Kandice Ann Searle

Kandice Ann (Stewart) Searle, 43, of Vernal, Utah, passed away on June 2, 2026 at LDS Hospital following complications from emergency surgery, sepsis, and most recently epilepsy. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Kandice was born on March 24, 1983, in Vernal, Utah, to Kenny and Julie Stewart on a beautiful spring day that seemed fitting for someone who would bring so much life, warmth, and light into the world. She was raised in Maeser alongside her two older brothers, Kael and Kris, in a childhood filled with adventure, laughter, family traditions, and deep love.

From her father, she inherited a love of nature, fishing, birdwatching, humor, and the ability to find joy in ordinary moments. From her mother, she learned resilience, hard work, creativity, and the art of building a beautiful life while making room for fun and family.

Kandice was bright, driven, and deeply compassionate from an early age. She graduated as Valedictorian of Uintah High School's Class of 2000, having completed school a year early. Her lifelong desire to help others led her to Utah State University, where she earned three degrees: an Associate's degree in Family and Human Development, a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and a Master's degree in Social Work.

As a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, Kandice devoted her life to helping others carry life's heaviest burdens. She had an extraordinary ability to make people feel seen, safe, and understood. She listened without judgment, loved without condition, and gave comfort to countless people during their hardest seasons. She truly never met a stranger, and many who first met her as acquaintances became lifelong friends.

Kandice embraced life wholeheartedly. She loved music, singing, and playing the piano. Though she gave competitive sports an honest try, she quickly discovered that her heart wasn't built for competition-she genuinely wanted everyone to win. Dance and gymnastics became her passion, and she spent twelve years immersed in them.

She found joy in both grand adventures and simple beauty-a breathtaking sunset, spotting an unusual bird, discovering the perfect pair of shoes, or traveling somewhere new. She had an adventurous spirit and a curious heart, exploring places across the United States and around the world, including Central America, the Caribbean, Dubai, and Japan.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kandice sought to live with Christlike compassion, kindness, and service. Her faith shaped how she treated others-with empathy, generosity, and a sincere desire to lift those around her.

But above all else, Kandice's greatest joy and proudest role was being a wife and mother.

In May 2000, at just 17 years old, she married the love of her life, George Francis "GJ" Searle. What began as young love grew into a remarkable 26-year partnership built on loyalty, laughter, perseverance, and unwavering devotion. GJ was her steady constant, her fiercest supporter, and the patient partner who lovingly embraced all of her spontaneous ideas and big dreams.

Life was not always easy for Kandice. She quietly endured more than 30 surgeries and hospitalizations over the years with extraordinary courage, grit, and determination. Through every challenge, GJ remained faithfully by her side-as caregiver, advocate, and greatest cheerleader.

Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three beloved children: Hallie, Gavin, and Kayler, who were the absolute center of her world. Nothing brought Kandice greater joy than being their mother-watching them grow, cheering them on, traveling alongside them, and witnessing the remarkable adults they became.

Kandice is survived by her devoted husband, GJ Searle; her children, Hallie, Gavin, and Kayler Searle; her loving parents, Kenny and Julie Stewart; her brothers, Kael (Emily) Stewart of Vernal and Kris (Jenette) Stewart of Holladay; her mother-in-law, Rosanne Searle; and countless extended family members, dear friends, and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness.

She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, George H. Searle, and her grandparents, Marlo and Leona Bowthorpe, and Ed and Arlene Stewart.

Kandice will be remembered for her strength, warmth, quick wit, fierce love, adventurous heart, and her remarkable ability to show up for others-even while quietly carrying burdens of her own.

The world feels dimmer without her, but those who loved her will carry her light forward.

Funeral services for Kandice will be held Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 11:00am at Maeser 3rd Ward Chapel (2575 North 1500 West). Visitation and viewing for family and friends will be held Monday, June 8, 2026, at 6:00pm ~ 8:00pm at Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home and Tuesday from 9:00am ~ 10:30am at the church. Interment will be held at the Rockpoint Cemetery.