John (Jay) Talbert Morby's Obituary
A beautiful reunion took place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, when John Talbert Morby, our dear father, grandfather, brother, and friend to so many, was reunited with the love of his life, his eternal companion, Helga Elizabeth Morby, and his Heavenly Father. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
John Talbert Morby was born on January 3, 1935, in Coalville, Utah, to Mary Eleanor Wycoff Morby and George Tallon Morby. Over the course of his 91 years, John touched many lives and was deeply loved. He had a profound love for his Heavenly Father and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of John’s greatest joys was baptizing his parents into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when they both became members of the church.
Growing up in Coalville, John enjoyed a variety of activities, including helping his parents run Morby‘s Department Store, which they owned for many years. He loved to go hunting and fishing with his father and cousins, and he enjoyed playing football and basketball throughout high school and college. He was a proud graduate of North Summit High School. John also attended the University of Utah for three years. He was a devoted fan of BYU and Utah football and a huge supporter of the Utah Jazz, always eager to watch their games, win or lose.
In his early 20s, John married Mary Mitchell, raising children, Steven and Linda. Tragically, they lost their first daughter, Debra, when she was only six months old. John joined the Marine Corps, serving several years in active duty and the reserves. Later, he purchased Morby‘s Department Store from his parents, allowing them to retire, and he took great pleasure in serving the people of Coalville for many years. Later, the marriage ended in divorce after Mary Mitchell moved to Michigan with Steven and Linda. John sold the store in Coalville and moved to Salt Lake City, where he worked at the Utah Department of Transportation, (UDOT) for 35 years.
In the early 70s, John met Helga Elizabeth Wiborny Frenzel. They were married on September 4, 1976, and later sealed in the LDS temple. Raising children: Peter, Paul, and their daughters, Amber and Natalie. After Helga's passing, John’s daughter Amber became his primary caregiver. They enjoyed several road trips, classic movies, and shared good laughs, making some wonderful memories. John maintained a positive attitude throughout the challenges of his later years. He loved his family deeply and would have cherished spending even more time with them if it hadn’t been for COVID-19 and the advice of his doctors. One of his greatest joys was having the opportunity to attend the wedding of his oldest grandson, Camron, when he married the love of his life.
John was a kind and loving man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Most of all, he wanted his children and grandchildren to know just how much he loved them.
He is survived by his daughters, Amber Coleman (Caregiver) and Natalie Brown (Chris). Children: Linda Mitchell (Bobby), Peter Frenzel (Charlotte), and Paul Frenzel (Gueen), and 12 beautiful grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Helga Elizabeth Morby; his mother, Mary Eleanor Wycoff Morby; his father, George Tallon Morby; and children, Debra and Steven, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 2, 2026, at 12:00 Noon at the Aspen Hills Ward, 9855 South 2300 East, Sandy, Utah. The viewing will be at the church from 10:00- 11:45 am prior to the services. Burial will be at Lake Hills Memorial Cemetery, 10055 South State Street, Sandy, Utah.
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