Rela Mae Parr

On December 18th, 2014, while waiting to return home from rehab, mom got a better offer. Her Heavenly Father called her Home to be reunited with her beloved husband, family, and friends. After living on earth for 94 years, Mom graciously and peacefully accepted.

The daughter of William Parley Spratling and Amelia Daisy Steadman, mom was born September 7th 1920 in West Jordan, Utah.  The oldest daughter of eight children, she lived the life of a farmer's daughter. From milking cows, stacking hay, and other agricultural labors, she developed a strong work ethic.

Mom attended Jordan High School, graduating in 1936.  At age 19 she purchased and operated a popular beauty parlor in Midvale. While in High School she met and dated her future husband, Donald James Parr.  The couple was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 17th 1941.

Shortly after their marriage, our parents moved to San Francisco, California where dad worked in the shipyards. These were times fondly remembered. Their first child was born during this time. As one of the last members of The Greatest Generation, mom kept the home fires burning when dad volunteered to serve in WWII and fought throughout Europe as an infantryman.

Mom loved family life and had an intense, lifelong interest in the lives of all of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews.

Mom was an active member of the L.D.S. church. Perhaps her favorite calling was the Cultural Refinement Instructor in Relief Society. As she studied, we experienced many foreign food and music adventures.  As Relief Society President, she developed close relationships with the women she served.

During their retirement years, mom and dad enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada. They spent many hours square dancing with friends and acquaintances as they traveled.

During later years, she became an avid Utah Jazz fan, an interest she shared with her sister Carol and daughter Beverly and her family.

Wherever she traveled and lived, she made lasting friendships. She will be missed by many.

She is survived by 5 children: Randy (Belva), Don Jay, Brent, Beverly ("BJ") (Kortney), Ryan (Becky), daughter-in-law Vauna Parr,  18 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, sister Coleen, and brother Calvin.

She was preceded in death by her husband; both parents; brothers, Delwyn and Max; sisters, Dorothy, Maxine, and Carol; and great granddaughter Elaina Parr.

Thanks for everything mom and for your help when it was most needed (in spite of the tuna fish casserole)!

We express sincere thanks to the residents and staff at Legacy House Assisted Living in South Jordan, Utah for their love and expert care these past 8 years. Special thanks also to Dr. Ted Schultz for his kind and competent care.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 11:00 a.m. with a preceding viewing, 9:30 a.m. at Goff Mortuary, 8090 South State Street, Midvale, Utah. Interment will be at the West Jordan City Cemetery, 7800 South 1300 West.