Virginia Rae Meservy Hepworth

With deep gratitude for a life filled with love and service, the family of Virginia Rae Meservy Hepworth announces her passing on December 18, 2025, at her home in Orem, Utah. Known for her generous and adventurous spirit, Virginia Rae extended her family far beyond blood relations - if you knew her, you belonged to her. She expressed her care through thoughtful gifts, meaningful acts of service, and genuine attention to others.

Virginia Rae was born on July 27, 1937, to Oliver Southwick Meservy and Inez Baird, who preceded her in death, as well as her brother Robert Oliver Meservy. She carried many meaningful titles and responsibilities throughout her 88 years. She found great joy in her work as an elementary school teacher, educating more than 1,000 students during her 35-year career. She graduated from BY High School in 1955 and later earned her degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University. On February 8, 1991, she married C. Willis Hepworth, Jr. in the Provo Latter-day Saint Temple, and together they shared a love of music and faith, including seven years of missionary service at the Salt Lake Temple Square Convention Center.

Throughout her life, Virginia Rae embraced curiosity, connection, and involvement. She delighted in community, faith, work, and a wide range of engagements. She gave her time and energy freely, leaving a lasting impression through her kindness, warmth, and willingness to serve. Among the many roles she cherished were BYU Folk Dancer, hot air balloon service crew member, avid theater attendee, world traveler, beauty pageant judge, big band ensemble roadie, BYU Cougar Club supporter, devoted athletics fan, temple worker, and collector of dolls and teddy bears.

Virginia Rae is survived by her sister, Carol Meservy Sumpter; her beloved nieces and nephews; and the family of C. Willis Hepworth, Jr. Her legacy of love, generosity, and compassion lives on through the many lives she touched. If a loved one was participating in a recital, sporting event, concert, lesson, graduation, or performance, Virginia Rae was always in the audience, cheering them on.

To many, she was a mother figure who joyfully shared in their coming-of-age “firsts”—including a first babysitter, a first trip to Disneyland, a first McDonald’s Big Mac, a first football game, a first movie, a first horseback ride, and even a first (and only) hot air balloon ride.

To honor and celebrate her life, a viewing will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. As in life, she welcomes all to know her and love her. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery, 610 South State Street, Provo, UT.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

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