Della Fern Cooley Wood

Our sweet and loving mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend returned to her family in heaven on January 6, 2017. She was born on December 19, 1940 in Helper, Utah, the youngest of four children, to H. Lorenzo Ren' and Elva Mantle Cooley. She attended Carbon High school, where she was a drummer in the marching band. After growing up in the small town of Helper, she anxiously moved to the big city' of SLC at age 18. In 1967 she married her sweetheart, Larry (marriage later solemnized in the SLC temple) and they, along with his three children and her daughter from a previous marriage, began their adventures as a blended family. The next 50 years were a whirlwind of fun activities including camping, hunting, fishing, boating, waterskiing, snowmobiling and spending time at the family cabin that they built. Della, always refined and professional, worked for many years as a proficient executive secretary. A faithful member of the LDS church, she held many callings, but her most cherished was that of assistant and scribe to two beloved stake patriarchs, a calling she held for many years. She was called to serve a special mission conducting tours at the new LDS Conference Center, another experience she loved. Della's family and friends were the greatest joy in her life. She and Larry established many fun family traditions that will be treasured and remembered for years to come. Her love for the Savior was deep and unwavering. Never one to seek attention or recognition, she constantly served others in her loving quiet manner. She will be remembered as a compassionate, loyal, loving friend with a huge heart! Her warm nature instantly put others at ease. We will miss her warm hugs, her beautiful smile, her laughter, and getting cards and surprises from her in the mail. Della is survived by her loving husband and compassionate caregiver, Larry; son, Kelly (Michelle); daughter, Wendy Henderson (James);daughter, Debbie Goodwin; son-in-law, Clayson Burton; brother, LeRoy Cooley; dear sister, Leila Pappas; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her loyal fur baby Roxy. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Marvin; daughter, Camille; son-in-law, Tom Goodwin, one grandson; and one great-grandson. Funeral services will be Friday, January 13, 2017, 11:a.m., at the Jordan North 6th Wardhouse, 3836 West 4100 South (enter on Hawkeye Dr.), Viewings will be held Thursday, January 12th, 6-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, and again prior to services at the church from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment, Murray City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please do a kind deed for someone in need today. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the special, caring people at Valeo Hospice who provided a heaven-on-earth experience for our family during Mom's final days. Place of Birth:Helper, UtahPlace of Death:Salt Lake City, UtahHobbies:Camping, hunting, fishing, boating, waterskiing, snowmobiling and familyOccupation:Executive Secretary for Deseret Pharmacuticals