CLEO REAM

Cleo Ream 1913 ~ 2010 Our loving mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother Cleo Staker Ream, 97, passed away December 11, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born March 29, 1913 on the Staker farm - Mt. Pleasant, Utah to Fred and Chloe Carlston Staker. Educated at the Hamilton elementary and North Sanpete High School. She married Monte R. Merz August 8, 1931- later divorced. Married Thomas A. Ream April 23, 1947. He preceded her in death October 1, 1989. True to her pioneer heritage, she was strongly determined, fiercely loyal and unwavering in her spirit. Mom was the second oldest of four children. When she was two years old living on the farm with her parents, her father was called to serve an LDS mission in the southern states in 1915 for two and a half years (her mother being pregnant at that time). Mom tried her little best to be by her mother's side helping with the chores and doing her all. She recalls the long, cold winters and scarcity of food at that time, but what a warm and loving home that it was. In her own remarkable way throughout her life through the many, many operations, trials and tribulations, she exhibited her courageous spirit and unyielding patience. For many years she was the loving caretaker of her beloved husband Tom. She remained ever selfless and devoted to his care until his passing. Mom was affectionately known to her family and many friends as "Tillie," grandma "T." She treasured her many friendships and had a special place in her heart for her cherished children and their mates, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mom worked at many jobs throughout her life; she was always a hard worker and a wonderful provider for her children. During World War II, she helped to make parachutes at the Manti, Utah parachute plant. She had a love and passion for airplanes and always wanted to learn to fly. She took flying lessons and yes; she did learn to fly an airplane. She loved to be in the big commercial airplanes, not as the pilot, just as the passenger. She always said "This is the closest I can get to heaven until I die." She loved flowers, gardening, just digging in the dirt. Mom's home was always filled with beautiful plants. She was a lover of beauty most at peace digging in her garden. She surely had a green thumb. She owned and operated a floral shop in Mt. Pleasant at one time. Her home was always opened to all, she made us all feel so welcome all the time. Grandma "T" cared deeply about her family. She was patient, loving and caring with all she met. Mom influenced many lives for the better. She was always considerate of the feelings of others. Mom had the gift to turn acquaintances into friends, friends into family and family into her reason for being. Mom had a wide range of talents and interestsloved flowers , avid reader, flying airplanes, knitting, sewing, ceramics, beautician, and loving caretaker. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Cleo is survived by her two children, Sheral (Alaine) Merz, Freddie Ann Keller; Stepchildren Howard Ream, Ethelyn Olson, Marilyn Mickelson; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brother, Dean Staker, Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Preceded in death by her parents, brothers Maxwell Staker, Rex Staker; husband, great granddaughter Mellisa Yates; son-in-law Kendall Keller; sisters-in-law Helen Staker, Faun Staker. Services to celebrate Cleo's life will be held December 17, 2010 at 12 noon at Rasmussen Mortuary (96 N 100 W) Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Friends and family may call from 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial in the Mt. Pleasant cemetery. The family wishes to express their very sincere appreciation and gratitude to Sheral and Alaine who loved her and helped care for her so she could remain in her home until the last few days. Also the family wants to acknowledge and thank the "Care Source" hospice and their staff for their professional and very loving and caring concern they showed for mom their tender, loving way made her last days so peaceful. In lieu of flowers please donate in Mom's name to the charity of your choice.