Geniel W Montgomery

Geniel Wilhelmsen Montgomery, beloved wife and mother, passed away on May 23, 2026, at the age of 84, at Carrington Court Memory Care. Geniel was born on October 22, 1941, to William Niels Wilhelmsen and Genoa Kennington in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Geniel was constantly cheerful. She enjoyed being happy, and her happiness was contagious. She would often share this joy through sharing jokes, telling funny, detailed stories, singing, laughing, and letting her beautiful smile light up the room.

Geniel grew up in the Kaysville/Layton area and attended Davis High, where she and Jerry, her husband, both graduated. While attending seminary, she met Jerry, the love of her life. Geniel waited for Jerry while he served a two-and-a-half-year mission in the Netherlands. During that time, she worked and saved money for their future together. Shortly after Jerry's return home, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls temple.

Throughout her life, Geniel's devotion to her family was expressed through her incredible work ethic. She worked selflessly to support Jerry through his education. She worked to support Jerry financially so he could pursue his personal business (WTR) after the Bureau of Land Management closed. Geniel made sure there was always food on the table by either providing financially as a professional and typing as a side job, or contributing to the “family farm”. This included growing and harvesting both plants and animals alike. Her famous chili sauce will always be remembered as Dad’s favorite.

Geniel was a mother to four very headstrong children. She raised them to be their own person and was a great example for each of them. She provided them with much love, understanding, and strength throughout her life.

Geniel was instrumental in helping Jerry earn his doctorate by typing his entire dissertation by hand. Jerry would edit the paper by literally cutting and pasting what Geniel had typed, then she would retype it all over again the next day. This process lasted months in 1972; they worked as a team and were awarded her husband's PhD in 1973.

Their support went both ways, and Jerry was right by Geniel’s side as she pursued her own education. After much study and work, Geniel achieved her goal in 1985, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

Defying the generational norm of staying at home, Geniel was a trailblazer who worked outside the house. She faced many forms of discrimination during her time, and she constantly rose above prejudice and fought back against unfair treatment, showing her incredible self-worth and an absolute refusal to tolerate disrespect or ridicule.

Geniel was an active member of the community, helping get West Valley City incorporated. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Geniel served as a leader in the Cub Scouts and as a primary teacher in the different wards where they lived. She skillfully played the piano and organ during church meetings. Oftentimes, taking a nap between songs. Geniel loved to sing and would sing at the top of her voice even though she knew she was "out of tune.”

Geniel filled her life with a variety of hobbies and activities. Early in their marriage, while living in Kaysville, she and Jerry started a store as a side venture and operated farms in both Kaysville and West Valley. Later on, she and Jerry enjoyed volunteering for many years at the Fielding Garr Ranch on Antelope Island, where they assisted with herding bison and taught visitors about the island's history. Geniel's pastimes included collecting precious rocks and gemstones, which she often referred to as her “sparklies”. She enjoyed sailing on the Hobie Cat and time at the lake with her family. She proudly showed award-winning Bouviers at competitive dog shows. She was also an avid reader with an extensive book collection.

Geniel will always be remembered for having an open ear and mind, listening to others in their times of need or success. Geniel ALWAYS had time for others and was never in a hurry, so you never felt brushed aside!

Nurses at the Carrington Court Memory Care facility said Geniel was always sitting in the back watching. When a new resident came to the home, she would watch, and when the time was right, she would approach them, welcoming and befriending them, making a very difficult time in their lives lighter and more tolerable. Many of the nurses told us that Geniel would be greatly missed and that her departure left a hole that would be hard to fill.

Geniel was loved and will be missed by ALL she touched!

Geniel is survived by her children: N. Rich Montgomery (wife Karyl), M. Wynne Farmer (husband David), Sarah E. Parry (husband Mark), and Alexander C. Montgomery (wife Becky). She is also survived by her siblings, Grover Wilhelmsen and Colleen Watt, as well as 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Geniel is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry R Montgomery; her parents, William Niels Wilhelmsen and Genoa Kennington; and her sister, Linda Perry.

A viewing will be held on May 29, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Welby 1st Ward house, located at 9376 South 4000 West, West Jordan, Utah.

Graveside services will be held on May 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South Valley, 13001 South 3600 West, Riverton, Utah. We would love for those who attend to share their thoughts and memories of Geniel (two to three minutes each).