Esther Anne Strong's Obituary
Esther Anne Strong, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, in Salem, Utah, at the age of 70.
Esther was born on July 6, 1956, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Ray Lewis Marrott and Vaunda Mitchell Marrott. She was the ninth of eleven children and grew up surrounded by the love and adventure of a large family. At the age of five, her family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, and later settled in Utah when she was eleven years old. She graduated from Highland High School with the Class of 1974.
On February 13, 1976, Esther married Michael McLaughlin, and together they welcomed three children: Alan, Kate, and Justin. Later, on January 3, 1985, she married Martin Hodgkinson Strong. Together they lovingly blended their family with Marty’s four sons—Joseph, David, Matthew, and James—creating a home centered on faith, love, and family. On November 8, 1986, Esther and Marty were sealed for time and all eternity in the Jordan River Utah Temple.
A devoted homemaker, Esther found great joy in caring for her family. She also worked as a secretary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and later for Intermountain Health Care, where her kindness, dedication, and warm spirit touched many lives.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Esther served faithfully in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While living in Kentucky, she served as an early morning seminary teacher and especially cherished her time as the Young Women Camp Director. She had a remarkable ability to strengthen testimonies, encourage others, and make everyone feel loved and valued.
Esther loved preserving the stories of those who came before her through family history and was an active member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She found joy in music, spending time in the mountains, taking scenic drives, embroidering beautiful keepsakes, and visiting with dear friends. Whether sharing a laugh, lending a listening ear, or quietly serving someone in need, Esther touched countless lives with her compassion, unwavering faith, and Christlike love.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Marty; her cherished granddaughter, Alexi Wiles; her sister, Linda Kaye; and her brothers-in-law, Farell DeLeeuw and Mike Reece.
Esther is survived by her children: Alan (Jessica) McLaughlin, Kate (Shane) Wiles, Justin (Tiffany) McLaughlin, Joseph (Holly) Strong, David (Holly) Strong, Matthew (Cristina) Strong, and James (Jaime) Strong; 24 beloved grandchildren; and 11 treasured great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Douglas (Mayme) Marrott, Kathleen DeLeeuw, Karl (Gaye) Marrott, Steven (Beverlee) Marrott, Lynn (Mary) Marrott, Elayne Reece, Bill (Cary) Marrott, Ellen (Kenneth) Jones, and Paul (Stephanie) Marrott, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 60 South Main Street, Salem, Utah 84653. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Salem City Cemetery, 1018 South 225 East, Salem, Utah.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the loving caregivers at Beehive Homes of Salem for their exceptional care during the past year, to the compassionate staff of Symbii Hospice for their kindness and support, and to the Ward Relief Society, neighbors, and the many wonderful friends whose love and service brought comfort to Esther and her family.
Esther's legacy of faith, kindness, and unconditional love will continue to bless her family for generations to come. Though she will be deeply missed, her loved ones find peace in the promises of the gospel and rejoice in knowing she has been reunited with her beloved Marty and other family members. They are especially grateful to know that her mind has been made whole and that she once again remembers every cherished face, every precious memory, and every beloved member of her family with perfect clarity.
In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully welcomes donations to assist with funeral expenses. Contributions may be sent via Venmo to @Holly-Strong-3. Your generosity and kindness during this difficult time are sincerely appreciated and serve as a wonderful tribute to Esther's life and the love she shared with so many.
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