Laurie Cummings Riddle

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Laurie Elizabeth Cummings Riddle, age 70, at her home on June 6, 2025, in Sandy, Utah.
Laurie was born on July 9, 1954, in Albany, California, near San Francisco, to Dolores Joyce Johnston Cummings and Merrill Andrews Cummings. She was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she loved babysitting for neighbors. Laurie and her brother Andy created treasured memories at their grandparents' cabin on Sibley Lake-fishing, exploring, and soaking in the serenity of nature.
A gifted and curious learner from a young age, Laurie attended Benilde–St. Margaret's Academy in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and spent two summers at the Twin Cities Institute for Talented Youth. Her lifelong passion for knowledge led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota.
Laurie married her first husband, Jan R. Duszak, in 1979, and they lived in California, where she enjoyed cruising in her beloved Fastback Mustang GT. After their divorce, she later married Spenst Mitchell Hansen, spending many adventurous years traveling and living in Florida and Mammoth, Utah, raising her son Spensty.
Later in life, Laurie followed a new calling in healthcare. She earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Broadview University in Utah, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from National American University, and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Western Governors University. Her professional career spanned roles as an instructor, a Registered Nurse at Sutter Health, and a Charge Nurse at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Most recently, Laurie worked with Select Health in partnership with Activate Care, focusing on community health.
On June 15, 2007, Laurie married the love of her life, Bradford Perry Riddle. Together they made their home in Sandy, Utah, and were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Utah Temple on March 16, 2013. She was a joy to be around-gracious, patient, and the best company.
Laurie was a seeker of truth and beauty. A devoted student of world religions, she immersed herself in sacred texts across spiritual traditions and studied both Spanish and Hebrew. She adored history, especially the Elizabethan era, spending countless hours reading and watching documentaries. She crafted and sewed exquisite Halloween costumes for her grandchildren.
Her adventurous spirit carried her across the world throughout her life. She traveled to Europe and New Zealand, including two inspiring weeks in Italy for a watercolor painting course, where she nurtured her artistic talent-a gift she shared with her mother. That trip ended eventfully on September 11, 2001, when she was unexpectedly rerouted for a week in Canada. Laurie loved cruising with Brad, including several voyages to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. She also found joy each year in the western charm of the Heber Valley Western Music and Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Time at her family's cabin on Horseshoe Lake in Pine River, Minnesota, was sacred to Laurie. She found peace fishing, reflecting by the water, and celebrating the beauty of life.
Always committed to personal growth, she practiced yoga, exercised regularly, and earned her Certified Personal Trainer certificate from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Laurie was full of life, wisdom, and love. She adored turtles and cats, especially her beloved tuxedo cat-Puff Daddy. She delighted family with her famous spaghetti and baked potatoes. A certified scuba diver, skier, and golfer (she even went bungee jumping!), she embraced both adventure and comfort with equal joy. Hello Kitty memorabilia was a playful reminder of her whimsical side.
She is survived by her devoted husband Brad; her brother Andrew Gordon Cummings; her son Spenst "Spensty" Mitchell Hansen II; and her stepchildren Michelle Rae Riddle Barkdull, Mary Elizabeth Rigby (Cameron), and Kristy Marie Riddle, widow of the late Travis Roger Riddle. She is also lovingly remembered by 13 step-grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Laurie was preceded in death by her parents, Dolores and Merrill, and her stepson Travis.
A memorial open house will be held in her honor on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at 1834 E 7995 S in Sandy, Utah. Graveside services and interment will follow at the Cedar City, Utah Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11 a.m., under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent at www.mortuary.org.
The Riddle family extends heartfelt thanks to the Sandy First Responders for their swift and compassionate care.
Laurie's brilliance, kindness, and inquisitive spirit touched many lives. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.