Mary Tew

Mary Derena Watson Tew

July 19, 1922 ~ August 10, 2018

Our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away quietly in Ogden, Utah on August 10, 2018.

Derena was born on a dry farm about eight miles northwest of Dubois, Idaho. She graduated from Madison High School in Rexburg, Idaho. She graduated from the University of Utah and worked as a registered nurse during World War II. She then served as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States Mission. Derena married Melvin Tew on April 4, 1950 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they raised five children while living in Rexburg, Idaho; Provo, Utah; West Covina, California; Bountiful, Utah; Marion, Iowa; Brigham City, Utah; Santa Clara and San Jose, California. They settled in their final home in Pleasant View, Utah.  Derena lived there the last 40 years of her life. Following Melvin's retirement, they served a genealogy mission together in Roanoke, Virginia.

Derena was known for service. She served people her entire life. She served in many church callings, including on the Stake Relief Society Board, Relief Society President, Relief Society teacher, temple ordinance worker, activity days leader, Laurel advisor, and others. She worked hard her entire life. She especially served those in need. When already past retirement age, she cared for her widowed mother for fifteen years. She also cared for her ailing husband for many years until he passed away in 2013. Derena was a loving caregiver her entire life.  She sacrificed much to give to others.

Derena suffered from severe eye problems for much of her life. However, through miracles and modern medicine, her eyes were eventually healed and she died with excellent vision. She was an excellent listener and counselor for those in need.  Derena seemed to always be doing good. Even as she aged and became very infirm she thought there were things she needed to do for others. Derena loved her family and especially loved when family and friends came to visit.

Derena is survived by her sister Lucile Watson and five children: Jeanine Tew, Ryan (Melanie) Tew, Tawnya (Craig) Nielsen, Glade (Donnette) Tew, and Shannon Tew; twelve grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Much thanks to daughter Jeanine for constant, daily care the last few years of her life. Now, Derena has joined her loving husband and many other family members.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Pleasant View 11th Ward Chapel, 3602 North 500 West. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd. and Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the church. Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery, North Ogden.