Meredith Ellsworth

Meredith returned to her Heavenly Father and her earthly parents on Friday, December 8, 2023 at age 71. She braved Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease for the final twelve years of her life, but never lost her faith in God or love for her family. Meredith or Mere was born May 9, 1952 in Pocatello, Idaho, the youngest child of Leonard and Afton Seelos. Through tragic circumstances she lost her mother at age 5 and father at age 9, but was blessed, with her older sister Bonnie, to have been raised by her mother’s sister and her husband, Carrie and Kline Jones of Brigham City.

On December 22, 1972, she married Philip C. Ellsworth of southern California who she met at Brigham Young University the prior year. Their marriage in the Ogden Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints formed the foundation for their future family life. They were blessed with five children—Julia (Clint), Heather (Gavin), Christopher (Kimberly), Laura (Jesse), and Cameron (Andrew)—and twelve grandchildren: Madison (Spencer), Michaeli, Spencer, Hayden (Jennifer), Max, Matthew, Grant, Thomas, Blythe, Jake, Joshua, and Elizabeth, ages 3 to 26.

Meredith was a talented teacher and leader of youth and women, having served in many positions in her church both by assignment and as a volunteer. In high school she was co-editor of the yearbook her senior year, and in college student leader of her dormitory. She also worked as a paraprofessional in elementary schools in Utah for 15 years. She championed causes she believed in.

Meredith was an avid hobbyist and loved working with her hands and sharing her creations. Her talents included gardening, reading, singing, playing the piano, painting, ceramics, crossword puzzles, sudoku, but most of all sewing. She sewed or altered some of her own clothes and also for her children and others, including wedding dresses, quilts, costumes, and baby blankets. Her home was decorated with her handiwork.

Meredith learned the value of hard work and faith early in life, and lived in accordance with these values throughout it. There was nothing she couldn’t do (or fix) if she set her mind to it. She loved to smile and laugh, and was known for both, bringing joy to those who knew her. As a grandmother, “Grandma Meredith” was known for the cherished time she spent reading stories to her grandchildren and making gifts for them. She gave them her time and they were her treasures. Her life was a gift, now enjoyed in the bright world beyond.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, sister, two brothers, three sisters-in-law, uncle, mother-in-law, and myriad nieces, nephews, cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her Aunt Carrie, and her brother Leonard James. Her viewing and funeral are being held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary in Millcreek, Utah. The funeral will be Friday, December 15, 2023 at 11:30 am following a closed-casket viewing at 10:00 am.