Louise Rees

Georgia “Louise” Rees age 90, passed away March 1, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family after a long debilitating illness that she courageously endured for 27 years.

She was born in Pocatello, ID on September 28, 1929 to Mabel Gladys Gehrig and Martin Earl Seelos.

She moved to Grasscreek with her grandparents and attended school at North Summit.  Shortly after graduation she married her sweetheart and the love of her life, Jacob Ward Rees on July 19, 1947. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.  They were married for 72 years and spent their time together on the mink ranch working side by side.  When Ward had an acute appendicitis and was hospitalized for six weeks, mom took over the ranch and was subsequently awarded The Fur Woman of The Year in 1977.

She was the BPW president and felt strongly about women’s rights.  Through BPW, she participated in several clinics at the schools for vision screening and was very concerned about the health of children.

She was an avid reader and liked to crochet and do many crafts.  She helped many young women through the 4-H program to cook and sew. Louise also loved to bowl at the Monday bowling league.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and she held various positions and was a dedicated visiting teacher.

Her home was always open to everyone.  She loved to help the adopted grandkids read and do their homework.  Naoya Terrada from Japan lived with them for several years and hated to leave Coalville which had become his second home.

She loved to go to the dollar store and buy trinkets for the grandkids.  They loved to come to grandma’s house and shop at “her” free dollar store.

Her children and grandchildren were the love of her life and she loved attending their activities.  She was very proud of all their achievements.

In her later years she liked to go to Wendover with friends and play the slot machines and when she couldn’t go to Wendover she played her ipad slots.

Mom was preceded in death by her mother and father, infant brother, brother Sawley, sister Margaret, grandson Brandon, and great grandson Brennen.  She is survived by her loving husband Ward Rees, children:  Georgia (Mark) Scates, Colleen (Dwayne) Sargent, Blaine (Debbie) Rees, Jeanette (Jeff) Vernon, and Dennis (Connie) Rees; siblings: Marlene Houser, Martin Seelos, and MaryAnn Osburn; 17 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

We would like to thank all the health care agencies and nurses who took care of mom for the past 14 years. Thanks Corey, you were there with her till the very end.  Also thanks to all the friends, family and ranch workers that took time to visit, she loved all of you and appreciated your visits so much.  Thank you Dr. Allen for your support and helping Jeanette take care of the medical end of mom’s care.  Dad wanted to thank his daughters and Connie who was like another daughter to them and all the grandchildren for the care they gave mom that allowed her to stay in her home for all these years. She loved all of you.  Especially to you Dad, thank you for your loving care of mom, your companionship and the example you set for all of us about the meaning of true love and devotion.  You held her hand till the very end of her earthly journey.  You are the love of her life.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 6, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the Hoytsville Ward Chapel. A viewing will be held on Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church prior to the services.

Interment will be at the Hoytsville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Primary Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice in Louise’s name. https://intermountainhealthcare.org/locations/primary-childrens-hospital/giving-volunteering/intermountain-foundation/service-projects-donations/

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walker-mortuary.com