Clarice Cole Neeley

Clarice Cole Neeley, 93 passed away on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 in Preston, Idaho holding her daughter’s hand.  She died from incidences of age.  Her decline was swift and her passing was peaceful. She will be welcomed to her heavenly home by her loving husband of 72 years, Earl L Neeley.

Clarice was born September 12, 1929 in Logan, Utah while her parents, Vernon Pratt Cole and Vera Leona Knudsen, were living in Fairview, Idaho. She was raised in Fairview with her three younger sisters. Her father relied on her to help with the outside chores. Milking cows, driving the cows to and from the pasture, harvesting beets and all that involved farming and caring for the land.  She carried her father’s work ethic with her the rest of her life quiet, strong and never complaining. She loved animals and grew a garden in every state she lived in.

Clarice was a graduate of Preston High School. She briefly attended Utah State Agricultural College before returning home to marry her high school sweetheart, Earl Neeley in the Logan Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 16, 1949.

Clarice and Earl moved throughout the western United States for his career.  She made a home filled with love no matter what the circumstances. They lived in Utah, Nevada, California, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, Arizona and Idaho. They welcomed three sons and one daughter into their family. Clarice was a quiet person but she made dear friends with whom she corresponded. She loved to find out what was going on in their lives.

She was a marvelous musician.  Clarice learned to play the piano and organ at her mother’s side. Clarice accompanied church congregations from the time she was thirteen years old.  She was still serving as a ward organist in 2019 when she was ninety years old.  She knew how to make the organ sing the sweetest, tenderest melodies that always brought a spirit of reverence and worship. Clarice loved all types of music and could often be found tapping her toe with enjoyment.  She accompanied soloists throughout her life and was always willing to play the piano for anyone who asked.

Clarice was not one to seek the limelight.  She quietly served her family, friends and associates. Her husband often said he could do the things he did because of her unwavering support. They served as full time missionaries in the Spokane Washington Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Together they served as ordinance workers in the Logan Utah LDS temple for close to 20 years.

She loved children and had a special relationship with the youth in her life. Clarice taught piano lessons. She taught children for many years in Jr. Sunday school classes and primary classes.  It was impossible to calculate the years of service she provided.  She shared her love of the outdoors with her own children and also those whom she was called to serve.  She hiked the mountains of California, camped in the deserts of Arizona and traversed the Grand Tetons.  She and Earl also led groups of young women on hiking trips down the Grand Canyon.  She found great joy in watching her young students grow and change and become adults with children of their own. Her quiet strength was inspiring as was her example of faith.  She always knew how to take that next right step, no matter what the challenge.

We love her wholeheartedly and are truly blessed to call her mother.

Clarice is survived by her children, Mark C Neeley (Susan) of Pleasant Grove, UT;  Gregory S Neeley (Cathy) of North Logan UT;  Rebecca Jo Knuth (Cary) of Livermore, CA;  Carolyn Thompson Neeley (daughter-in-law) of Idaho Falls, ID;  her sisters, Louise Hodges of Grapevine, TX; Portia (Robert) Williams of St. George, UT. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren + 1 on the way, and 1 great-great grandchild + 2 on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Neeley, her oldest son, Michael E Neeley, her father and mother, Vernon and Vera Cole, her sister, Sharon Johnson, brothers-in-law, Lynn Johnson and Gorden Hodges, one grandson, Christian Knuth and by a great-granddaughter, Iona Suisse.

The family would like to thank Doctor Beckstead and the Franklin County Home Health staff and those who cared for her at FCMC. Your gentle professional hands and heartfelt concern for her was appreciated.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East, Preston, Idaho.  The services will be streamed live and may be watched Thursday at 11 am (MST) by clicking on the following link:

https://youtu.be/1AVCJx1Km0c

Viewings will be held Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m. both at Webb Funeral Home.  Interment will be in the Riverdale Idaho Cemetery.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com