"Buffey Ann Gailey Andrew, our
angel, returned to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on June 14, 2015. She
was loyal, kind, amazing, selfless, beautiful, and a friend to all.
Buffey was born April 12, 1974,
to loving parents, Michael L. and Jayne Gailey. She was the firstborn and the
leader of seven children. She had beautiful blue eyes and brown hair. She spent
her early years in Chicago, Illinois, where her father attended dental school.
They later moved to Syracuse, Utah, where they settled deep roots and a love
for the city. In her youth, she attended Syracuse Elementary, Syracuse Jr.
High, Clearfield High School and Weber State University.
She was called on an LDS
mission in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she served faithfully, and fell in
love with the Navajo people. Her mission was the beginning of a lifetime of
service.
Following her mission, she met
the love of her life, Ryan Doyle Andrew. His bright and cheerful outlook on life
was a blessing to her. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt
Lake City Temple on May 7, 1998. They built their home in Hooper, Utah, where
they were surrounded by loving friends.
True happiness began when they
started their family. Ashton Mckell Andrew was born November 9, 1999. Ashton
holds a special place in Buffey’s heart. They welcomed their second child,
Brock Ryan Andrew, May 16, 2002. Brock was a loyal protector and friend to his
mother. Beau Gibbons Andrew was born March 11, 2005. He brought healing to
Buffey’s heart as she mourned the passing of her beloved Grandpa Gibbons. Her
children and husband were her life. She spent hours serving and strengthening
their family.
Buffey brought joy to all.
Everybody that knew her loved her, and wanted to be her friend. She loved
working for her father at Syracuse Family Dental Clinic and her patients loved
and adored her. In April she completed a service mission to Guatemala where she
assisted her father in providing dental care and her brother in repairing cleft
lip and pallet for children in need. Guatemalans fell in love with her
immediately.
Buffey enjoyed all kinds of
music and theater. She had a beautiful angelic voice and loved singing
with her sister, Phyllis, and her daughter, Ashton. She loved watching her
children participate and grow in their activities. She loved being in the
outdoors, and spent hours in her yard and garden. She was an active
member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Buffey, being a
daughter of God and knowing who she was, served faithfully in any calling and
capacity.
She is survived by her
loving husband, three beautiful children, and faithful parents. She is also
survived by her mother and father-in-law Doyle and Flora Andrew (North Ogden)
and her siblings: Phyllis (Scott) Moyes, "
That is Buffey's obituary and life sketch written by her daugher, Ashton! I think it's perfect!
It's always a time of reflection when a friend passes away. It always makes me stop and reflect on my life and what I'm doing to make this place better. Today I wondered if I need to be a better sister. Over the years I have tried a few times to keep my original family close but things didn't work out the way I had hoped and so I quit trying. However, when my dad was passing I felt close to everyone. I guess I just wonder....when I pass will my siblings be happy with the moments we shared or will they wish there had been more. I wish there were more but I'm very happy for the ones we have had. Time moves on, lives change, families grow, time and attention is directed differently as those things happen. I hope what I do and have done will be enough. I hope if it isn't that I will know what more I can do.
Buffey's service was great as I knew it would be. I really didn't learn much more about Buffey that I didn't know except that she was a busy toddler just like her Beau. Buffey had a strong testimony and shared it with everyone. She never backed down on her beliefs...she was strong and direct. I smiled when her youngest sister said that Buffey would be telling her "quit crying...you can do this". I cried when Ashton said that her and Buffey had been talking a few weeks ago and Buffey told her that if she died she wanted Phyllis and her to sing at her funeral. They both sang today at Buffey's funeral. Buffey also sang today at her funeral when her brother played a recording of Buffey and her sisters singing at their grandparents funeral. I loved hearing Buffey sing...her voice has always been my favorite. It was wonderful hearing her sing once more.
Buffey was one who knew what to do and did it. She was all about serving others. She was a good listener. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. She had so many talents!
If the roles were reversed Buffey would be involved in helping my family through this time. I plan on doing the same for her. I know others are as well....The People of Hooper Love Buffey and her family. We will help them through this! For all those that knew this wonderful soul....a void will be felt!
