Beatrice "Bea"
Durfee
Mar. 22, 1923 - Sep. 18, 2018
Date of Service: Sep. 24, 2018
ALMO – Beatrice “Bea” Durfee, a 95-year-old longtime resident of Almo, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, at Hiland Estates Assisted Living in Burley.
Bea was born March 22, 1923, in Yost, Box Elder County, Utah, the daughter of Morris Albert and Evelyn (Tracy) Smith. She received her primary education in Yost and graduated from Box Elder High School in Brigham City, Utah. While attending a community dance in Naf, Idaho, Bea met Harold “Pete” Durfee on a blind date. They were both smitten with one another and on Valentine’s Day 1946, they married in Burley. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah Temple. Having experienced the hardships of the Great Depression and the devastating effects of World War II, the married couple proved - along with others of their generation - to be known as “The Greatest Generation.”
Bea and Pete were ranchers in the Almo Valley and, together, raised six beautiful daughters. By their example of hard work, selfless service to others, and sincere integrity, instilled in their children and grandchildren the manner of how to make a family and community great.
In addition to ranching, Bea worked for many years as the custodian at the Almo School. As a wife and mother, she used her many talents in providing a home to be a place of refuge, comfort and love. She was an outstanding seamstress, baker (especially her famous “cinnamon rolls” and “Rice Krispies Treats”) and an immaculate housekeeper. Her yard was simply beautiful and her expertise in gardening was second to none. Additionally, she enjoyed embroidery work, reading and, in her later years, spent time doing puzzles. However, one pastime she loved throughout her life was that of fishing!
She is survived by her six daughters, Dee Ann (Stanley) Spencer of Yost, Utah, Leisha (Kyle) Ashley of Almo, Laura Lee Anderson of Rupert, Kim (Kenny) Hutchison of Malta, Jackie (Larry) Henson of Almo, and Shellie (Joe) Adams of Heyburn; 15 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and three brothers, Irvin Smith and Verl (Delma) Smith both of Ogden, Utah, and Clarence (Phyllis) Smith of St. George, Utah.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two granddaughters, Shea Lynn Hutchison and Paige Marie Henson; one sister, Delsie Teeter; and three brothers, Bill Smith, Owen Smith and Eugene Smith.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 24, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Almo, with Bishop Jason Tracy officiating. Burial will be in Sunny Cedar Rest Cemetery.
A viewing for family and friends will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday, both at the Almo Church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to be directed to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian fund.
https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services