Gary Avery Wright

Gary Avery Wright, 88, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children after battling cancer.
Gary was born on February 24, 1937, in Blackfoot, Idaho, the son of Arnold F. and Stenna Durney Wright. He was raised in the Riverton area, south of Blackfoot, on a farm that was originally homesteaded by his Grandparents, George and Ellen Wright.
Gary graduated from Blackfoot High School, where he was involved in FFA, boxing, and an all-boys choir. As a Junior in High School, he enlisted in the Idaho National Guard, where he continued to serve for seven years. One of the highlights of his life was his service as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Northwest States mission.
After Gary returned from his mission, he was introduced by a mutual friend to Sonja Sommercorn. They hit it off and were married six months later for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls temple on March 10, 1961. Things happened swiftly from that point on. Through much prayer and hard work, they were able to purchase their first herd of dairy cows and started into the dairy business. They moved into their new home in Riverton in 1963, on the corner of the family farm.
By 1964, three children had joined their family-Katrina, Glenn and Renae. In addition to the dairy, Gary worked hard to acquire additional land and raise hay and grain. Through the following years, three more daughters joined the family-Sheila, Valerie and JaLane. Gary and Sonja taught their children the value of hard work and responsibility. Most importantly, they taught their children to love the Lord.
Gary served faithfully in many areas of the church throughout his life-from serving in the nursery to being a leader in various auxiliaries. He and Sonja served missions to the Fort Hall Branch, and to Independence, Missouri, where they were caretakers of the church's historical properties. They also served as officiators in the Idaho Falls temple for many years.
Throughout the years, Gary and Sonja welcomed many young people into their home and farm to live for extended periods of time to help them find direction in their lives. Many became the same as family. Anyone that visited the Wright home was welcomed with open arms by Gary and Sonja. There was always room for one more at the table.
Gary loved his farm work. He considered it a sacred privilege to work hand-in-hand with God to care for this earth. In addition, he worked as a ditch rider for 20 years. He and Sonja always raised a large, meticulous garden. His favorite meals were made from the fresh and canned produce that came out of their garden.
Gary found great joy in serving others--volunteering and helping friends, neighbors, family members or anyone in need. He was hard worker and was up by 4 a.m. to start his day and often times worked into the night. He was known for his kindness, acceptance, warm smile, and genuine love.
The most important part of Gary's life was his family. He said many times that he was a rich man because he was richly blessed to have his family. He loved the Savior, Jesus Christ with is whole heart and soul. Gary made Christ the center of his life and was a faithful disciple to the end.
Gary is survived by his wife, Sonja Wright, of 64 years; his children, Katrina (Tony) Bricker, Glenn (Linda) Wright, Renae (Tim) Teichert, Sheila (Travis) Evans, Valerie (Steven) Ward, and JaLane (Dustin) Gardner; his sisters, Stenna Rae (Duane) Barclay and Naomi (Larry) Briggs; brother-in-law, Gary Morrow; sister-in-laws, Judy Wright and Nancy Reeves; 30 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Stenna Wright; siblings, Gayland, Condon, Ferris (Linda), Craig (Rayola) Wright, and Shirrel Morrow; grandson, Riggin Wright, and great-granddaughter, Ella Allen.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 14 at the Riverton Ward Chapel, 701 W 300 S. The family will meet with friends on Thursday, March 13 from 6-8 p.m. at Hawker Funeral Home and again on Friday at the church for an hour prior to services. Internment will follow at the Grove City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Primary Children's Hospital.