Santa Clara, UT

Mary Lynn Reber, at the age of 98, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Friday, December 6, 2024.

Mary Lynn Woodbury Reber was born to William E. and Verda Sullivan Woodbury on March 21, 1926, in Hurricane, Utah. She was the sixth of seven children. Mary Lynn grew up in Hurricane, Utah. She loved being outside, she played softball, rode horses, and was the Peach Days Rodeo Queen in the summer of 1941. She married her sweetheart Clare Reber before he left for basic training for WWII. They were married on October 9, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Clare was eventually stationed in the South Pacific. While Clare was serving overseas, Mary Lynn graduated from Hurricane High School. Their marriage was solemnized in the St. George Temple on January 9, 1957.

Mary Lynn’s life is a testament to her descendants of hard work and steadfastness. She worked side by side with her husband Clare on their farm in the Beryl Desert of Utah growing the best alfalfa, grain and potatoes. Mary Lynn and Clare cleared the land and built a small cabin by hand, all while initially living in a tent at the start of their marriage. After they sold their farm, Clare and Mary Lynn became passionate about golfing. They also enjoyed their summer projects together which included improving their summer home of 22 years in Hatch, Utah. Hatch became their “little-slice-of-heaven” on earth. One of their favorite projects was creating a 2-hole golf course on the top of the hill of their property.

Mary Lynn was a life-long active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serving in many capacities. Even at age 87 she served as Second Counselor in the Relief Society. She served on the Santa Clara City Council, and as the President of the Bloomington Country Club Ladies Golf Association. She was Grand Marshall of the Santa Clara Swiss Days in 2019. Mary Lynn played golf in the St. George Senior Games until she was 95 years old, winning many gold medals.

Whether she was on a dune buggy in Snow Canyon, competing on the golf course, or tending to her beautiful flowers with her green thumb, Mary Lynn lived life to its fullest. She was a remarkable woman. She was dedicated and dearly loved her family. She took in and cared for her and Clare’s aging parents, Clare’s siblings’ children, and anyone else who needed a helping hand. She made it a priority to gather her family around her for holidays, and family events. She will be missed by her loved ones and friends.

She was preceded in death by Clare Lorin Reber (husband), William E. & Verda Woodbury (parents), lone Bradshaw (sister), Errol Woodbury (brother), Evans Woodbury (brother), Garth Woodbury (brother), Rulon Woodbury (brother), Randy Bowler (son-in-law), and Garrett Malnar (grandson).

Mary Lynn is survived by her children: Clarelynn (Ron) Jones, Gai (Mike) Cannon, Marlo (Sherri) Reber, and Melanie Reber. She is also survived by her brother, Bryce Woodbury. She has 13 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren with many nieces and nephews.

The family extends their deepest appreciation to Pathway Hospice and Palliative Care: Lindy, Rebekah and Tyler. We will be forever grateful for her Caregivers: Fran, Stacie, Laura and Annette. Thank you to the Santa Clara 1st Ward for all the love and kindness you have shared over the years.

Visitation Service will be held Friday, December 13th at 9:00 AM until 10:30 in the Santa Clara Chapel/Stake Center, 3040 W Santa Clara Dr., Santa Clara, UT.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 13th at 11:00 AM at the same location. Interment will be in the Santa Clara City Cemetery, Santa Clara, UT.

Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary. St. George, UT. (435) 673-2454. www.SpilsburyMortuary.com