Surrounded by her family, our beloved mother and grandmother peacefully passed away on February 7th, 2024, at the age of 93. Rea was born on April 5th, 1930, to Alfred and Jane Habbeshaw and grew up in the Forest Dell area as the sixth of seven children. While attending South High School, she had a keen eye for style and modeled for Auerbach’s department store.
Rea married, and later raised seven wonderful children on her own. As a devoted mother, she worked tirelessly to support her large family. For 25 years, she dedicated herself to Castleton’s, eventually becoming the accessories buyer for all five stores, a position of significant responsibility. Throughout her life, Rea was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving generously in various callings and endearing herself to many--forming lifelong friendships.
Later in her life, Rea was blessed to find and marry her eternal companion, Calvin Miller, and they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. She and Cal enjoyed many activities together; improving their home and yard, going on long drives, and helping their children in their own home and yards. They were serving in the Church Employment Center when Cal passed away in 1997.
Rea courageously chose to serve as a single missionary, and was called to the England Manchester Mission in 2001. She loved returning to the land of her parents’ heritage and sharing her testimony of Jesus Christ with those she met.
Rea had many wonderful friends throughout her life in various wards and neighborhoods, and enjoyed planning and hosting luncheons, serving delicious food on beautiful table settings which she loved collecting. She belonged to a neighborhood book club which she participated in for many years. She loved her association with these early friends. Rea also regularly played cards with three different groups of neighbors and friends and was thrilled when she occasionally beat them all. It was fun for her to serve a beautiful lunch on her carefully selected matching plates and placemats.
Affectionately known as “Granny” to 31 grandchildren, 89 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren who adored her, Granny’s love language was definitely service. She loved working in her children and grandchildren’s houses and yards, using her many gifts to beautify and serve. It was always “fun” for her to work hard all-day cleaning, sprucing up, and helping with projects that would bless her family, and she looked for opportunities to serve and help whenever needed. She had a great sense of style, flair, and an unusual vision for improvement and making everything look beautiful.
Granny Rea had many wonderful gifts that blessed others; she was deeply humble, always cheerful, never complained about anything, made the most of what she had, worked hard, truly cared, and was interested in and supported each one of her posterity. She loved the Lord and her family more than anything else. She has left a beautiful legacy of love, dedication, faith, and service, and will continue to bless her loved ones from above.
Survived by her children, Molly McDonald, Kandace (Bill) Heath, Kameron (Cynthia) Haller, Kourtney (Brian) Roderick, Keighley (Craig) Swapp. Proceeded in death by her children Keven (Terri) Haller, and Kim (Bill) Putnum.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Teresa, Lori, and Daisy of Symbii Hospice for their loving care and support of our mother.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, February 13th at the Winder 11th ward at 951 East 3825 South in Millcreek; a viewing will be held from 10:00-10:45am. Internment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
https://zoom.us/j/91425122556
