Margaret Evelyn Gough Anderson

An elect lady, Margaret Evelyn (Gough) Anderson, wife of Donald David Anderson, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023. She was surrounded with love by many of her children at the time of her passing.

She was born to James Lane and Mary Stewart (Crookston) Gough on August 24, 1930, the fifth of six children and was reared in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her childhood years were shaped by the rich pioneer values of her forbearers, namely the Goughs (members of the 9^th handcart company) who settled in Payson; the Crookston’s; the Wilson’s who assisted in the settlement of Provo and Payson; the Stewart’s who helped settle Payson and much of Sanpete County; and the Tonks who settled in Salt Lake City. She was very proud of her pioneer heritage.

Evelyn was raised in a home where her mother was a skilled baker and cleaner, and the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. As her children, we fondly remember the smell of cookies and fruit cake at Christmas time and Sunday dinner as we returned home from church. She always kept and taught us to keep a meticulous home while dad kept a pristine yard.

Evelyn graduated from East High School in 1948. She attended the University of Utah and held various jobs. One of her favorites was at the Sun Valley, Idaho, ski resort.

In 1951, Evelyn met Don while he was stationed at Dugway Proving Ground, where he was assigned to the chemical corps. They were married on December 3, 1952, in Evelyn’s home. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple.

After their wedding, Evelyn and Don moved to upstate New York where Don began his career in the paper industry. They resided in New York until 1971 when they relocated to Mobile, Alabama, for Don’s job. In 1978, Don and Evelyn moved their family to Longview, Washington, where Don was given the opportunity to start a new papermill, Norpac. Don retired in 1991, and in 2005, they moved to Layton, Utah. Evelyn was always a great support to Don and his endeavors.

Evelyn loved living in various parts of the country where she and Don made many close, dear friends. They enjoyed entertaining and having people in their home. Evelyn always became involved in the communities where she resided, including the Red Cross, the library board, the PTA, the Southwest Washington Symphony Board, and numerous other civic opportunities. She and Don served four years as Church Service Missionaries at Temple Square.

All her life, she said her greatest joys were found in being a mother to her eight children: Becky, Karen, David, Jamie, John, Kristine, Eric, and Amy. She joyfully devoted herself to building their faith, taking care of their needs, encouraging their education, developing their musical talents, cheering on their athletics, and creating a home where everyone wanted to come and never leave. She was extremely proud that all eight children earned a bachelor’s degree, and many went on to acquire a graduate degree.  

She will long be remembered for her devotion to her family, friends, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Evelyn served faithfully in many church leadership callings on the ward and stake level while residing in upstate New York; Mobile, Alabama; and Longview, Washington. Of all her callings, she most enjoyed serving as a gospel doctrine instructor. She always lived a Christ-centered life and looked for ways to serve others. She had a profound impact on many lives.

The abundant joy of raising her children was greatly magnified by the arrival of 28 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren. She was positive, kind, and a caring mother and grandmother. She made holidays and birthdays special for her children and grandchildren. Her laughter and sense of humor will be missed. She loved a great musical and enjoyed a good book.

In their latter years, Evelyn and Don enjoyed spending time with one another, their children, grandchildren, and traveling abroad. A few of their favorite trips were spent in Scotland, a cruise on the Rhine River, and their biannual family reunions spent at various resorts throughout the country.

Evelyn placed family first, was a loving mother, and devoted wife to her husband Don. She will be sorely missed. Evelyn was preceded in death by Don. She was also preceded in death by her parents and five siblings. She is survived by her eight children: Charles and Becky (Carlson); Nathan (deceased) and Karen Wiscombe; David and Elena Anderson; Jamie and Michelle Anderson; John Anderson; Dale and Kristine (Buys); Eric and Amy Anderson; and John and Amy (Kelsch); 28 grandchildren; and 41 great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Thursday evening, August 10, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday morning, August 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 North Main, Farmington, Utah. 

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to the services and will be posted below.