Francene Wood

Francene Sargent Wood, our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, in Panguitch, Utah due to causes related to neuroendocrine tumors. Francene was born on December 23, 1948, to Frederick Rulon and Emma Lucile Orton Sargent in Panguitch, Utah. Though the family moved to Orem, Utah a few years after her birth, her heart was always in Panguitch and her heritage there.

Francene grew up in Orem and graduated from Orem High in 1967. She began classes at BYU with a pause in 1972 to fulfill her mission calling in Madrid, Spain. Francene's love for the gospel was steadfast and a guidinglight throughout her life. Without fail, she would read her scriptures before beginning her day. They were a source of strength, joy, and peace in her life and she shared these blessings abundantly wherever she went.

After returning from her mission and resuming her studies at B YU, Francene worked for Community Press in Provo, UT. It was here that she met her life-long companion, Carl Gardner Wood. They were married on August 27, 1977, in the Provo Temple. They were devoted to each other for 48 years and truly enjoyed each
other's company every day. Nobody could make Carl laugh as hard as Francene could and she was the apple of his eye.
Francene would tell you her life started when she became a mother and she loved her children with a ferocity belied by her small stature. She was both the biggest champion of and source of comfort to her children. Becoming a grandma was one of Francene's proudest blessings, and she treasured the special bond that she had with them. We all carry her love with us and will miss her beyond words.

Carl and Francene first raised their family in Ogden, Utah before spending time in Logan, Utah. It was here that Francene spent over 7 years serving faithfully in the Logan Temple. She filled her days with caring for her family and all of those around her. She produced beautiful quilts and was known to be an excellent seamstress.

After some years in Orem, Utah caring for her mother, Carl and Francene were able to return to Panguitch, Utah to enjoy retirement. There was nowhere else she would rather be, even with the wind and cold. She was blessed to spend her last years surrounded by her loved ones, working on puzzles, listening to Agatha Christie, and indulging in the occasional See's chocolate.

Francene was preceded in death by both of her parents and her sweet sister, Robyn. She is survived by her
husband Carl; her three children Kristen, Steven, and Brian (Sadie); and her two grandchildren, Trencil and Bel. She is also survived by siblings Byron (Lynda) Sargent, Susan Sargent Gibbs, and Lisa (James) Peterson.

A memorial service will be held for family and friends on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 12:00 pm at the Panguitch Stake Center (550 S 100 W), followed by a small reception. A zoom meeting will be available at
zoom.us/j/93333901652. Francene will be interred at a later date in the Orem Cemetery.

Francene has asked that you not send flowers but donate to a cause of your choice.

Final Arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.