Evelyn Ione Wilding

Evelyn Ione Wilding was an amazing and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this life and rejoined her beloved husband Wallace on the morning of November 8, 2021, at age 80.

She was born to Thomas and Alberta Smuin on July 3, 1941, in Mud Lake Idaho. 2nd to the oldest of 9 children.
Most of her younger years were spent helping and caring for her siblings and working on the farm. She learned ethics of hard work, gratitude, humility, and the love of family. She was also taught to love her Father in Heaven.

She excelled at school and enjoyed close relationships with her classmates. She graduated from West Jefferson High School.
When she was an early teen her older brother Arland would bring his best friend around. She always wanted to tag along which may have bothered her brother but not his best friend, Wallace was smitten from the very beginning. He once proclaimed his love to her and she replied, “Thanks”. She said he drove off so mad she thought he would never come back. He did. They dated until Wallace proposed and left for a Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. While he was gone, she graduated and moved to Washington DC to work for the FBI as a file clerk. She loved those days and would comment on the fact that she was in the same ward as Ezra Taft Benson and his family. She returned home before Wallace. They were married shortly after his return, in the Idaho Falls Temple on December 7th 1960.

Those first years of marriage were lean, but she had learned to be grateful, and worked hard to garden and can, glean potatoes and coupon for most things. Over the years they were blessed with six children, Mark, Daren, Lorin, Shalene, Tom and John.

Most of her married life was spent in Pocatello where they had many great friends. They would also open their home to their younger brothers and sisters as they left home. She loved both her own family and Wallace’s family. She believed her children should love and spend time with all the family. This is a legacy that continues today. Many summers have been filled with family reunions and camping trips with family and friends.

Evelyn loved the church and would serve in any calling she was given. Her love and faith have been a shining example to so many. The Temple would be a source of comfort and peace for her. She kept a journal of all the names she did work for. What a glorious reunion she must have had with her loved ones, and those she served so faithfully.

Evelyn and Wallace did not retire and have fun on the beach or travel the world. They continued to be an example to their family by showing their love and dedication to their Heavenly Father by serving 2 missions for the church. She often mentioned how she grew and came out of her shell during those years. After their missions they moved to Idaho Falls where they made new friends that she loved. After Wallace became ill they moved to Pocatello to live with their daughter. She said she let Wallace lead and she would follow.

Wallace died 5 years before and she would comment that she wanted to follow him on their next adventure.
She will be loved and missed by so many.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Mark (Tammy) Chubbuck Idaho, Daren (Mellonee) Willard Utah, Lorin (Patricia) West Haven Utah, Shalene (Ricky) Pocatello Idaho, Tom (Allison) Taylor Utah, John (Shanna) Pocatello Idaho
29 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren

She is preceded in death by: Her Husband Wallace Wilding, Her parents Thomas and Alberta, Her Brother Arland and Granddaughters, Ashley Tonge and Kianna Wilding

Special thank you to Shalene, Ricky, and family for taking special care of mom in her last days.

There will be a viewing on Friday November 12, 2021 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Rd. from 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Saturday November 13, 2021 at 10 a.m. with a viewing beginning at 9 a.m. at the Mountain View LDS Ward at 2271 S. 4th Ave., Pocatello. A graveside service will follow at the West Jefferson Memorial Cemetery outside Mud Lake ID, at 3 p.m.

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