Susannah Jean Brandley Winston

Susannah Jean Brandley Winston was born on June 17, 1926, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She outlived her six sisters, Bette, Barbara, Norma, Joyce, Helen, and Rosemary, many of her friends, her husband, and two of her sons, Jeff, and Mike. She passed away on January 18, 2024, in St. George, Utah. Susannah lived a long life, serving and influencing others for good along the way.

Susannah was working at Hill Air Force Base during the summer of 1944, when she met Robert Winston, who was attending a 6-week training course for the army. Their romance quickly blossomed, and they were married on October 12, 1944, in Denver, Colorado at the mission president’s home. On July 10, 1952, they were sealed in the Manti, Utah Temple which Robert described as, “the culminating, overarching event” of his life. They remained deeply devoted to each other and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary before Robert passed away in 2015.

Susannah knew how to work hard. Painting, refinishing furniture, whitewashing the walls at the cabin, gardening, weeding, planting trees, and bargain shopping. She loved the satisfaction of a job well done and was not afraid to take on big projects. She spent innumerable hours at their cabin fighting the weeds, and also waged a war against unhealthy foods that included trans-fat.

Susannah and Robert loved spending time with friends and family at their cabin in Pine Valley. It was their place of solitude and refreshment. They warmly welcomed all to their retreat and it became the nucleus for family gatherings. Games, laughter, picnics at the reservoir, hikes through the forest, wall to wall sleeping bags on the porch, service projects, and church at the Pine Valley Chapel.

Susannah was devoted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and had a special love for temples and the continuation of family relationships. She and Robert taught temple preparation classes in their home for many years. They served as Temple President and Matron in Atlanta, Georgia from 1983-1986 and later served in the St. George Temple Presidency from 1992-1995 and in many other capacities. They lived in areas away from the west for 32 years which meant that they had to reach out to neighbors and the community for companionship and fellowship. They continued to “keep in touch” with those dear friends and loved hearing from them. And of course, they invited ALL to come and visit if they made their way to St. George or Pine Valley.

Nani, as she was known to her 21 grandchildren and 66 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, was love in action. She gave her gifts of time and made each one feel that they were the “favorite.” In her later years, the young children would bring a light to her eyes. Our dear sweet Nani will be missed by our family and friends. The family is especially grateful to the staff at The Retreat at Sunbrook who made her last years as pleasant as possible.

Her children, David Winston and Sue Winston Harris invite you to her Memorial Service on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Sunset Ward Chapel located at 82 North Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah. There will be a gathering of family and friends beginning at 12:00 noon in the Relief Society room. Interment will follow the service at the Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.

In lieu of flowers Susannah as requested that donations be made to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or any other charity of your choosing.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Susannah’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com