Marjory Ward Gifford

Marjory Ward Gifford

November 20, 1940 – October 27, 2026

Marjory Ward Gifford, 85, passed away October 27, 2026, at Heritage Senior living in Preston, Idaho. Marjory was born on November 20, 1940, in Preston, Idaho, to Platt D. and Wilma Marguerite Ward. She grew up surrounded by family, faith, music, and the values of hard work and service that would guide her throughout her life.

From a young age, Marjory developed a love for music, particularly the piano and organ. Her musical talents became a lifelong source of joy as she shared them with her family, church congregations, and countless others. She served faithfully in numerous church callings, including pianist, organist, choir director, teacher, and Relief Society president.

Marjory graduated from West Side High School in Dayton, Idaho. While attending Brigham Young University, Marjory met the love of her life, Mervin Gifford, at a church choir practice. They were married on September 23, 1960, in the Logan Utah Temple, beginning a lifetime of love, devotion, and service together.

Marjory and Mervin were blessed with seven children. Their family was the center of their lives, and together they created a home filled with music, laughter, faith, and cherished traditions. Marjory especially treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She had a beautiful relationship with her siblings and visited with them often.

From 1994 to 1997, Marjory and Mervin served together as mission presidents in the Mexico Monterrey South Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their three years of service brought them great joy and strengthened their love for the people of Mexico and their lifelong commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Marjory will be remembered for her kindness, musical gifts, unwavering faith, love of learning, and deep devotion to her family. She lived a life centered on serving others and left a lasting legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories.

Marjory leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to her family. Her unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ and her belief in the eternal nature of families guided her throughout her life and will continue to inspire generations to come. While her family will deeply miss her loving presence, they find peace and comfort in the Savior’s promise of resurrection and eternal life. They rejoice in the knowledge that through Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, their separation is only temporary, and they will one day be reunited. Marjory’s greatest legacy lives on in the family she loved, the lives she touched, and the faith she was steadfast in sharing.

Marjory is survived by five sons and two daughter, Brent (Kaylee) Gifford of Westerville, Ohio; Kenneth O. (Brenda) Gifford of Preston, Idaho; Kevin (Liz) Gifford of West Valley City, Utah; Annette (Derek) Gandia of Kauai, Hawaii; Sherri (Thomas) Carlson of Akron, Ohio; Byron (Jennifer) Gifford of Highland, Utah; and Steven (Bobbie Jo) Gifford of Layton, Utah; her siblings, Evelyn, Ilene, Sylvia, Loretta, Edward, Jeanette, and LaPreale. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brother, Lyman Ward.

A Family Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 11 am at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E. Preston, Idaho. A Viewing will be held prior to the service from 10-10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.  Interment will be in the Franklin Idaho Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com