WASHINTON, Utah — Spencer Earl Staley passed away at home on Sept. 21, 2023. He was born on May 14, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Elmer Doris Staley and Margaret Overson.
He married Carolyn Bates on Jan. 31, 1959, in Morgan, Utah, and later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple for all time and eternity on March 9, 1962.
Spencer was a hard worker and worked as a maintenance foreman in an underground trona mine in Wyoming. He retired after 28 years, and he and Carolyn traveled for a bit and ended up in Saint George, Utah, where they made their home. Spencer enjoyed fishing, hunting and being in the mountains with family and friends. He loved to learn new things and took many opportunities to expand his knowledge. Some of the things he did were painting scenes and portraits, making bows and arrows, jewelry and leather work.
He constantly worked with his hands and built many things over the years, including sheds, frames and he even made a sleigh with 8 tiny reindeer for Christmas.
Family was his pride and joy as he got older, and treasured spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He studied the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved following the teachings of Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Staley; sons: Lavelle (Pam) Staley, Russell Staley, David (Mary) Staley, Todd (Amy) Staley; daughter, Sandra Pitts; 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren; sister, Karen (Jack) Giger.
He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Staley; granddaughter, Cassandra Pitts; great-grandsons, Luke Emerson Staley and Ryder Staley; mother, Margaret Overson; father, Elmer Doris Staley; siblings: Ray Staley, June Taylor, Viola Birch, Geraldine Schmitt, Blanche Eisenhouser, Elden Staley and Gilbert Neal Staley.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 600 East Telegraph, Washington, Utah, 84780.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at 5 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, Fort Bridger, Wyoming.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Aid Fund.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary: 110 S. Bluff St, St. George, UT. (435) 673-2454.
Friends and family are invited to sign Spencer’s online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Spencer Earl Staley, please visit our flower store.
