Marlene Hillam

1934 - 2024

Marlene Rice Hillam, our devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, entered the arms of her loving Savior on May 12, 2024, in Blackfoot, Idaho. She left this mortal existence on Mother's Day in her home, surrounded by her loving husband and children.

Marlene was born on July 6, 1934 to Eddie and Isabelle Rice in St. Anthony, Idaho. She was the first of six children. She graduated from Lassen High School in Susanville, California in 1952 and attended BYU that fall. It was there that she met the love of her life, Rulon Abraham Hillam. They were married for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 12, 1953. They spent the first two years of married life serving in the Army in New Jersey and Maryland, where their first two daughters were born. They returned to Idaho in 1956 and have lived in Groveland (Blackfoot) since 1963.

Marlene dedicated her life to teaching and nurturing her ten children. She cherished time with family, especially at the family farm in Ashton, Idaho. She was a master homemaker who loved sewing, gardening, singing, cooking, playing piano and organ. She instilled a love for music within each of her children. In addition, she influenced many lives as a piano teacher to hundreds of students over sixty years. She spearheaded the Bingham County Music Teachers Association which provided teacher-training and scholarships for the community. Marlene was known for her loyal friendships. She was a gracious host, who loved welcoming family and friends to their home.

Serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a joy and a blessing throughout Marlene's life. She served as a choir director for forty years, among many callings. The highlight of her church service was serving a full-time mission with Rulon in Nauvoo, Illinois. They also served together as ordinance workers in the Idaho Falls Temple for ten years. She was an active member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

Marlene is survived by her husband Rulon Abraham Hillam, her children: Linda (Blake) Dance of Blackfoot, ID; Melanie (Jeff) Stoddard of Phoenix, AZ; David of Costa Mesa, CA; Dianne (Trent) Rencher of Poulsbo, WA; Julie (Hal) Peterson of Idaho Falls, ID; Dan (Julie) of Blackfoot, ID; Randy of Seattle, WA; Gayla (Lance) Millington of Boise, ID; Barry (Camille) of Victor, ID; Jennifer (Jeremy) Mordock of Huntersville, NC; siblings Bill (Joan) Rice, Des Moines, IA, Jan (John) Phillips, Bloomfield Hills, MI, Yvonne (Loran) Stephenson, Denver, CO, Steve (Kathy) Rice, Costs Mesa, CA. She has 34 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her parents Eddie and Isabelle Rice, her sister Kathy Rice, her daughter-in-law Tammy Nelson, sons-in-law Jeff Stoddard and Blake Dance, and grandson Mike Peterson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 18 2024 at the Blackfoot South Stake Center. There will be a viewing from 6-8 p.m the evening prior at Hawker Funeral Home and again from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at the Ashton Cemetery.