Gary R. Wells

Dr. Gary Ray J. Wells, 88, a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandpa, and great‑grandpa, passed away on May 10, 2026, following unexpected medical complications from fractured hip surgery.

Gary was born on January 29, 1938, in Pocatello, Idaho, the youngest of six children born to Ray Jonathan and Beulah Violet Gravatt Wells. Although Gary’s mother passed away when he was thirteen, her influence remained a guiding force. She shared her Catholic faith with him, nurtured his love of reading, and encouraged his pursuit of education. Gary carried those gifts forward with a steady persistence that became one of his defining traits.

Raised in Sterling, Idaho, Gary attended Aberdeen High School, where he met the love of his life, Lola Anderson. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 22, 1958, and became the parents of four children. Gary served as an extraordinary example of loyalty and devotion as he cared for Lola during the last 15 years of her life as she faced dementia and Alzheimer’s. During those tender years, he greeted her every morning with the same gentle words: “Good morning, sunshine.” It was a simple phrase, but it reflected the depth of his love and the constancy of his companionship.

Inspired by his mother’s encouragement, Gary pursued higher education with purpose. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Technology from Idaho State University, a Master of Science in Economics from Brigham Young University, and a Doctorate in Finance from the University of Utah.

Gary taught Finance at Idaho State University for 41 years. He loved working with students and often declared, “When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”

Gary converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints at age 16 and lived his faith with conviction. He believed deeply in his Savior, Jesus Christ, and found joy in living the gospel. He especially valued the Word of Wisdom and the power of making and keeping covenants. Over the years, he served in various callings, such as Church Service missionary, Ward Missionary with Lola, Sunday School President, High Councilor, and Stake Auditor. His favorite callings, however, were always teaching in his priesthood quorums.

Gary’s motto was “Live life – every golden minute of it,” and he lived it fully. From learning to ski in his forties to traveling the world with Lola, his children, or his siblings, he embraced every adventure. At 84, he was on the ski hill; at 86, he was dogsledding in Alaska; and at 88, he was snorkeling in Hawaii.

He is survived by his four children: Gary Blake Wells (Carol) of Argyle, Texas; Debra Roberts (Don) of Beaver, Utah; LeAnn Wood (Darren) of Kaysville, Utah; and Shauna Bolingbroke (Ken) of Redding, California; along with his 15 grandchildren and 25 great‑grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Lola Mae Anderson Wells; his parents; and his siblings Vernon F. Wells, Leland P. Wells, Gerald N. Wells, M. Maurine Wells Pierce, and Beverly B. Wells Morgan.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday May 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 149 W. Central Street, Aberdeen, Idaho. Family and friends may visit Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Gary will be interred at the Aberdeen Idaho Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.