Mary Hemphill

Mary June Stephenson Hemphill, 94, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, in Taylorsville, Utah, surrounded by her family.

Mary was born on June 3, 1930, in Holden, Millard County, Utah, to Ormus William Stephenson and Ezel Phoebe Benson. She grew up with a deep pride in her pioneer heritage and was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having been baptized on July 3, 1938. Her devotion to the gospel, love for the Savior, and commitment to service were the cornerstones of her life.

Mary graduated from Millard High School in 1948 and moved to Mesa, Arizona, where she worked as a cashier at Wright’s Super Market. It was here that she met the love of her life, William Stanley Hemphill. They were married on October 10, 1952, in the Mesa, Arizona Temple, and together they built a life of love, faith, and adventure. Their 71-year marriage was a shining example of devotion, mutual respect, and unwavering love.

Mary’s life was marked by a deep commitment to service. She was a lifelong member of both the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) and the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (D.U.P.). As Regent of the Uintah Chapter of the D.A.R., she worked closely with the West Jordan City Council to commemorate the bicentennial signing of the United States Constitution. As a result of their efforts, on September 20, 1986, a 14-acre park was named Constitution Park (3200 W. 7000 S.) in West Jordan, Utah. Mary also played a pivotal role in the restoration of several historical plaques, markers and historical sites through her involvement with both the D.U.P. and D.A.R. She took great pride in her work with these organizations and her deep involvement in the community.

In 1999, Mary and Stan were called as missionaries to serve as Donations and Volunteer Labor Coordinators for the reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple in Illinois. Their service lasted for 33 months until the temple was completed. Mary also served as a temple worker in the Washington D.C., Portland Oregon, and Jordan River Temples.

Mary’s professional life was diverse and fulfilling. She worked in several roles throughout her career, including cashier at Wright’s Super Market, secretary for the Building, Plumbing, and Electrical Inspection Department of the City of Mesa, Arizona, the National 4-H Center in Washington, D.C., the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C., and for 1st Interstate Bank in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mary’s extensive work history was always complemented by her love for family and commitment to service. She was a lifelong learner and enjoyed reading to her grandchildren, sharing her love of history, stories, and current events. Mary had an infectious sense of humor and could entertain family and friends for hours with her collection of jokes, poems, and stories. She loved genealogy and spent many years researching her family’s roots and performing temple work for her ancestors.

Mary had a deep passion for travel. She and Stan enjoyed many adventures together, visiting incredible places and creating memories. Mary often shared her dream of tiptoeing through the tulips in Holland—and she did. She also spoke of her desire to see the penguins in Antarctica—and she did. Mary treasured the experiences of meeting new people, exploring the world, and creating lifelong memories with Stan by her side.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Stanley Hemphill, who passed away in 2024. She was also preceded in death by her father, Ormus William Stephenson, her mother, Ezel Phoebe Benson, brothers Donald William and Nels Anthony, her sister Ruby Joy, and her cousin, Earl John Steiger, who lived with them and was like an older brother.

Mary is survived by her two children, Edwin William (Kathleen) Hemphill and Mary Ann Hemphill (Mark) Erdmann, 12 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service, one that will continue to guide her family for generations to come.

The family would like to express deep appreciation to all those who have offered their love and support. A special thanks to Alex, Natalie, Mariana, Lizzy, Michelle, and their loving staff at Meadow Peak Assisted Living. Our sincere gratitude to Sarah Figorski, the Symbii Nurse Practitioner, and Dani, the Canyon Hospice RN, who guided us through this journey. Thank you!

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the River Ridge First Ward, 10124 South 1300 West (north of Jordan River Temple) in South Jordan, Utah. A viewing will take place that morning from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Holden, Utah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the name of Mary June Stephenson Hemphill to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, an organization she cherished deeply for over 40 years. Mary was a proud member of the Salt Lake Far Southwest Company. Donations can be mailed or called in to: International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers 300 North Main St. Salt Lake City, UT 84103-1699 (801) 532-6479