Reid F. Gale

Reid F. Gale January 16, 1940 – July 24, 2025

Reid F. Gale, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, son, and uncle, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by his family.

Reid was born on January 16, 1940, in Beaver, Utah, to Elmer and Marie Fotheringham Gale. He was second of six children: Carlyle (Elaine) Gale (deceased), Howard Gale (deceased), Sharon (Sherm) Bradshaw, Larry (Janet) Gale, and Jason Gale.

As a young man, Reid served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the East Central States Mission, where he developed a lifelong love of service and faith.

On September 30, 1965, Reid was sealed to his sweetheart, Judy Golding, in the Manti Utah Temple. Together they raised three daughters: Julie (Bryan) Roberts, Melinda (Bryan) Matheson, and Christine (Kerry) Hanks. Reid’s family was his greatest joy, and he proudly held the title of “Grandpa” to 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Reid was deeply patriotic and served in the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring honorably in 2000 after 32 years of devoted service. The military was a meaningful part of his identity, and he often shared stories from his time in uniform. Until the last two years of his life, Reid could be found raising his American flag each morning and lowering it each evening. He considered it a sacred privilege to represent the Army during Memorial Day ceremonies by raising the flag in early morning services.

Reid and Judy began their married life in Provo before moving to Riverton, Utah, where they operated the Latter Day Saint Stake Farm and where Reid volunteered with the Riverton Police Department. They eventually settled in American Fork, where they finished raising their family. Reid worked for many years at Geneva Rock as a Journeyman Diesel Mechanic and Journeyman Scale Mechanic, retiring after a long and faithful career. Following retirement, he and Judy made their home in Ephraim, Utah, where they lived until their final years at a senior living center.

Reid’s heart was happiest when he was serving others. He held many leadership callings in the Church, but his favorite role was serving as the greeter at Sunday services, where his warm smile welcomed all. Another highlight of his later years was serving as the crossing guard for Ephraim Elementary. The children he greeted daily became dear to him and were often mentioned in his conversations.

Reid’s favorite pastimes included fishing, camping, sledding, four-wheeling, and long road trips. He loved helping his brother Carlyle on the farm and hauling hay for his brother-in-law Sherm. He and Judy were well-known for their annual trips to Green River to pick up watermelons, which they happily delivered to friends and neighbors.

At home, Reid could often be found working on a word find puzzle, reading a history book, or listening to a Louis L’Amour novel. He also enjoyed sports, game shows, and collecting atlases and maps. His favorite treats—white chocolate popcorn, chocolate cinnamon bears, and a cold Sierra Mist—were always within reach of his chair.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Carlyle and Howard.

Reid’s life was marked by service, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his faith, family, and country. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing him.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Ephraim Stake Center, 400 E Center Street, Ephraim, UT. Funeral services will follow on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and the funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m., also at the Ephraim Stake Center. Interment will take place at the Ephraim Cemetery.