Jeffrey Dee Maughan

Jeffrey Dee Maughan was born February 8, 1947, at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California and passed away due to a stroke on December 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. He lived his entire life in the place he called home - Mar Vista. He was raised by his grandparents, Clarence and Kay Jamison, while his mother, Gweneth Dietrich lived close by with her two sons, Mark and Scott.

After graduating from Venice High School and attending Brigham Young University for a year, Jeff faithfully served a church mission in Australia from 1966 to 1968, an experience that shaped his values. While home for the summer from BYU, Jeff was introduced to his wife Anita in 1971 through his next-door neighbor, Flossie Slough. They were married for 52 years.

After graduating from BYU, Jeff began his career as a mechanical engineer in 1972 at Lear Siegler where his Mother worked. He later earned his Masters degree from Cal State, Long Beach. His career led him to become a radar specialist. He retired from this position in 2010. Almost unheard of in LA, he walked to work every day for most of his career. His children loved to meet him at the corner each day at 5 PM when he got off work. This was a highlight for him and his children.

A true lover of the outdoors, Jeff had a deep appreciation for nature and history. He spent many years hiking the Bodie Hills in the Sierra Nevada’s. He was especially drawn to the rich stories and landscapes of this area. Anyone traveling with Jeff would consider him a tour guide as he would relate numerous stories along the roads traveled. One of his greatest joys was the annual family reunions in Mammoth Lakes, which he looked forward to each year and cherished deeply.

Throughout his life, Jeff served in many church callings, always willing to help where needed. As a primary teacher, he encouraged his class to memorize the Articles of Faith. He rewarded each one with a flashlight when they had memorized them. Our neighbor, Katie wasn’t a member but attended with us occasionally. She asked if she could have a flashlight if she memorized the Articles of Faith. Jeff said of course…so she memorized every one of them and got her flashlight. When he was called to serve as financial clerk, he did so with exceptional dedication, likely setting a church record by serving for more than 20 years in that role. This was a true testament to his integrity, reliability, and quiet commitment to service.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mar Vista Ward members Clarence and Kay Jamison, his mother, Gweneth Dietrich, and his brother Mark Dietrich.

Jeff is survived by his wife Anita, their five children; Colleen and Shane, Kathy, Michael, Carolyn and Patrick and Shannon and Brandon; and seven grandchildren, all of whom were a great source of pride and joy in his life.

Jeff will be remembered for his love of family, his steady faith, his humility and integrity, his curiosity about the world, and his deep respect for nature and history. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, and the memories shared by those who loved him.