John Riley Cushing

Our beloved father, grandfather, friend, and brother passed from this mortal life on November 18, 2024. We are grateful for the knowledge we have that he has returned to his heavenly home to be greeted by loved ones who have gone before and a Savior who made eternal life possible. We are filled with joy for this marvelous reunion. 

John Riley Cushing was born November 14, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ruth Riley and John Edward Simmons. He was later adopted by William Morrison Cushing. A great deal of his childhood was spent by the side of his grandparents Fredrick and Emma Riley. There he learned the value of hard work and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Later in life John’s mother married Wilfred Williams whom John loved like a father. John grew up in Bountiful, Utah alongside his brothers Rulon, Roger, and Robert (Bob) Cushing.  

Attending Davis High School, John enjoyed the companionship of many who became lifelong friends. After graduating in 1952, John served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Finland and the western United States. 

Upon returning from his mission he met his eternal companion, Marco Mabey. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on January 31, 1958. Together they raised four children, Ruthanne, Julie, Kaye, and Kenneth John. Gena Jackson joined the family as a foster daughter and their family was complete. John and Marco raised their children in love and joy under the guiding principles of the Lord.  

After the death of his beloved wife Marco, John married Anita Brownlee Davenport. Their love united their combined eleven children and dozens of grandchildren into what was known as the Cush-Port family. Together John and Anita served as mission president and mission “mom” for three and one-half years in the Oregon Eugene Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They loved their missionaries and their time in the mission field. After their service in Oregon, John and Anita enjoyed visiting family and traveling until her death in 2022.  

John was an avid sportsman and loved the great outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting with his friends and family. He enjoyed handball, tennis, and golf. Ever the consummate diplomat, John loved both University of Utah and BYU sports. John was an accomplished runner, competing in numerous 10Ks, half-marathons, and marathons. 

John worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance company for 34 years and became a Senior Account Executive. Obtaining his CLU, ChFC and was a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table, John worked extremely hard to provide for his family. His success, however, came because of his genuine love and concern for his clients. It was his love of people and community that spurred his desire to serve the people of his beloved Bountiful as city councilman and eight years as mayor. John served in many community leadership positions including, Primary Children’s planned gifts committee, Lakeview Hospital Board of Trustees, District Chairman and Executive board member for the Boy Scouts of America, Utah Power Commission, Utah League of Cities and Towns President, Utah Power Commission Board, and Bountiful Power Board. He received scouting honors as an Eagle Scout, District Award of Merit, and the Silver Beaver Award. 

Overarching all the trials and joys in John’s life was his love of the Lord, Jesus Christ and His gospel. His willingness to serve his Heavenly Father in any capacity was a great example to his family. Some of his church callings include bishop, stake presidency, high council, mission president, and gospel doctrine teacher. John’s legacy of faith and dedicated service stand as a testimony to all who have known and loved him.  

John is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marco and his wife Anita, his sister Liane Simmons, his brother Rulon Cushing and his great grandson Ty Hubbard. He is survived by his brothers Roger and Bob; his children Ruthanne (Jim) Hubbard, Julie (Reed) Nelson, Kaye (Kelly) Barton, Kenneth John (Gail) Cushing, Gena (Tyrone) Pablo; stepchildren John Davenport and Jimmy Miller, Laura (Clayn) Sonderegger, James (Molly) Davenport, Beth (Rich) Martin, Daniel (Natalie) Davenport, Amy (Jeff) McMurdie; 36 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren. 

John’s children wish to express their appreciation to all those who have given such great love and care to our beloved father over the past few years and months; Legacy House of Bountiful staff, Kumi Talmage, Dignity Home Health and Hospice, Jasmine, Edee, and Daniel. We also wish to express our love and gratitude to dad’s countless friends who filled his life with great joy.  

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Bountiful Tabernacle, 51 South Main, Bountiful, Utah. Friends may call Monday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah, and Tuesday morning from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.