Gary Noble Sheffield

Funeral Service Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/99413506818?pwd=JtqODZroUv9iS67gOSaribqo5HB8st.1 Gary Noble Sheffield (90) passed away on March 22, 2026 in SLC, Utah. Born May 25,1935 to Noble and Hortense Sheffield. Gary grew up in Salt Lake. He was a loyal alum of South High. He served a 3 year mission in New Zealand, and the week of his return he met Jane Nebeker. They married in August 1958. He attended the University of Utah and served in the 6th Army Marksmanship Unit for 14 years. His professional career began when he joined his only brother, Lynn, in the cabinet business which grew into Craftsman Kitchens. Gary was the first Certified Kitchen Designer in the Intermountain West. He was affiliated with the NKBA for over 50 years including serving as its president. His detailed kitchen designs were a life-long love which he continued to do until his passing. His other passion in life was spending afternoons on the golf course at Willow Creek Country Club. He further magnified his talents through service in various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jane of 62 years and survived by his 4 children Scott (Viki), Steven, Suzy (Brant), and Stanford (Leslee), 10 grandchildren, and 5 (soon to be 6!) great grandchildren. Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Saturday, March 28th with a viewing on Friday, March 27th 6 to 7:30 and one hour prior to the service at the Woodstock Ward Building 1160 E. Vine Street Murray, UT 84121. Gary grew up near Liberty Park. During his childhood and youth he acquired his many talents and strong work ethic from his parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He learned to sew, quilt, knit and cross stitch from his mother and aunts. From his father he learned woodworking, which grew into a family custom cabinet business started by his brother Lynn. Dad often retold events from his childhood and youth, sharing stories of hanging outside of Derk’s field catching homerun balls during baseball season and hookie bobbing along 4th and 5th East on icy roads in the wintertime. He loved sports and was quite an athlete. His school team mates, especially the basketball team at South High School class of ‘53, were his life-long friends. In fact, his best friend introduced him to our mom, Jane Nebeker, the same week dad returned from his mission to New Zealand. Gary served 3 years as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in New Zealand, traveling to and from by boat. He loved his time in the mission field and was there during the construction of the Auckland Temple. He became especially fond of one family he baptized, the Palmers, whom he remained in contact with throughout his life. He rarely missed his missionary reunions, or any reunion from South High. Before his mission Dad joined the army reserve where he served 14 years. During this time he trained in shooting hi-powered rifles and was invited to join the 6th Army Marksmanship Unit. During a training assignment dad was demonstrating the 200 yard rapid fire shooting 10 rounds in 50 seconds from a sitting position. Dad ‘cleaned the target’ meaning that all 10 rounds were in the bulls’ eye. The General observing told our dad to ‘clean it again’ - dad proceeded to hit all 20 rounds in the bulls eye. Dad continued on with the Marksmanship Unit achieving Utah Resident Championship in multiple competitions, beating veteran shooters at the Utah Rifle Championships competitions. In 1964 he joined his brother Lynn, who was building kitchen cabinets in his basement, and started the company Craftsman Cabinets, which grew into the thriving business Craftsman Kitchens. Dad cultivated a network of dealers across the Western United States. Dad logged thousands of miles, traveling frequently to meet with his dealers who became dear friends. During that time he perfected his drafting skills becoming a Certified Kitchen Designer ‘CKD’, joining the National Certified Kitchen Designer Association. He joined the board of directors of the NKBA, serving for over 20 years and earning the privilege to serve for a time as president. Among his various callings in the church, his favorite calling was Priest youth leader. One time he had a dozen of 17 year old boys in tears while watching the movie ‘Brian’s Song’. There were always boys hanging out at our house playing foosball, basketball, and listening to dad’s quadraphonic stereo. Dad was pleased when hearing of their life’s accomplishments. Known for his beautiful penmanship and attention to detail, dad spent many years serving as both ward and stake clerks. Above all, he loved singing hymns and being in the ward choir. Dad was an avid golfer. He especially enjoyed golfing with his 3 sons at Willow Creek Country Club. There were many happy family memories of vacations to premier golf destinations with shopping malls close by for Mom. Travel was something Mom and Dad enjoyed together through their life. Their talents in decorating and design came together by working side by side at the family business and at home. Dad was the nuts and bolts behind any creative design idea of Mom’s, culminating with their beautiful house. Every year they spent countless hours decorating at Christmastime. The result was breathtaking and will be forever cherished memories for family and friends alike. Upon Jane’s passing, after 62 years of marriage, dad often reflected on these memories and what mattered most to him. Dad was proud of his 4 kids and truly cherished the gift of his time as Papa/Papou to his 10 grandchildren. Most recently he loved the long distance facetime calls with Bennett, Claire, Amelia and William overjoyed to be a great grandfather to 5 (soon to be 6) beautiful children he knew to be his greatest legacy. We were fortunate to all be together last May to celebrate dad’s 90th birthday. Dad wanted to live to the same age as his father and great grandfather; he met that goal and was ready to join his ‘Janie’ and many loved ones through the veil.

Gary Noble Sheffield

May 25, 1935 - March 22, 2026