Wendy Sue Mccleery

Wendy Sue McCleery was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her, and she will be especially missed by her husband, kids, and grandkids who loved her dearly. She passed peacefully from our arms into Heavenly Father's on August 28, 2021.

Wendy was born to Gordon and Helen Nielson on November 1, 1955, in Midvale, Utah, and is little sister to Candice Bradshaw; who when asked if she wanted a baby sister or a bike, said she really wanted a new bike, but luckily got both. Wendy fell in love with dogs at an early age, and had a natural talent in training and caring for them. When she was 15, a young carefree boy named Jeff looked across the classroom at Hillcrest High School and instantly fell in love. This was the beginning of a life-long romance that weathered the tests of time. Jeff and Wendy were married on June 29, 1974, they were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 11, 1981, and have three children: Clint, Nick, and Katie.

Wendy lived a rich life that was filled with hobbies that brought many cherished friends into her heart. She was deeply involved with the Great Salt Lake Dog Training Club, Harrier Club, IKC, BBKA, and served as AKC judge for many years, as a tracking judge, confirmation judge, temperament test evaluator, CGC and CGCU evaluator. She was proud of her beautiful Harriers and Beagles. Wendy loved all things dog related, and she wore her smile as a badge of honor as she helped others learn how to care for their pets. She spent time laying tracks for scent trials and showing her dogs. She also loved being a part of a local Flower Club and was very proud of her growing Iris collection.

Wendy may hold dozens of various championships, tracking and obedience titles on her dogs, but nothing made her more proud than her kids and ten grandchildren. She spent hours upon hours at gymnastics meets, dance competitions, baseball and soccer games, wrestling matches, school plays, and recitals. She was known to have a special treat or a bouquet of flowers and a card waiting for her grandkids when they finished a season. Holidays, especially the 4th of July, Halloween and Christmas, were always a big deal. Wendy made the best ever witch's brew, unashamedly gave up sleep in order to get a great Days of '47 Parade spot, never ever missed a birthday, and loved giving thoughtful gifts to those she loved. Her favorite place to spend time with her family was Gooseberry Reservoir, where she was most at peace as she threw a line in the water, watched the grandkids fly kites, played board games, napped in her chair, and soaked in the fresh air.

Wendy loved her family deeply, and she often shared stories and wonderful memories of her parents, Gordon and Helen, her sister Candice, as well as many cousins and extended family members. She rarely missed a baby shower, bridal shower, mission farewell, wedding or funeral. She was a cheerleader to everyone, and will be missed beyond measure. Wendy is preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Helen. She is survived by her husband, Jeff McCleery; her son Clint, his wife Caytlin and their children: Mason, Kenny, Bridger, Bonnie, and Cindy; son Nick, his wife Leslie and their children: Gabe, Kael and Cooper; daughter Katie, her husband Mike and children: Emmalee and Korbin Tidwell; sister Candice Bradshaw and son Joe Davis, and his children Alexandra and Gordon; and her daughter JJ, her husband Kevin Crampton and their daughter Claisyn; along with countless brothers and sisters-in-law whom she loved dearly. We will miss her contagious smile and will look for sunflowers and rainbows wherever we go!

Our family would like to give our utmost appreciation to the doctors and nurses at St Mark's Hospital for the outstanding care they gave our Wendy. They will forever hold a place in our hearts for the love and grace they gave us all in our time of grief.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 3rd, 2021, from 6-8 PM at the LDS Church Building at 275 E 10600 S in Sandy, Utah. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday, September 4th, at 11 am. Graveside services will follow at the Sandy City Cemetery where Wendy will be laid to rest. The funeral will be broadcast online, a link will be provided through facebook Saturday morning.