Fern Gardner Fossell

Fern Gardner Fossell was born on May 18, 1927 to Fernleigh and Ada Moffitt Gardner in Cedar City, Utah. She was blessed to grow up in a home filled with love, kindness, strong values and the example of hard work. She spent her childhood on the family farm riding horses, playing in the ditches and bossing her beloved younger sister Lois around.

In her early adult years, Fern moved to California where she began her first career at Ralph’s Bakery becoming a cake decorator extraordinaire. In the early 1960’s, she returned to Utah where she continued her bakery career at Albertson’s. After she left Albertson’s she went to work for Instructional Media Services at the University of Utah. She would drive around the valley delivering media materials to various schools throughout the districts. She worked her way up from that position until she became the director of IMS where she ran a tight ship while touching many lives. Former students, faculty members and administration would often stop by to visit with her.

From an early age, Fern lived life playing by her own rules. She was recently described as “transparent”; you always knew exactly where you stood with her. Although she always told you what was on her mind, she loved all those around with a fierce love. She greeted almost everyone with “I need my hug”. She enjoyed many things but she had a special fondness for tying and gifting baby quilts.

Fern was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as she grew older, her testimony and love of her Savior grew stronger and stronger. She enjoyed studying and discussing the gospel. She also greatly enjoyed her association with the ladies of her DUP group. Fern served for many years in the Youth Center at the Salt Lake temple. A service she held dear.

Fern would want to thank the members of the Rose Park 2nd ward and her close special friends for their years of kindness and service to her. She would say “love you, love you, love you!”.

Fern is survived by her son Steven Singleton who devoted many years providing loving, compassionate care to his mother until the very end. She is also survived by her sister Lois Beatty, nieces Judy and Susan Beatty, nephew Douglas (Ann) Beatty, 2 great nephews, 1 great niece (and their spouses), 6 great-great nieces and 3 great-great nephews. She is also survived by too many friends to count.

As per Fern’s wishes, there will be no viewing or funeral. There will be a private family graveside service only.