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Lexie Fern <I>Ault</I> Whimpey Gray

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Lexie Fern Ault Whimpey Gray

Birth
Cedar Fort, Utah County, Utah, USA
Death
27 Jun 2023 (aged 91)
Burial
Lehi, Utah County, Utah, USA Add to Map
Plot
19-9-3
Memorial ID
View Source
"She was one of the rare ones, so effortlessly herself, and the world loved her for it." – Atticus Finch

To say that Lexie Fern loved life is an understatement. Her love of people, heart-felt connection, nature, collecting, fine craftsmanship, coins, dishes, sugar, antiques, and laughter was widely known, but her intellect and quick mind spoke louder than words. She is a shining example of being present – present with her emotions and present with people.

Lexie Fern was the first to laugh or cry at the delivery of news and always the first to sincerely celebrate the success of other people without emitting an ounce of jealousy. She was simply the type of woman who made you feel special by just being here.

Born on November 13, 1931 in Cedar Fort, Utah to Clarence William Ault and Ila May Anderson Ault, Lexie Fern was the fifth of six children. When asked about her childhood, she would giggle and was the first to tell you her childhood was delightful. On paper though, it wouldn't seem that way. She lost her father in a tragic automobile accident just after her third birthday, and spent her early years in the care of her loving mother and in the homes of aunts, uncles, and friends. She knew everybody in town and everybody knew her – her small community of family and neighbors truly took care of each other.

Her relationship with her siblings was absolutely unmatched; they loved each other and were truly proud of each other. Fond memories of family Sunday dinners, playing in the big barn, horses, Christmas programs, tap dancing, dances in the gymnasium, community picnics – and most importantly – through it all, always feeling loved.

On February 22, 1950 she formed her own family when she married her high school sweetheart Kenneth D. Whimpey in Lehi, Utah. It may have been love at first sight – and fresh off of the school bus coming from Cedar Fort in the 7th grade, no less! They settled right down and brought four wonderful children into this world: Donald K., Neil K., Jeana, and Jaynee. She fiercely loved each of her children.

She taught them to love Jesus, to be kind, and to take care of others. She would stay up all night sewing to make sure her daughters had the clothes of their dreams and attended ballgames, scout meetings, and school plays of her sons. And she always prioritized working on ward floats so her children could participate in the Lehi Round-Up Parade.

Lexie Fern's divine ability to make lasting, deep friendships wherever she went was evidenced across the rest of her life – from grade school to high school cheerleader, church organizations like the Mutual Improvement Association (MIA), Temple Square Missionary with her husband Ken, Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Lehi Jaycees, campaign manager for a local political party, friend groups (fabulously named: "The Dance Set", "The Group", "Eating Club", Letitian Club), work, neighbors, and beyond – she was truly everyone's favorite.

While raising children and being an active (perhaps even the epicenter of!) social life in Lehi, she also built an incredible career. She worked for Mountain States Telephone as a switchboard operator, at the State Bank of Lehi as a teller, and at Ken Whimpey Insurance Agency as a secretary. Each role required a deep understanding and love of people, and she naturally excelled.

Her beloved Kenneth passed away in 1986 and she was left more than a little broken-hearted, and wondering what to do next. In true Lexie Fern fashion, she kicked off the second stint of her career, relying again on her passion for fashion and working with people. She found a position at ZCMI in hats and wigs in the millinery department on the second floor. Never was there a more suitable position to let her personal taste and God-given talent shine. She also worked for Utah State Department of Human Services as a business office specialist, helping streamline operations and distributing monthly checks to clients.

As time marched on, she found a husband and travel companion, Ira Zane Gray, at a grieving and bereavement class where they were both seeking support from the recent loss of their spouses. And while not a match made in heaven, they enjoyed 22 years in Alpine spending time with family, friends, and exploring the country in their motorhome.

She loved to travel and be on the road – no matter the mode of transportation. One of her biggest and most terrifying accomplishments was learning to drive a motorhome. We all know it was worth it for her to be "on the road again" as often as she pleased. True to every aspect of her life – she would not stop singing praises of even the more overlooked sites. How many of us have a story of Lexie Fern describing the grandeur of Mount Rushmore, for example?

Even up to the last day of her mortal life, Lexie Fern was making friends and had a lasting impact on people's lives. As she aged and settled back into life in Lehi, she brought friends from high school with her to Harmony Hills and Covington Assisted Living. She developed friendships with all the residents and employees there. She truly brought life and light to every room she was in and will be deeply missed.

Lexie Fern Ault Whimpey Gray passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the age of 91. With over nine decades of memories, loved ones, and lives touched, she is survived by her loving daughters, Jeana (Keith) Christofferson and Jaynee (Gary) Kimber, sisters-in-law JaNeane (William) Jacob and Elaine "Sallie" (Val) Tucker, 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Lexie Fern was preceded in death by almost everyone: her husband Kenneth D. Whimpey, son Donald K. Whimpey, son Neil K. Whimpey, brother Elwin Clarence Ault, sisters Necia Irene Ault Coleman, Geraldine Ault Glover, Donna Fay Ault Elison, Carol Ault Hebertson, and brother-in-law Robert J. (Judy Peck) Whimpey.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 10th at 11:00 a.m. Two viewings will be held: the evening before on Sunday, July 9th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m, and again on Monday, July 10th from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. immediately preceding funeral services. The funeral and viewings will be held at the Sego Lily Church located at 880 North 700 East, Lehi, Utah. Interment will follow at the Lehi City Cemetery.

— Wing Mortuary | 2023
"She was one of the rare ones, so effortlessly herself, and the world loved her for it." – Atticus Finch

To say that Lexie Fern loved life is an understatement. Her love of people, heart-felt connection, nature, collecting, fine craftsmanship, coins, dishes, sugar, antiques, and laughter was widely known, but her intellect and quick mind spoke louder than words. She is a shining example of being present – present with her emotions and present with people.

Lexie Fern was the first to laugh or cry at the delivery of news and always the first to sincerely celebrate the success of other people without emitting an ounce of jealousy. She was simply the type of woman who made you feel special by just being here.

Born on November 13, 1931 in Cedar Fort, Utah to Clarence William Ault and Ila May Anderson Ault, Lexie Fern was the fifth of six children. When asked about her childhood, she would giggle and was the first to tell you her childhood was delightful. On paper though, it wouldn't seem that way. She lost her father in a tragic automobile accident just after her third birthday, and spent her early years in the care of her loving mother and in the homes of aunts, uncles, and friends. She knew everybody in town and everybody knew her – her small community of family and neighbors truly took care of each other.

Her relationship with her siblings was absolutely unmatched; they loved each other and were truly proud of each other. Fond memories of family Sunday dinners, playing in the big barn, horses, Christmas programs, tap dancing, dances in the gymnasium, community picnics – and most importantly – through it all, always feeling loved.

On February 22, 1950 she formed her own family when she married her high school sweetheart Kenneth D. Whimpey in Lehi, Utah. It may have been love at first sight – and fresh off of the school bus coming from Cedar Fort in the 7th grade, no less! They settled right down and brought four wonderful children into this world: Donald K., Neil K., Jeana, and Jaynee. She fiercely loved each of her children.

She taught them to love Jesus, to be kind, and to take care of others. She would stay up all night sewing to make sure her daughters had the clothes of their dreams and attended ballgames, scout meetings, and school plays of her sons. And she always prioritized working on ward floats so her children could participate in the Lehi Round-Up Parade.

Lexie Fern's divine ability to make lasting, deep friendships wherever she went was evidenced across the rest of her life – from grade school to high school cheerleader, church organizations like the Mutual Improvement Association (MIA), Temple Square Missionary with her husband Ken, Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Lehi Jaycees, campaign manager for a local political party, friend groups (fabulously named: "The Dance Set", "The Group", "Eating Club", Letitian Club), work, neighbors, and beyond – she was truly everyone's favorite.

While raising children and being an active (perhaps even the epicenter of!) social life in Lehi, she also built an incredible career. She worked for Mountain States Telephone as a switchboard operator, at the State Bank of Lehi as a teller, and at Ken Whimpey Insurance Agency as a secretary. Each role required a deep understanding and love of people, and she naturally excelled.

Her beloved Kenneth passed away in 1986 and she was left more than a little broken-hearted, and wondering what to do next. In true Lexie Fern fashion, she kicked off the second stint of her career, relying again on her passion for fashion and working with people. She found a position at ZCMI in hats and wigs in the millinery department on the second floor. Never was there a more suitable position to let her personal taste and God-given talent shine. She also worked for Utah State Department of Human Services as a business office specialist, helping streamline operations and distributing monthly checks to clients.

As time marched on, she found a husband and travel companion, Ira Zane Gray, at a grieving and bereavement class where they were both seeking support from the recent loss of their spouses. And while not a match made in heaven, they enjoyed 22 years in Alpine spending time with family, friends, and exploring the country in their motorhome.

She loved to travel and be on the road – no matter the mode of transportation. One of her biggest and most terrifying accomplishments was learning to drive a motorhome. We all know it was worth it for her to be "on the road again" as often as she pleased. True to every aspect of her life – she would not stop singing praises of even the more overlooked sites. How many of us have a story of Lexie Fern describing the grandeur of Mount Rushmore, for example?

Even up to the last day of her mortal life, Lexie Fern was making friends and had a lasting impact on people's lives. As she aged and settled back into life in Lehi, she brought friends from high school with her to Harmony Hills and Covington Assisted Living. She developed friendships with all the residents and employees there. She truly brought life and light to every room she was in and will be deeply missed.

Lexie Fern Ault Whimpey Gray passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the age of 91. With over nine decades of memories, loved ones, and lives touched, she is survived by her loving daughters, Jeana (Keith) Christofferson and Jaynee (Gary) Kimber, sisters-in-law JaNeane (William) Jacob and Elaine "Sallie" (Val) Tucker, 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Lexie Fern was preceded in death by almost everyone: her husband Kenneth D. Whimpey, son Donald K. Whimpey, son Neil K. Whimpey, brother Elwin Clarence Ault, sisters Necia Irene Ault Coleman, Geraldine Ault Glover, Donna Fay Ault Elison, Carol Ault Hebertson, and brother-in-law Robert J. (Judy Peck) Whimpey.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 10th at 11:00 a.m. Two viewings will be held: the evening before on Sunday, July 9th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m, and again on Monday, July 10th from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. immediately preceding funeral services. The funeral and viewings will be held at the Sego Lily Church located at 880 North 700 East, Lehi, Utah. Interment will follow at the Lehi City Cemetery.

— Wing Mortuary | 2023

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MARRIED FEB. 22, 1950
SEALED SEPT. 26, 1958



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