Ann Mathews Garner Thorpe

Ann Mathews Garner Thorpe of Orem, Utah

June 11, 1942 – June 28, 2018

On June 28, 2018, at 9:50 P.M. heaven became a little bit more fun, spunky and full of polka dots.

Our beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Best Friend, Ann Mathews Garner Thorpe, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family after many years of “super sucky” health issues at the age of 76.

Ann was born on June 11, 1942, in Seattle, Washington to Austin Webster Garner and Fannie Dean Mathews Garner the oldest of four daughters.

In 1957 at the age of 15, on her first day of school at Malad High she saw her future spouse from the top of the stairs and “knew that she had seen him before”.  After dating for 3 years, she then waited for 2 more for him to return from his LDS mission and 6 days after his return she married William Brent Thorpe for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple on September 14, 1962, on the busiest day in the temple’s history.

Through the years they added four beautiful children: Kimberly, Todd, Molly and Paige and eventually their spouses, Gary, Lisa, Stefan and Greg.  Family was everything to Ann.  She told each of her grandchildren they were her favorite and every single one believed her!   She knew their friends, their hobbies and their interests.  Ann was so happy to be made a great grandmother just 12 days before her passing and have her named after her.  She was especially looking forward to her three missionary grandsons returning home from their missions next summer.

Ann was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  She served in many callings throughout her life in Primary, Young Women and Relief Society.  She also was a Service Missionary for 5 years at the Bishop’s Storehouse in Lindon, Utah. Ann worked at JCPenney Catalog for 9 years and as the Secretary at Mountain View LDS Seminary for 17 years. The seminary teachers knew how to bribe her by bringing her a 32 ounce Diet Coke.

Things she loved: family traditions, decorating for every holiday, and gave a present for each of them.  She was a collector of many things: craft supplies, cows, geraniums, watermelons, cherries, Santa Claus’, snowmen, and anything miniature.  She loved Gummi Bears, Swiss Cheese Crackers, knitting baby sweaters, “snuggle time”, rocking and singing lullabies to ANY baby, Sunday night singing and playing the kazoo, fairy gardens, Fox News, Pinterest (she has more followers than any of us!), decorating her home, reading, Grandma Thorpe’s chili sauce, carrot pudding, raisin filled cookies and YUCKY fruit bars, antiques, family history, crafting, door to door salesman,  online shopping and was the only person that we knew who was banned from Amazon (it’s a long story).  She loved “everything about Brent Thorpe” who was so loving and devoted to her throughout their many years together. She also loved spending time in Star Valley Wyoming at their beautiful cabin in the mountains where many wonderful memories were made.

Her survivors include her husband of 55+ years, children: Kimberly (Gary) Stewart, Todd (Lisa) Thorpe,  Molly (Stefan) Chatwin, Paige (Greg) Judy; grandchildren: Chase (Shelby) Stewart, Austin (Kiana) Stewart, Jordan Stewart, Madison Stewart, Ellie Thorpe, Elder Brenton Thorpe, Dane Thorpe, Beckam Thorpe, Meg Chatwin, Addie Chatwin, Elder Hayden Chatwin, Porter Chatwin, Elder Britton Judy, Sadie Judy, William Judy, Gabriel Judy & Mackay Judy; great granddaughter: Bennett Ann Stewart; sisters: Polly (Doug) Mallory, Debi Day & Nancy Garner.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Austin Webster Garner and Fannie Dean Mathews Garner, and granddaughter Samantha Ann Judy.

Her family motto was “No Empty Chairs” and she has insisted that we live up to that challenge. We know she has gone ahead to set the table with for sure a beautiful tablescape and centerpiece!

A viewing will be held on Thursday night from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Orem Timpview 5th Ward chapel located at 865 W. 1000 N. Orem, Utah.  Funeral services will be held on Friday July 6, 2018, at 12:00 P.M. at the same location with a viewing before from 10:30 to 11:45 A.M.