Wilma McClellan

Wilma Pearl Hulse McClellan died on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 2012, surounded by her family at the Lakeview Hospital, Bountiful, Utah. She was born on May 3, 1917 in Rigby, Idaho, to William J. B. and Pearl Batt Hulse. She married Robert Wallace McClellan in June 1946. They had four children, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

As a child, Wilma struggled to learn how to read until a thoughtful teacher gave her a copy of Sleeping Beauty. This began a lifelong love of books and learning. Wilma went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Utah State University.

After she married Robert Wallace McClellan she inspired him to earn his master’s degree in social work as well. When he died on March 14, 1963, Wilma used her education and experience to provide for herself and her four children, Robert, Martha, Janice, and William. She worked for the State of Utah as a social worker for 35 years and retired in 1987.

She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and faithfully served her church and others throughout her life. She cherished her testimony of Jesus Christ and her friends and neighbors of the 36th Ward.

One of her creeds was, “If there’s something to be done, get up and do it and do it with grace and a smile.” She also said, “Life is better when you sing.” You could tell a birthday was being celebrated when the special two layer chocolate cake with marshmallow icing appeared. And who could forget the homemade noodles in her chicken noodle soup. Stepping into her home immediately revealed the humble, loving and caring woman she was.

Her grandchildren will remember her pure white hair, her kind voice, and the way she would wash their feet before bed when they had the luck to spend the night at Granny’s Land.

She was preceded in death by her beloved Wally and her parents; a sister, Beth; a brother, Raimer, and a son, Robert. She is survived by her children, Martha (Doug) Thompson, Logan; Janis, Bountiful; and William, Palm Springs; and six great-grandchildren, whom she adored, and a brother, Ted.

Special thanks to the ICU at Lakeview Hospital and the Life Care Center of Bountiful for the loving concern and care they gave her.

Her funeral will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 29, at the Bountiful 36th Ward, 102 East 1400 South, Bountiful. Viewings will be the previous evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary in Bountiful, and prior to the funeral service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the ward house.