Reta McDermott Halverson's Obituary
Reta McDermott Halverson, 78, of Roy, Utah, passed away on April 18, 2026. She was born on March 8, 1948, in Preston, Idaho, to Lew and Zenda McDermott, the third of nine children.
Reta was raised on her family’s cattle ranch in Clifton, Idaho, where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and devotion to family. She developed a lifelong love of sewing, gardening, and creating—talents she carried with her and generously shared throughout her life. At the age of eight, she was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In 1966, Reta met Bob Halverson on a blind date. They became engaged that Christmas Eve and were married on September 1, 1967, in Clifton, Idaho. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, service, and family.
Reta earned her cosmetology license and worked as a beautician before she and Bob settled in Roy, Utah, where they raised their two children, Jeramie and Jennie. They also spent several years living in Fort Worth, Texas. In November 1986, they were sealed in the Dallas Texas Temple. They later returned to Utah, where they made their home for nearly three decades.
Reta faithfully served in many church callings and was always quick to care for those around her. She was known for delivering meals, helping with gardens, and quietly meeting the needs of friends and neighbors.
She will be remembered for her creativity and determination. Reta loved sewing, quilting, gardening, and painting, and found great joy in creating beautiful things for those she loved. Despite lifelong health challenges, including rheumatoid arthritis, she endured with quiet strength and rarely complained.
In retirement, Reta and Bob enjoyed golfing together and spending winters in St. George. She especially cherished time with her family, including annual family and sister reunions filled with laughter, love, and lasting memories.
Reta’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother—affectionately known as “GG” to her beloved grandchildren: Jackson, Jameson, Addison, Greyson, Max, Zoey, and Riley. She had a special gift for making each of them feel deeply loved.
She is survived by her husband, Bob Halverson; her children, Jeramie (Melanie) and Jennie (Rick) Roos; her grandchildren; and her siblings: Bonnie (Melvin) Ball, Marilyn (Dick) Swainston, Mike (Meridee) McDermott, Nadine (Craig) Mangus, Casey (Charlie) McDermott, and Brenda (Jeff) Gunderson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lew and Zenda McDermott; her sister, Colleen; and her brother, Jeffrey.
Reta will be remembered for her strength, creativity, joyful spirit, dance moves, and her deep and abiding love for her family.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
10-11:30 am viewing
12-1 pm funeral service
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
9621 N 6050 W, Highland, UT 84003
Link for funeral services:
https://www.youtube.com/live/j9mfp_pToTs?si=K26QOq7tFxS9csPB
1:45 pm Interment at American Fork Cemetery
26 W. 600 N. Street
American Fork, Utah 84003
Flowers will be accepted the day of the funeral at the church beginning at 9:00am.
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