Jeralyn "Jeri" Hyde Austin

Jeralyn (Jeri) Hyde Austin of Weston, Idaho, passed away April 3, 2015 at the Portneuf Regional Hospital in Pocatello, Idaho with her husband, children, their spouses, as well as the oldest grandsons surrounding her.  Jeri had fought courageously to neutralize the effects associated with Stage 4 lung cancer and exemplified an unequalled toughness and determination to friends and family right to the end. 

Jeri was born December 11, 1938 in Malad, Idaho to Keith William Hyde and Marjorie Jones.  She grew up in and attended grade school in Downey and continued to terrorize teachers with her unrelenting need to socialize while attending Marsh Valley High School. 

Jeri married the love of her life, Clair, on May 24, 1957 and their marriage was later solemnized on July 20, 1965 in the Logan, Utah LDS temple when they were sealed for all eternity.  She was a supportive wife and mother often tending to their four children alone while Clair was away on construction work.  The tremendous struggles Jeri fought with cancer the past several months, were fought by Clair as well and only served to strengthen an already forever love. 

Pepperidge Farm in Richmond, Utah was where Jeri worked for 20 plus years retiring around 1997.  She was a machine operator and made lifelong friends while working there.

An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jeri served in many capacities including Primary and Relief Society presidencies as well as having multiple teaching positions.  Perhaps her favorite church calling was serving as a temple worker where her associations and experiences brought her great satisfaction.   Being retired, Jeri used her free time to fulfill numerous opportunities to serve people in the Weston area.  Her service and sense of humor lightened the burdens of many friends and neighbors.   Jeri understood the trials she would face in fighting cancer because of her experiences serving others who had fought the same battle.

Jeri loved beautiful gardens (as long as someone else grew them), making afghans, quilts, blankets, and crafts.  She decorated her home elaborately for Christmas and had many fond memories of Christmas Eve with family.  Easter was another favorite holiday with family close by and egg hunts.  Jeri’s other favorite holiday was April Fool’s where family and friends expected “random acts”.

Jeri enjoyed supporting her family in all their endeavors whether it was dancing, singing, wrestling, football, basketball, volleyball, rodeo, camping, whatever it may be.  She may not have completely understood some of the rules of these activities, or even opened her eyes to watch, frequently wondering why they would do such things, but she was their biggest fan.  Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will tell you that when they were participating in an event, it was always more fun and memorable when GG (Great Grandma) was there.  Her posterity is grateful to her for her cheerfulness, listening ear, and unconditional love.

Jeri was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband, Clair, children Randy (Trudy), Weston, Idaho; Rick, Mendon, Utah; Debbie (Gordon) Talbot, Preston, Idaho; Shawn (Wendy), Preston, Idaho; 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Maxine Nielsen, Richland, Washington and Josie Thomas, Malad, Idaho.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the medical teams at the Logan Huntsman Cancer Center, Franklin County Medical Center, and Portneuf Regional Hospital.  They would like to convey a special thanks to fellow Marsh Valley High alum and nurse Abby Gamble for her compassion and kindness in Jeri’s final hours.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 12 noon at the Weston LDS Church with Bishop Scott White presiding and Randy Austin conducting. A viewing will be held on Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East in Preston, Idaho and Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Weston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com