Lyndia Mae Gourley

Lyndia Mae Wimbish Gourley, known to her grandchildren as “Grandma,” was born May 29, 1958, in Japan, where her father was stationed with the Air Force. Her life was marked from the start by challenges that would have overwhelmed most people — and by a spirit that refused to be overwhelmed.

She faced serious health struggles from early childhood, undergoing open-heart surgery as a toddler. As a teenager in a body cast, she couldn’t finish high school the traditional way, but with her mother’s help she earned her diploma anyway — an early sign of what she would prove again and again: she did not give up.

Lyndia wore her toughness like a badge. She was unapologetically herself, stood up to bullies, spoke her mind, and always had a joke ready. More than anything, she loved people and loved making them laugh. She was happiest surrounded by friends and family, always up for a drink and a good laugh, and she could never resist getting up to do the twist when the oldies played. She loved her hometown of Tooele and the wide circle of friends she gathered there.

Above all, Lyndia was a mother. She adored her two daughters and would brag about them to anyone who would listen — often right in front of them.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara A. Hitsman Medina; her father, Joseph M. Wimbish; and her former husband, Guy Jeffery Gourley, whom she never stopped loving. She is survived by her daughters, Tiffany (Brad) Lancaster and Sherry Gourley; her grandchildren, Trinten, Mathew, Javen, Alyssa, Taelyn, and Bradley Jr. Great-grandson, Jericho; her sister, Mary (Jerry) Entze; her nieces, Alisha (Carlos) Perez and Jennifer Lansdowne; and many great-nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held September 12th at 11:00 a.m. at Didericksen Memorial in Grantsville, Utah, followed by a graveside service at Tooele Cemetery and lunch at the Moose Lodge. Come with a memory and a laugh — Lyndia would have wanted a room full of the people she loved.

Rest easy Lyndia.