Salt Lake City, Utah-Elizabeth (Beth) West Rallison, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and loyal friend passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, January 6, 2019 with her husband at her side.
Beth was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the second of five children born to Dr. Walter Raymond West and Addie Roberts West. She grew up in Rigby and Idaho Falls, Idaho. After graduating from high school, Beth attended the University of Utah where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. Many of her best, life-long friendships were formed at the sorority.
After graduation she worked as secretary to Dean O. Meredith Wilson and Dean Dilworth Walker at the University of Utah. She was also a member of Senator Wallace Bennett's staff in Washington, D.C. before marrying Dr. Marvin L. Rallison in the Salt Lake Temple on June 21, 1957.
They spent the next four years in Minneapolis, Minnesota where Marv completed his medical residency. They then returned to Salt Lake City where Marv worked at the University of Utah School of Medicine. After his retirement, they spent the winter months in Arizona where they enjoyed visiting family.
Beth loved her family, friends, music, church, nature, learning, and traveling. She was happiest spending time with her family at their Uintalands and Island Park cabins. Her friends in Squeak & Squawk (musical group) were dear to her, as were her friends in Authors Club and Great Books. She enjoyed birdwatching and traveling with her husband.
Above all, she valued her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was very happy to serve in any capacity. Because Beth was a gifted musician, playing violin, piano and organ, she was frequently assigned to musical positions, including choir leader, organist and pianist. She often performed violin solos or duets with her daughter or close friends. She also served over 10 years as a hostess at the Church Office Building.
Beth is survived by her husband Dr. Marvin L. Rallison, four children, Scott W. (Cathy) Rallison, Mark W. (Paige) Rallison, Todd W. (Dawn) Rallison, and Lisa (Lonny) Vanatta, 18 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter, all of whom she adored; her sisters Margaret Wilson, Donna (Charles) Faux, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Walt West, sister-in-law Carol West, brother-in-law Keith Wilson, her sister Barbara W. Larsen and brother-in-law Larry Larsen.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019, 12:00 noon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints chapel on 1320 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City. There will be a viewing from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the same location prior to the funeral.
