Geraldine (Gerry) Fite Engle

Gerry Engle, 80, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all, returned to her heavenly home on the afternoon of December 14, 2024. The last week of her life was spent at home surrounded by many family and friends. She leaves behind a rich legacy of selfless service, unconditional love, and unwavering faith.

Born on July 1, 1944 to Samuel Leon and Dorothy Mildred Eckman Fite, Gerry and her twin brother were the youngest of six siblings. Weighing only 2 lbs 12 oz, she was born at her family home in Peach Bottom, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and came with a spunky and strong-willed spirit that continued throughout her life. The beautiful countryside and farmlands of her youth were an integral part of her life. As a child, she loved to help and play on her family property. She often shared memories of her childhood, where she learned a strong work ethic and saw examples of Christ-like actions.

During her junior year of high school, a friend persuaded Gerry to attend a dance at the American Legion. Little did Gerry know that the course of her life would change forever that night when she met her lifelong sweetheart and husband of 61 years, Barry Engle. Gerry and Barry were married on July 27, 1963. Gerry was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1964 and later the family was sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo, Utah temple. Gerry and Barry welcomed three children into their family, Barry II, Michele, and Brent.

Gerry’s greatest joy in life was being a wife, mother and homemaker. She truly knew how to make a house a home and loved gathering people together. She offered up her home for Sunday dinners, birthdays, and other special events. Everyone was always welcomed with open arms into her heart and home.

She devoted countless hours to raising and teaching her children, 13 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Gerry made each of her grandchildren feel certain they were her favorite. She made it a point to be there for each of their milestones and every moment in between. Many neighborhood and family friends even consider her to be a bonus grandma. She was everyone’s biggest supporter. She enjoyed Disney trips with her great-grandchildren and could never pass up any churros, fudge, candied apples, or anything sweet.

Gerry was a woman of many talents and hobbies. Baking was her love language; she easily recalled the favorite treats of everyone and had them ready and waiting for them at each visit. Gerry loved being in the sun and tanning by the pool. She was also very active and never missed a morning at the gym with her walking club or Pilates class. She was very social and has many friends who will miss her dearly. She cared deeply about everyone’s stories and the things they cared about. She was spunky and loved to laugh. Everyone naturally gravitated towards her kind soul and pure light. 

Emulating the Savior, Jesus Christ, was foremost in her actions and thoughts. Gerry was a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ and was faithful and diligent in serving others as He would. She spent three years with Barry in the Philippines on an assignment for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While initially hesitant to relocate across the world, in typical Gerry style, she didn’t back down and fulfilled her work with gusto and complete dedication. There was rarely a challenge that Gerry was not willing to accept. She cheerfully offered a willing hand and heart in service in her official and unofficial church callings, including the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, where she cared for children with cleft palates. Gerry had an unparalleled gift to befriend everyone, despite any differences in personality or walk of life. Gerry had countless best friends and made time to learn everyone’s unique story and then wrote their stories into her heart. Gerry loved people and particularly loved serving them through small acts of kindness and service. 

Everyone who crossed paths with Gerry will forever have her impact seared into their hearts. 

Gerry is survived by her husband, Barry; brother, Gerald; and children: Barry II (Shannon), Michele (Corbin Sly), and Brent (Janeen), Grandchildren: Barry III “Trey” (Jessica), Jordan (Chris), Katie (Tanner), Lauren (Bransen), Nick (Ali), Josh, Courtney (Mark), David, Matthew (Brinley), Andrew, Spencer, Cami and Caroline, Great-grandchildren: Everett, Charlotte, Kate, Ellis, Oakley and two great-granddaughters soon to arrive.

Preceded in death by her parents Samuel Leon and Dorothy Mildred Fite, brothers Bob, Glenn, Dick, and sister, Ruthanne and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Gerry made the world a better place.

There will be a viewing on Thursday, December 19 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 South 700 East in Draper. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 20 at 11:00 am at the Hidden Valley 4th Ward Chapel, 1450 E. Raddon Dr. in Sandy, with a viewing from 10:00-11:00 am at the church. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens.

The service will be livestreamed on the Anderson & Goff Mortuary Facebook Page at the following link: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Anderson-Goff-Mortuary-293949407707203/

(The livestream video will appear when the service starts.)