Gloria Utley Obituary

Gloria Utley
Joseph, Utah

Gloria Jean Utley, 81, peacefully passed on January 20, 2025 in her home in Joseph, Utah. She was born March 5, 1943 in Rock Springs, WY to Epifanio and Tillie Trujillo. She married Morris Utley on September 19, 1964 in Elko, Nevada. The marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple on August 10, 2007.

Gloria lived in Rocks Springs, WY until she was 9 years old with her parents and grandparents. The family then moved to Questa, New Mexico. She attended school there and graduated from Questa High School. She relocated to Utah and shortly after started a family with Morris. They lived in Sevier and Salt Lake Counties over the next several years before settling in West Valley City where she raised their 3 children. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Granger 19th Ward in West Valley.

She loved her work as an assistant buyer at ZCMI and you could tell by her keen sense of fashion. Always looking her best with perfect hair and accessories to match.

In 2000, Morris and Gloria moved to Joseph. She cared for Morris’ parents tirelessly until they passed. Initially, she was reluctant to go and leave her family in Salt Lake, but she truly grew to love the people and community that welcomed her with open arms. It was thanks to them, that she was able to stay there. We are forever grateful for all the friends she made over the years that became her second family. Looking in on her and making sure she was taken care of. She has collected countless bonus children and grandchildren during her journey on this Earth.

Over the years, she held many callings in the church and gladly served with love and compassion. She had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room and truly cared about how you felt. She left a lasting impression on all that knew her. Even if the encounter was just a brief one.

She loved her children, but her grandchildren were her true pride and joy. Whether it was rushing to Salt Lake for a school performance or taking a car load of kids home with her for a week or two or more, they all wanted to be with her! Sharing her love of shopping, laughing, playing, crafting, and crocheting. It did not matter what they were doing. These are memories they will all treasure.

Gloria is survived by her son, Drexell Utley Sr. West Valley City; daughter, Rhonda (Walter) Torres, South Jordan; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, and her sweet, little companion Lulu. Siblings, John Trujillo, Daniel (Linda) Trujillo, Sr., David (Nancy) Trujillo, Antoinette Sanchez, Bernadette (Jerry) Cisneros, Nicholas (Sara) Trujillo, Loretta (Mark) Nimon, and Jesse (Monique) Trujillo and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of nearly 53 years, Morris Utley; son, Kevin Morris Utley; daughter-in-law, Trudy Utley; brother, Epifanio Trujillo Jr.; great-grandchildren: Kaiden and Brooklynn McKee; and her parents.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Joseph Ward in Elsinore. Viewings will be held Monday, January 27, 2025 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at Magleby Mortuary and prior to services at the church from 9:30 - 10:30 am. Burial will be in the Joseph City Cemetery.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook www.maglebymortuary.com