Lori Muhlestein

1961 - 2023

Lori Lynn Mathie Muhlestein

1961 - 2023

- With heavy and sad hearts, we report that Lori Lynn Mathie Muhlestein was called home after losing her battle with breast cancer. She passed away on Sunday, August 20th, in the Murray IHC intensive care unit at age 61.

Lori was born on October 1st, 1961, in Ogden, Utah, as the oldest child of Gary and Carole Mathie. She spent most of her childhood in Pocatello, Idaho. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age seven, but that never stopped her. When doctors said she wouldn't walk as an adult, she was determined to prove them wrong. She grew up playing golf with her dad, learning to sew, and acquiring talents in playing piano and flute.

After a sweet courtship, Lori was married to Curtis Muhlestein on March 16, 1985, and they were sealed in the Jordan River Temple on March 22, 1986. They had six boys together. She was an incredible mother to her boys and, in more recent years, her five daughters-in-law. Anyone who wants to know Lori just needs to know her sons; their kindness, creativity, determination, and strong work ethic. They have always been, and will continue to be, a proud part of her legacy.

Lori always worked hard and loved unconditionally, holding many different careers, as well as religious callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during her time here on earth. She was an entrepreneur, she loved children, and she was savvy with numbers, computers, and problem solving, so her work often involved at least one of those things. For a time, she made high quality faux fur coats and provided wholesale faux furs and leathers to other creators, and in years after that, conducted a food handlers' class teaching safe food practices to employees and students in Utah. She has been an administrative assistant many times, and most recently she worked as an accountant. To mention only a few of her callings during her religious service, Lori was a bear den leader and pack committee chair for cub scouts, and she served as a member of her stake primary presidency for several years after that. In every position, no matter where she was, she built strong relationships with those she worked with and served.

Lori also indulged in multiple hobbies. She enjoyed creating gifts through her incredible talents for sewing and beading. She was always willing to help with any sewing project and teach anyone eager to learn. Besides crafts, she loved spending time with her family, having game nights, and enjoying the beauty of nature.

As a mother, Lori loved her children most of all. Often described as a mama bear, Lori would always have their backs. She spent many sleepless nights helping her boys find creative solutions to their problems. They knew she would always provide a safe space for their emotions, a shoulder to cry on, and a listening ear for them to talk to. As the boys got older and moved away, she would often be found on the phone with them offering her amazing support and advice, no matter the hour.

Lori would push herself beyond what most would consider humanly possible, for herself, her family, and for her work. She spent many long hours (often into the night) crafting, learning to use macros in Excel for work, or helping her boys write papers with her lightning typing speed-never mind the fact that her hands prevented her from using all fingers. Lori firmly believed in never letting anything be an obstacle. She also believed in being prepared for everything.

Having six boys comes with wild adventures, many involving injury and blood. Over the years her medical skills grew with the number of times she nursed the injured, and so did her first aid kit. Which became known as "The High Uinta Medical Center" and was famous on the family camping trips.

While Lori lived a full life, there were many trials along the way. However, nothing could shake the testimony she had of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge she had of the sealing powers found in the temple, which binds her family throughout the eternities.

Lori was welcomed to her heavenly home by her son Ryan, and her father Gary. She is survived by her husband Curtis Muhlestein; her children, Brandon (JoHanna), Scott (Hanna), Alex (Stephanie), Colton (Courtney), and Joel (Nicole); her mother, Carole Mathie; siblings, Brett and Claudette; her beloved grandchildren, Beckham, Peyton, Kensley, Weston, and another granddaughter on the way; and her precious friend Virginia, also known as "Aunt Ginny" to the kids.

There will be a viewing held Friday evening, August 25, from 6:00 to 8:00, at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home (1007 W South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah 84095). There will also be a viewing on the following Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 AM at the LDS Church House located at 3113 W 13400 S Riverton Utah 84065. The funeral service will follow thereafter at 11:00 AM. The service will be live broadcasted, the link can be found on Lori's memorial obituary page at www.jenkins-soffe.com. Interment will be held at the Riverton Cemetery (1500 W 13200 S, Riverton, UT 84065) after the funeral.

Lori Lynn Muhlestein was strong, self-sacrificing, and optimistic her whole life. To her family, friends, and everyone she met, she was always a best friend and someone to turn to for love and support, no matter what. We thank everyone for being part of Lori's life and celebrating her together with us, as well as for all the love and support you have imparted to us during this time.