Rhodell Theurer Terry 

March 11, 1937-Dec. 5, 2022

Rhodell Theurer Terry passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease on Dec. 5, 2022. Rhodell was born at home in Providence, Utah, on March 11, 1937, the youngest of three children born to Rhoda Durfey and John Jessup (JJ) Theurer.

She loved growing up in Cache Valley, participating in 4H activities, learning homemaking skills and spending time with school friends. Rhodell learned to work hard helping with the family farm, hoeing and thinning sugar beets and helping her dad take care of the livestock. 

She attended Utah State Agricultural College for two semesters before she married in 1956. She was blessed with two sons during this brief marriage. Rhodell had her first date with her “knight in shining armor” LaMar Woodbury Terry on March 15, 1963. They married on Nov. 29, 1963, and were sealed in the St. George Temple on July 15, 1967.

She became a mother to four more children overnight. With six children ages 5 and younger, she and LaMar worked together to blend their young families. Several years later, Rhodell and LaMar added four more children to the family for a total of 10 children. Rhodell was a constant support to her husband in his career as a principal, making homemade gifts for his entire staff every holiday season and tailoring many of his suits. 

Rhodell spent her life tending to the needs of her large family. She was a master seamstress and tailor, baker, canner, cake decorator and caretaker. As an entrepreneur, she made custom cakes and managed a licensed, in-home daycare. She worked several years for Dr. James Lyman as an office manager and assistant.  

She served many years in multiple church callings, including as a missionary for the  Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her husband from 1998-2000 in Fukuoka, Japan. She loved serving in the Las Vegas Temple baptistry with LaMar. After their mission, she and  LaMar retired to Pine Valley, Utah, where they were active in the community. Rhodell served as branch Relief Society president, volunteer EMT and firefighter, Pine Valley Chapel tour guide and friend to many there. She loved to garden, walk and hike trails and finished top in her age division in the 2012 St. George Marathon at age 75. She cared for her husband in his later years with tireless dignity and love. 

Rhodell is survived by nine of her children Zane (Glenda), Philip, Bret (Chari), Elizabeth, Preston, Carolyn (Eric), Steven (Corrina), Mardell (Brady) and Cynthia (Bradford); sister Elaine Glenn; and brother Clair Theurer. She was preceded in death by her son Paul (Kathy)  and her husband LaMar. Rhodell and LaMar’s legacy also includes 37 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. 

Our family extends heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Inspiration Hospice and the memory care team at Spring Gardens in Holladay, Utah. The careful attention and compassion they extended to Rhodell’s dignity and care in her final months are unmatched. We will forever be grateful for their professionalism and support. 

Funeral services be held on Saturday, Dec.10, at 11 a.m. in the Snow  Canyon 6th Ward Chapel, 1610 Dixie Downs Road., St. George. Visitation will be held  Saturday, prior to the service, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Following the service,  interment will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George.

Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.

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