Elaine Wamsley

Celebrating the Life of Elaine Gummow Wamsley

Elaine Gummow Wamsley, age 98, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026 at the Beehive Home in Syracuse Utah. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she lived a long life that was directed by her humility, quiet devotion, and steadfast work ethic.

Born on March 8, 1928, in Burley, Idaho. Elaine was the 4th of 9 children born to Elizabeth "Lizzie" Woodall and Chancellor Gummow. As a depression era child, Elaine shared a double bed with 2 other sisters and she learned to roller skate in the one pair of family skates that were several sizes too large for her. She enjoyed family fishing trips, and related stories about catching water snakes in the Snake River. She loved riding horses bareback at Grandpa Gummow's farm, playing hide and seek in the nearby cemetery. Her favorite treat was eating bread with jam and milk. Elaine began working at Harpsters Bakery as a bread wrapper at age 12, and following her graduation from Burley High School in 1946, She earned a 2-year degree at the Albion Teachers College, a subsequent Bachelor of Science degree from BYU, and a Master's degree from USU.

A Life of Purpose

Elaine was a dedicated educator. She spent many years in the elementary school environment. Over the years, she taught every grade from kindergarten to 6th, and even spent a year working with special needs children. She began her teaching career in McGil, Nevada, after which she taught in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Randolph, Utah, Ogden, Utah, and Garland, Utah.

Elaine's dedication didn't stop in the classroom. She taught her children to enjoy learning and the importance of gaining a college education. Although teaching was a large part of her life, Elaine found great fulfillment in reading, baking, art, and caring for her family. Growing up, the town librarian knew all the Gummow children, and Elaine frequently escaped into a bedroom closet with a pull light to hide out with a good book. She remained an avid patron of libraries and bookstores.

She loved to collect and give books as gifts. Her favorite were children's books. Over time she amassed a sizable collection, and her children and grandchildren could always look forward to a new book for the holidays or for a birthday. Elaine loved to cook. She spent hours browsing recipe books and trying new recipes. She had a cupboard filled with cookbooks. The recipes were often rated with stars or notated as good or not so good, and she frequently added or adjusted ingredients to enhance the flavor. Elaine always had a treat to share with anyone that "dropped by," and she was always sharing her cooking with family, neighbors, and church.

Elaine was creative. She found beauty in many things around her, and loved many types of art and music. As a teacher, she used multiple art categories to teach her students, and she also completed many art projects for church stage productions, school hallways, and other events. Two of her favorite artists were James Christensen and Scott Gustafson.

Elaine had a tradition of giving a Christmas ornament to each family member every year. She was meticulous in her choices, carefully looking at the age and hobbies of each individual. Not just any ornament would do - it had to be just right.

Elaine was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Over the years, she generously devoted her time and energy in various callings. A favorite calling was the ward library where she utilized her school skills and assisted in locating and purchasing new pictures.

Family and Legacy

Elaine s greatest pride and joy was her family. Elaine met D. LaMarr Wamsley while teaching in Randolph, and they were married in the Logan LDS Temple on December 18, 1953. They complemented each other well, LaMarr was outgoing and served outwardly in the church and community, while Elaine served others without fanfare. She was most comfortable in the background, lifting and loving in ways that often went unseen. They shared 63 years together until LaMarrs passing in 2017.

Elaine is survived by her sister Olive Phillips (Idaho), brother Fred Gummow (Utah), three children, Beth Harris (Arizona), Barbara Harvey (Utah), and Darwin Wamsley (Arizona), 1O grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. Her influence will endure through generations.

Following a family service at Myers Mortuary at 845 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, Utah on August 1, 2026, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Elaine will be buried at the Myers Memorial Evergreen Park on 100 North Monroe Boulevard Ogden, Utah.

Family would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful staff at The Beehive Home of Syracuse and Renew Hospice for the exceptional care Elaine received during her time with them.

Friends and family are encouraged to share pictures and stories of Elaine on her memorial page at www.myers-mortuary.com/obituaries/elaine-wamsley.

Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary in Ogden.