Betty June Gabbert Wood

Betty June Gabbert Wood, our beloved mother, Nana, and Great-Nana, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on May 15, 2026, at the age of 82. Mom lived a life defined by sacrifice, service, and unwavering devotion to her family. She endured trials and burdens throughout her life that most people could never have carried, yet she possessed a strength beyond measure. Above all else, Mom was a woman of deep faith — faith in her religion and faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Betty was born on July 7, 1943, in Pocatello, Idaho to Harold Gabbert and Ada Elizabeth Esler Gabbert. She was the youngest of five children. Mom loved growing up in Pocatello and often spoke fondly of the dear friends she made there. She played the clarinet in high school and was a member of the marching band.

She later attended LDS Business College, where she met the love of her life, Dorald Jenkins Wood. They were married and sealed in the Logan, Utah Temple on September 6, 1963. Together they began their family in Bountiful, Utah, where four of their children were born. A few years later they moved to Afton, Wyoming, where they welcomed two more children into their family.

Mom was truly a giant of a woman. Though she stood only 5 feet and ½ inch tall in her prime, she was stronger and taller than anyone we knew. After the tragic passing of her husband Dorald on Feb 21, 1991, she raised six children on her own for the next 35 years. The years that followed were not easy, but Mom faithfully filled the roles of both provider and comforter until the day she passed. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family while living a humble and simple life. Through every hardship, she carried herself with quiet determination, resilience, and love for her children.

Mom held many jobs throughout her life, including working at Pizza Hut in Afton, Star Valley Drug, Sam’s Club, and Dollar Tree. She was loved by coworkers and customers alike and brought warmth and kindness to everyone she met. Her favorite job, however, was working in the cafeteria at the Logan Utah Temple.

The winters in Star Valley eventually became difficult for Mom, and she later moved to Smithfield, Utah to be closer to her children. Smithfield became her home for more than 25 years. She loved living there and was especially excited when the Church announced a temple would be built nearby. She would often say “I can see MY temple from the kitchen window.” She deeply hoped to attend the open house and dedication while she was alive. Though she may not attend in person, we know she will be there in spirit.

Mom always needed to stay busy. She was never one to sit still and filled her days doing the things she loved: crocheting hot pads — many, many hot pads — reading books, and cleaning her house. Her hot pads can now be found in homes all across the world because she would never let anyone leave without one or two.

Mom loved card games, and with old age came a few new tricks. We are fairly certain she cheated from time to time, though she always played innocent and we happily let her get away with it. Her favorite meals to prepare when family came to visit were cheese soup and brownies.

Mom lived a simple life without concern for fancy things. She was a master seamstress and lived by the saying: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” Later in life, Mom was able to travel the world with some of her children. She visited South Korea several times, stood atop the Eiffel Tower, visited Sweden, and cruised on the Baltic Sea.

She was also able to attend the open house and dedication of the Helsinki Finland Temple, where Dorald served his LDS mission. Most recently she visited Yellowstone National Park with her son.

Mom was always more concerned about others than herself. Shortly after her fall and hospitalization, she worried about upcoming birthdays, graduations, and marriages of her grandchildren. She wanted to make sure cards and checks were sent to each of them so they would know she was thinking of them and that she loved them. Mom quietly gave to food banks, struggling families, and those in need, even during times when she herself had very little.

Betty was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings throughout her life. She quietly performed countless acts of service, most of them unseen and without recognition. More than anything, Mom had an unwavering testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement. She spent many hours on her knees in prayer, pleading with the Lord through her trials and afflictions, and especially for her children and grandchildren. Shortly before her passing, she said with peace and certainty, “I will see Jesus Christ next week.”

Mom is survived by her six children: Joe Wood (Kira) of Texas; Taunalee Raymond (Hal) of Utah; Wendi Putnam (Curt) of Idaho; Kyle Wood (Corey) of Idaho; Bonnie Murray (Clayne) of Tennessee; and Ben Wood of Idaho. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two more great-grandchildren expected in November.

At Mom’s request, no funeral services will be held. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Mom would ask that donations be made to support a missionary or someone in need.