Vivian Joy Hutchings Sorensen Garrett

Vivian Joy Hutchings Sorensen Garrett, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at Chancellor Gardens, surrounded by the love of her family. She returned to her heavenly home just ten days after celebrating her 94th birthday.

Vivian entered the world on May 28, 1932, in Rigby, Idaho, born to Vera Maude Williams and Vivian Arnold Hutchings. Though her birth father passed away before she was born, she was blessed to be lovingly raised by her mother and her adopted father, Gerald C. Sorensen. Her early years were spent making memories in Idaho and California before her family finally settled in Vallejo, California. A vibrant young woman, Vivian graduated from Vallejo High School in 1950, where she excelled as a talented diver.

Shortly after high school, Vivian met Paul Edwin Garrett. The two were wed on July 2, 1951, in the Logan Temple. Together, they "set sail" on a grand Navy adventure that took them traveling all throughout the United States and across the globe—building homes and raising their four children in California, Washington, Germany, Scotland, Maine, and Florida.

Upon Paul’s retirement from the military, the family settled down in Layton, Utah. Vivian dedicated many years of service to the Davis School District, working first at Layton High School and later at Davis High School, from which she retired in 1993.

Vivian never lost her taste for adventure or her love for moving. Over the years, she lived in Layton, St. George, Syracuse, and Clinton. She deeply loved traveling the world, exploring the beauty of Mexico, Hawaii, Spain, Africa and the US. A woman of profound convictions, she was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and deeply loved her Savior. She also took great pride in her heritage and community as a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and the Syracuse Lady Lions.

In 2004, Vivian married Ray Cummings on September 10th. Together, they spent seven wonderful years traveling and loving life.

Vivian was an incredibly social spirit who gathered many friends and thoroughly enjoyed playing Bingo and competing in lively card games of Hand and Foot. She was happiest spending time with her family and opening up her famous drawer of treats, candy, and chocolate for all to enjoy. Above all else, her family was her greatest joy.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her spouses, Paul and Ray; her brother, Gerald; and her two grandchildren, Nathan and Hillary.

Vivian’s beautiful legacy lives on through her 4 children: Cheryl (Bob Arrington), Robert (Terrie), David (Bonnie), and Jennifer (Frank Vargo); her 3 siblings: Kenneth, Gaye, and Arlo; as well as her astonishing posterity of 19 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren with 3 more on the way.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Amber, Hannah, and Daniel from Utah Hospice, as well as the exceptional CNAs and workers at Chancellor Garden for their tender care of Vivian.

Vivian, your adventurous spirit, bright smile, and sweet candy drawer will be missed beyond measure. We love you, and we will miss you until we meet again.