Marian Ruth Walker Reid

Marian Ruth Walker Reid, age 92, died August 9, 2024, at Serenity Transitional Care Center in Twin Falls, Idaho, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 10, 1932, to Frank and Idella Walker of Jerome, Idaho. Mom was the baby of the family of four. After attending Lincoln Elementary and Jerome High School, she met a handsome young man who had moved to Jerome from Lund, Nevada. Henry Reid swept her off her feet and they were married in 1949 in the Logan, Utah Temple.

After a few unsettling years of ways to make money and where to make their home, the little family of five finally settled down on a farm northwest of Jerome next to Henry's parents. Linda, Sharon, and Nancy were followed by Dick, their only boy. Connie, Debbie, and Judy came right along in the next few years. Mom was the youngest mother of the most children in our ward. Seven children in ten years is still an outstanding feat! Of course, Mom was always busy with children and Dad was farming from early in the morning until late at night.

Being such an avid reader, Mom was able to study hard and received her certificate of graduation from high school. Mom has always been involved in church callings and activities. She became the chorister in Primary as a teenager and was again called to that position after she was married. She worked as a Trekker Teacher in Primary, and the chorister of Relief Society. She also helped to organize the Stake Singing Mothers, who were able to sing at the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City with the Idaho Singing Mothers for General Conference. Mom also took conducting, piano, and organ lessons taught by the General Music Committee of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Music was big part of Mom and Dad's legacy to us.

For eight years, Mom and Dad were Stake Dance Directors. Teaching the youth, who would perform in the church wide dance festival in Salt Lake City, was a particularly fun calling. Years later they spent several years as workers in the Boise Temple.

After Mom and Dad sold the farm, they retired in 1980, and studied for their realtor licenses. Mom also enjoyed creating ceramics with her sister, Dora, and making afghans for her children. Eventually they had to run the farm again until they could retire for good.

Because Jerome has such fantastic snow storms and gigantic snow drifts, Mom and Dad decided to winter in Yuma, Arizona. Other friends from Idaho were already spending time there. Each week day, Mom would ride her three-wheeler down to water aerobics while Dad rode his bicycle to play horseshoes. It was fun to meet new friends from all over the United States and Canada. Mom also continued her love of learning by enrolling in computer classes at Western Arizona College in Yuma. After Henry passed away in November of 2008, Mom continued to journey to Yuma to enjoy activities for many more years.

After suffering a stroke five years ago, Mom had help from the Elks Rehabilitation Center in Boise to regain her strength and ability to walk. Her words were: "I want to get better so I can go home. I want to be the best I can be so I can take care of myself." Giving up was not in Mom's way of thinking at all.

We are all so proud of her accomplishments and glad to be her children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Marian is survived by her six daughters and one son, Linda (Mick) Morris of Clinton, Utah; Sharon (John deceased) Turley of Loveland, Colo.; Nancy (Lon) Thompson of Jerome, Id.; Dick (Kyla) Reid of Philomath, Ore.; Connie (Dennis) Hunt of Kimberly, Id.; Debbie (Doug) Self of Star, Id.; and Judy (Mike) Gillespie of Twin Falls, Id.; as well as 27 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren, and many great great grandchildren.

Marian's family would like to thank all of the family and friends who have shown their love and kindness in the loss of their Mother with a special thank you to the nurses and CNA's who loved Mom and helped her until the end.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, with a viewing beginning at Noon, Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E 100 S, Jerome, Idaho. Grave dedication will conclude at Jerome Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Marian’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.