Mary Lee Wood Phelan Jones

In Loving Memory of Mary Lee Wood Phelan Jones

Mary Lee Wood Phelan Jones brought warmth, wit, and enduring love to all who knew her. She was a beautiful presence who was larger than life. She passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026 at the age of 90. She was born November 7, 1935, in Murray, Utah, to George Albert Wood and Mabel Ann Naylor Wood.

Mary grew up in Murray, Utah, where she was close to her family, especially her cousins. She enjoyed spending time at the family farm and lived a simple and fun childhood. She loved telling the story of how she and her cousin Merrill got in trouble for fooling one of their elementary school teachers into thinking they were twins. She was known as Mary Lee in childhood and Mary as an adult.

Mary had many great loves in her life, starting with childhood sweethearts and ending with her last love Frank.

She raised her children in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, where she created a home of love and traditions. She instilled a great work ethic in her children and taught them to leave things better than they found them. She worked hard and depended on her children to work hard and help care for one another. She was a single mom for several years, sometimes working two jobs, and she always found a way to provide a magical Christmas.

She built a meaningful career doing banking and secretarial work. She retired from the State of Utah in 1996. After retirement, she made a home in Hurricane, Utah, and spent her summers in Manila, Utah. She enjoyed time with family and friends and made lasting memories at Flaming Gorge.

Mary was known for the special traditions she created for her family. Each Christmas, she painstakingly put together a book filled with photos and yearly updates about her children and grandchildren—a treasured keepsake eagerly anticipated by all. She also gave coloring books and crayons, a cherished tradition she was able to continue until she was 89 years old. She also faithfully sent cards for every holiday—not just Christmas and birthdays, but Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and more—ensuring her family always knew she loved them.

She had beautiful red hair. She was a classy lady and had her hair done every Wednesday up to the week before she passed by her longtime hairdresser and friend, Kori. She and her family were very dear to Mary.

Mary shared her birthday with her great-granddaughter Vanessa. Being birthday twins created a very special bond between them.

One of the most cherished highlights of her later years was her 90th birthday celebration this past November. Her great-grandson Seth took her on an unforgettable flight over Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon, landing in Mesquite, Nevada, where family members greeted her with signs and banners. It was followed by a luncheon and an overnight stay in Mesquite with family.

She is survived by her loving children: Robert (Valerie) Phelan (also known as Raven Titus Jones), Cindy (Blaine) Brough, Sue Marie (Larry) Rounkles, Kathleen (Vance) Warner, Lisa Ann (Rex) Conner, and Darrin Lee Jones.

Her grandchildren: Jamie (Wes) Anderson, Stacia (Tony) Mendez, Cody Brough, Sarah Keener, Jason (Amanda) Keener, Lisa (Lance) Finch, Michelle (Tim) Christensen, Stephanie Thiriot, Andrew (Megan) Doran, Natalie (Spencer) Leany, Tyler Memmott, Dillan Dotson-Jones, Daxton Jones, and Kayla Jones.

She is also survived by many bonus children and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; her loving companion, Frank Coombs, and his family; her former husband, Robert G. Phelan; her sister-in-law, Vivian Wood; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Albert Wood and Mabel Ann Naylor Wood; her brothers, Donald Albert Wood, George Lynn Wood, and Vernal Dean Wood; her sister-in-law, Venetta Wood; her husband, William R. Jones; and her companions, James Richmond and Quentin Wheat.

Mary’s wishes were to be cremated and for her life to be celebrated with a small family party with her companion, children, and grandchildren. Arrangements are under the care of Hughes Mortuary in St. George, Utah.

We would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to Mary’s devoted companion, Frank Coombs. In the last couple of months, as her health declined, he was always by her side—sharing meals with her each day, making sure she had everything she needed, taking her on trips to Mesquite even when it became difficult for her to travel, and offering unwavering love and support to the very end.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at The Haven in Hurricane, Utah, and Dixie Hospice for their compassionate care. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort not only to Mary in her final hours, but also to our family during this difficult time.

Mary loved starting her day with a cup of coffee and a word search. She also enjoyed playing cards in the evening with a gin and cranberry. Please raise a glass of your favorite beverage in celebration of Mary’s life—she would love that!

Mary will be remembered for her warmth, her thoughtfulness, her sense of humor, and the way she made people feel deeply loved. Her life was not only long—it was full, generous, and beautifully lived.