Aug. 18, 1952-Nov. 8, 2023
Geralynn Buttle West, our angel wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones, on Nov. 8, 2023, after a battle with a brain tumor.
Geralynn emanated love for all and devoted her life to the service of others. She loved deeply and was beloved by her husband of nearly 50 years, her six children and their spouses, her 27 grandchildren and their spouses and her five great-grandchildren.
Geralynn was born in Hollywood, California, on Aug. 18, 1952, to Gerald and Sally Buttle. Her parents instilled in her a love of the gospel of Jesus Christ, beautiful music, frugality, hard work and service. Although born a natural beauty, Geralynn had a quiet, humble nature, never one to seek credit or attention. Geralynn cared more about serving God and helping those around her than about any worldly desires, aspirations, or possessions. Geralynn loved the scriptures and was a gifted and patient teacher of all things, both temporal and spiritual. Geralynn’s life was truly defined as a disciple of Jesus Christ who loved God and loved her neighbor.
The oldest of eight children, she was a great helper to her parents and an exceptional older sister who deeply loved her family. She was a quick learner and loved to read, often hiding behind the couch to enjoy a good book, avoiding her mother’s notice. At a young age, her mother taught her how to sew and she enrolled in every sewing class available at school. Over the years, she spent countless hours sewing curtains, blankets, quilts, clothing, pillows, toys, baby gifts, purses, bags, hot potholders, handkerchiefs, hats, scarves, costumes, incredible Christmas stockings and so much more. Her homemade gifts of love continue to bless the lives of her family, friends, and the needy.
After high school, Geralynn headed to Ricks College and later attended Brigham Young University where she graduated with a degree in speech therapy. At BYU she taught Sunday School in her student ward. Her teaching particularly impressed a new convert named John Taylor West who was instantly enamored by her character, beauty, and spiritual nature.
Geralynn married John on May 24, 1974, in the Oakland California Temple. She worked as a speech therapist until her first child was born. She had always wanted to be a stay-at-home mother and within twelve years was blessed with six children: Kristy, Mandy, Taylor, Jenni, Cami and Katie. Her life was devoted to nurturing and teaching her children in beautiful ways. She taught them to love and appreciate the scriptures, music, wholesome books, history, cooking/baking, swimming, serving others, and above all, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. She spent countless hours making birthdays and holidays magical and meaningful. Motherhood was Geralynn’s most important work, and her children can confirm that she was the best mom in the world.
Her efforts to serve expanded well beyond her family circle. As a leader in various church organizations, Geralynn taught classes, gave talks, planned activities and over the years ministered to hundreds of people. She was known for her delicious meals, homemade breads, cookies and beautifully decorated cakes. She organized sewing groups, often teaching quilting skills to those who wanted to learn and donated countless quilts to charities in her community. She and her husband John loved attending and serving together in the temple.
Geralynn is survived by the love of her life John West; beloved children Kristy (Jon) Anderson, Mandy (Matt) Hanks, Taylor (Kara) West, Jennifer (Matt) Green, Cami (Steve) Sullivan, and Katie (John) Sugden; her siblings Wendy (Charlie) Naselli, Kevin Buttle, Karie (Ron) Cheney, Kirk (Kelly) Buttle, Shaleen (Joe) Wilding; sisters-in-law Jenny Buttle and Janalee (Malcolm) Wood; her 27 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Sally Buttle; her brother Darrin Buttle; and her precious great-granddaughter Carolina Peach Hakanson.
Geralynn’s memorial service, a celebration of her amazing life, will be Saturday, Nov. 18, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5338 North Winchester Drive, St. George, Utah. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. for the visitation and the service will begin at 11 a.m. Click here to live stream the service on Zoom. Geralynn will be buried in the Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Geralynn’s memory to the Glioblastoma Foundation. Click here to donate.
For those who choose to send flowers for the memorial service, please send them to: The West Family, 1240 W. 5550 N., St. George, UT 84770.
Family and friends are invited to share tributes online. Arrangements and memorial tree planting by Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, 435-986-9100.