Wendy Woolley Stapel

Wife, Mother, and Mamaw

Wendy Woolley Stapel, 55, of West Jordan, Utah passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in a tragic car accident in Kemmerer, Wyoming.  Wendy has left her beautiful mark on all who knew her.

Wendy was born on May 13, 1966, in Provo, Utah to Donald Jex Woolley and Carol Lee Duke. Wendy was one of six siblings who grew up mostly in upstate NY, but her family later moved to CA where she graduated from Irvine High School in 1984 as Senior Class President.

In 1987, Wendy was called as a missionary for The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints, and she served honorably in Argentina, Buenos Aires South.  She served with all of her heart and loved the people of Argentina.  Upon arriving home, she married the love of her life, James L. Stapel.  They went on to build a beautiful life together with 4 amazing children: Robert Duke Stapel, Ashlee Lynne Johnson, Zachary J Stapel and Jacob Woolley Stapel.  Her children were her everything and she spent all of her days in their service.  

She was a teacher at Mountain Shadows Elementary school where she loved teaching her 5th grade students year after year.  She was dedicated to each child she taught, and they knew she loved them.

Wendy loved her children but found the most joy and love with her grandchildren. She was lovingly referred to as ‘Mamaw’, and it was her most favorite calling.

Words cannot describe the impact that she has had on our lives. She lived selflessly and she died selflessly! She is everything beautiful and courageous. She is all that we wish to be. She was a perfect example of what Christlike love is.  She is etched into our hearts for eternity. She will be missed but she will never be forgotten. 

Wendy is survived by her husband James; 4 children: Robert (Samantha), Ashlee (Paulo), Zachary, and Jacob; 5 grandchildren: Aiden, Rogan, Evie, Scotlyn, & Pyper; her parents Donald and Carol Woolley; her mother-in-law Ardath Stapel; and her 5 siblings.

She is preceded in death by her father-in-law Ralph Gordon Stapel; brother-in-law Thomas Dana Tormey, Jr.; and brother-in-law Paul Seakalise Matina. 

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the Wyoming First Responders that came to Wendy’s aide; all those at South Lincoln Medical Center that worked tirelessly to try and save her life. We are forever grateful for your compassionate care! 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 26, 2021, at 11 am at the Park Stake Center, 7411 South 4800 West, where viewings will be held Sunday, July 25, 2021, from 6:00-8:00pm and 9-10:30 am prior to the funeral. Interment, Taylorsville City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating for funeral and medical expenses at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ease-the-stapel-familys-burden?qid=b8e32b14af852483996e948aaa56c44f