Reva Mae Swenson Beyeler

1921 - 2023

Reva Mae Swenson Beyeler, 102, of Ucon, Idaho, died peacefully on 1 October 2023 at Sage Grove Assisted Living Center in Rigby.

Reva was born on 8 February 1921 in Star Valley, WY to James and Minnie Cazier Swenson. She was the tenth of twelve children. Her father, James, was a farmer and served in a bishopric for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her mother, Minnie, served as Relief Society President for twenty years. They taught their large family to love each other, do their part, and work hard together.

Reva attended grades 1-6 at Osmond Elementary School in Osmond, WY. Later she attended high school Afton. She loved learning and received high marks. She graduated from high school as one the top three students and was one of the main speakers at her seminary graduation.

In high school, Reva met Maxwell Frederick Beyeler from Fairview, WY. They married on 8 June 1939 in Logan temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints temple. Together, they raised eight children: Kerry (Brenda) Beyeler of Brookings, OR; Sharon (Kent) Frederickson (Dennis Harris, deceased) of Ucon, ID; Merrill (Sharal) Beyeler of Leadore, ID; Diane (Robert) Benzley of St. George, UT; Ellen (Kal) Parmer of Layton, UT; Blake (Alaina) Beyeler of Twisp, OR; Sundy (George) Watanabe of North Salt Lake, UT; and Rebecca (Joe) Hyde of Pocatello, ID.

In 1952, Reva and Max moved from Star Valley to Southeastern Idaho. In 1959 they settled on a cattle ranch in Leadore, Idaho. Reva worked for many years as the school lunch supervisor at Leadore School and became known for being, as one student put it, "the best cook I ever knew!" All food was homemade, the bread, rolls, doughnuts, chili, and even roasted turkey with trimmings for Thanksgiving. Reva also worked as Leadore's post mistress. Chanel 3 TV awarded her "The Great Idaho Family Award" in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the community. Her family also cleaned the local church house and maintained the property.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Reva served in the Primary, Sunday School, Young Women's and Relief Society programs. In the 1980s, she and Max retired to Rigby, Idaho where they served as ward mission leaders. Reva loved worshipping in the temple and served a five-year Genealogical Mission. Along with helping many others with their family histories, she produced many volumes of her own family's history.

She loved being a mother. Her children call her blessed. She was dear, strong, devoted, selfless, loving, and "as near perfection as one can be in this life." She loved, supported, and encouraged each one individually and collectively. She believed "you can always find time to be happy," and every day she taught, "Heavenly Father expects us to look for blessings because he has given us so much!" Reva is survived by her children, forty-six grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Viewing is 8 October 2023 from 6:00 to 7:30pm at Eckersell Memorial Chapel 101 W. Main Street Rigby. Funeral services will be 9 October 2023 from 11:00am to 12:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel, 2967 E 105th North, Idaho Falls, ID 83401. Family and friends are welcome to gather for visitation between 9:30 and 10:45am, prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Little Butte Cemetery (Annis) 3810 E Menan, Lorenzo Hwy, Rigby ID 83442.

As a family, we extend heartfelt thanks to Christine Patteson, the staff at Sage Grove Assisted Living Center, and Solace Hospice Care for the capable and attentive care they gave our mother.