Loretta Fern Wadsworth

Our beloved Loretta Fern Whittle Wadsworth passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on December 19, 2024, at age 80. Loretta will forever be remembered as a natural and inherent peacemaker, selfless and dedicated to the many lives she touched as a wife, daughter, sister, mother, cousin, aunt, grandma, and friend. She was born on November 19, 1944, to parents Ronald C. Whittle and Wanda Fern King in Murray, Utah. The oldest of three children, Loretta's parents instilled in them the value of family. She was always close with her sister Sheree, and brother Dave, and cherished those relationships.

She married Larry J. Wadsworth on July 15, 1966, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple, and they spent 58 beautiful years together creating a life rooted in faith, family, and a mutual love of music. As talented musicians, she and Larry filled their home with music, and instilled in their children an appreciation for the power of uplifting music. They often played together in various capacities, including the West Valley Symphony Orchestra for many years. Throughout her life she taught piano to students in the community, her four children, and later, all 14 of her grandchildren. Her kids count it a blessing to have wonderful childhood memories of her at the piano, playing music and hymns as they carried out daily activities around her.

Loretta was a natural teacher and worked as a title one aid for Granite School District, helping to pilot a music program for children combining the benefits of music and education. A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Loretta emulated her belief in and love of Jesus Christ through a lifetime of service. She held various callings, loved family history and temple work, and served for a time as a temple ordinance worker at the Jordan River Temple. Also, she was an exceptional grandma, putting in time and effort to make sure each of her grandchildren, and spouses as they came into the family, felt loved and seen. They were all truly a joy in her life.

Above all, she was a dedicated and loving mother, blessing the lives of her 4 children who will forever be grateful for all the sacrifices she made in their behalf. Loretta believed in a positive attitude, hard work, and the importance of gratitude. Forever a teacher, she often expressed the motto "it could always be worse," as a constant reminder to try and find the good in any circumstance, which she did, even up to the very end. She is survived by husband (Larry), children Cindy (Randon), Lori (Dale), Brad (Lynette), and Becky (Ryan), 14 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, sister Sheree (Layne) and brother David (Connie). She is preceded in death by her parents. 

A viewing will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 6-8 pm, at McDougal Funeral Home on 4330 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Brookhaven Ward chapel on 4980 W. 3285 S., West Valley City, Utah at 11:00 am. A viewing will be held prior from 10:00-10:45. Interment will be at Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery at 6500 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan, Utah.

Those who wish to livestream the service may do so at the following link:  https://www.youtube.com/live/iMIaTJGrxUc