JoEllen Gough

JoEllen Gough passed away peacefully on December 3rd, 2025. Born November 18, 1954, in Logan, Utah, to Sharon and Joanne McDonald. Jo grew up in Sacramento, California, where she excelled in athletics and academics.

On October 15, 1974, Jo married Rick Gough in the Oakland California Temple, where they were sealed for time and all eternity. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—cherishing her three children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild above all else.

After graduating high school in 1972, she attended Ricks College in Idaho, where she was active in campus life and her student ward. It was there she met Rick, and their love story began. She later transferred to BYU in Provo UT to continue her education. Following their marriage, Jo and Rick embarked on an adventure to small Wyoming towns for 20 years eventually landing in Centerville, Utah, where they settled in 1995.

Jo worked in various roles throughout her life, finding her greatest joy in education. She served as a substitute teacher and later as an aide in the STEPS program, where she touched countless lives by supporting individuals with special needs.

Despite facing significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in her 40s, Jo remained positive and steadfast in her faith in Jesus Christ. She served faithfully in numerous church callings and was always eager to help those in need.

Jo loved reading, watching Days of Our Lives, and spending time with her family. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy—she wrote them letters, sent cards, and treasured one-on-one visits where she listened intently to their stories. Her kindness, warmth, and genuine interest in others made her a beloved friend to many.

Jo is preceded in death by her husband Rick and her parents Sharon and Joanne. She is survived by her brother David McDonald; sisters Michelle Mabry, Kristen (Jerry) Hart, and Beth McDonald; her children Shawn (Sharidi) Gough, Nicholas (Nichole) Gough, and Whitney (Zach) Horrocks; her grandchildren Mason, Bailey (Jonas) Nerdin, Gideon, Melina, Mikayla, Jade, Cody, and Cameron; and her great-granddaughter Rikki.

Jo’s life was a testament to resilience, faith, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the caregivers from Fairfield Village, McKay-Dee Hospital and Inspiration Health & Hospice who shared their love, time and talents with Jo in her final months.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M. on December 12, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 850 North 300 West, Farmington Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 12:30-1:30 P.M.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.