Ione Stembridge Reese

Ione Stembridge Marchant Reese passed away peacefully in Cottonwood Heights, Utah at the home of her daughter on January 18, 2022.

Ione was the daughter of Evalyn and Gordon Stembridge born on December 15, 1933, in Peoa, Utah. She was the middle child and had four brothers Elden, Vern, Wendell and Melvin.

Ione learned to appreciate the world’s natural beauty in a unique rock, a crooked tree root, a delicate flower or a colorful sunset growing up on the family farm. Ione graduated from South Summit High School in 1952 and attended Utah State University.

Ione married Fred Marchant on April 2, 1954, in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of six children: Janice (Jeff) Seely, Julie (Vance) Walker, Louise (Robert) Hartvigsen, Lynette (Wade) Haslam, Blake (Rachel) Marchant and Becky (Lynn) Nielson. Ione supported Fred as he faithfully served in many church callings and worked various jobs, attended BYU and taught math at Park City High School. Ione and Fred moved back to Peoa and purchased Fred’s parents’ home and a portion of the Marchant family farm.

Ione was a skilled homemaker and made bread every week. Family favorites included homemade candy, scalloped potatoes and Parker House rolls for the holidays. She canned peaches, applesauce, jams and jelly. Ione quilted and sewed and taught her daughters to sew and all of her children to cook. Ione welcomed family and friends into her kitchen and home to have a seat and visit.

Fred passed away January 16, 1978. Ione’s independence and optimistic ‘get-it-done’ attitude was evident as she continued to operate the family farm for the next few years and encouraged each of her children to graduate from college. Ione also began working at the Kamas Valley Co-op in Marion and liked interacting with valley residents and visitors for the 15 years she was employed there.

Ione was soft spoken yet had a solid faith and testimony of the Savior and the plan of salvation. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings in Primary, Young Women’s and Relief Society. She ministered to many as she served in the church and community.

Ione married Robert Reese on October 7, 1996, in Peoa, Utah. They lived in Mesa, Arizona for the next 11 winters and returned to Peoa each spring. Ione enjoyed traveling with Bob and appreciated Steve (Linda) and John for welcoming her into their family and them becoming a part of her’s. Bob passed away May 4, 2009.

Ione enjoyed a good Hallmark movie and coconut cream pie and she loved babies and little children, her hometown of Peoa and the color pink. Ione valued her children and grandchildren’s visits and phone calls. The July 4th family breakfast was a favorite tradition.

Ione’s love extended as her family grew to include 22 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 6 step grandchildren and 13 step great grandchildren. Grandchildren: Brad Seely, Tamara Baird, Laura Chapman, Maria Jones, Paul Seely, Kyle Seely, Adam Seely, Samuel Hartvigsen, Kathryn Bee, Benjamin Hartvigsen, Joshua Hartvigsen, Melodie Greenwood, Anthony Haslam, Carrie Haslam, Tyrell Marchant, Taylor Johnson, Katlynn Gull, Heather Marchant, Sara Pratt, Karen Son, Anne Wagner, Bryant Nielson. Great grandchildren: James Seely, Kyler Seely, Ryan Seely, Michael Seely, Rylee Baird, Cade Baird, Telena Baird, Evan Baird, Andrea Baird, Simon Chapman, Isaac Chapman, Thomas Chapman, Caleb Chapman, Eleonora Chapman, Zoey Jones, Eleonor Seely, Chandler Seely, Carson Seely, Elizabeth  Seely, Bennett Seely, William Greenwood, Rosalynn Greenwood, Eleanor Johnson, Holly Johnson, Ira Johnson, Steven Son, Henry Wagner.  Step Grandchildren: Wesley Walker, Trevor Walker, Dane Walker, Steven Reese, Ashley Diaz, Aaron Reese. Step Great Grandchildren: Quinton Walker, Karter Walker, Conner Walker, Brylie Walker, Jude Walker, Clair Walker, Kate Walker, Stark Walker, Liv Walker, Keylee Walker, Dash Walker, Dylan Diaz, Alex Krantz.

Ione’s family is grateful for granddaughter, Anne Wagner, who lived with Ione and allowed her to stay in Peoa through the summer of 2021. Also, for daughter, Lynette, and grandchild, Carrie Haslam, who cared for Ione with such tender devotion in the last weeks of her life.

Preceded in death by parents, first husband Fred, second husband Bob, brothers Melvin, Elden and Vern Stembridge.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday January 29, 2022, at 2:00 pm in the Peoa Ward Chapel, 1224 West State Rd 32, Peoa, Utah. The family would appreciate attendees’ consideration to wear a mask at the services. The funeral will be broadcast on the Peoa Ward YouTube Channel. There will not be a public viewing. Interment will be in the Peoa Cemetery under the direction of Crandall Funeral Home, Evanston, Wyoming. Donations in honor of Ione may be made to a favorite charity of your choosing.