Ann Johnson Gygi

Ann Johnson Gygi lived a faithful and generous life devoted to family, service, and her Savior, Jesus Christ. She cherished her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend, and found joy in blessing the lives of others. Her steadfast testimony and love for the gospel gave her peace, strength, and purpose throughout her life.

Born April 6, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ann was the second of four children of Harmon Ernest and Donna Crompton Johnson. She grew up in Holladay, graduated from Olympus High School, and earned degrees in Sociology and Secondary Math Teaching from the University of Utah. It was there she met her eternal companion, Perry Lynn Gygi, at a church dance shortly after his mission. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 2, 1963, and shared more than 62 years of love, laughter, hard work, and service together.

Ann was a woman of intellect, energy, and creativity, whose life reflected her belief that love and service were the true measures of discipleship.

In 1982, as the youngest of her six children reached school age, Ann started a business supplying lollipop molds and flavors. What began as a small venture at her kitchen table became a successful 35-year enterprise that built friendships across the country and internationally. She involved her children and grandchildren, showing them what it meant to be resourceful, diligent, and generous. The proceeds supported many missionaries serving throughout the world.

Education and faith were central to Ann and Perry’s family life. They encouraged academic achievement, supported their children’s and grandchildren’s educations, and opened their home to many who were always welcome, well-fed, and soon became part of their extended family. Ann had a special gift for making others feel seen, loved, and included.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ann served faithfully in many callings, including Primary President, Sunday School Teacher, Librarian, Young Women’s Camp Director, and Chorister. She had a lifelong desire to serve a mission, which was fulfilled when she and Perry served as full-time missionaries in Düsseldorf, Germany (1999–2000), followed by church-service missions at Welfare Square (2005–2007), the LDS Employment Center (2008–2010), and the Draper Utah Temple (2012-2018). She later volunteered for five years at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Ann will be remembered for her heart of gold, her humor, her love for chocolate, and her unwavering devotion to her family and faith. She was a talented seamstress, typist, cook, and chorister, and she loved to walk and keep busy. She enjoyed good health and traveled to exciting places such as Panama, Australia, Germany, and Israel, but her favorite trips were her regular visits to see her grandchildren and the biennial family reunions she organized to keep family ties strong.

She is survived by her loving husband, Perry; children Jana (Terry) Sides, Steven (Melanie) Gygi, Susan Gygi, Jennifer (Michael) Linton, Matthew (Amber) Gygi, and Melissa (Martin) Pola; 16 grandchildren; and 6½ great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Ray (Marilyn) Johnson, Janet (Charles) Solomon, and Kim (JoLynn) Johnson; and her best friend and confidante, Patricia McCullough. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents.

The family expresses profound gratitude to the caregivers and friends who surrounded Ann and Perry with compassion and love, particularly Ashford Memory Care and Rocky Mountain Hospice.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the church located at 12353 S. 600 E, Draper, Utah. Friends may visit during the hour before the service, beginning at 8:30 a.m. There will also be a viewing on Sunday, March 1, at the church from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Interment will follow the funeral at Holladay Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the humanitarian fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.