Maryann Farnsworth

Maryann Doxey Farnsworth, 96—sister, mother, grandmother, friend, and 5600 West neighbor—passed away peacefully on Friday, October 16, 2026, surrounded by her beloved children.

Maryann was born on December 29, 1929, in Hunter, Utah, to Lawrence W. Doxey and Ines M. Evans. During her childhood, her father built the “Rock House” on a tract of farmland in what would become, first, their homestead, and then a part of West Valley City, Utah.

She graduated from—and was, in the words of the school song, “loyal to thee”—Cyprus High School.

She was the loving wife of Robert L. Farnsworth whom she married on December 17, 1960, in Park City, Utah. They were later sealed on August 13, 1963, in the Salt Lake Temple. He passed away on June 9, 2013. They built their own cobblestone and mortar house in which to raise their family.

Maryann was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, living and serving in the Hunter First Ward most of her life. She loved watching general conference and doing temple work. She was a devoted member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, which is dedicated to preserving the history of Utah’s early settlers and her pioneer lineage; she served as the Hunter Camp Captain from 1980 to 1986.

Maryann was a prolific record keeper who was deeply passionate about family history and genealogy. Later in life, she spent many years processing countless ancestry records. She possessed a knack for investigative work and was resourceful She always carried an envelope of $2 bills in her purse, distributing them with a reminder to keep one in a wallet for emergencies.

Maryann grew the best tomatoes, watercress, and carrots. She was famous for her caramel popcorn balls—one of the many treats she churned out during the holidays—while singing, “popcorn popping on the apricot tree.”

Maryann cared deeply about those around her. She gave freely from her garden, garage, cellar, and heart. She was a generous and witty woman.

Maryann was always in service of others, often asking, “Is there anything we can do for you?”

She is survived by her sister I. Kareen Harkness; children Dawna M. McMillian (Bryce), Nancy J. Farnsworth (Michael), Robert L. Farnsworth, II (Jillene), and Troylin A. Farnsworth (Deanna); 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, and many others who she considers family.

Maryann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert L. Farnsworth, her son Michael D. Farnsworth, grandson Jeremiah Farnsworth, grandson Michael Lopez, and her siblings: Yvonne M. Hess, Thomas E. Doxey, and Lawry E. Doxey.

The family would like to express gratitude to Robert and his family for lovingly caring for Mom during the last two years. Their compassion, patience, and devotion were exceptional, and Mom often expressed how grateful she was to be welcomed into their home––after giving up her own home so that the University of Utah Hospital¬–West Valley could be constructed in its place.

We are also deeply thankful to Hospice for Utah and to Alissa, Shannon, Sarah, and Serena, who treated Mom with gentleness, concern, and dignity. She loved them dearly. We also appreciate the staff at the Abbington Senior Living Memory Care for the care and kindness they showed Mom during her final days.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Millcreek, UT 84117. For those who are unable to attend the graveside service, a live broadcast will be available at this link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2141389738694173?p=2oGt1ps0gwIZCO7fHX
Meeting ID: 214 138 973 869 417 3 - Passcode: z3we7ye6