Imogene Isabel Mingo's Obituary
Our beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Imogene Mingo, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024, at the age of 93. Imogene was born on June 10, 1931, to Robert W. Griffin and Isabelle Knoblauch. Her childhood was spent in rural towns across Utah as her father worked as an engineer, designing and overseeing the construction of Utah’s roadways. Eventually, her family settled in Salt Lake City, where she attended Judge Memorial Catholic High School. She then graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in physical education and later a master’s degree in special education.
While working at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City, she met her husband, Harry E. Mingo. They married in 1953 and went on to raise six children together. Imogene dedicated her professional life to education. Imogene taught at Judge Memorial, ARTEC, and Granite Park Jr. High. She valued the importance of education and always encouraged her children and grandchildren to continue lifelong learning.
Imogene’s energy was boundless, and she pursued many passions throughout her life. She loved hiking, swimming, sewing, reading, gardening, and attending Utah Jazz basketball games. An avid animal lover, she was rarely without the companionship of her dogs, cats, or chickens. Imogene was also a devout member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, where she spent many years teaching religious education classes.
In her final year, her children and grandchildren were blessed to care for Imogene in her own home as she had done for them over the years. Her days were filled with cherished moments— watching PBS, Utah Jazz games, the 2024 Olympics, listening to classical music, and enjoying the birds, squirrels, and flowers that filled her view.
Imogene is survived by her brother, Richard K. Griffin of Cedar City; her children, Mary of Salt Lake City, Harry (Marti) of Salt Lake City, Anne (Doug Chesley) of Cedar Fort, Richard (Karen) of Salt Lake City, Camille (Reyes Aguilar) of Salt Lake City, and Anita Lusty of Reno, Nevada; along with 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her siblings, Robert Griffin and Anita Griffin; and her grandson, Matthew R. Mingo.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Community Nursing Services Hospice and their team, John, Sophie, Matt, and Kim, for the exceptional care and kindness they provided to Imogene. Her warmth, spirit, and devotion to her family and faith will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A vigil with rosary will be Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1975 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, November 22, 2024, at 11 a.m., also at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Salt Lake City.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Mingo-Aguilar Family “Here to Help” Scholarship
https://giving.ustarter.utah.edu/campaigns/the-reyes-aguilar-scholarship
What’s your fondest memory of Imogene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Imogene?
Share a story where Imogene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Imogene you’ll never forget.
How did Imogene make you smile?
