Hanna Ivory Wetmore passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Dec. 6, 2017. Her life was devoted to family and friends, music, her strong faith, love of the church and service to others.
Music was a key element in Hanna's life, beginning with early cello and piano lessons and even playing clarinet in her high-school marching band. In later years, she performed as a cellist in the Colorado Springs Orchestra, where guest artists, concert pianist Eugene List and soprano Dorothy Maynor, made a memorable impression on the budding musician.
Throughout her career, she joined other music groups, among them, the Maryland Orchestra and, here at home, the Westminster College Symphony, the Jay Welch Orchestra and Chorus, and the Salt Lake Symphony. Music was her first love, but Hanna also worked as a secretary in law firms in Alaska and Utah, and spent over 30 years as the executive secretary at the Upper Colorado River Commission, dealing often with senators and congress people.
Hanna was born in Fountain Green, Utah, to sheep rancher Linus Royal Ivory and school teacher Ruby Armenta Madsen. She went to Moroni High School and attended BYU as a music major. In 1943, she married Carl Frederick Wetmore, a Chief Warrant Officer in the Air Force, and soon the young couple took off for the great unknown—for her at least—to far-flung regions, from Nebraska, New Mexico, Colorado and Alaska (before it became a state), to Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Florida. Later, Hanna and her children settled back in Salt Lake.
The growing family lived in Alaska during the Korean War, in the Washington, D.C., area during the McCarthy era and in Florida at the apex of the civil-rights struggles in the Jim Crow South. It was a lesson in history.
Hanna is survived by her four children, art curator Diane (the late Bob Kotowski) of Morrison, Colo.; writer-editor Susan (the late Skip Carrington) in Redondo Beach, Calif.; corporate trainer Hugh (Liz Whipple), Salt Lake City; and veterinarian Lois Ann (Julie Marston), Boston, Mass. Hanna had six grandchildren (Susan Meinders, Rob Kotowski; Jack, Patrick and Nelson Wetmore; and Noah Ivory Carr); and three great-grandchildren (Wesley and Ben Meinders; and Emily Kotowski).
Throughout life, she was devoted to her beloved sister Lois Hansen, who shared a lifetime love of family and music. Hanna enjoyed many longtime friends in her ward, friends who often paid her visits and offered helping hands. Hanna's caregivers were simply gems during her later years, especially Lola Rivera. Also, Daniela and Graziela Drogueti and Dagmar Gaspar. Her family believes she had the luxury of living into old age because of these caring women.
Family and friends will remember Hanna as a dedicated teacher and supporter, who fiercely believed in the goodness of all people. Proud of her pioneer heritage, she was a devoted member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. And she often delighted in regaling her family with stories of those strong immigrant ancestors.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at 11am at the Colonial Hills Ward, 1455 S. 1700 E., Salt Lake City. Visitations will be held on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 6-8pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., and from 9:30-10:30am prior to the service at the ward. In honor of Hanna, donations can be made to the Utah Humane Society (4242 Commerce Dr. Murray, UT 84107) or to a charity of your choice.
