Rheabell Jackson Pitcher

Rheabell Jackson Pitcher, 81 passed away at Logan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Logan, Utah, on 20 March 2012. Rhea was born 15 September 1930, in Blackfoot, Idaho. She was the youngest of eight, born to Elmer L. and Sarah Jane Scott Jackson. Shortly after her birth, the family returned to College Ward, Utah until Rhea graduated from South Cache High School in 1948. Rhea and Budd met on a blind date. They were sealed on 13 September 1950 in the Logan LDS Temple. Two weeks later, Budd reported for duty in the United States Army for two years. Rhea lived with her parents and worked for Mountain Bell Telephone Company as a switch board operator in Logan. When Budd returned, she transferred to the Smithfield Office. They raised their two sons in Smithfield, Utah. Sharman was born 6 March 1954. Kelly was born 19 June 1956. Rhea enjoyed being a mother and caring for her two boys. As the boys entered school, she returned to work as a dental assistant and office manager. She spent many years as a dental assistant, and served as President of the Utah Dental Assistants Association. She retired from Logan Regional Hospital in 1999 as a Clerk on the Medical Unit. Rhea is very proud of her Irish Heritage, and passed that pride along to her 10 grandchildren. For those that know her, the reunion with her Belfast-born mother, just three days after St. Patrick's Day, isn't surprising. She frequently expressed gratitude for Budd's compassion and devotion during her last years at home. Her sons were her universe, followed closely by her eight grandsons, two granddaughters, and 15 great grandchildren. Her dedication to her children and grandchildren can serve all as a prime example of unconditional love. It will manifest itself through her posterity, and as her legacy, for generations to come. Rhea is survived by: Budd, her devoted husband of nearly 62 years, a brother, Scott, and sister, Amelia Buttars, two sons, Sharman Linda and Kelly Sandy, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Ileen Olson, brothers, David, Glen, Harold, and Carvel, and great granddaughter Ali. Viewing will be 6 to 8P.M. Friday, 23 March, at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main Street, Smithfield, and from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. Saturday, 23 March at the Smithfield 11th Ward LDS building, 79 East 100 South. Funeral services are noon Saturday, 24 March, at the Smithfield 11th Ward LDS chapel, followed by interment at the Smithfield City Cemetery. Family members express gratitude to Dr.'s Robert Nash and Nordel Brown for their kind and loving care over the years. Appreciation is also extended to the excellent staff of Logan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center that provided such wonderful care for Rhea during her last two years. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com