Gayla Liane Myers

Gayla Liane Myers was born on August 14, 1946, in Provo, Utah, to Virgil Forrest Tooley and Estella Mae Brady. She spent her early school years in the Sugar House area and treasured childhood visits with her grandmother and cousins in Red Mesa, Colorado.

Gayla graduated from Highland High School in Salt Lake City in 1964. She received a scholarship to the University of Utah, where she majored in journalism, a natural choice for someone who loved words, stories, and people. She later worked for KCPX Channel 4 in Salt Lake City. During her lifetime, she also had the remarkable experience of seeing both President John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy in the rotunda in Washington, D.C.

From 1969 to 1970, Gayla served an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern Indian Mission. It was there that she met the man who would become her husband, Stephen Lawton Myers. They were married on September 4, 1970, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Gayla and Steve built a life together in Rigby, Idaho, where they raised their five children. Their home was filled not only with family, but also with people from many backgrounds and places. Gayla and Steve fostered, sponsored, and welcomed those who needed support, belonging, or simply a safe place to land. They did not travel the world often, but in many ways, they brought the world into their home.

In 1992, Gayla and Steve moved to Pocatello, Idaho, and later to Inkom in 1996, where they remained until Steve’s passing in 2014. Gayla then returned to Pocatello.

Faith was at the center of Gayla’s life. She served faithfully in many capacities in the Church, including Primary president, Relief Society president and counselor, Primary teacher, stake public relations director, stake and ward missionary, and temple worker. She gave generously of her time, her talents, and her love.

Gayla was a gifted writer who won awards for her poetry and other writing. She was also an avid reader and a natural storyteller. She could captivate a room with a memory, a joke, or one of her famously silly stories. She also possessed an impressive knowledge of movie stars, from the golden age of Hollywood to the present day—a fact that surprised many who knew her.

Her favorite pastimes included reading, writing, watching movies, and spending time with her family. In 2006, a lifelong dream came true when she traveled to Ireland with her daughters. In recent years, she also found great joy in reconnecting with the Brady cousins she had grown up with in the Salt Lake City area.

Above all else, Gayla’s greatest passion was her family. She was a fierce supporter of her children, their advocate, their confidante, and their friend. She delighted in keeping up with her 17 grandchildren and her great-grandson, taking pride in their lives and accomplishments.

Gayla had a rare ability to make people feel seen and heard. She genuinely loved getting to know others, and strangers often found themselves sharing their deepest worries and personal stories with her. People trusted Gayla because they sensed her warmth, compassion, and sincere interest in their lives.

Gayla is reunited with her parents; her brother; her beloved husband, Steve; and many other cherished family members and friends.

She is survived by her children: Stephanie (William) McBride of Pocatello, Idaho; Alana (Max) Bills/Ririe of Shelley, Idaho; Rachel (Aaron) McClellan of Rigby, Idaho; Michael (Melissa) Myers of Pocatello, Idaho; and Liane Pederson of Kaysville, Utah. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Gayla was allergic to flowers. But hey—now we can have them.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm on Friday, June 19, 2026 at the Inkom Cemetery.  A viewing will be held prior beginning at 1:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1440 Lakeview Drive, Pocatello, ID.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.