April 3, 1936-July 18, 2022
Audrey Jean Anderson Tucker, 86, passed away on July 18, 2022. She was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on April 3, 1936, to Victor Melvin and Vera Vivian Vauthrin Anderson. She grew up with a small-town sense of trust towards all people that remained with her throughout her life.
The greatest example she taught her children, family and friends was to love unconditionally. Always believing and hoping for the best in people, she was never one to gossip or say an unkind word and always supported her children, family and friends through their ups and downs with encouragement, kind words, love and lots of prayers.
After graduating high school, Audrey attended college in Minnesota. During a weekend trip home, she came across a Book of Mormon that had been left with her parents. After reading the entire book she arranged to meet with the missionaries. Soon after, Audrey joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Seeking to be around more members of her new faith, Audrey transferred to BYU where she quickly fell in love with the many mountains of Utah.
When she returned to Iowa, Audrey was introduced to Larry Bell. Larry and Audrey wed on Oct. 1, 1960. Later, and with two children in tow, Audrey and Larry moved to Davis County where they had their final child and enjoyed raising Aaron, Dawn and Jennifer amongst the many outdoor offerings of Northern Utah.
Audrey loved the gospel and cherished being called as the primary chorister for many wards over many years. She made hundreds of engaging posters for sharing time, songs or talks and was often asked to assist others in making their own.
One of her greatest joys was swimming, and for many years she worked as a lifeguard and a swim instructor for both the YMCA and YWCA. When her children were younger, they always had a season pass to the old pool at Lagoon, where they made many happy summer memories. Larry and Audrey later bought a home with a pool where she often taught private swim lessons.
In 1980, Larry was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and forced into early retirement. In 1986, they moved to St. George to be closer to their daughter Dawn and her family, who along with many wonderful ward members were a great help during Larry’s long illness. Once settled in Southern Utah, Audrey started working at The National Institute of Fitness in Ivins, where she had the opportunity to teach water and floor aerobics and provide private swim lessons to many famous people.
After Larry passed away, Audrey married and was later sealed to her neighbor, Elmer Tucker. He had become a great friend to them during Larry’s ailment. All three came from Iowa and even discovered they knew some of the same people and family members.
Audrey and Elmer enjoyed traveling, taking cruises and of, course, visiting Iowa, but the thing they loved most was their LDS missions at Moroni High School on Tarawa, Kiribati, in the South Pacific and at Temple Square in Salt Lake City.
They loved their combined family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and spent many hours with them. Audrey loved attending their birthday parties, piano recitals, school events, and sports. Elmer and Audrey both delighted in watching their grandchildren succeed and serve others. Their love also extended to the many friends and families from their wards and neighborhoods, of whom they often spoke highly of.
At 92, Elmer passed away, and soon after Audrey broke her hip and moved in with her daughter Dawn. As much as Audrey loved living, she greatly missed her husband, family and many friends who had already departed. Surrounded by several of her grandchildren, Audrey peacefully closed her eyes and passed on July 18.
Audrey is survived by her loving daughters: Dawn (Kent) Bylund of St. George, Utah, Jennifer Bell of Leeds, Utah; son, Aaron Bell of Boise, Idaho; stepdaughters: Mary Ellen (Charles) Lee of Renton, Washington, Sherrie Copier of Draper, Utah, Linda (Lloyd Johnson) Tucker of Edmonds, Washington, and Nancy (Dante) Eggan of Park City, Utah; 19 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer, parents, brother and sister and granddaughter Madison Staheli Sweitzer.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 23, at 10:30 a.m. at the Washington City Cemetery, 300 Park View Drive, Washington City, Utah.
Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.