Kerry Jane Gudmunson passed away in Provo, Utah, on May 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Kerry was born to Robert and Leona Harper on June 29, 1962, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Borah High School in Boise in 1980 and from Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa in 1984. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Sublette, Kansas, to teach, where she met the love of her life, Thomas Gudmunson. They were married on August 5, 1988, in Boise. They were later blessed with two sons, Kyle and Kort.
Tom and Kerry were lifelong ministry partners, always committed to following God’s leading. This journey of faithful obedience took them throughout the Pacific Northwest, to Eastern Montana, and eventually to the island of Maui. Along the way, Kerry served others in many roles — as a teacher, a pastor’s wife, a nonprofit worker supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, and a compassionate minister to the houseless and underserved alongside Tom.
Kerry discovered her passion for painting while living on Maui, and she embraced it with fierce enthusiasm, making up for lost time. Though she often downplayed her talent, her vivid paintings of Maui’s landscapes and beaches speak for themselves. They are now treasured keepsakes, and sharing them brought her deep joy.
After her ALS diagnosis, Kerry and Tom moved to Salem, Utah, in early 2024 to be closer to family. There, she spent her final months surrounded by love, living with her son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Shanae, and their children, Remi (4) and Eliza (1). Even as her body grew weaker, her heart was full — she cherished every moment as “Grammie.”
Kerry’s unwavering faith and joy in the Lord remained a source of strength to the very end. Her courage in the face of ALS inspired all who knew her. Though the disease tried to take much from her, it never touched her spirit or dignity. Her family rejoices in the truth that she is no longer bound to a wheelchair or struggling to breathe, but is now running and leaping freely, rejoicing with her Savior in a place where tears are no more.
Kerry is survived by her husband of 36 years, Tom; her sons, Kyle (Shanae) and Kort (Yesenia); her beloved grandchildren, Remi and Eliza; her mother, Leona; and her siblings, Randy (Liz), Elaine (JR), and Russ (Corinna). She was preceded in death by her father, Robert.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the team at the University of Utah ALS Clinic, especially Dr. Cassie Kuhn. Kerry and Dr. Kuhn developed a special bond over their shared love of reading, and Kerry always looked forward to seeing her — even at difficult appointments.
A celebration of Kerry’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 21, at 11 a.m. at the Angelus Theatre in Spanish Fork (165 N Main St). All who knew and loved her are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kerry’s memory may be made to ALS United Rocky Mountain:
https://alsrockymountain.org/
4 Condolences for Kerry Jane Gudmunson
Condolences(4)
Roxanne Bellamy says
May 15, 2025 at 1:08 amDearest Pastor Tom and family. My heart and prayers are with you now and forward. Praying for comfort to reach the depths of loss and peace to sooth the pain. Praying Psalm 34:18 over you now. Loving prayers now forward. May God bless you and keep you in truly divine ways always. With love, Roxanne
Ivy Pakeka says
May 20, 2025 at 5:30 pmBeloved Pastor Tom and Ohana, we are deeply sorry for your lost and we will be praying for you all fervently. Our precious sister Kerry was a precious jewel, woman of God, and touched the lives of all those she came across showing love and compassion. She endured a lot but with her steadfast faith and trust in God she fought until the end with her beautiful smile and readiness to be with Jesus. Sister Kerry you will be missed ALOT and we will never forget you and will hold you dear to our hearts forever. I am so blessed to have 2 beautiful painting you gave us that we will treasure forever. May the God of comfort, comfort you all the days ahead giving you peace and strength to move forward.. Pastor I am sorry for not being there our sister Jamie went for us and we are with you in spirit and with you in love in every way, I hope to give you a BIG HUG when I see you .peace be with you, A Hui Hou Sister Kerry until we meet again❤️🙏🎚️🌺
Cassie Kuhn says
May 21, 2025 at 9:15 pmSending love and condolences to your family! It was a pleasure caring for Kerry and sharing a love of reading. She will always be in my heart everytime I read. Hoping you feel peace.
Kris Couch Gainer says
May 22, 2025 at 1:10 amPraying for all. Reminiscing on Flagstaff Nazarene Days. Fun times with the Couch and Harper families. Looking forward to seeing y”all in glory!!
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