Ilene Adams Washburn's Obituary
Ilene Adams Washburn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, returned to her Heavenly Father on November 19, 2025, at the age of 71. She was born on May 19, 1954, and grew up in Highland, Utah, where her cheerful spirit and love of learning began to blossom.
Ilene graduated from American Fork High School in 1972, where she was known for her kindness, determination, and quiet strength. She went on to attend Brigham Young University, earning a degree in Elementary Education. Teaching was not just her profession—it was her calling. She taught elementary school for many years, touching countless young lives with her patience, creativity, and genuine love for children. Even when working in school administration, she continued to bless students and educators alike with her wisdom and steady leadership. A gifted tutor, she could help with any subject, but her true passion was teaching children to read and watching their confidence grow. She had a gift for connecting with children, helping them discover their abilities and feel seen and valued. Her influence touched countless lives, both inside and beyond the classroom.
Music was woven through every part of Ilene’s life. A talented pianist, she taught piano lessons for most of her life, sharing her love of music with generations of students. Her home was frequently filled with the sound of practice pieces, hymns, and cheerful melodies.
Married on June 2, 1978, Ilene and her loving husband, Allen B Washburn, built a family full of joy, learning, faith, and fun. She was the proud mother of seven children and the adoring grandmother of thirty-two grandchildren, each of whom felt uniquely cherished by her. Ilene lived fully and brightly—she loved flowers, vibrant colors, and embraced her motto, “Life is Fun.” She truly loved life, and she made life better for everyone around her. She was famous among family and friends for her world-class brownies, always shared with a smile.
Ilene lived a life of devoted service. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in Young Women, Relief Society, and as a Primary teacher. She especially loved ministering to the sisters around her, offering compassion, empathy, and a listening ear to anyone in need. Her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ was firm and deeply felt, and she shared it through her actions every single day.
Ilene’s legacy is one of quiet service, thoughtful acts, and a deep devotion to those she held dear. She leaves behind a family who will forever treasure her example and the grace with which she lived her life.
She will be profoundly missed and forever treasured.
Ilene is preceded in death by her father, Alden, her sisters Andrea and Carolyn, and her sweet granddaughter, Tabitha.
She is survived by her mother, Anna Vernessa Adams, husband, Allen B Washburn, and her children, Anna (Alvin) Echeverria; Clara (Sergey) Surenkov; Nathan (Angeline) Washburn; Jacob (Aubry) Washburn; Rachel (Robert) Steed; Emily (Bradley) Wright; Deborah (Clinton) Rhoton and 31 grandchildren.
Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 50 South 750 West, Orem Utah 84058 on November 29th, 2025. A viewing will be held from 9:00 – 10:00 am, with the funeral to follow at 10:30 am. After the funeral, there will be a short service at the grave site at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah. For those unable to attend the services in person, a Zoom broadcast has been made available: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85135169573
Meeting ID: 851 3516 9573
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