Stacy Anne Gooch Anderson

Stacy Anne Gooch Anderson, 57, passed away June 1, 2025, leaving a hole and void in the hearts of many who knew and loved her.
Stacy was born June 4, 1967 in Phoenix, Arizona, the oldest child of William Rex (Bill) and Laurel Stapley Gooch. She only ever wanted to be a mother and looked forward to all she hoped it would bring and then some. When her family moved to Cottonwood Heights, Utah, she would meet a young man from her ward and high school who would later become her soulmate. She was married and sealed to Bradley Jay Anderson on August 26, 1986 in the Salt Lake Temple. They would soon begin their family, leading her on the greatest adventure to fulfill her sincerest desire as she would raise a family of four boys.
Stacy was blessed with many talents in this life, which she often used to help and bless the lives of those she came in contact with. A love of writing, Stacy became an accomplished writer and published author of multiple books and articles. Her works and stories through the years helped uncover criminal cases, brought laughter to many, and found a way to touch the hearts of those reading her works. Her quality work was recognized with many awards from the Society of Professional Journalists including the Don Baker Award for Investigative Journalism in 2006, honorable mentions and recognitions in sports and features coverage, Most Valuable Writer for- The Valley Journals, writing over 300 stories, and covering 5 beats in one year. She also received the Top Rover Award, their most prestigious award in 2006, Her most profound achievement published was her book, The Santa Letters. She utilized this book as an instrument to uplift and comfort others. The Santa Letters, inspired by her pure and unwavering love for her family, showed people that Christmas was nothing without Christ.
Stacy was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a love for the temple. Her excitement to serve in Taylorsville Utah Temple grew each week as she left church and drove by to see the progress. Once opened, she served weekly until her passing. She found peace immersing herself in her personal studies, looking to understand the deeper meaning of those things written and the teachings of our Savior. Her faith was pure and unwavering as she consistently lived her life on that principle. She always believed that things would work out despite the challenges of the world. Her unique ability to follow promptings to reach out to so many, allowed her to become an instant confidant, friend, and angel on this earth.
Stacy was known for being the fiercest of allies and was never afraid to defend those whom she loved. She always sought to serve and help in her own way, however she could. Whether it was wanted or needed, she was always there. Her intentions were pure and full of love and a desire to make sure all were taken care of and felt loved.
Following the passing of both her parents from cancer, as the oldest of her siblings she elevated herself to fill the role to lend care and compassion to her entire family. She regularly checked in and made sure everyone was informed of what was going on. Stacy was known for her open door policy and that all were welcome and had a space in her home. She regularly opened up the spare bedrooms, couches, floors and fridge to anyone in need whether they were visiting, struggling, alone, or were friends of her boys that needed a place to go. In fact, she was happiest when her home was filled with people creating fond memories. Holidays were frequently filled with strangers that quickly became friends as they felt her kindness and welcoming demeanor. She loved family gatherings and cherished every time the family was together. These were her most prized memories in life.
As her boys grew, her purpose in life began to shift to parenting adults rather than chasing kids. She returned to school after 20 years and pursued her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Utah. She was proud to graduate with a perfect GPA, graduating Magna Cum Laude proving once again to her boys she could do anything she set her mind to. She found great joy in watching her boys grow and become the men she taught them to be, marrying their own sweethearts and growing their families.
Stacy and Brad found joy in their 42 years of friendship, and nearly 39 years of marriage. They journeyed through the peaks and valleys of life together. They loved each other fiercely and were each other's soulmates. They were each other's biggest advocate and support!
She found such joy in her four grandchildren and was blessed to watch her grandson for the first two years of his life, and found immense joy in having a granddaughter near the same age as him. She was thrilled when twins later joined the family. Just like a candle flame, her love for her grandchildren grew each time a new one blessed her family. She often said that the reward for not strangling her own children was grandchildren, and she confirmed the truth of that. She adored her four grandkids and sought to spoil them in every way she could, which she excelled at!
All who knew her will always remember her as a true friend, a woman of pure faith, and one who had the ability to touch lives in ways she will never truly know. In her wisdom, she frequently acknowledged her imperfections and stated often that she did the best she could with what she had. She strived to be better while acknowledging that doing our best is what is most important, which provided a light and example to all around her.
Stacy is survived by her best friend and adoring husband, Brad; their four sons, Justin, Mitch (Robyn), Josh (Zuly) and Maison (Brittany); her four grandchildren, Benjamin, Mila, Raegan and Dakota. She is also survived by her five siblings Rex (Jenn), David (Sydne), Becky (Josh), Tim (Shiloh), Taylor as well as many nieces and nephews, friends, and countless others that will miss her deeply.
She is preceded in her passing by her parents William (Bill) and Laurel Gooch and her mother-in-law, Janice Anderson.
Funeral services will be held at Noon on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Bennion 4th Ward located 6100 South Kamas Drive (2600 West) in Taylorsville, Utah. Viewings will be held from 6-8pm on Monday, June 9, 2025 at Larkin Mortuary - Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South in Riverton as well as Tuesday prior to services at the ward beginning at 10am. Interment and graveside services will follow at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.