ElDeane Heugly Wood

ElDeane Maye Heugly Wood, born on January 14, 1940, was called to her heavenly home on April 2, 2025, at the age of 85. She was welcomed by her Father in Heaven and her Savior, along with her husband, Dale, and their son, Garry. Also there to greet her were her parents, in-laws, beloved aunts and uncles, and many cherished friends who had gone before her.

ElDeane’s legacy lives on through her children: Pam (Wayne) Sorensen, Barry (Suzy) Heugly, Vickie (Don) Hunter, Christie (Troy) Campbell, Todd (Bridgitte) Heugly, Brett Heugly, and Cindy (Blaine) Spencer. She is also survived by her second husband, H. Kim Wood, her sister Louann Barlow, stepchildren, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As a child, ElDeane enjoyed dancing and helping her Uncle Ted and Aunt Verla on their farm, where she and her sister Louann spent hours playing with their cousins. She was exceptionally talented in fencing and was even recruited to join the University of Utah's fencing team, though life took her on a different path.

ElDeane met her eternal companion, Dale E. Heugly, at a mutual friend's house, and it was love at first sight. They were married on January 15, 1960, and later sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they raised seven of their eight children, filling their home with the constant activity of dance, sports, and family life.

Throughout her life, ElDeane was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She excelled at nearly everything she set her hands to. As a loving homemaker, she became well-known for her creativity and resourcefulness. She was the ultimate DIY Queen, sewing clothes for her children, including the girls’ wedding dresses, and crafting beautiful quilts for each new baby. Her talents extended to sewing, knitting, crocheting, baking, gardening, quilting, and canning, always providing for her family and friends. ElDeane was also a skilled scorekeeper, bookkeeper, substitute teacher, caterer, professional cake decorator, and genealogist — just a few of the many ways she lived her life.

A disciple of Christ and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ElDeane faithfully served in various callings throughout her life. She particularly found joy in her roles in the Relief Society, as a missionary for the Mesa Family Search Center, as a Temple Worker, and as a teacher to the youth. She embraced each opportunity to serve, all while caring for Dale, who was disabled due to a back injury for over 30 years, until his passing in 2012.

In 2016, ElDeane married H. Kim Wood, and together, they blended their families. Chris (Laurie) Wood, Steve Wood, Kathy (Rick) Rogers, Kendall (Lenore) Wood, and Robert (Tiffinie) Wood, became cherished family members. Kim and ElDeane found joy in traveling the world together, visiting beautiful destinations like Barcelona, Greece, Mexico, Branson, Alaska, Oregon, and Hawaii, among others. Their shared adventures brought them immense joy and comfort. Their relationship was a beautiful example of love, companionship, friendship, and respect.

In 2021, ElDeane was diagnosed with kidney failure and breast cancer. Despite the challenges, she faced each day with grace, determination, and love for her family and Kim. When the cancer metastasized in 2024, Kim was by her side, faithfully caring for her until her final days.

ElDeane’s life was one of love, service, and resilience. Her example of faith, strength, and dedication touched countless lives with her kindness and generosity, and will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She truly lived a Christlike life.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 12:00 PM, preceded by a visitation and viewing from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at the LDS Church Building, 745 N Val Vista Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213. www.bunkerfuneral.com

ElDeane will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with a graveside service at 11:00 AM at the Henefer, Utah Cemetery. www.walker-mortuary.com