Rhea M. Mills Okelberry

Rhea Mills Okelberry, our dear mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025 in her home in West Bountiful, Utah. She was 97 years old.

 Rhea was born on November 27, 1927 to Harvey L. Mills and Verna E. Ottoson in Castle Dale, Utah. She was the seventh of twelve children. She was raised primarily on the family farm in Oakley, Idaho and learned the value of hard work. She graduated from Oakley High School in 1946.

 Rhea met the love of her life, David Smith Okelberry and they married in the Salt Lake Temple on February 4, 1948. They became the proud parents of three daughters and two sons. Rhea was a devoted wife, loving mother and talented homemaker. David and Rhea loved raising animals and farming was their dream. They taught their children how to work and be industrious on their small farm in West Bountiful, Utah.

 Rhea could never sit idle; she always had to be doing something. She enjoyed hand-stitching quilts, crocheting afghans, and tending her garden. Later in life, David and Rhea loved spending the winters in their motor home in Quartzsite, Arizona.

 She was a lifelong, faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served throughout her life. The family wishes to express thanks to all those who served Rhea over the last three years of her life. Your visits brightened her day!

 Rhea was preceded in death by her husband and companion of 73 years, David Smith Okelberry, her parents and eight of her brothers and sisters, and six great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children Katherine Huisman, Kent (Suzanne) Okelberry, Kerry (Janice) Okelberry, Karen (Mike) Hoins, Kevilynn (Anthony) Wells and her brothers Kenneth E. Mills, Harvey Jr. (Kathy) Mills and sister Vernalie Nielsen, as well as 21 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

 Services will be held Monday, February 3, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 North 400 East, Bountiful. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service.

 

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