Wendy Warner Whitman

Wendy Warner Whitman (71) passed away peacefully Sunday evening, July 7, in her home in Park City, Utah, surrounded by her loving family. She died of complications related to an acute lung infection that ultimately became untreatable.

Wendy is survived by Bob Whitman, her adoring husband of 49 years, by her son Weston Warner Whitman (Nicole Livermore), her daughter Abbey W. Phillips (Greg Phillips), and by her grandchildren: Cole Whitman and his amazing wife Tessa Watson, Callie Whitman, Tessa Whitman, Kate Phillips, Jacob Whitman, Parker Phillips, and Brielle Whitman. Wendy had just turned 71 on July 5. She is also survived by her sisters and brothers, Nancy Alleman (Glen), Gill Warner (Valerie), Ned Warner (Anjanette), and Peggy Ayers (Steve) and her sister-in-law Pam Childs (Todd). She was preceded in death by her parents, D. Gill Warner and Nedra Mortensen Warner, by her sister, Heidi, and her brother, David Warner.

Wendy was born July 5, 1953, in Fort Lee, Virginia, and was raised primarily in Salt Lake City. Soon after their marriage in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she and Bob moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts for graduate school, then to Salt Lake City and then raised their family in Dallas, Texas before returning to Utah.

Wendy graduated from Highland High School (Salt Lake City) in 1971, and then attended the University of Utah where she majored in mathematics, receiving her B.S. degree, magna cum laude, in 1976. While at the University of Utah, she was also a member of the University of Utah women’s ski team where she competed in giant slalom, and a member of the Chi Omega sorority where she was New Pledge Director. She was also a teaching assistant for the University’s cross country ski classes. Reflecting her enthusiasm for the outdoors, during summers while in college she worked at the Grand Canyon where she hiked it regularly and completed the arduous “rim to rim” hike. She also attended the Teton Science Outdoor School in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a summer.

She was a gifted teacher. For a number of years she taught mathematics, and had a particular passion for teaching those with a “fear” of math and helping them become confident and proficient in utilizing math. While living in Cambridge, Massachusetts she taught pre-calculus at the renowned Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts and also taught at the Harvard University Extension School. When she returned to Utah she was asked to start the Math 50 course at the University of Utah and assume the role as Course Head. Because of the wonderful, supportive way in which Wendy and her other teachers taught the course, Math 50 became in such high demand that it ultimately expanded to include eight sections.

She had a flair for interior design and fashion, and a remarkable ability to organize memorable events that helped build and strengthen relationships. Wendy designed and furnished her home and spaces to be beautiful, comfortable, welcoming and warm. She then conceptualized, organized and served as the consummate hostess for the steady flow of family, church and business-related activities which took place there. Everyone she welcomed felt the warmth of the surroundings and environment she had created, which was further magnified by her own warmth and love.

She was a dedicated servant of her Heavenly Father. Wendy had a strong faith in God and sought His guidance and assistance on things large and small. She was an active and dedicated member of her church and accepted a number of callings and assignments serving others. Over 19 years Wendy served as a youth leader in her congregations, helping more than 100 young women complete a wide-ranging series of personal development and service activities. In addition, over the past 16 years, she and Bob served as Sunday School teachers and advisors for the young adults in their congregation.

She had a tremendous sense of humor. Whether pouring cold water onto her husband over the shower curtain, sharing hilarious stories about her own experiences or foibles in one-on-one conversations, or, most recently, joking that when the nurses put an oxygen mask on her in the hospital, she looked like she was in the movie “Top Gun,” Wendy always had a funny quip or observation that left everyone laughing.

She was unfailingly kind, non-judgmental and generous with her time and resources. Those around her knew or sensed this and felt comfortable sharing challenges they were having, and/or enlisting her for advice or help.

She confronted challenges with determination and courage. Over the years Wendy faced a range of both ongoing and new health-related challenges. These were difficult and left her with increasing physical limitations. Despite these challenges, however, she was resilient, determined, non-complaining and willing to do whatever was required on her part to delay or push back the “inevitable.”

She was an extraordinarily devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Wendy’s principal joy was being with and talking to Bob and her children, enthusing with her grandchildren (where she always slipped them some extra spending money against their protestations), planning trips to be with the family, decorating “to the nines” to make holidays fun and memorable, and thinking of things that would make everyone’s life more fun or enjoyable. Every member of the family knew how much Wendy loved and admired them and each loves and admires Wendy with their whole heart.

Wendy’s influence on her family, her friends and on all those with whom she has come in contact has been and will continue to be incalculably positive and enduring.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Monument Park Stake Center located at 1320 Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. Prior to the funeral services a viewing will be held at the same location from 9:00 - 10:30 am. There will also be an evening viewing on Friday, July 19, which will be held at the Whitman home located at 2838 Quarry Mountain Road in Park City, UT from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.