Deanna (Nish) Godfrey

Deanna Nish Godfrey passed away February 18, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Deanna was born to Newell Nish and Anna Goddard in her grandmother’s home, Ruth Ann Thomas Goddard, in Malad, Idaho, January 25, 1939. In her early years Deanna attended grade school in Plymouth, Utah and graduated from Bear River High School in 1957. 

She was the co-editor of the Bear Facts yearbook and later served on class reunion committees. Deanna graduated from Steven Henager business college in Salt Lake City and worked as an administrative assistant at Thiokol. She also worked on the family farm in Buffalo, Montana. 

Deanna met her life-long sweetheart, Udell Godfrey, at a Bear River High football game in 1956. Udell drove her home, and he was smitten from that day forward. Deanna waited for Udell while he served in the Western Canadian Mission. Udell returned home from his mission on October 31, 1959, and they were sealed in the Logan, Utah Temple on December 3, 1959. Deanna said she wished they could have been married even quicker. 

Deanna was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a firm testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and unwavering faith in His atonement. She was baptized in the Udy Hot Springs by her father on May 31, 1947. She served faithfully in many callings including branch, ward, and stake Relief Society President. Deanna and Udell served together in the Albuquerque New Mexico Mission. She and Udell cherished their time serving in Taos, New Mexico and made lifelong friends. 

Deanna served the community in many ways including by serving as the PTA President at Sky View High School. She was an active member of the Martin Harris Camp of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Deanna also participated on the committee to raise funds to preserve the historic Clarkston Tithing Grainery. 

She loved family history work. She indexed tens of thousands of names and was recognized by FamilySearch for her dedicated service. She prepared and published two books: The Family Histories of Newell Ancel Nish and Anna Goddard and The Family Histories of Nathan Rulon Godfrey and Flo Thompson.

Deanna and Udell raised their family in a home they built in Clarkston in 1971. She loved living in Clarkston and enjoyed many friendships with good neighbors. Deanna and Udell also spent 18 winters living in the Canyon Cove neighborhood in St. George, Utah. 

Deanna was a full partner with Udell in their farming ventures in Clarkston, Utah; Howell, Utah; and Pocatello Valley, Idaho. She cooked countless meals at the farm in Pocatello Valley which always seemed to be the most delicious meals Udell and all those who helped on the farm can remember.

Deanna was an avid gardener and enjoyed taking care of her yard. She loved any activity with family including trips to Alaska, Missouri, Canada, England, Scotland and Wales. She loved music and was an excellent pianist and organist. She loved playing the organ in her home. She enjoyed going to dances with Udell and friends from Canyon Cove. She loved to quilt and crochet and made many afghans and keepsakes for members of her family. She was an avid reader of histories, biographies, and the words of the modern apostles and prophets.

Deanna is preceded in death by her parents, Newell and Anna Nish; her brother Bob Nish, sister Ruth Elaine Nish Stokes, and granddaughter Julie Anna DeGraw.

Surviving is her husband Udell Godfrey of Clarkston, UT; daughter Betty Ann Thomas (Garth) of St. George, UT; son Wayne Udell Godfrey (Becky) of Clarkston, UT; daughter June Glick (Ben) of Clarkston, UT; son Gene Nish Godfrey (Karen) of Syracuse, UT; and son Ben Ellis Godfrey (Heather) of Farmington, UT; seventeen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. 

A viewing will be held at Clarkston Ward chapel (25 East 100 South, Clarkston, Utah 84305) on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 6–8 PM. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Clarkston Ward chapel with a viewing prior to the service from 9:30–10:30 AM. The service will be livestreamed and can be found below.

Interment will be in the Clarkston Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Maple Springs of North Logan for the compassionate care given to Deanna. Their kindness and caring were appreciated by Deanna and her family.

Our thanks and sincere appreciation also go to the staff at Rudd Funeral Home for her final care. 

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.