Garth Wright's Obituary
Garth "Jerel" Wright, 71, of Murray, Utah, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, at Intermountain Medical Center, surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones.
Jerel was born on October 7, 1953 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Garth Stillman Wright and Shirley Verona Wright. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1972. In March of 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, Julie Lynn Moore. Together they raised four children: Tonya, Adam, Eric, and Taryn. Jerel and Julie later divorced in 1986.
Jerel attended the University of Utah, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor's degree in Health and Nutrition. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Northwestern University in 1982.
Following dental school, Jerel ran a successful dental practice in Richfield, Utah. In the early 1990s, he returned to Salt Lake City, where he opened and operated his own dental practice until his retirement in 2012.
Jerel was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time in nature. Hunting was his greatest passion, and he traveled on many exciting hunting trips throughout his life. During the off-season, he could often be found fishing. He especially loved boating and creating memories with family and friends out on the water.
Jerel was also a kind and generous man. He enjoyed spending time with his children, family, and friends. He was affectionately known as "Doc" by his close friends. He cherished time spent traveling, sharing stories, and making lifelong memories with those he loved.
He is survived by his daughter, Tonya Tetonis; his sons, Adam Wright and Eric Wright; and his daughter, Taryn Maughan (Jon Maughan). He is also survived by his brother, Russell Wright; his brother, Kelly Wright (Shirley Wright); and his sister, Rachelle Woolley (Jay Woolley). Jerel leaves behind many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom he adored.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Garth Stillman Wright (2020) and Shirley Verona Wright (2024)
Jerel was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and uncle. He was always positive and had a joyful outlook on life, even during difficult and challenging times. He was very loved and will be deeply missed.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Elysian burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Millcreek, Utah 84117
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