Gayle Sellick Matheson

Eva Gayle Sellick Matheson was born January 6, 1932, to Robin and Eva Johnson Sellick in Salt Lake City, Utah. She had a great love of life and lived it to the fullest. Gayle married F. Earl Matheson in the Salt Lake Temple, September 25, 1952, and they were blessed with six children; who in turn, provided them with 24 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren.

She had a love affair with music and if given the opportunity, could sing any song from any period of time, (except for the present). She was known as the Roadshow Lady back in those days and enjoyed receiving awards for her music and shows.

She had a lovely singing voice, and others around her could hear her singing or humming something constantly. In her younger years she loved singing with the band at the Country Club. She had the opportunity to perform with many Chorale groups spilling her love of music over into the classics; move over Handel.

She was a talented seamstress, sewing clothes for her children when they were young; everything from matching shirts and dresses to swimsuits and prom dresses. She loved creating a beautiful home with her talents. Her latest pursuit was crochet. As she stated just a week before her passing, “I create, that’s what I do.”

She attended the University of Utah, where she met her husband of 73 years. For 15 years she was in charge of Admissions for the Graduate School of Social Work, at the University of Utah. If asked what one of her great loves would be she would likely say “Salt Lake City;” where from her home she loved the view of the sunrise over the mountains, sunsets over the lake, and twinkling lights in the valley.

Gayle held many fulfilling assignments in The Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints – presiding over the Young Women’s Organization, teaching Relief Society, Primary and Relief Society chorister, and Relief Society Secretary. Writing was her forte’. She kept many books on family history, and was adept at writing biographies and newsletters. She was diligent in keeping a daily journal – which now tells the story of her life, family and friends. She loved tennis, swimming, and traveling. Cruising with her family was high on her “to do” list.

She and her husband, Earl, were given the opportunity to serve an historical mission at the St. George, Utah, Temple and other historic sites. Their favorite calling was the “Public Affairs – Humanitarian Mission in Washington D. C., where they had the opportunity of visiting with ambassadors and “heads of state“ of the various countries of the world, and members of Congress – informing them of the Church and its great humanitarian programs.

Gayle is survived by her daughters, Patty, (Mrs. Robert Wells): Dawn. (Mrs. Jonathan Goates): sons, Doug (Karen), Richard (Linda). Preceded in death by her husband, F. Earl Matheson; son, Frank Matheson, Jr.; daughter, Janice Lynn Chlarson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 10, 2026 at the Federal Heights Ward Meetinghouse (1300 Fairfax Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah). Interment will take place at Salt Lake City Cemetery.