Judith Ann Garff

Judith Ann Garff, loving wife, amazing legendary teacher, best friend to many, and our mother, returned to her Heavenly Father to sing and work and wait for us with other angels. She died early Friday morning, April 15, 2016 having battled leukemia for six months and finally passing peacefully in her sleep. She was 77. Our mom was born in Salt Lake City to Lenor Jensen Larson and L. Everett Larson, on January 3, 1939. She had blonde curly hair and big blue eyes. By age 3, she was sitting on her dad's piano and singing while he played. She continued to sing her way into musicals at East High School and at the University of Utah, touring Japan and South America with USO shows. She later played leading roles at Kingsbury Hall and she was fabulous on stage!

Our family spent 15 years in Gooding, Idaho where mom continued in show business. She directed musicals at the high school, bringing a brand-new world to the students. She enriched the lives of so many in that little town, and was a dear friend as well as a great leader.

We have been blessed to have a front row seat at home, where mom was always entertaining. She taught us so perfectly; was funny and wise, compassionate and beautiful. Mom was passionate and loving about every move we made and we felt privileged to belong to her!

She taught for many years in the public school system and finished her career in 2004 at Reading Elementary in Centerville. Throughout her career she loved unconditionally and brought such joy and success to the children who called Mrs. Garff their teacher.

The only thing stronger than her desire to go to lunch with family or friends, was her desire to serve and bring joy. This was evidenced by productions of How the Grinch Stole Christmas for over 35 years in various classrooms, churches, and nursing homes. She taught so many young women the beauty of bringing happiness to the elderly. She was passionate about books and music and appreciated the beauty of each.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mom loved keeping traditions and we will miss Easter Grandma, green dinners, and candy hunts. We have loved family vacations at Bear Lake for 30 summers, where Grandma could be found floating on a raft in the pool.

We will miss her, but we know she is only in the next room.

Her family includes husband David, children Loriann, Greg, Brad, Jeff, and Heidi, together with their spouses and 20 marvelous grandchildren, sister Jeanne Holdaway, and many nieces and nephews who loved Aunt Judy.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 23 at 1:00 PM, with a viewing at 11:30. A viewing will also be held Friday night from 6 to 8 at the Bountiful 53rd Ward, 1365 N. and 650 E. Interment will be at Centerville Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com.

“This will be so fun!”