Kerry R Wagstaff

Kerry Rees Wagstaff aka “YODA” was born Aug. 17, 1948. She anxiously joined her friends and family who have passed on March 12, 2023.  

Kerry was born to Ellen Tilley Rees and Calvin C. Rees on Aug. 17, 1948 in Emmett, Idaho. Most of her childhood was spent between Emmett, ID and Coalville, UT. Her formative years living on the farm taught her many of life’s lessons, some dear to her heart and some not so great. At the age of 14 her family moved to the suburb of Roy, UT. Her life as a teenager was full of excitement, and she enjoyed the friendship of many, graduating from Roy High School with the  first graduating class in 1966. She could still proudly sing the school song. She was able to attend BYU for 3 semesters putting her education aside to raise her growing family. Her life took many twists and turns as she endured many trials. Later she was able to finish her BS degree at Weber State University at the age of 42, her Master’s degree at Weber State  University at the age of 51, and her Education Administration degree at Utah State University at  the age of 57. As she finished raising her children, she enjoyed teaching at South Ogden Jr. High while also teaching part time at Weber State Univ. and DATC. Her administrative assignments were at Rocky Mountain Jr. High, Fremont High School, and Sandridge Jr. High. She always expressed being grateful for the wonderful people who dedicated themselves to the education of new generations and was glad to be a part of it. She enjoyed meeting her former students and having them remember what she had taught them. They would often come up to her or turn around in the middle of a store because they had heard her voice. They would remember for years and years her stories about Big Foot, or The Outhouse, or Being Electrocuted. Being able to lose herself in her love of teaching and education carried her through some of the toughest times and gave her some of her greatest achievements. 

Without a doubt her crowning glory in this life are her 6 children and her 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She shared, “we have struggled, cried, laughed, and worked together for over 74 years. They are my life, my reason for living, working and succeeding. Each is a shining example of good character, grit, humility, independence and compassion for others”. They are as follows: James Todd Maw (Deena) Palmer, AK. Jamie Ann Maw, Roy, UT, Jonika Lyn  Martin (Jeremy) Syracuse, UT, Jaron Kelly Maw Roy, UT, Jeree Alyce Greenwood (Brandon) Syracuse, UT, Julie Ellen Elmer, Roy, UT.  

She is also survived by her grandchildren, her great grandchildren and her sisters, Lawana Tyler, Almaire Diach, Starla Rees, and Marnae Hoxer and her brother Brandon Rees. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Denton C. Rees, two nieces, Rachael Tyler, and  Christine Rees and a nephew Weston Eldon Rees.  

To my grandchildren I’d like to say, “Live Big, work hard, laugh often, be honest with others, and be careful what you say and do, because Yoda knows all.” 

She has given her whole heart to her children, to her closest friends and to those she loved. Her story will continue into the eternities.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Roy 7^th Ward, 4900 S. 2000 W. at 11:00 a.m. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 w. 5600 S. and from 9:30 to 10:30 at the church. Interment, Roy City Cemetery.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Kerry's obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com, where condolences may also be shared.