Brooke Van Ausdal (Whittekiend) Obituary (1971 - 2020)

Brooke Van Ausdal (Whittekiend), our loving mother, passed away peacefully Friday, April 10, 2020 in her home in Spanish Fork, Utah. Brooke was born September 8, 1971 in Payson, Utah to Norman Carver Van Ausdal and Norma Dorene Sperry Van Ausdal. Brooke was raised in Spanish Fork, Utah, the fifth of five children. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1989 with high honors and was the valedictorian. She attended Brigham Young University on the President's Scholarship and graduated Magna Cum Laude in botany. She later received another bachelor's degree at University of Utah in speech pathology. Brooke was a well-loved schoolteacher and taught speech, study skills, physics and chemistry, most recently at American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork, Utah. We four children (James Samuel, Gabrielle Doren, Tabitha Brooklynn and Tess Alesandra Giselle Whittekiend) love our mom dearly and we're proud to have her as our mother. As a family, we lived in many different places in the United States, and our mom made good, long-lasting friends wherever she went. Some came from as far as Virginia to stay with her while she was ill. She was a good friend to everyone, cheerful, supportive and understanding. Our mother was extremely talented and very artistic in everything she did: She played the piano, expressed herself in many forms of art, and enjoyed decorating our house. She and a friend were in a cake decorating business for a while and created many beautiful cakes. She was an excellent cook and many were lucky enough to get some of her handmade chocolates at Christmastime. She was super intelligent and had a great memory of what she learned in high school and college. When we were on hikes she would point out different plants and share much information about them. She always helped us with school classes, including advanced subjects such as math and AP chemistry - material that many parents wouldn't be able to help with. She was an extremely supportive mom and encouraged us to try new things. She always put us first. She was extra Christ-like and served others whenever she saw a need. She was led by the Spirit and on many occasions would help people who she didn't know. She once found a mother who was stranded with no way to bring home groceries. She picked her up and gave her a ride to her home. She was so strong through all her health issues. She made a goal to make it to Christmas, then to make it to Gabby's birthday. She stayed on earth longer to make sure that everything was provided for our future. The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and hospice workers who helped care for Mom in the hospitals and at home. Margaret and Brenda made a great difference in her life especially as she came closer to the end. Mom was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Richard Bandley. She is survived by all of us children, and her brothers and sister: Robert N. (Sheila), Becki Bandley, Brad L (Jill), and Bret (Ann), all of Spanish Fork, and by many nieces, nephews and cousins who love her dearly. Due to the coronavirus restricting public gatherings, and the related need for social distancing, a small graveside service will be held for the family Wednesday, April 15th at 1:00 p.m. at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery in Spanish Fork, Utah. Our family will plan a celebration of her life in the future when we are able to again meet in larger groups. To express condolences please visit LegacyFunerals.com.