Stacey J. Gunnell
February 20, 1964 - May 12, 2016
Stacey J. Gunnell, 52, of Salt Lake City, passed on the evening of Thursday, May 12, 2016 at home with her loving partner Richard by her side.
Stacey was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 20th, 1964. She graduated from Woods Cross High School class of 1982, and shortly thereafter received her cosmetology license to pursue her passion. A professional hairstylist for over 30 years, Stacey was able to touch the lives of thousands of people, and has formed countless lifelong and meaningful friendships. Stacey had no regrets and lived a life full of happiness, vitality, and generosity. She was able to travel the world with her partner Richard. On a beautiful summer day you could find Stacey beside the pool, or relaxing on a beach – feeling the sand between her toes and the sun upon her face. She loved food, fitness, and spending time with her friends and family, and of course, her cats. She was our style icon until the end, keeping us all looking sharp. Stacey inspired us all to savor each and every moment of this precious life.
Stacey is survived by her loving soul mate Richard Monsen; one son Brady Joseph Gunnell; parents J B Reber, Sharon and Dale Gunnell; brothers Greg Gunnell, Darrin Gunnell, Jared Reber, and Jason Reber; a myriad of loving aunts, uncles, cousins; and countless friends and loved-ones.
In celebration of Stacey's life and achievements, an open house will be held at Red Butte Garden on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 from 6pm until 8pm. She will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet in an intimate service for immediate family.
Floral expressions of love may be coordinated in all of her favorite blooms through Orchid Dynasty, (801) 583-4754. Memorial contribution may be made in her honor to the Utah Ovarian Cancer Alliance at http://uoca.org.
Stacey wishes to leave us with these words: In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. We love you dearly Stacey, you are the sunlight of our lives, and you will shine in our hearts forevermore.
In Loving Memory
Our hearts are broken, we loved Stacey, she taught me a lot about love. We had so much fun when their little family would visit. She trusted me to take care of Brady as a baby and a college student. I will never forget any part of her. I still wear her favorite lotion and toe nail polish from many years ago. We will truly miss her smile. And all her different hair styles. I'm thankful she was apart of our family and gave us her priceless gift. Brady. I love you forever!
Scott and Debbie palmquist
Brush prairie, Wa
I went to high school with Stacey at Woods Cross and remember her gentle smile, quick wit and kindness to all. I was very sad to read of her passing especially at such a young age. She is in my thoughts and prayers. Jonell Murray (Class of 82')
Jonell Murray
Bountiful, Ut
Stacey was a fine lady, and a delight to have met. Condolences from the Poe family.
Bryan Poe
Magna, Ut
I am stunned to hear of Stacey's passing. I was just lamenting this weekend that I never found another hairstylist like her - and perhaps I was just spoiled, but she certainly set the the bar high and influenced my expectation at a young age. She definitely guided an awkward junior high girl through expressing herself with funky hair and wasn't afraid to help me. What a great lady! My love and thoughts are with you Gunnell family!!
Vicki (Robinson) Petry
Livingston, MT
Please accept our deepest sympathies at the loss of your dear Stacey. She was a lovely woman. Your care and love for her has been an inspiration to us. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With love, David and Cathy Sandberg
Cathy Sandberg
West Jordan, Ut
We are thinking of you and your family as you celebrate your sweet Stacey's remarkable life and the memories you share. We will cherish our memories of her from great food, pool days, jogging and trying to go rollerblading, sitting her kitties while she was traveling the world, salon days, playing with Brady as little kids, shopping shopping and more shopping and lots of laughs and love. We love the wonderful person Stacey now and forever.
Brian and Brian Zesiger
Centerville, Ut
We are thinking of you and your family as you celebrate your sweet Stacey's remarkable life and the memories you share. We will cherish our memories of her from great food, pool days, jogging and trying to go rollerblading, sitting her kitties while she was traveling the world, salon days, playing with Brady as little kids, shopping shopping and more shopping and lots of laughs and love. We love the wonderful person Stacey, now and forever.
Brian and Brooke Zesiger
Centerville, Ut
Richard, our thoughts are with you at this incredibly difficult time. When you and Stacey moved to the hood several years back, we found great friends and neighbors. Stacey's warmth was immediately apparent. We have so appreciated her generosity of time, interest, and inclusion. We have admired her strength and positivity through the last difficult times. We miss her today, and we'll remember her so warmly always! Our wish of peace for you and Brady is heartfelt, and we're here for anything you need.
Doug Balli and Rob Blackhurst
Emigration Canyon, Ut
My heart and love has always been full when ever Joe, Stacry and Brady were around. The talent that was displayed and unending paintings, hair styles and soft friendships have been so beautiful and always heartfelt as we have grown older and life is busy. I learned so much from her and how she accepted people. My love for Brady is eternal and I pray we may find time to embrace you for your loss and how close you were! Please don't forget Joe and his family. We have always loved you so much ❤️ A light and beautiful woman set free to assist others. She was a strong example of creating what you want. You just go make it happen! Fly free dear Stacey ❤️❤️❤️ You always remain in our hearts and Sharon, Brady, thank you for your acceptance ❤️ We have felt your sweet love to us! May you feel peace in knowing, you will be with her again. She will be teaching her widow to others, I know! May you find peace and comfort from our Heavenly Father! Love you foralways ❤️❤️❤️Love, Kent, Linda Nielsen and cousins to Brady and To Aunt Stacey ❤️
Linda K Asay Nielsen
Bountiful, Ut
What a shock it was to read of the passing of Miss Stacey, way too young! What a classy girl/lady, great laugh, great smilel! Great memories of California & Hawaii 1984! 7 crazy girls having a crazy fun time in the Hawaiian Sunshine! Heaven sure keeps taking some great ones. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Cheryl H. Giles WX Class of 82
Cheryl H. Giles
South Ogden, UT
I was impressed by Stacey's amazing ability to peacefully handle her challenges these last few months. My visits always left me uplifted and gave me a renewed feeling that, although life throws some curved balls, life can still be lived gracefully and full of purpose. Richard, you set a great example as I watched you lovingly and tenderly care for Stacey. If life presents me with a similar scenario I hope that I can handle it as well as you have done. It may be hard to think that God has your best interests in mind at this time, but I'm sure that He is keeping her safe until you are done with your assigned tasks down here. Then you two will have all the time you want to hold hands and tour far-off places. In the mean time, hold tight to your children and grandchildren and keep creating new memories with them.
Gil Bytheway
Sandy, UT