Max Knight Bodily

Max Knight Bodily of Kaysville, Utah, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021.

Max was born on July 18th, 1934, in Syracuse, Utah, to Leland and Virginia Bodily. Max and his siblings, Van, Gary, Beverly and Beth, were raised in Syracuse, creating beloved family stories of life on the farm, working in the cheese factory and misadventures.

Max attended Davis High school when it was the only high school in Davis county. After high school he got a job at the dairy on Wall Ave in Ogden. He also decided to join the Army Reserves where he served for seven years and rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Max moved to Ogden and lived on 21st Street across from Farr Better Ice Cream.  It was there, as he sat on the front steps, he noticed Mary Middleton walk by on her way through the park to school.   They married in 1954 and were later sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City temple. Max and Mary cherished these eternal covenants and sought to teach and lead their family to live and grow in a manner pleasing to our Heavenly Father. Our family loved to hear our dad bear his testimony of Jesus Christ and we saw that testimony in his everyday behavior with his family and friends.

Max knew the value and need of hard work as he provided for his young family.  He loved driving semi-trucks while working to further his education. Max trained to become an electrical engineer and also worked as a quality assurance manager in the aerospace industry throughout his career.

Max and Mary were blessed to have five children. Then came the real fun. Max enjoyed his 20 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and his first great-great granddaughter. He often shared that his family was the pride and joy of his and Mary’s life.

Max found hobbies that seemed to be fun if they involved work and created beauty. Max and Mary worked together on many house projects. His yard and flower beds were always varied and beautiful. This quiet space was often a refuge for Max and Mary as they would sit under the apple tree and enjoy the views. Max also loved music and his cherished friends. He had a knack for creating lifelong connections with his quiet humor and steady ways.

Retirement for Max and Mary was a happy time. They traveled and enjoyed time in the warmth of St. George and spending time with friends. Max and Mary also served a local service mission as family history representatives.

Max is survived by his wife, Mary, and his children, Pam (Michael) Vellinga of Clinton, UT, Dan (Sandy) Bodily of West Haven, UT, Kari Bodily of Sacramento, CA, Cheryl (Michael) Peffer of Spokane, WA and Diane (Michael) Rutherford of Bentonville, AR.

A viewing for Max will be held on Monday, December 27, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Farmington Russon Mortuary, at 1941 North Main, Farmington, UT. A viewing will also be held on December 28th, from 9:30-10:30 am at the Kaysville 4th Ward Chapel (875 East 200 North in Kaysville, UT) followed by the funeral at 11:00 am. A Zoom broadcast will also be available here in this obituary on December 28th.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82502143579?pwd=Y2RaenAyZTYxSTNDVHBHVXVWTTNCdz09

Interment to follow services at the Kaysville City Cemetery.

Due to technical complications with Zoom, Max’s services are now being streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page.