Selma DeGarmo Florence Mears

On January 3, 2011, our loving mother, Selma Jean DeGarmo Florence Mears transcended this earthly world to be with her Heavenly Father. She passed away peacefully from complications of Alzheimers disease in her Bountiful home attended by loved ones. Jean was born October 16, 1926, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Thomas C. and Selma Mae (Jones) DeGarmo. Growing up, her family lived in three different houses, all of them on McClelland Street in Salt Lake City. She attended Emerson Elementary School, Roosevelt Jr. High and graduated at age 16 from East High School in 1943. Jean married her war-time sweetheart, Calvin K. Florence on July 27, 1948. Together for 21 years, Jean and Cal raised 3 children: Lauren O., Calvin K. (Casey) Jr. and M. Taylor. After the marriage ended in divorce, Jean devoted her time to her career and caring for patients in the Pediatric and Ophthalmology departments at the University of Utah Medical Center. Many years later, Jean rekindled a relationship with her high school beau, Russell L. Mears at a golf tournament and they were married in Hawaii in 1983–nearly 45 years after their teenage romance. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple, May 21, 1987. Jean had a passion for learning and a great curiosity about the world and its exotic cultures. She yearned to travel and visited many countries, Russia, China, Thailand, England and Scotland among others. She loved to dance and often said that her perfect career would be to work as a traveling folk dancer! Jean was active in many civic groups including the Ladies Association at Fort Douglas Country Club, Cub Scouts, and PTA. She held various church callings including Relief Society and MIA. She also produced a number of childrens stage productions. She enjoyed bowling and was an enthusiastic member of her ladies bridge club for over 50 years. Jean was preceded in death by her parents and half-brother Joseph Henry Nelson, Jr. She is survived by husband Russ Mears, children Lauren O. Florence (Frank Schmuck), Casey Florence (Nancy) and Taylor Florence (Tina); step-children Rick Mears (Lezlie), Gary Mears (Sydney), Brad Mears (Melanie) and Trent Mears (Cynthia). She is also survived by six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held Saturday, January 8th, at Kimball Mill Ward, 650 South 200 East, in Bountiful Utah at 10:00 a.m. Friends may call Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah, and 9 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the funeral at the church. Interment in the Lakeview Cemetery. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The John A. Moran Eye Center, in remembrance of Jean D. Mears, Attn: Lynn Ward, 65 Mario Capecchi Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84132. Telephone: 801 585-9701.