Wilma Larsen Hyatt was born November 9, 1917 in Logan, Utah. She celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends on November 9, 2017. Wilma loved a good party and enjoyed every moment of her special day. Our family is extremely grateful to the staff at Edgewood Senior Living, Fruitland for hosting the most amazing party Wilma ever attended. She passed away December 18, 2017.
Wilma was the middle child of Harvey and Charlotte Whiting Larsen. She was welcomed to the family by older siblings Norma and Keith. She, in turn, happily welcomed Kenneth and Joan when they joined the family. At some point in Wilma’s childhood her mother said, “take care of Joan”. Even though Joan was a capable woman, Wilma never forgot her mother’s words and she spent Joan’s entire existence here on earth trying to take care of her.
Undoubtedly, if you had asked her to list her greatest accomplishments in life, Wilma would have told you there were two. First, there was her marriage to Russell Frank Hyatt. While many of us aspire to find a perfect love, she did exactly that when she married Russ. Their relationship was a model for all of us. They loved, laughed and supported each other forever. Even Russ’ death in 2002 did not diminish what they shared. Then, she would have told you her second achievement was having her sons Michael and Keith. They were “her boys”. She was fiercely protective and proud of everything they did, and she kept them close all of her life.
Wilma said she weighed 11 pounds when she was born. It was the only time in her life that she may have been considered heavy for her age. For the rest of her 100 years she was a diminutive person with a huge presence. She had many facets to her personality. She was funny; friendly; frugal; private; determined; feisty, yet gracious. Her hobbies were cleaning and reading. Perhaps her greatest skill was her ability to always make you think what she wanted was your idea.
Family who mourn Wilma’s passing include Mike and Jana, Keith and Donna; grandchildren Todd and Melissa Hyatt, Mike and Marci Hyatt Holcomb, Jared and Doreen Hyatt, Shannon and Amanda Hyatt Mendive, Timothy Hyatt; 11 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and the staff and caregivers of Edgewood Senior Living. She was preceded in death by her husband Russell; grandson Tony; her parents and siblings.
Wilma’s life will be honored at a graveside service at Park View Cemetery, New Plymouth on Saturday, December 23rd at 1 pm. Memorials may be made to your favorite charity. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Fruitland. Condolences may be made to Wilma’s family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.
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