Mary Olive Mangum Simpson

Mary Olive Mangum Simpson passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on June 29, 1931 in Provo, UT, Mary was the daughter of the late Harold Mangum and Emma Carlton Mangum. She graduated from Lehi High School in 1949.

Mary married Gerald Robert Tucker on June 2, 1949. Together, they had 3 children; Janet, Michael & Elaine. They were also blessed with a daughter Catherine, who came to live with the family for a few years. After 19 years of marriage, Mary and Gerry divorced.

Mary worked at Evergreen Jr. High, Union Middle School, and Peruvian Park Elementary where she was an Assistant to the Principal. Mary loved jewelry, the color purple, and collecting giraffe figurines. Mary was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved her Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ, and had a strong testimony of the gospel.

In 1969, while attending a dance in downtown Salt Lake City, Mary met Harry David Simpson. David was the absolute love of her life! They were married on November 24, 1970. Mary then lovingly gained David’s 3 children; Kevin, Konnie & Kurtis.

Mary and David enjoyed traveling together. For 25 years, their winters were spent in Rincon de Guayabitos, Mexico, where they came to love those new friends as family. They also loved Spring Baseball in Florida and Arizona, and Mary loved getting all her baseball cards signed. Time was also spent in their trailer in California, near Palm Springs. Throughout the years, their travels included the United States, Canada, and many countries in Europe.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Harold & Emma, sisters JuliaMae & Leah Hanson, brother Jerry Mangum, husband Harry David Simpson, son-in-law Bill, and 2 stepsons, Kevin & Kurtis. Mary is survived by her children, who she loved spending time with; Janet (Don) Ballard, Michael (Sue) Tucker, Elaine (Ramon) Orgill and Konnie Gibson; 9 grandchildren; Jeffrey, Dustin, Jennifer, Jaime, Lindsay, Dylan, JJ, Michael, and Alexis; as well as 19 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of Spring Gardens Senior Living Center for their loving care, who provided Mary with excellent service. She also received personalized and loving care from the NuCare hospice team, specifically Parisa and Guadalupe, who both went the extra mile to meet her every need.

Funeral services will be held at 10:45 am on Friday, August 15th at Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service at 10:00 am.

Mary’s legacy of love, kindness and commitment to her family will continue to inspire the many lives she touched.