Laurel Stapley Gooch

Our loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and Matriarch passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 29, 2008 following a courageous and valiant fight against gastric cancer.
Laurel was born on December 3, 1944 in Delta, Utah to Clayton and Lucille Stapley and was the third of five children. She married William (Bill) R. Gooch on July 15, 1966 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Passion defined all aspects of their relationship. Laurel selflessly sacrificed her own desires to provide for her family's needs and to help them pursue opportunities to reach their potential. As the family grew older she would consistently remind everyone to do what was right.
She loved the art of dance. Whether teaching collegiate level students, neighborhood children, or having impromptu dances in the kitchen with her husband, she was often found dancing. While teaching dance, she developed her special gift to teach others. Using this gift she spent the next 22 years teaching and assisting special education students.
Laurel was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her testimony gave her strength throughout her life and sustained her during her final days. Laurel loved the scriptures and would turn to them often to find answers to the daily questions that faced her in life. She served diligently in many capacities and cherished her relationships with those with whom she served.
Laurel is survived by her children, Stacy (Brad) Anderson, Rex (Jennifer) Gooch, David (Sydne) Gooch, Becky (Josh) Greene, Timothy (Shiloh) Gooch, Taylor Gooch, her 13 grandchildren, her mother Lucille Stapley, and her siblings; Joalyn Miller, Ann Garvey, and Paul Stapley.
Laurel was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her father Clayton, and her sister Clay.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the many physicians and caregivers at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, May 3rd at the Cottonwood Heights First Ward, 7075 South 2250 East, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Friends may visit with the family from 10:30 - 11:30 am prior to the services. A viewing will be held at the ward building Friday, May 2nd from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Interment will be at the Memorial Estates Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
Donations may be made in Laurel's honor to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
May they find the cure.