Marjory Ward Gifford, 85, passed away on October 27, 2026, at Heritage Senior living in Preston, Idaho, according to an obituary published October 28.
Born on November 20, 1940, in Preston, Idaho, to Platt D. and Wilma Marguerite Ward, she was a lifelong musician and community leader.
Marjory developed a lifelong passion for music, specifically the piano and organ, which she shared with her family and church congregations. Her religious service included roles as a pianist, organist, choir director, teacher, and Relief Society president.
From 1994 to 1997, Marjory and her husband, Mervin Gifford, served as mission presidents in the Mexico Monterrey South Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Marjory graduated from West Side High School in Dayton, Idaho. While attending Brigham Young University, she met Mervin Gifford at a church choir practice. The couple married on September 23, 1960, in the Logan Utah Temple and had seven children.
She is survived by her children: 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. She also leaves behind siblings Evelyn, Ilene, Sylvia, Loretta, Edward, Jeanette, and LaPreale.
A Family Celebration of Life is scheduled for November 3, 2026, at Webb Funeral Home. A viewing will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on that same day, followed by the celebration at 11:00 a.m. Interment is planned for the Franklin Idaho Cemetery.
