Reneé Stephenson McIff

1943 - 2018

Reneé McIff
Richfield, Utah
On November 25, 2018, in Richfield, our beloved and beautiful Reneé Stephenson McIff - wife, mother, and grandmother - returned peacefully to her heavenly home and to those family members and friends who preceded her on this journey. For 29 years, she courageously fought the disabling disease of Multiple Sclerosis, refusing to allow it to prevent her from living a full and productive life. Even during the final months of her life in a care center, she blessed the lives of her care givers as much as they blessed hers. Always gracious and grateful, she endeared herself to them in a remarkable way.
Reneé was born on September 8, 1943, in Delta, Utah, oldest of the five children of Willard and Clare Luke Stephenson. She graduated from Delta High School, College of Southern Utah, and Utah State University. In each of these she excelled academically and as a student leader.
Following graduation, she taught school in the Salt Lake Valley where she met Kay McIff, a law school student at the University of Utah. Following his graduation, they were married March 22, 1968 in the Manti LDS Temple and moved to Richfield, Utah, where he practiced law and served in public office as well as other leadership roles. In all of these, she was by his side and added wisdom, beauty, and grace.
Reneé taught school until children filled their lives. Mark was the first, followed by Ann Marie, Julie, Matthew, and finally Amy. When the children were young, Reneé served as president of the LDS ward Primary where they lived. When the children were teenagers, she served as president of the Young Women's program, followed by service in the presidency of the ward Relief Society. In all of these assignments she gave heart and soul, but her first love and highest priority revolved around the five children. They knew what was expected of them, and they responded with love and honor. The boys served missions, and all five children graduated from universities. They will forever reflect their mother's commitment to excellence and hard work and will pass it on to 13 outstanding grandchildren and to generations yet to follow. All will praise her name.
Reneé will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 50 years, Kay, who was her devoted caretaker; and her children, Mark (Stacee) McIff, Ann Marie (Randy) Allen, Julie (Brett) Barney, Matthew (Rachel) McIff, and Amy McIff. Renee is also survived by her sisters: Gwen Jones and Ilene Olsen; and brothers: Bruce Stephenson and Roger Stephenson. She is preceded in death by her parents; and infant grandchild, Jacob Kay Barney.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 30, 2018 at 12:00 Noon in the Richfield Stake Center, 159 N 400 W. Friends may call Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield and at the stake center on Friday from 10-11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com
The family expresses appreciation and gratitude to the many lifelong friends, family members, ward members, and neighbors who loved and visited Reneé, as well as to the Richfield Care Center staff for their compassionate care.