Mona Ellett Hiskey Obituary, Death – Our beloved wife, mother, daughter, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother Mona Ellett Hiskey died peacefully on March 28, 2024. On August 4, 1934, Rulon Shiner Ellett and Bertha Amanda Durfey had Mona in Bicknell, Utah. First of five children, she was oldest. The family home across from Bicknell Bottoms overlooking Boulder Mountain and the Fremont River. Her childhood was impacted by beauty. You may milk cows, ride horses, host duck hunters, catch fish, and chop alfalfa and grass hay on the farm. Mona learned the value of a clean home and home-cooked meals from her mother. Mona’s parents taught her prayer, hard work, and family love.
Mona graduated from Bicknell’s Wayne High in 1952. She was an adept student and extracurricularist. Harold Hiskey invited her out after seeing her cheer. After a courtship, she married after high school. Harold and Mona were married June 5, 1952, at Manti Temple. Harold joined the Army in December 1952, separating them. Mona briefly followed Harold to California, then lived with her parents while Harold was a Korean War Military Policeman. Bertha Lu, their oldest daughter, was born on October 26, 1953, and was one year old when her father was discharged from the Army on October 26, 1954.
Harold began college at Brigham Young University in January 1955 after the family moved to Provo after Christmas. Mona and her parents struggled to send their granddaughter away. Harold was at school all day and working all night, so Mona launched a lifelong passion for family history. On September 27, 1955, they had Sonia, their second daughter, in Provo. Brigham Young University awarded Harold a bachelor’s in agricultural economics in June 1958. They moved to Logan for Harold’s Utah State University studies. They met new people and raised their family in Logan. Their third child, Joseph Harold, was born April 12, 1959, and their last, Bruce Rulon, January 23, 1961.
The young family was their full-time job. Harold became ward bishop after getting an economics master’s. Utah State University offered Harold a Ph.D. in Economics in 1966. The Utah State University Bookstore employed Mona part-time. She ran the Trade Book Section while her kids were in school. Mona liked the bookstore and found great kids’ books. Harold joined Southern Utah University after getting his Ph.D. from Utah State. Southern Utah University awarded Mona an associate degree in business education. Once her daughters were grown and her sons were on missions, Mona became the Athletic/Physical Education Department’s Executive Secretary. She enjoyed those years and gained friends. To care for her aging parents, Mona retired.
Mona enjoyed genealogy and family history, which helped many living and dead. As Mona valued family events, we have celebrated our unique heritage and affection for each other annually since 1972. Their descendants love Mona and know how much their mother and grandma love them. Excellent cook Mona served and gave guests food to take home. She enjoyed family meals and visits. Remember her homemade buns, noodles, pies, jam, French breakfast, and potato salad. Autumn allowed Mona to fill her bottles with food, which she loved. The food cabinets were constantly full. Harold and Mona nourished many with their enormous gardens.
Mom learnt to sew all her children’s clothes, hundreds of dance costumes, and adjustments on a Singer while Harold worked. Utah Pioneer Daughter Mona. She loved recounting her ancestors’ migration over the plains for a better life and religious freedom. Mona loved LDS service. Her titles included teacher, music director, organist, Young Women’s President, Relief Society President, and Stake President. Mona and Harold served in Cairns, PNG, and Salt Lake Temple Square. Mona became St. George Temple Matron with her husband Harold as President while working as an ordinance worker.
Mona was the home’s lifeblood while Harold held church and leadership duties. Everyone she knew considered her a perfect wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Mona was devastated when Harold died March 15, 2021. Over 70 years together. Her children will remember her Harold dedication. Mona encourages her children to love and marry passionately. Love for her boyfriend, family, and the Gospel anchored her. The plan of salvation, resurrection, eternal families, and atoning sacrifice of our Savior illumine our suffering at this special time.
Four children, Bertha Lu (Craig), Sonia (Robert), Joseph (Janette), and Bruce (Lana), 14 granddaughters, 42 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Theresa (Dallas) and Flora (Brad), and many nieces and nephew Our family thanks the many friends and neighbors who loved and helped our mother and grandmother. On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, family and friends can pay their respects at the Cedar City West Stake Center, 725 South 100 West, Cedar City, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. before the funeral services
