Thelma "Rebecca" Gunnell Hogan, 70, of Sandy, heard there would be a birthday party for her in Heaven, so she just had to go. Born February 28, 1947 to Preston and Thelma Jorgensen Gunnell, she was the oldest sister of Preston (Becky) Gunnell, Charmaine Gunnell, Julie (Rex) Becker, Diane (Lane Gunrud) Gunnell, and David (Roberta) Gunnell. She passed away peacefully in her home on February 26, 2018. She is excited to be reunited with the parents that she loved dearly and has missed for many years. She was the perfect example of how to honor her parents and love her siblings, and it was our privilege to care for her in her final weeks.
Rebecca was intelligent, witty, self-sacrificing, and a hard worker. She grew up in South Salt Lake and graduated from Granite High School in 1965. She excelled in academics, and enjoyed dancing in Pep Club. She loved learning. She attended the University of Utah with plans to be an elementary school teacher. She spent two of her favorite summers working as a maid in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with friends. She held jobs at Zesto's, Sears, Staker's, and in her later years Mervyn's. When she quit Staker's to start a family, they had to hire four people to do the job of one Rebecca.
When she was 17, she met the man who would be her only sweetheart, Chuck Hogan. They dated through high school, wrote during his LDS mission, and married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 12, 1970. They lived in Murray, then settled in Sandy, where they lived in the same happy home for 42 years. They raised their family in Sandy: Angela (Jeremy) Rich, Heather (Ben) Lawrence, Sharla (Jason) Chase of Kansas, and Lisa (Dallas) Reid were always Rebecca's first priorities. Chuck and Becky's joy deepened with the addition of grandchildren: Ashley and Alex Rich, Abbey and Maggie Lawrence, Carter Chase, and Emmy, Camryn, and William Reid. As matriarch of her family she loved to sing silly songs, leave the Christmas Tree up until Easter, and give thoughtful, themed gifts.
Rebecca loved children! She used her creativity in her LDS Primary callings, and served happily, giving 110% for many years. She attended every event her children were ever a part of, and relished seeing her grandchildren perform, achieve, or simply play. She sacrificed much for her family to be able to go to Disneyland several times, a place where she played and shopped to her heart's content! Mom loved to talk and discuss. She loved to laugh with her lunch friends. She had a quick mind, and loved music and especially dancing! She loved red and pink, and delicious strawberries and chocolate. She was the ultimate caregiver, first for her siblings, then for her children, husband, and grandchildren. No one left Grandma's house without a toy, treat, or both!
She was happiest caring for the needs of others, always going the extra mile to make sure people felt included. She had great compassion for anyone with special needs. As her body aged and her health declined, she talked often about her absolute faith in eternal life, and her desire to be a "ministering angel". She was eager to "rest from her labors", and return to "that God who gave her life". Beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend. We love you, Rebecca. You have lived a life of grace, touched many lives, and you will always be with us.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 3, 2018 at 12:00 noon at the Hillcrest 5th Ward, 915 Peach Blossom Drive (9045 S.) in Sandy. Viewings will be held Friday, March 2, 6-8 PM and Saturday, March 3 at 11:00 AM at the Ward.
At Rebecca's request, please wear pink and red instead of black. Donations towards medical expenses can be made on youcaring.com under Chuck and Becky Hogan.
