Ruben Gayle Winterrose

Son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, realtor, bishop, entrepreneur, and friend- Ruben Gayle Winterrose lived a life defined by service, integrity, and generosity. He believed that "a man's true wealth is the good he does in this world", and his life was a testament to that principle.

Gayle was born on May 25, 1931, in Cedar City, Utah, to Jennie Middleton and Reuben Emmanuel Winterrose. He graduated from Cedar City High School before attending Utah State University in Logan, where he studied business. He later completed graduate studies at the University of Utah and remained a devoted Utes fan throughout his life.

While in college, Gayle developed an interest in the ROTC program and graduated as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. In 1952, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Young, in the Manti Utah Temple, beginning a marriage that would span 74 years and be blessed with a loving family.

The first nine years of their marriage were spent serving in the Air Force. Gayle completed flight training in Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas, becoming a skilled pilot of multi-engine aircraft and bombers. During the height of the Cold War, he faithfully served his country during a time of great uncertainty and international tension.

After leaving military service, Gayle continued his passion for aviation by flying commercially for United and Continental Airlines. Though he enjoyed flying, he eventually felt drawn back to Utah, where he began the next chapter of his career in real estate. He continued to fly his family in his own private plane for years to follow.

As a real estate broker and entrepreneur, Gayle found genuine satisfaction in helping families achieve the American dream of homeownership. He had a remarkable ability to guide people through the financing process, making home ownership possible for many who otherwise thought it out of reach. His vision extended beyond real estate sales as he identified promising opportunities for development, building apartment communities and residential subdivisions. Through hard work, careful planning, and sound judgment, he built a successful business founded on honesty, wise investments, and a steadfast belief that real property provided lasting security.

Gayle's greatest legacy, however, was one of service. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was called to organize a new singles ward as bishop. He loved serving the young adults in his congregation, and many of those relationships grew into lifelong friendships. He later served as bishop of the Cottonwood First Ward, where he continued to minister with compassion, wisdom, and genuine love for those in his care.

Above all else, Gayle cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Young Winterrose; his children, Jan (Ron) Noel, Marty (DeAnna) Winterrose, Jenny (Devon) Wesenberg, Lynn (Wes) Meier, and Marcia (Craig) Henriksen; 18 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, and his dear sister, Jackie Winterrose Fullmer.

He was preceded in death by his son, Hal Winterrose, and his grandson, Alec McQueen.

Gayle will be remembered for his unwavering faith, love of family, entrepreneurial spirit, generous heart, and quiet determination. His influence lives on in the lives he touched, the homes and communities he helped build, and the family who will forever cherish his example. His legacy reminds us that a life measured by service, kindness, and love is a life truly well lived.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 9:30 AM at the Cottonwood 1st Ward Meetinghouse (5913 South Highland Drive Holladay, Utah 84121), followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. The interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery (1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, UT 84092).

To view a recording of Gayle's funeral service, please click the tab above that says "Watch Services".