Mardene Michel Hillyard

Mardene Michel Hillyard, 83, was released from her earthly existence on May 23, 2024 after a brief illness.

Mardene was born to Wilford Joseph Michel and Thelma Lily Grandy on March 3, 1941 in Montpelier, Idaho.  She was the second of five children to bless this family.

She spent her childhood in Paris, Idaho, just north of beautiful Bear Lake.  She often said she grew up in the best place on earth, and at the best time.  She attended schools in Paris, Idaho; graduating from Fielding High.  She made lifelong friends in this small country town.  Whenever they got together the room was always filled with laughter, and great stories of the growing up years.

Mardene met the love of her life, Lynn Melvin Hillyard, while working in a local cafe. Lynn was in town on a road construction assignment.   They were married on June 20, 1959 in Paris, Idaho.  On Feb. 26, 2000 they were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple. 

Their first home was in Amalga, Utah, where they were blessed with a son, Michael Lynn Hillyard.  They then found a home in Smithfield, Utah.  Shortly after moving to Smithfield they were blessed with a daughter, Shauna Lee Hillyard.  Their next move took them to Richmond, Utah where they were able to purchase their first home.  In 2017 Mardene moved back to Smithfield into a single story home to help with mobility issues.

After marrying Lynn, Mardene had to learn a lot of new skills: how to fish, hunt, camp, and enjoy weekends in the mountains.   The family spent every possible moment together.  But her favorite pastime was reading.  She always had a book within reach. With Lynn working road construction, he was not home during the week; so Mardene became the heart of the home.  She had very strong principles, and taught her children to be virtuous, kind and respectful.

Mardene worked for Moore Business Forms in Logan for over 20 years.  She held many positions within the company, and loved the friendships she made there.   In 1991 Mardene had to undergo major back surgery.  She spent one whole year flat in bed.  Moore’s kept her position open for that year, something she was always grateful for.   At the end of that year she was unable to return to work, and had to take retirement.  It was a very sad day for here when she told her boss she would not be returning.

Mardene was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Some of her most memorable times were serving a mission to the Cache Valley History Center (2002-2005), counselor in the Richmond Relief Society Presidency, and telephone operator at the Logan temple for many years.

Her life was filled with joy, happiness, friendships and love.  She struggled with back pain throughout her life, but never let that stop her from enjoying the world around her and her family.

Mardene is survived by her son Michael, daughter Shauna, sister Linda, four grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Lynn, parents Wilford and Thelma, brothers Kent and Larry and sister Sandra.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, May 30 from 6-8.   The funeral will be held on Friday, May 31 at 11:00, with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:30.  These will be held in the Smithfield 24^th Ward building, located at 451 South 250 East.  Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the ER, Hospital and Hospice individuals for their care and kindness over the past few weeks; and D’Nell Howard for her attentiveness to Mardene’s needs.