Martha Gayle Perry

Martha Gayle Cowan Perry

1942–2025

Holladay, UT

Gayle passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025, at her home. She was born in Salt Lake City on December 7, 1942, to Eva Jones Cowan and Reed Ferron Cowan and was gladly welcomed by her brother, J. Gordon Wyatt (deceased).

She is survived by her son, Dan (Danielle), and their three children, who were the light of her life (Mason, Hadley, and Liam). Gayle is also survived by her sister, Marilyn Clark (Dave), as well as nieces and nephews and their families, with whom she was very close: Mike & Sharon Wyatt, Blake & Michelle Court, Jeff & Marian Clark, and Matt Clark.

Gayle grew up on DeSoto Street, just north of the Capitol Building, during a time when kids could walk downtown to see a movie or buy a slice of pizza at Kresse, play outside in the summer until very late, and sleigh ride down the streets in the neighborhood or on the hill of the Capitol Building. Gayle had a very special group of girlfriends on Capitol Hill who stayed in contact with each other throughout their lives.

She attended Lafayette Elementary, Horace Mann Junior High, West High School, and the University of Utah. She received a BS degree in Business Education and an MS degree in Education. While at the U, Gayle was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and worked part- time as a secretary in the Mathematics Department.

Upon graduation, Gayle began teaching Business Education and English at Murray High School, a career that lasted 30 years. From 2010–2017, Gayle worked part-time for the National Energy Foundation (NEF) as a classroom presenter, most often with her sister, Marilyn. They traveled to various locations in the U.S. where NEF had contracts with utility companies, presenting in classrooms the importance of all energy sources and the importance of energy efficiency. The experiences with NEF reinforced Gayle’s love of teaching and gave her and Marilyn wonderful opportunities to be together.

Gayle had many interests and hobbies: boating, travel, knitting, gardening, reading, golf, tennis, cheering on the Utes, shopping for beautiful clothes, and exercising at the Sports Mall. She was also an accomplished pianist and organist, playing for services in the Ensign Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prior to moving to Holladay.

Those who knew Gayle will remember her for her incredibly kind spirit and her huge heart, which she shared with so many people and animals, especially Roxy, her German Shepherd, who was always at her side in her home or yard. Although she will be missed, a part of her will always stay with us, especially when you hear one of her favorite songs : “Danny Boy” or “You’ll Never Walk Alone.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens: 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) Sandy, UT 84092

Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Larkin Sunset Gardens.

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