Mary Gibbs Monson

Mary Adele Gibbs Monson, consummate world traveler, has left for her next great adventure.  Born on May 31, 1930, to Lauren Worthen and Mary Godbe Gibbs in Salt Lake City, Mary is a direct descendant of Brigham Young. She was sealed to Dale A. Monson in the Salt Lake Temple, later divorced. She attended East High School and the University of Utah where she met life long friends, affectionately known as "the Rowdies." She earned two bachelor degrees and a Masters in Educational Psychology.  As a single mother, Mary Adele raised three children while pursuing her education and career. She did a marvelous job juggling home, school, and work.

A woman of many talents, Mary worked as a chef and helped manage the family owned Alta Peruvian ski lodge. She was on faculty at the University of Utah College of Nursing and served as chairperson of Community Nursing Services. Mary was a much sought after speaker worldwide, presenting ground breaking research on the impact of continuing education in nursing, and communication effectiveness between nurses and the entire medical team.

Mary Adele loved vacationing with family on her Lake Powell houseboat. She passionately followed Utah and BYU Football, Utah gymnastics, attended Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, and Pioneer Theatre. Mary was an avid snow and water skier. She held leadership roles in Boy Scouts of America and volunteered for the Utah Food Bank for decades. After retirement, Mary designed and built the home of her dreams. She made friends wherever she went. She was very active in her church and served many years as an Ordinance Worker in the Bountiful Temple. Mary did not know the term "slow down," she continued to travel the world into her 80s. She passed unexpectedly, yet peacefully, in her sleep on March 13, 2015.

Mary Adele is survived by children Alta Markeson, Stuart (Patricia), Scott (Brian Hogan), 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Family was most important, her children, and their children were the loves of her life. Mary is also survived by brothers Peter and William Gibbs. She is preceded in death by daughter Mary Jo, her parents and three brothers.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 20, 2015, at North Canyon Sixth Ward-house, 965 Oakwood Drive, Bountiful, Utah 84010. After the service all are invited to share refreshments and memories in the cultural hall. Mary Adele lived a life of service and was happiest serving others. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Mary's honor to your charity of choice.