Mary Ellen Wood Hanks

Mary Ellen Hanks, our beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as she peacefully passed away from natural causes.

Mary Ellen was born to Leah C. and George G. Wood in SLC and was the youngest of two children. Graduated from: East High School, SLC and The University of Utah. Married Lincoln Dale Hanks in the Salt Lake Temple on Aug. 31, 1951. Devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mary Ellen faithfully read her scriptures every day, attended the temple regularly, held several callings, served her family and others, and loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all her heart. Mary Ellen, blessed with great health, was very active all her life. She loved sports and taught her children too as well. In her later years she had a passion for tennis, and at 85 years old, won gold medals at the Senior World Games. She was a fierce competitor all her life and with Dale, was an avid Ute fan.

Mary Ellen blessed the lives of many with her kind, compassionate, happy, loving, and genuine nature, making friends wherever she went. She always made room for one more, whether it be at her kitchen table or living in her home. She was a schoolteacher and later went to various schools to read to students, worked with the blind, and raised her family in SLC, Utah and Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Mary Ellen and Dale served 2 missions; 1) Washington Seattle Mission (1981-84), 2) Historical Site Missionaries in Palmyra, New York (2004-05). She treasured the relationships with “Her” missionaries from Seattle and the Couples from Palmyra. Survived by her children: Mark (Allyson) Hanks SLC, Becky (Roger) Henriksen SLC, DeAnne (Bob) Dewey Oregon, Nate (Michelle) Hanks Brazil Mission, Jeff (Julie) Hanks SLC, Stan (Heidi) Hanks SLC, and 31 Grandchildren, 72 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild.

Preceded in death: Parents-Leah and George Wood; Husband-Dale Hanks; Brother-Richard Wood; Grandson-Jared Hanks.

An evening viewing for Mary Ellen will be held Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Cottonwood Stake Center), 1830 E 6400 S, Murray, UT 84121. A viewing prior to funeral service will occur Friday, September 27, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. The funeral service will begin Friday, at 11:00 AM at the Cottonwood Stake Center. An interment will occur Friday, September 27, 2024 at 12:30 PM at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 East Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, UT 84124.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund. We want to recognize Dixie Hospice, St. George, UT who lovingly cared for our Mother during the last 7 months and thank them for their unmatched care, kindness, and love.