Raema Hardy

My friend Leslie lost her mother and dog last Saturday.  My heart hurts for her.  

Raema Hardy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away at age 85 on March 14, 2021 in Provo, Utah.  She was born May 13, 1935, to Paul Davis Hardy and Irma Alice Karren Hardy in Vernal, Utah.  She grew up on a farm near Lapoint, Utah on the Ute Indian Reservation. Raema learned the value of hard work on the farm which she applied throughout her life.

At eighteen she moved to Vernal to work at the telephone company as a switchboard operator. Eventually, she transferred to Logan and then to Salt Lake City where she and five other girls decided to make an adventurous move. They took the train to Los Angeles, found an apartment, jobs and settled into life in Southern California. She worked as an accountant at Ralph M. Parsons working on government construction contracts. Rae Hardy then met Ray Hardy, also from Utah, who became the love of her life.

Raema married Crawford Ray Hardy on May 20, 1960, in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Raema and Ray were married almost sixty-one years! Raema spent most of the next fifty-five years living in San Gabriel, California. She spent her life in service to her family and others.  She loved working with children and held many church callings in the Primary including Webelo leader, Primary President and Stake Primary Counselor. She served not only the children, but taught people how to be more effective teachers. Raema loved helping and serving the missionaries. The missionaries knew that they were always welcome in her home and that she could always be counted on for a hot meal, a cold drink on a scorching day or any other needs they might have.

Raema and Ray had one daughter, Leslie. Raema knew the value of education and made that a priority for her daughter and her grandchildren. Whenever there was a need in her family, Raema was always there, willing to help. She was always giving and generous. Her grandchildren meant everything to her and she was a big part of their lives. Raema was the consummate hostess. She loved to have parties, company and friends visiting, always making everyone feel welcome in her home.  She loved to play games, had a great sense of humor and often played practical jokes on her guests! Raema also had a great ability to accept everyone, just as they were and value them despite any differences. She always stood up for others and what she felt was right.

Raema enjoyed being a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, game groups, book clubs, and dinner groups. Raema was a wonderful gardener. She could make anything grow and enjoyed growing beautiful flowers. She also loved to travel with her family and groups of friends. She loved collecting beautiful china, antique dishes, and enamel boxes.

Raema is survived by her husband Crawford Ray Hardy, her child Leslie Renee Giles (Dirk), two grandchildren Corwyn Alexander Giles and Devyn Gareth Giles, and her brother Byron K. Hardy.  She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Kenneth L. Hardy.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 22, 2021 at 12:00p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hillcrest 1st Ward Chapel, 949 North 540 West, American Fork, Utah. A viewing will be held Sunday, March 21, 2021 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Anderson and Sons Lone Peak Chapel, 6141 West 11000 North, Highland, Utah and on Monday at the church from 10:45-11:45a.m. Graveside services and burial will be in the Lehi City Cemetery. Please share a memory on Raema’s tribute wall.

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