Jean Secrist

Koosharem, Utah - Carmen Jean Friley Secrist, age 86, passed away December 15, 2014 in South Ogden, Utah. She was born July 16, 1928, in Canton, Ohio, a daughter of Emanuel Everett and Florence Jane McGarvey Friley. She was the second of two daughters. She was raised in East Sparta, Ohio, and graduated from high school in 1946. She traveled by bus on an adventure of a lifetime to Omaha, Nebraska, to attend a secretarial school. She was so excited to be on her own in a new city. In 1949, she was introduced to a handsome young man, James Arthur Secrist, who just happened to have his pilot's license and own plane. Their courtship was made easier by Jim's ability to quickly fly the many miles between them each weekend until they eventually married on Oct. 30, 1949, in East Sparta. They lived in Findlay, Ohio, and Martinsville, Illinois, as well as Koosharem, Utah, during their 59 years of marriage. It was in Findlay, Ohio, where Mom was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by two missionaries. She embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ 100% and lived and loved it her entire life serving in all auxiliaries as Relief Society President, Primary President, Young Women President, and Young Women Camp Director. She loved serving the Lord. She and Dad served an LDS mission to Columbus, Ohio, 1991-1992. Mom's joy in life was that of being a devoted wife and mother to 6 children. When the 19 grandchildren came, she once more found her true happiness! She loved each of them and they knew it. She traveled to many states visiting her children and grandchildren. Miles never stood between the relationships with her family members as she made sure she saw her beloved sister, Alice, as often as possible as well as visiting her grandkids and great-grandkids. Mom was always friendly and had the most beautiful smile. All people were her friends, even if she had just met them in the grocery checkout line. She was a great cook and always had homemade dinners for her family as well as the many others she invited into her home. She was famous for her pies and homemade breads and rolls. She loved sewing and making crafts, mostly to give to others; her generosity never ceased. In 1989, they moved to Koosharem, Utah, where they had always dreamed of living after Dad's retirement. She made dear lifelong friends there as well. Mom never knew a stranger. She is survived by her children: James and Linda Secrist, Peggy and Greg Stanonis all of Ogden; Carol and Blaine Webber of St. George; Kathy and Jaime Adkins of Worden, Montana; Tom Secrist of Fallon, Nevada, Laura and Jon Watts of West Jordan, Utah; 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2008, one great-grandson, Taylor Jordan Webber; and her sister, Alice Yoho. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. in the Koosharem LDS Ward Chapel, where friends may call for viewing Saturday morning from 11:30 to 12:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Koosharem Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.