Clara Gayle Sutton

Clara Gayle Sutton, known to friends and family as Gayle, age 71, died on Friday, May 17th, 2024 in Murray, Utah after undergoing a heart procedure. She was born on December 13, 1952 to her parents, Joseph Valentine Whittaker, and Mary Leona Gautier (Lutz), who lived in Bunkie, Louisiana. While young, Gayle moved with her family from Bunkie, Louisiana to Los Angeles, California. Later in her youth she went to live with her aunt, Lavina (her father’s half-sister), and uncle, Blayney Barton.

Gayle eventually moved to Utah, where she went to college and studied home economics; majoring in Nutrition and Child Development at Utah State University. She graduated in 1987 with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics. She was an excellent seamstress and cook. With her degree, she was able to experience teaching Home Economics in high schools. Gayle was married twice and had one son, who she loved dearly. In life, Gayle was a daughter, grand-daughter, sister, cousin, niece, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and co-worker. She enjoyed watching movies and documentaries, watching tv shows like Master Chef and the Amazing Race, going out to lunch, eating fast food, Chinese food, pizza, Zupas, El Pollo Loco, talking, shopping (especially at Costco), and using her coupons. Gayle was service oriented and very generous. She helped sew masks to donate during COVID. It is said by Gayle’s sister that “Gayle was happiest when she was helping others.”

Gayle had worked at the Road Home, and at Sam’s Club and Costco as a Food Demonstrator. She also worked in other sales positions and direct care throughout her life. Gayle was a hard worker. In her most recent years, she enjoyed working as a cashier at the Murray Deseret Industries. Gayle was social, loved to talk with people, and was a friendly person, funny at times. It is said of her friends and a co-worker that Gayle was nice and helpful, and very pleasant to be around.

With Gayle’s love to cook, love for food, and love to socialize, in 2023, Gayle organized a lunch for the women at her church. She wanted to provide everything for it and spent a lot of time and effort putting it together, with the help of a friend. Gayle was kind and thought deeply of what she would give to others that they might enjoy; always putting away new things for others, and would buy things to give away to people who did nice things for her. A friend from her church shared that, “Gayle was loyal and felt relationships deeply, and was easily hurt when that loyalty was not reciprocated.”

Gayle dearly loved her son (Chad) and grandson (Gaige). She loved to talk about her son to others. Gayle also dearly loved her dog, Chloe, who was her companion for 16 years.  

Despite the hard things in life, that she had to bear, she inspired people with her ability to be happy. Friends loved listening to her laugh and her laugh lifted their spirits. Gayle often looked out for her friends and spoke up on their behalf. She did not hold back or sugar coat things. Gayle was a sympathetic listener and cared very much about others. She had a tender, kind, and generous heart. Gayle was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a testimony that God lives; that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were watching over her. She often recognized their hand in her life, and often pointed out to her friends how God was watching out for them too and doing good things for them in their lives.

Gayle is survived by her son, Chadwick Sutton, grandson, Gaige, sister, JoAnn Strong, aunt, Gail and cousin, Beverly. Gayle was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Valentine Whittaker, mother, Mary Leona Gautier (Lutz), aunt, Hazel Lavina Whitaker Barton, and uncle, Blayney Barton; as well as her dog, Chloe.

As Gayle requested, she was cremated. Appreciation is given to her good friends, Ellen Wallace and Cath Molina, for being there with Gayle in her final days and for helping fulfill Gayle’s final wishes. Appreciation is also given to Affordable Funerals and Cremations of Murray, Utah for their services. Gayle was deeply loved, is dearly missed, and will be remembered by all who knew her.

A Memorial Service for Gayle will be held on Friday, June 14th, 2024 at 6pm at the Cherry Blossom Ward Building at 5180 West 4700 South, West Valley City, Utah. Immediately following the memorial service will be a dinner luncheon for family and friends.