Lillian Ruth Magee Obituary (1925 - 2011)

Lillian Magee passed away peacefully on February 7, 2011. She left this life as she lived it, strong and proud. Lillian was born in Nome, Alaska on Jan 5, 1925 to Frank & Lucy Ootungna Martin. She was proud of her Eskimo heritage - but even more of her family. There was a strong bond between her and her nine siblings, but an inseparable bond with her sister, Alyce. She and her husband, Julian “Mac” Magee, raised one child, Carole Jean. She was the center of their life. Lillian called her “Babe” and said, “Whatever Babe wanted, Babe got!” Lillian lived her life in service. From helping Alyce the first couple of years with her first child, Sue-Sue, to taking care of her mom when she was sick. When Carole Jean was terminally sick with cancer, Lillian was right there trying to help. Lillian loved the outdoors, hunting, camping, riding horses and shopping with Alyce and niece Sue. Lillian worked at Gene’s Sporting Goods in Tooele for over 30 years and enjoyed all the friends and people she worked with. She loved playing sports, especially Softball and Bowling. She was also known to never miss a Jazz game on TV. As grandchildren came along, John & Jason, she did everything to spoil those two with her attention and love and they looked to her for strength. Then her five great-grandchildren arrived and that would play a large role in sustaining and blessing her in her later years, especially after the loss of her daughter. As they were learning to walk, she would try to help and laughingly say, “Who’s teaching whom?” She would simply watch them play and do everything possible to spoil them and not leave their side. Lillian moved in full time with Jason & Natalie in her final six months and would just beam talking about her day. Her daughter-in-law, Natalie, would involve Lillian in everything from trick-or-treating at the elementary, plays and tours at a candy company. Many people served and loved Lillian and she was so thankful. We know she would want to thank everyone, especially those with Love Hospice and all her other special friends that would come and visit. Lillian taught her family about service, unconditional love and patience. Inside this shy personality, she had a wonderful heart and always appreciative and proud of her family. We know she is with her Heavenly Father and her loved ones. There was surely rejoicing in Heaven when she arrived. This earthly time will pass as a season and we shall be reunited again. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, brothers Stanley, Albert, Tony, Phillip, Frankie, Jim and sisters, Ida, Francis and Alyce. She is survived by grandchildren, John J Copley, Jason L (Natalie) Copley, great-grandchildren, Mitchell, Taylor, Ellie, Conner & Aiden Copley. Funeral service will be held Friday, February 11 at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley located at 1007 W South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan at 10AM. Visitation will be from 9:00-9:45 AM that same day and graveside services following at Tooele City Cemetery.