Ilene Hurst

September 24, 1917~July 10, 2008

Ilene Hurst, 90, passed away on July 10, 2008 in Orem. Born on September 24, 1917 to Marion Perle and Ione Hunt, she was born and raised around the red rock cliffs of Bluff, Utah as a third-generation “Hole-in-the-Rock” Pioneer.

Climbing for cliff flowers, the local swimming hole, and the serene cottonwood lined washes were some of her favorite memories. She boarded in Blanding to complete her high school diploma.

On December 18, 1936 she married Henry Hurst in the Mesa Temple. Their first home was in Blanding, and then employment took them to Phoenix, Dodge City, Kansas City and Des Moines, adding seven children along the way. At retirement they returned to Utah and settled in Orem in 1975.

Even as a child she preferred “outdoor” over “indoor” chores but was a dedicated wife and mother. She was involved with Cub Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, PTA and managing the favorite home on the block for kids to congregate. She was admired for her teaching and leadership skills in Primary, Sunday School and Relief Society.

Education was important and throughout her life she was always informed and learning through classes at Drake University, Orem Senior Center and reading constantly.

Particularly interested in writing, she won several awards for her abilities. The only TV she ever watched was the 10 o’clock news. She was proud of the academic achievements of her children and grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her kindness, caring of others, treasure hunts and birthday dollars.

For several years she worked in secretarial positions for different government entities including the Draft Board and Department of Fish and Game in Des Moines.

She is survived by three daughters: Joyce (Jerry) Mason of Luray, Virginia; Karen (Tom) Nield of Chubbuck, Idaho; and Debora (Allan) Dickerson of Cromwell, Connecticut; three sons: Wayne (Pearl) of Orem; Gary of St. George; Mike (TY) of Manchester, Missouri; son-in-law Joseph Mott of Chandler, Arizona, 35 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren. Her husband Henry, and daughter Beverly Mott, preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Condolences may be sent to info@bergmortuary.com.

San Juan Record

49 South Main St
PO Box 879
Monticello, UT 84535

Phone: 435.587.2277
Fax: 435.587.3377
news@sjrnews.com
Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday