Helen Wagstaff Paul

In Loving Memory of Helen Wagstaff Paul

July 6, 1935 – April 27, 2026

“Mommy, we is good lucky!” These words, spoken by her young daughter years ago, became the theme of a life beautifully lived. Helen Wagstaff Paul, a woman who felt profoundly fortunate and blessed, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at the age of 90.

A Life of Spirit and Service

Born on July 6, 1935, to Bessie Greene and Arthur John Wagstaff Jr., Helen was born into a loving family as their 3rd of 5 children. Her early years took her across Provo, Richfield, Utah and Casper, Wyoming, before she settled in Holladay, Utah, while in the ninth grade, the place she would call home for the rest of her life.

A proud graduate of Granite High School (Class of 1953 – Go Farmers!), Helen served as Student Body Secretary. Her vibrant spirit continued at the University of Utah, where she was an ASUU Cheerleader and a dedicated member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority.

On a beautiful October day in 1956, Helen married her sweetheart, Robert Pettegrew Paul, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they built a legacy of 70 years of marriage and raised three children Kip, Mark, and Heidi. They have 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Artistry and Community

Helen was a world-renowned watercolor artist whose talent touched every corner of the globe. Her work was not only found in galleries but in the homes of many through her prints, serigraphs, calendars, cards and flags. Her ability to find beauty in the world and translate it to paper was a gift she shared generously.

Beyond her art, Helen was a pillar of the community and a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served on numerous boards and committees, including the Junior League, Ballet West, Camp Kostopoulos, Sigma Chi fraternity, Delta Gamma sorority and remained a lifelong supporter of the Pi Beta Phi alumni.

A Proud Heritage

Helen held a deep reverence for her LDS ancestors. She was the great-great-granddaughter of Rhoda Young Greene and John P. Greene, who received the very first copy of the Book of Mormon from Samuel Smith in 1830. She took great joy in knowing that this single book sparked the conversions of the Young, Kimball, and Richards families in Mendon, New York, forever changing the course of her family’s history.

Friendships and Family

If Helen’s art was her talent, her friendships were one of her treasures. She cherished her time with the "Granite Girls," Pi Phi sisters, Cambridge Group, and her many neighborhood friends. To Helen, a lunch or a birthday celebration with her "friend groups" was a source of pure joy.

Helen is survived by her husband, Robert Pettegrew Paul; her children, Kip Paul (Terry Young), Mark Paul (Jana Robbins), and Heidi Moreton (Chris Sleater); and her beloved sister, Wilna Holt. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Joshua Paul, Sarah Jane Spangler (Justin), Jacob Paul (Elisa), Alex Paul (Kate), Brighton Moreton Lu (Andy), Hunter Moreton (Brooklyn), Erin Sleater, Jorgi Paul and Rainy Ware (Jeff). And through her 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Reed Wagstaff, Donna Barton, and Karen Heffernan.

Helen often said she was "good lucky," but those who knew her know, that “the luck” was truly ours. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, with all her friends will miss her dearly.

Service Information

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Helen’s remarkable life:

• Viewing: Tuesday, May 5, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
• Funeral Services: Wednesday, May 6, with a viewing from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM, followed by the funeral at 11:00 AM.

All services will be held at the LDS Chapel, 2080 East 5165 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.