Iris Elly Miller Reynolds, age 94, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born November 7, 1928 in Herriman Utah to Thomas “Roy” and Ruby D. Poulsen Miller.. She was the oldest daughter of 4 with Luana, AnnaLee and Roylence to follow. Her early childhood years were spent in Herriman. The family moved to Salt Lake City when she was 7 and there she attended Hawthorne Elementary, Irving Junior High, and graduated from South High School. She made many life long friends from those school years.
Iris worked for a short time at the Genealogy Center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints researching Danish names. As a member of the church, she was called to serve in the Western States Mission. The areas of Kalispell and Billings Montana became her home for 18 months. She enjoyed serving the people and being in “God’s country” as she called it. After returning home she met Richard Paul Reynolds through a family friend, and they were married on February 1, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. The “Avenues” became their home as they welcomed and raised 4 children. Iris’ work ethic was untouchable. Primarily a homemaker, she was never without a job. As her children got older she started to work at LDS Hospital in various positions, retiring after 35 years of service (not once but twice) as she went back to serve the patients and staff at the Surgery Center on 8th Avenue.
After Richard’s passing in 2001, she stayed busy with family activities and friends. Iris never claimed fame for any hobbies or talents, except being a hard worker. The one thing that she loved the most was family, especially the grand and great grandkids. She received so much joy and pleasure spending time with them whether in person, by phone, or through a handwritten note.
She is survived by her daughter- Christine (James) Henderson, daughter in law - MaryKaye (Jeff) Reynolds, son - Michael (Lisa) Reynolds, daughter - Carrie (Brad) Jolley, 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and two sisters AnnaLee (Jay) Christiansen, Roylence (Hugh) Tanner. Preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-Jeff, son in law- James Henderson, and sister/brother in law - Luana and Richard Johnson.
The family would like to express their thanks to family and friends that brought joy to her life with their visits and phone calls, Kristen and Tami - Quality of Life Home Care for their loving care and support the past 7 months, and Vlad, IHC Physical Therapy whose visits always left her smiling and motivated.
Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary on 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City. Friends and family may call 10:00-10:45 am prior to the services. Interment will be Salt Lake City Cemetery.
For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the watch services link above. You must be signed in to your Zoom account to view.
Never in my lifetime have I worked with a more caring and loving person as Iris was. She would brighten up a room with her kind smile. She served her fellow man with so much kindness , dignity and respect. I have lost a dear friend but the healthcare community has lost a great woman. May you rest in peace Iris.
With love and respect
Sydnee Stowe RN
Iris was always a delight to talk to, and one of the sharpest wits I’ve ever known. So sorry we’re going to have to miss her for awhile until we see her again. My very heartfelt sympathies to her family members and close friends. May you have only the best of memories of this great lady and keep her close to your hearts.
Our family loves Iris very much. She is one of a kind. She will be missed, especially her smile and twinkly eyes. She has been a wonderful friend.
Dear Reynolds Family. I was sorry to learn that Iris has passed on. As I share in your mourning I also reminisce over the many years and many wonderful memories I have of Iris and Richard.
When I was with Iris or talking on the phone, she would always talk about her family and how proud she was of them, she would also comment about social and world issues with concern. One of my fondest memories is her saying "Oh S... D... H... Gary, I just don't know know what..."
Iris, thank you for your friendship and memories.