Edna Catherine Ekstrom

1934 - 2024

Edna Catherine (Hill) Ekstrom peacefully passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 89, surrounded by her family in Providence, Utah. Born on October 25, 1934, in St. John, Oneida, Idaho, she was the youngest of six children born to Thomas Nelson Hill and Helen Turner Hill. Edna attended school in Malad, Idaho, where she graduated from Malad as Valedictorian of her class.

Edna cherished her childhood on the family ranch, working alongside her father and developing a strong work ethic. She had a deep love for horses, particularly her horse SeaBiscuit, and a fondness for her yellow tabby cats, all affectionately named Jeremiah.

On June 21, 1952, Edna married her beloved sweetheart, Grant LaRoy Ekstrom. They were later sealed for time and eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on April 15, 1960. Together, they were blessed with six children.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Edna faithfully served in numerous callings, including Primary President, Young Women's President, Relief Society President, and Compassionate Service Leader. Alongside her husband, she served in the Idaho Falls Temple for over 13 years, finding joy in serving others and fostering a spirit of love and compassion.

Edna had a wide array of hobbies that reflected her zest for life, including gardening and her roses, painting, crafting, sewing, camping, and cooking. Above all, she found her greatest joy in being with her family, and she was well known for her selfless service to both her community and her loved ones.

During her professional career, Edna worked for the Soil Conservation Survey and Caribou National Forest, where she formed many lasting friendships.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Lyle and Gerald Hill, her sisters Helen (McDaniel), Mildred (Hancock), and Bessie (Nelson), her husband Grant, her sons Kenneth Alan and William Grant, and her granddaughter Jessica Mary Monson. Edna is survived by her remaining children, Catherine Ann (Durham), Scott Lee (Cheryl), Karen Lynn (Craig) Monson, Michelle Ruth (David) Parks, Elsie (Kenneth) Ekstrom, 23 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the Rapid Creek Building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 801 North Rapid Creek Rd, Inkom, Idaho, on October 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. A viewing for family and friends will be held at the Rapid Creek Building on North Rapid Creek Road on October 18, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with an additional viewing prior to the funeral services from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Graveside services will follow at the St. John Cemetery, St. John, Idaho.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Cache Valley Assisted Living Center in Providence, Utah, for their kindness, patience, and compassionate care during Edna's final days. They would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and medical teams who provided her with exceptional care over the years.