Rebecca Ione Marley Reece's Obituary
The morning sun rose one final time for our Rebecca, before she so peacefully passed through the veil Wednesday September 30, 2020. Rebecca Ione Marley Reece, age 69, a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully in her home in West Jordan, Utah
Becky was born May 26, 1951 in Pocatello, Idaho, daughter of Heber Duane Marley and Alta Faye White Marley. She grew up in Pingree, Idaho, a hard working farm girl who had no problem when it came to getting dirt under her nails. She always exceeded any assignment that was asked of her. You wouldn’t hear her complain about working in the potato fields, instead she’d quietly pull up her boot straps and get to work. She graduated from Aberdeen High School class of 1969.
Becky had a love for education. She attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and graduated from Brigham Young University, Provo. She enjoyed studying many different subjects, and was always looking for opportunities to gain more knowledge and share it with others. She taught elementary aged children for many years. Music could often be heard coming from her classroom, down the hall. She brought much joy to her students learning any subject. She was always adored by her students and couldn’t go anywhere without hearing, “Mrs. Reece! Hi Mrs. Reece!” Before she could blink, she’d have two little arms wrapped around her. Becky’s students always enjoyed seeing her outside of teaching in the classroom.
She was very involved in Church service in many capacities. She served a full-time mission in the Eastern States Mission, 1974-1975. She has served in various callings in Primary and Young Women. While working as a Temple ordinance worker in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, she was also in the stake Relief Society Presidency, and more recently was the ward Relief Society President. She also kept busy volunteering service at a Senior Community Center.
She was gifted in the arts. She found joy in painting and drawing country landscapes. Becky always looked forward to quilting projects with her sister. She passed her love of music on to her children. Becky’s garden often had an abundance of produce. She could often be found canning jams, pears, peaches, sauces, and salsa. She also enjoyed sharing her harvest with those around her.
Becky met the love of her life, David Lynn Reece, while in the singles ward. One fall evening the ward had an activity with different performances. While Dave was on stage, Becky caught his attention. Dave says she was wearing a black satin dress, but truth be known, Becky says it was polyester, not shiny at all. It is now called the ‘great dress debate’ by the family. Things progressed from there.
They were married November 26, 1977, in the Salt Lake Temple. Their love was one for the books. They spent their lives together raising their 6 children; Rachel, Rebekah, Joel, Jared, Debbie and Nathan. Each child is different with unique gifts and talents. Yet, they have similar qualities their mother exemplified and instilled in them such as caring and serving others. The home was always loud with kids coming and going, late dinners after sports, but a home always full of love. Mom never let you leave without a hug, love ya, and a kiss goodbye. Becky never complained of this busy schedule, but always seemed to make it flow flawlessly.
Becky felt it was a blessing to see each of her children grow up, and be married. She always saw her children’s spouses, Michael, Brandon, Linda, Emily, Bryson, and Krysta as an extension of her family. She loved having her large family gathered around the table.
Becky adored her grandkids and proudly welcomed 21 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild into her life. She was so proud of their unique talents and hobbies. She enjoyed traveling to visit them, and celebrating their accomplishments. She loved baking with her grandkids. She was never bothered by the mess of flour, handprints covering her cabinets, and eggshells in the batter because she knew these were the memories they’d hold on to. Though she had many grandkids she was great about making them each feel individually special.
Becky was always the first to wrap her arms around you. Her heart was large and she loved fiercely and forgave easily. She wanted all to feel welcome, and know that her door was always open.
In recent weeks we received devastating news that Becky was suffering from stage four pancreatic cancer. Though this news was hard to comprehend, she didn’t question it. She simply pulled up her boot straps and got to work. She fought hard, quietly, and ever so calmly. Her family near by, caring for her and her beloved Dave spending most hours of the day and night alongside her bed. Not once did she complain. She'd only softly whisper, "that'll do for now".
Her solid faith and calming behavior throughout her sudden illness brought such peace into her home. She left her children and husband with the most beautiful and meaningful individual goodbyes. She spent uninterrupted moments with each of us, as we poured our hearts out to her. She reassured us, all was well and shared her undeniable love for each of us.
We know she’ll continue to do equally incredible things on the other side, and we’re sure she’s already hard at work.
Survivors include her six children, Rachel Mazelle Reece Arnold (Michael) Spring Hill, Tennessee, Rebekah Faye Reece Rasmussen (Brandon) Saratoga Springs, Utah, Joel David Reece (Linda) Laie, Hawaii, Jared James Reece (Emily) West Jordan, Utah, Deborah Lynn Reece Robison (Bryson) Wesley Chapel, Florida, Nathan Daniel Reece (Krysta) Tooele, Utah; five siblings Anitta Marley Muhlestein (David), Layton, Utah, Nancy Marley Muhlestein (Rodney), Pocatello, Idaho, Dan Marley (Julie) Pocatello, Idaho, Doug Marley (Donna) North Ogden, Utah, Barbara Marley Hansen (Kyle), Sandy, Utah; sister-in-law Linda Marley; 21 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and brother Robert Marley.
Visitation and Funeral Services at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6364 S 3200 W, West Jordan, Utah. Please wear a mask.
Monday, October 5, 6:00-8:00pm, Visitation.
Tuesday, October 6, 10:00-10:45am, Visitation. 11:00am Funeral Services. Due to COVID-19, space is limited at the Funeral Services on Tuesday to those who have RSVP’d. Others may join us for the service live streamed at this link: https://byui.zoom.us/j/91216176544
Interment will be at the Lehi City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian fund, or a Cancer Research or Treatment service.
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