Mary Wilding

Mary Lindsay Wilding, 97, of Idaho Falls, passed away March 25, 2022, surrounded by her children, at Morning Star Senior Living Center of natural causes.

She was born August 23, 1924, in Dingle, Idaho, the oldest daughter of William Henry Lindsay Jr. and Phoebe May Humpherys. She grew up in a nurturing family that was gospel centered and education oriented. She attended school in Dingle and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1941.

She attended Ricks College where she graduated as valedictorian with an Associate Degree in Education. She taught grade school for several years before continuing her education at Brigham Young University, graduating with High Honors, and earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.

On June 18, 1947, she married Malcolm Walker Wilding in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. As Malcolm continued his education and began his career, they resided in Ames, Iowa; three cities in Mexico (San Luis Potosi, Hermosillo, and Mexico City); Moody, Idaho; Springville, Utah; and Idaho Falls, Idaho. They constructed many homes during these years, with a growing family.

She was a devoted and loyal member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she held leadership, service, and teaching positions. These included Ward and Stake Relief Society President, and an Officiator in the Idaho Falls, Mesa, and Santiago Temples. A substantial part of her service included assisting individual and church-wide genealogical research. She served five missions with her husband, three of which were in Peru, Mexico, and Chile. She (with her husband) loved the Latin American people and became quite proficient in communicating with them in their native tongue.

Mary was always very disciplined and productive. She enjoyed exercising, walking, gardening, genealogy, reading, and (in her later years) developed a wonderful artistic talent. She was active in the “Daughters of the Utah Pioneers” organization. Her most significant impact upon others was always humbly (but boldly), individually, and quietly exerted. Through the example shown, many others were inspired to follow her in lifetimes of adventure, exploration, and learning. She developed choice and lifelong friendships. Foremost in her mind and efforts were her responsibilities and opportunities as wife, mother, grandmother, and Grandma Great. Through the complete integrity of her example and teachings, the lives of those most dear to her will be forever enriched and strengthened.

She is survived by her children, Marilyn (Kevin D.) McCracken of Idaho Falls, LaNona (Kevin D.) Gurr of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Bruce M. (Annette) Wilding of Idaho Falls, and Ann (Michael J.) Swanson of Federal Way, Washington; sister, Ellen (Lowell) Ralph of Orem, Utah; sister-in-law, Lorna Lindsay of Salt Lake City, Utah; 19 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Malcolm Walker Wilding (in 2001); an infant daughter, Amy Wilding; her parents, William Henry Lindsay Jr. and Phoebe May Humpherys Lindsay; and three brothers, Harold, Willard, and Rao Lindsay.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2022, at the Stanfield LDS Ward, 1925 East 49th South in Idaho Falls, with Bishop Jerrad Alan Thompson officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday evening from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, Ammon, Idaho, and on Friday morning from 10:00-10:40 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Sugar City Cemetery.

The family expresses appreciation to all the past and present caregivers at Morning Star Senior Living, Aspen Home Health and Hospice, and all her wonderful friends.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.