Wendy “Granny Gwennie” Castro, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and fiercely loyal friend, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Monday, October 13, 2025—just as she had entered this world, in the stillness of morning. It was fitting—she loved the mornings. She was always the first one awake, up before the sun, ready to take on the day long before anyone else even opened their eyes. 

She was born in the early morning too—February 10, 1949 at 2:30 a.m. at Cottonwood Maternity Hospital in Murray, Utah. Even her entrance into the world had her signature timing. 

On April 27, 1968, she married the love of her life, Frank Castro, at the Elko County Courthouse in Elko, Nevada—at exactly 3:15 p.m. (because yes, she remembered the time). They were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on May 10, 1979, with her stepfather, Milton Bell, as a witness—a deeply meaningful day for their eternal family. 

From a young age, Wendy was bold, talented, and fearless. At just 19 years old, she won a furniture design contest and was invited to speak at a convention in San Francisco. Most people would have been nervous—Wendy packed her bags and went alone. That was her: confident, independent, and ready to face anything. 

If you knew Wendy, you knew she was witty, funny, sharp, and unapologetically blunt. She didn’t sugarcoat a thing. One of her classic lines the family will never forget: “You don’t have to like it… you only have to do it.” 

And somehow, when Wendy said it, you actually did it. 

But beneath those sharp edges was a uniquely pure heart and unmatched loyalty. She loved deeply—and she showed love through action. She made everyone’s Halloween costumes by hand. She made homemade everything. If she knew what you liked—your favorite snack, drink, blanket, or TV show—it was waiting for you the moment you walked through her door. Wendy noticed. Wendy remembered. Wendy cared. 

To her family, she was “Granny Gwennie—full of gumption and grit.” 

Wendy was an incredible cook and a natural entrepreneur. She had a gift for creating beautiful meals and unforgettable gatherings. Wendy didn’t just cook—she loved people through food. Every dish was her way of saying, “I care about you.” 

She was also a powerful force in her community. As President of the Little League Football League,  she ran it like a CEO, took it from broke to profitable, and—if you asked her—she’d tell you every championship that followed started with her. 

And honestly… she wasn’t wrong. 

As a sister, she was the fearless ringleader—full of wild ideas and just dangerous enough to be fun. She always talked her brother Blake into trying every stunt first. Blake passed earlier this year, and it brings the family great comfort to imagine the two of them reunited—probably already causing trouble in heaven together. 

Wendy poured her heart into her family, and they were her greatest pride. 

She is survived by her husband Frank Castro, and their children: Kim Castro-Kimball; Jeremy and Robyn Castro; Kris Castro & partner Amy DeLaRosa; David and Kim Castro; Danny and Bobbi Castro; and Kathy and Victor Montoya. 

Her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren include: Alena Kimball, Mathew Castro & partner Annessa, Geofery, Summer, Scarlett, and Theo Kimball, Tiffany and Andrew Burr, Makayla and Kevin Hanzen, Lindsey, Andy and Drew Oakeson, Riley, Zach, Blakeli Jackson, Decker and Stevi Jackson, Shelby Castro, Paige and Tyler Gossard, Lucas Castro, Carson and Aniston Castro, Coal Castro, Kemper Castro, Tatum, Presley, Rushton, Baylor, and Julian Castro, and Bodhi and Roux Montoya. 

She is also survived by her siblings: Leanne Maynard, Neil and Sheri Bell, and Skip Bell. 

She was preceded in death by her sister Kayleen Brewer, her brother Blake Bell (earlier this year), her mother Doreen (Ila Dorene Smith) and stepfather Milton Bell, and her biological father Paul Linton and stepmother Stella Linton. 

Wendy was the kind of woman you never forgot. She could make you laugh even when you didn’t want to. She could tell you the truth even when it wasn’t easy. She was strong, stubborn in the best way, wildly capable, endlessly creative, and she loved her people with everything she had. 

Her legacy lives on in every costume lovingly sewn, every meal made from scratch, every football game won, every family gathering she made special, and in the countless moments where her love and loyalty held everyone together. 

She didn’t just raise a family— 

She built one. 

And in true Wendy fashion, she probably wouldn’t want us sitting around crying too long. 

After all… 

“You don’t have to like it— 

you only have to do it.”

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 12 Noon, in The Early Duke Chapel, 4444 Early Duke St, West Valley City, Utah 84120. Viewings will be held on Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM and also on Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 AM prior to funeral BOTH at the church.  Burial will follow services in the Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly welcomes donations to help with funeral and memorial costs as we say goodbye to Wendy. Your kindness and support mean more than words can express during this difficult time.

The link for donations: America First Credit Union,  Acct# 746733121625, Routing#324377516

Also a GoFundme Link: https://gofund.me/c1e5c4376