Elaine Wood Gordon

1925 — 2023

Our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, and friend Elaine Gordon passed away on Thursday October 26, 2023.

She was born March 17, 1925 to John Ralph and Leah Duncan Wood at home in Fillmore, Utah. She was the second youngest child in a family of four.

Elaine graduated from Millard High School. She met Howard Gordon at BYU, and on June 11, 1948, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Elaine graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Spanish and secondary education. Upon graduating, Elaine taught at Tooele and Springville High Schools. After her children were in school, she returned to teaching at American Fork High School for 18 years. She served as English Department chairman and as State President of the Utah Journalism Association. She enjoyed great friendships with the students and faculty, which friendships continued to enrich her life.

Elaine was on the board of directors for the Utah Regional Ballet. She served in various church callings including serving as stake and ward missionary with her husband, Howard; and ward and stake callings in Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society.

Some of Elaine’s favorite things were traveling with Howard and family and friends, family Easter parties, gardening, a good book, stage plays and ballet, bridge games with favorite friends, St. George get-aways with family, teaching young people, and going to the temple.

Elaine is survived by her children Lynda (Dennis) Larson, Jill (LaMar) Carroll, Craig (Debbie) Gordon, and Kevin (Lori) Gordon; 30 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren (with one on the way). She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Howard, sister Anna, brothers J Lavore and J Ralph, and granddaughter Lauren.

The family extends gratitude to her many kind friends and neighbors and to the outstanding caregivers Brooke, Kami and others with Symbii Home Health and Hospice.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mt. Mahogany 8th Ward, 1541 North 1300 West, Pleasant Grove. Friends may call Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork and Thursday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Online memories and condolences may be shared at andersonmortuary.com.