Mary Riddell

Mary LaFarne Garff passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on November 7,
2023. Mary was born September 19, 1939 to Major Peter Garff and Mary LaFarne Kimball in Salt Lake City, Utah. She graduated from East High School in 1957 and attended the University of Utah.

Mary was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a firm testimony of the gospel and she served in many callings throughout her life. She was an example of love and service to her family. She had the opportunity to touch many lives with her service as a temple worker, ward Relief Society President, stake Relief Society President, visiting teacher, and Primary President. Her children fondly remember her leading singing time when they were in Primary, learning children’s songs for every holiday.

She was married to Owen Lee Barnett on August 9, 1958, and they had five children
together but later divorced. In 2001 she married Bill Riddell, who passed away in 2016. Mary loved her family very much and they were a source of great pride for her. She remained involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren throughout her life.

Mary was a talented artist who could often be found painting. She was famous among
her family for her pastel chalk rendition of Santa Claus. She was also a talented yarn crafter and her personalized Christmas stockings are treasured by every family member. Mary had a love of music, with talents in playing the piano and singing. She loved sharing this with her family and there are many fond memories of singing together. She inspired a love of music as well as the development of musical skills in all of her children.

Mary had an adventurous spirit and was an avid traveler. She enjoyed learning about
and interacting with people from all around the world, and graciously opened her home to the Mendoza family from Bolivia as well as many foreign exchange students. Some of her favorite places to vacation were Disneyland, Grand Targhee Resort, Lake Powell, Lake Tahoe, Europe, South America, and any cruise available. She was also a sports enthusiast and could often be found golfing, water skiing, snow skiing, or watching a sporting event on TV. She was passionate about dancing and enjoyed it throughout her life. Her love of nature and the great outdoors never ended, and at age 70 she hiked to the top of Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park with one of her sons.

Mary will be remembered for the love she gave to those around her. She was a beautiful example of fiercely supporting her loved ones, turning the other cheek, and sharing in the joy of others. She was always interested in asking about your children and sharing in the pleasure of their accomplishments.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Major and LaFarne Garff, husband Bill Riddell, and her daughter-in-law Tammy Garlick Barnett. She is survived by her children Richard (Susan) Barnett, David (Debbie) Barnett, Mary Ann (Gary) Hatch, Melissa (Dan) Woodside, and Jim (Lisa) Barnett, 19 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren; her sisters Helen (Bill) Stone, Ann (Scott) Jenson, LaFarne Hungerford, and Diana Gardiner;

The family would like to thank Hospice for Utah, Olympus Ranches Independent Living
Center, and Beehive Home Draper for their wonderful care of Mary.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 20, 2023, 12:00 p.m., at the Salt Lake
Valley View Evergreen Chapel, 2125 E. Evergreen Ave. A viewing will be held prior to the service at the church from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Interment, Elysian Burial Garden, 1075 East 4580 South. Place of Birth: Salt Lake City, Utah. Place of Death: Salt Lake City, Utah.