Mary Lorraine Wadley Wells

Mary Lorraine Wadley Wells was born on Oct. 6, 1924, in the home her great-grandfather, Joseph Wadley, homesteaded in Lindon, Utah. She left this mortal life on Jan. 26, 2024, in her 100th year of living. She was the second of four daughters born to Joseph Daniel and Edith Ann Wilmott Wadley, all of whom preceded her in death. Her mother died when Lorraine was 7 and, thus, she and her sisters were raised by their devoted father. They lived on a fruit farm, which required hard work. She also learned how to manage a home at an early age with the help of her grandmothers and aunts. Learning to manage all these responsibilities served her well all throughout her life. She always spoke fondly of her growing up years and those who helped raise her.

She graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 1942. After graduation, she met Leland Joy Wells on a blind date. They were married on March 27, 1943, at the height of WWII. They began their married life in Vineyard, Utah. That small farming community was their home for 20 years, where five daughters and one son were born: Edith (Rod Oliver), Sharren (Bryant Anderson), Lynette (Cecil Gurr), Laurel (Mark Pugmire), Mary (Carl Bullock) and George (Julie Fuqua). In 1962, the family moved to Lander, Wyoming, where their last son, Dan (Julane Worthington), was born. In 1964, the family moved to Billings, Montana. Lorraine loved Montana and it remained her home for the rest of her life.

The greatest joy in Lorraine’s life came from serving the Lord and being a wife and mother. Her love for the Lord was evident in her service to Him throughout her life as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in the temple and was an earthly angel to many, caring for those in need in a way that few others would. She also devoted many years to teaching the youth, children and adults. She and Leland later served a mission in Whiteriver, Arizona, serving the Apache people. She was a devoted wife and mother and her family always came before her own needs. Her children all felt loved and secure growing up as did many other children whom she welcomed into her home. Over her long life, she kept her family close through newsletters, phone calls, reunions, attending important events and traveling to visit them throughout the country.

Lorraine’s husband, Leland, and eight of her descendants preceded her in death. What a glorious reunion she is enjoying with them! Her 247 (and counting) remaining descendants will miss the wise counsel of their beloved devoted, hardworking, faithful, strong and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother until they meet again. Her legacy of unwavering faith will live on for generations.

Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Belvedere Stake Center.