March 9, 1933 — May 12, 2016
Our dear mother Alene Gibson Chamberlain, passed from the loving care of her family here on earth into the welcoming arms of her husband, past relatives, and the Savior on May 12, 2016.
Alene was born on March 9, 1933, to Lela Goodwin and Joseph Hunter Gibson and grew up in the small town of Enoch, just north of Cedar City, Utah. She graduated from Cedar High School and went on to attend college at the College of Southern Utah in Cedar City.
Alene married the love of her life Royce Chamberlain on June 3rd, 1952, in the St. George Temple. They lived a short time in Orderville, Utah, before moving to Cedar City, Utah, to raise their family.
While being a homemaker and raising her children, Alene used her talent for music to teach hundreds of children to play the piano, as well as giving singing lessons. Her piano teaching career extended long after her own children left the home.
Alene was an active, life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and selflessly served in many callings including: Primary Teacher, Ward Primary Presidency, Stake Primary Music Leader, Ward Young Women’s President, Choir Director, Cub Scout Leader, Relief Society Compassionate Service Leader, Visiting Teacher, Sunday School Teacher and other callings.
After the passing of her husband, Alene served a church service mission in the church history department on Temple Square. This was a cherished experience for her that also allowed her to do additional family history research.
Alene loved giving service in her community. She was a leader in the 4-H program and led 4-H clubs for many years, inspiring young people and helping them to serve in their community. She was also a member of the Community Beautification Committee, where she was instrumental in arranging the placement of the beautiful planters on Main Street in Cedar City. She was also recognized on national news for organizing a program along with local law enforcement where witnessed litterers had the garbage sent back to them in the mail.
Alene was an active business woman and worked for many years as a Life Insurance Agent. She realized early on that women needed a voice in the business world. Seeing this need, she led out in starting the Women In Business Organization, WIBCO, in Cedar City, an organization still serving the community today. In 1989 she was awarded Woman of the Year Award by the Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding service in all aspects of the community and for being the founder of WIBCO.
Alene also enjoyed writing in her later years and published a history of her little known great-grandfather by researching historical documents in the LDS Church History Department. She also published a book of short stories for her children and grandchildren as part of her legacy.
Through all her talents and accomplishments, Alene’s greatest joy in life was her family. Each new grandchild and great-grandchild was cuddled and kissed. Gatherings were enlivened by her singing, piano playing, and fun sense of humor. She truly taught her family the importance of forgiveness and charity, and was a fabulous example of loving people. She is dearly loved by her children and her grandchildren and enjoyed the many phone calls and visits from her family.
Alene is survived by her six children: Cristal (Richard) Gordon, Charles (Lisa) Chamberlain, Cindy (Donald) Cox, Carolyn (Steve) Ludlow, Cary (Shannon) Chamberlain, and Curtis, (Michelle) Chamberlain; as well as 38 grandchildren and 57 great grandchildren (plus four more on the way.) They all love her dearly and will miss her.
She is preceded in death by her husband Royce Chamberlain. We feel such peace knowing of their joyous reunion.
Funeral Services
- Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Cedar City LDS Rock Church, 75 E. Center, Cedar City, Utah.
- A viewing will be held on Sunday evening, May 15th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Southern Utah Mortuary.
- A viewing will be held at the mortuary Monday morning, May 16th from 9 to 10 a.m.
- Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Southern Utah Mortuary.
For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Southern Utah Mortuary online.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Cedar City Hospital Staff, and Alliance Home Health and Hospice for their professional, kind and gentle care. We are also appreciative of the many kind words and support from family, friends and neighbors.