Sterling Ray Wadley

May 22, 1952 - February 11, 2021

Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, leader, and mentor passed away on February 11th, 2021 in the Utah Valley ICU from complications related to COVID-19. Sterling was born to Arvil and Helen Wadley in American Fork, Utah. He grew up in the old Wadley family home in Pleasant Grove, where Sterling and his wife, Mary Jane have continued to reside and raise their family. His early life was spent in constant companionship with his identical twin brother, Stanley Kay Wadley. The two were best friends. They were inseparable and nearly indistinguishable. Together they had a wonderful childhood where they played outside with their large group of neighborhood friends. They frequently went fishing and adventuring outdoors with their father. Their favorite birthday tradition was to picnic at Liberty Park with their family. Their mother would make each twin their own angel food cake, which continued to be Sterling’s favorite throughout his life. Sterling and Stan had a lifetime of people confusing them for each other. When they were young, most people referred to them as “the Wadley twins” because they were always together and were difficult to distinguish. Later in life each brother was frequently approached by enthusiastic strangers mistaking them for the other. They would often “pretend” to be the other twin in brief conversations, treating them as if they were old friends. Sterling graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 1970, after which he and Stan attended one year at Ricks College in Idaho. Sterling served a mission to Ireland from 1971-1973. Upon his return from his mission, Sterling enrolled at Brigham Young University. Always a hard worker, Sterling was employed as a lumberjack in Wyoming during summer breaks. He graduated with a double bachelor’s degree in biology and food science, and then went on to earn two master’s degrees in aquaculture and education, all from BYU. Education became a lifelong passion for him. Sterling met Mary Jane Hegyessy while attending the Timpanogos Stake young adult Sunday school class. After Mary Jane’s mission, they met again in a BYU ward. They were married on April 9th, 1982. During this time, Sterling had graduated and begun researching the aquaculture of lobsters in the Caribbean. After their marriage, Sterling and Maryjane moved there for a few years. They lived on the islands of St. Maarten and Anguilla, where they helped to run a tourist diving business in addition to the lobster aquaculture project. After returning to Utah, they welcomed their two children, Clinton and Katy. Sterling began his teaching career at Springville High School, which spanned 32 years. He was a well-loved teacher who formed close friendships with his colleagues. He taught biology, medical terminology, biotechnology, AP biology, and was the HOSA advisor for many years. He was constantly running into students who would greet him with enthusiasm and love. Even on his very last day, one of his former students assisted with his care. He was a dedicated servant within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who was always found doing his priesthood duty. He served in many callings, including 1st Counselor in the St. Maarten Branch Presidency (French speaking), Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Advisor, Bishopric Member in a BYU student ward, 1st Counselor in the PG 5th Ward, Bishop of the PG 5th Ward, Counselor in the Stake Presidency in the Pleasant Grove Stake, Young Men’s President, High Priest Group Leader, Member of the Mission Presidency in the Nauvoo Historic Sites Mission, and, most recently, the Ward Mission Leader. Sterling and Mary Jane had the opportunity to serve a mission together to Nauvoo, Illinois from January 2019 to August 2020. This mission was something they planned and looked forward to throughout their married life. Through this mission they made many wonderful friends whom they love dearly. Sterling was a man of many talents. He was a self-taught home builder and could fix anything. In 1997, he doubled the size of the family home with an addition, mostly by the labor of his own hands. He was a master gardener known for sharing his bounteous produce every summer and fall. He was an avid reader who read thousands of books over the years. He was a devoted father, quietly loving and supporting his children through all their pursuits in life. He was known for his quiet acts of service among his family and friends. He was beloved by all who knew him and will be sorely missed. We are certain that he was greeted fondly by droves of beloved family and friends and is continuing his hard work and service on the other side of the veil. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Wadley, children Clinton (Amy) Wadley and Katy (Nathan) Ives, five grandchildren, siblings SueZann (Douglas) Kohler, Stanley (Debbie) Wadley, sister-in-law Diane (John) Nichols, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Arvil W. and Helen Haslem Wadley, brother Douglas Wadley, and in-laws Harold M. & Phyllis Hegyessy. Services will be limited to close family only but will be streamed live and may be attended virtually at the following link: CLICK HERE TO VIEW FUNERAL SERVICE Funeral Services will be held for the family Thursday, February 18th, at 1:00 pm. Interment in American Fork City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints General Missionary Fund.