Wilford (Woody) Ensign Woodruff passed away peacefully on May 19, 2019 at the age of 87, from an unforeseen brain hemorrhage. He was born in Murray, Utah on August 10, 1931 to Joseph Wilford and Leota Miller Woodruff. He was named after his grandfather, Ensign, and great-grandfather, Wilford (4th prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).
In his early years Wilford enjoyed school, playing marbles, baseball and learning to dance. At age 9, he records in his journal that he was becoming aware of his ability to think about the future—what it held for him and who he would become. He learned compassionate service and sensitivity to the Spirit through the example of his loving Father.
When he was 12, Wilford's father passed away from a brain tumor. His Grandpa Miller died four months later. From that time on, Wilford learned how to become a man through hard work, service, and helping his mother. He helped provide income with a newspaper route. During his teenage years, he had little or no time to play sports and socialize, but he did enjoy learning violin, playing in the school orchestra, and building a radio with his friend.
He graduated from South High School in 1949 and went on to college at the University of Utah where he studied architecture and engineering. Shortly thereafter, Wilford was called on a two-year mission to the Great Lakes. While in his first area, he met a young woman named Jean Bloom. They corresponded through letters throughout his mission. Following his mission, Wilford and Jean courted and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 8th, 1953.
Wilford was inducted into the army and served at Ft. Lewis, Washington. There, he participated in military training, learning radio operations and Morse code. He was released from active duty just as the Korean conflict ended and served in the active Army Reserves until 1965, reaching the rank of First Lieutenant of the Signal CORPS.
He worked as a structural engineer at Western Steel, SME, and Stott and held positions of Project Engineer, Plant Engineer, Project Engineering Manager, Director of Engineering, Production Control and Operations Manager. He worked on designs for bridges, stadiums, and buildings including local projects‚the Church Office Building, Salt Palace and Delta Center (now Vivint Arena). In 1996 Wilford retired the same day as Jean.
Wilford and Jean raised six beautiful children. He was a devoted husband, always complimenting her for the wonderful mother she was. Together they shared 65 years of "sheer bliss". He was also a dedicated loving father and grandfather and is loved and revered by his posterity. They now have 30 grandchildren and 67 great-grandchildren. Until his passing, Wilford was keeping a record of each new child that was born. He was an avid journal writer and loved recording the events of his family and personal life.
He also enjoyed bowling, camping, fishing, family trips, gardening, reading, completing projects with his hands, music, singing in the ward choir, and serving the Lord. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He held many callings including Bishop of the Holladay 17th Ward and Stake President of the Sandy Utah Stake. He was a faithful home teacher and minister throughout his life and loved those he served. Wilford enjoyed working in the temple (with Jean) for many years, and especially enjoyed being called as a Sealer from 2003-2011. He served in the Jordan River, Vernal, and Oquirrh Mountain temples.
In their later years Wilford and Jean spent time living in Roosevelt, Utah near two of their daughters. Here, they enjoyed family, serving in the Church and community, and making many wonderful friends. His last years were spent in South Jordan, Utah where he and Jean loved and appreciated the service and visits from friends, neighbors, and family. He has been a great example of love and service to Jean while caring for her the last couple of years.
Wilford lived a life of service. He served as president of the Wilford Woodruff Family Association for 30 years. While living in Roosevelt, he served for two years as President of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers. After his retirement, Wilford and Jean served together in the Manchester, England Mission, and upon arriving home, served a one-year mission for the Sandy Institute of Religion. He also loved doing genealogy and family history work.
Wilford is survived by his wife, Jean, and their six children‚Laura Jeppson (Paul), Diana Eddington (Keith), Kent (Linda), Linda Fulton (Doug), James (Suzanne), Lana Muir (Russ), and his sisters, Lorna Robinett and Carol Hicks. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Maurine Swenson, and brother, Keith.
As he passed through the veil, surrounded by his wife and children, we are sure it was a grand reunion with many loved ones. He will be remembered dearly by all who know and love him.
Viewing: Friday, May 24th from 6-8 pm at Larkin Mortuary of Riverton, 3688 W 12600 S, Riverton, UT.
Funeral: Saturday, May 25th at 11 am (viewing prior from 9:30-10:30 am) at the LDS Glenmoor 7th Ward chapel, 4200 W Skye Drive, South Jordan, UT.
Interment will be in Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road (10600 S) on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 12:30 p.m.
