Renee Fleming's Obituary
Renee Fleming, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away Sunday morning, September 15, 2019. Renee was born on July 3, 1944 in San Luis Obispo, California. Moving to Utah when she was three, Renee grew up in the Salt Lake Valley, attending Granger High and the University of Utah. During college, she worked at the Genealogical Society, or the “Geny,” where she made lifelong friends.
She married Don Fleming on July 15, 1966. Together they welcomed four daughters. Her family was the most important thing to her. Over the years, they enjoyed vacations, game nights and parties.
Birthdays were sacred to Renee and she went out of her way to ensure that everyone had a great day. She serenaded us with “Happy Birthday” and made sure a favorite birthday meal was made. She sent cards to every person in the family and close friends each year. She wanted everyone to know they were special to her and that they were part of a family. She loved her own birthday, too, and thought it should be a national holiday. The day before the fourth of July, her birthday was always a multi-day celebration with parades, balloons, barbecues and fireworks. Traditions were important to her and she tried hard to make good memories.
Renee adored her grandchildren. Nothing put a smile on her face like a call or visit from one of them. She was so proud of them and their accomplishments.
She was an amazing cook. Her recipes were renowned in the neighborhood and ward. She could create a gourmet meal out of nothing. She was proud of the recipes she created and loved to share them. She was always quick to take a meal or a treat to a friend or neighbor in need.
When her children were older, Renee went back to the University of Utah to finish her education. She graduated in 1998 with a degree in Behavioral Science. She was incredibly intelligent, and our resident problem solver. If a problem arose, she was on the phone finding options and solutions.
Renee was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved the gospel with all of her heart. She was a gospel scholar and an excellent teacher and taught both in church and seminary.
She struggled with health problems for many years. She bore her trials with grace and dignity and strove to serve others even though she was suffering. She was an extraordinary person whose trials refined her. Her unfailing faith in the Lord and sheer determination to live extended her life far longer than anyone expected.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Doctors Darren Groberg and Landon Dickson for their excellent care, kindness and support.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Don; daughters Lisa (Shefton), Cheryl, Suzanne (Mark), and Paula; five grandchildren, Drew (Janna), Ty (Paige), Lyndsey, Brynn, Ryan and one great-granddaughter, Eden. She is also survived by her siblings Karen Halterman, Joyce Crockett, John Hoggan, Leo Jolley and Rose Haslam. She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Gardner and sister, Kriste Street.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, September 22,2019 from 6-8 p.m. at the LDS Stake Center on 2450 W 10400 S in South Jordan. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment to follow at South Jordan City Cemetery.
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