Randy Lee Bringhurst

Randy Lee Witt Bringhurst
August 31, 1947 - September 6, 2025
Late in the evening of September 6, 2025, beneath the light of a full moon and in the valley of 'her' mountains, Randy Lee Witt Bringhurst-our sweet Mama, sister, Gram, and friend-slipped peacefully from this world into the next. She was surrounded by her family in the home she built with her beloved husband, Dennis Maurice Bringhurst, and-true to her word-she followed him only seven short weeks after he went ahead. When asked if she hurt anywhere, she would hold her heart and look toward his picture. As Dad exhaled his last breath, she promised, "Move over, buddy, I'm coming after ya." And she did.
Dad had a lot of ideas, and once Mom was on board, nothing could stop them-they were a force to be reckoned with. He agreed to come back for her, and in the weeks leading up to her passing, he was seen, heard, and felt keeping that promise. When her time came, we know he was there, waiting to catch "the prettiest girl this side of the pearly gates!" It was beautiful and heartbreaking to witness-a true testament to the bond and unwavering commitment they lived their life in.
Randy was born in Murray, Utah on August 31, 1947, the fifth child of Ruth Wilkins Witt and Dean Russell Witt. For years she was the baby of the family until her "first baby," little sister Dani-Elly, arrived-and from then on she delighted in helping raise her. She grew up across Utah-Draper, Kanab, Salina, and Fort Union/Sandy, attended Mt. Jordan and Hillcrest High, and later Salt Lake Community College. She never stopped learning, always pushing herself to improve her skills and grow in spirit and strength.
At age 16 she captured the heart (and hot rod car) of Dennis Maurice Bringhurst, and never let go. The only young man bold enough to keep up with her, they married on October 6, 1964 and hit the road together without looking back. They built a marriage over 60 years that was equal parts love story, wrestling match, comedy routine, and partnership of steel.
Together they raised three children-Kristine (Krissy), Leslie (Lester), and Dennis (Dennty Bennty)-or as she often called them, "my three little shits." They built two homes, first in Coalville, later in Sandy, Utah with their own hands. They raised their family with hard work, camping trips, ski days, fishing and boating weekends, and countless adventures. Their love grew as the years did, eventually welcoming in-laws (and out-laws), nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and countless "adopted" friends who quickly became family. She cheered, hugged, and bragged over her family with boundless love. She spoiled their dogs like royalty, and folded friends and neighbors into the family as if they'd always belonged. If Randy claimed you, you were hers for life.
Her work reflected the same devotion. She spent decades with Jordan School District starting as a bus driver. She worked her way up as driver trainer, route coordinator, and eventually Director of Special Needs Transportation. By heart she knew every bus, every kid, and every shortcut. Her office was rarely quiet, always filled with friends checking in, solving problems, or swapping stories. She cared deeply for those who worked with and for her, always wanting the best for them. Tireless and loyal, she became a trusted leader and a beloved friend.
From the day she was born, her beauty-inside and out-turned heads, her sparkling baby-blues a trademark. She was legendary for being the original "hot mom" back in the day. She spoke volumes with just a look: a side-eye, a heavy frown, a lift of her eyebrows, a grin.
Humble yet feisty, she was fearless in the face of challenge, an adventurous spirit, and a fighter through and through. She had a spark of spice that made her unforgettable. She could scowl at Dad one minute and hand him his tea with a smile the next. If she was upset, there was no mistaking-and if you were wise, you scattered and gave her space. She was known to start food fights, dance on tables, and laugh until her eyes watered. Strong-willed, yes-but also loving, kind, uplifting, compassionate, and protective. If Randy was on your side, you had the fiercest ally in the world. Her motto: "I can, and I will."
Her voice carried warmth, her laugh was contagious, and she was never afraid to tell a story or be silly-because "we may as well laugh, what else are we gonna do?" She taught her kids and grandkids how to swear properly (timing matters), how to laugh when life hurts, and how to hug. Ahh those hugs-big, squeezy, hold-you-tight hugs-were her signature, always there, especially when you needed one most. Music wove through her days-singing, playing piano or guitar, or humming a tune. Her playful "doodley, doodley, do" and sweet "You Are My Sunshine" echo in our hearts.
But Randy's greatest work was at home, where she was CEO of Bringhurst, Inc. She was caretaker and nurse to both her mothers and later her husband, serving with strength and love. She was teacher, counselor, taxi driver, accountant, coach, referee, cheerleader, gardener, and cook. She ruled her kitchen, turning out legendary hotcakes, spaghetti, mac & cheese, "better than s*x dessert" and "Bringy Burgers" that fueled generations. She rarely missed a ball game, recital, or performance, cheering on her kids and grandkids with pride. She played board games and video games like a champ, did puzzles, colored, painted, and built forts that turned ordinary days into magical childhood memories.
She was an athlete at heart; playing ball, running 5Ks and half marathons, water-skiing summers at Lake Powell (earning her the nickname "Howie the Duck"), and skiing winters on Utah's slopes.
Shopping trips with her were their own adventure-cart in hand, she'd admire pretty things, gripe about prices, then disappear to squeeze baby toes or chat with strangers who became friends. Cars were another passion-she could name the year, make, and model of most hot rods and often told stories of racing on Creek Road and State Street.
Her sweet love planted seeds in all of us-seeds of courage, creativity, grit, humor, and endless compassion. They will bloom in our stories, our music, our meals, our laughter, and in every hug we give. Though she has slipped from our sight, her light remains steady, woven into the rhythm of our lives. We already miss her deeply. And we know-just as she promised-she is exactly where she longed to be: back at Dad's side, ready for the next adventure.
Randy leaves behind her three greatest joys-her children: Kris (Bill), Leslie (Karson), and Dennis (Stacy). She adored being "Gram" to her nine grandchildren: Zach (Samantha), Melissa, Landon, Carly (Tim), Kyra, Dalton (Sophie), Jordan, Breedh (Dakota), and Beau; and "Gramma Randy" to eight great-grandchildren: Olivia, Eric, Hayden, Quentin, Duncan, Frankie, Tayzleigh, Ender, with one more on the way to carry her love forward. She is also survived by her sisters, Danell Johnson Sorensen and Melanie Johnson Nielsen (Randy), who shared her caring, her laughter and her sass. Countless nieces, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends who also claim her as their own-because once Randy loved you, you were family.
She was welcomed on the other side by her husband Dennis, her parents, Ruth Wilkins Witt and Dean Russell Witt (Marcia); stepfather Ronald A. Johnson; siblings Dorothy Ruth Witt McGuire, Nora Kathleen Witt Vennard, and Leslie Dean "Sonny" Witt; and a heavenly host of family and friends-no doubt with Dad at the front of the line, ready with open arms.
In contrast to Dad's quiet reflection, Mom's Celebration of Life will be a gathering full of music, hugs, laughter and stories-the very things she cherished and the legacy she leaves in all of us. Everyone is invited to come as you are, (consider wearing her favorite color, blue!) ready to share a smile, a tear, and a hug, because that is exactly how she lived her life.
Celebration of Life
The Kinlands Garden House
11887 4000 W, Riverton, UT 84096
Monday, September 29, 2025 5-8pm