sharing the daily rituals of life in sunny St. George. Theirs was a love story beyond compare, years of sacrifice and devotion, a love undimmed by time.

Wanda is survived by her devoted husband, Don M. Gottfredson, and 3 children:  Don E. Gottfredson (Shawna), Cynthia Johnson (Gary), and Kim Thatcher (Kevin); and a sister,  Reva  Boren; and  38 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sherrie Gay; granddaughter, Aubrey Johnson; and five siblings.

Due to the current circumstances, a private family viewing will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Walker Mortuary, 187 S Main St, Spanish Fork. Graveside services will follow at the Spanish Fork Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers at Legacy House of Spanish Fork and a special thanks to Bonnie Ballard for her loving care.