Thomas Ivory

Our wonderful husband, father and papa, Thomas Murel Ivory, at 83 finished his journey on earth July 29, 2022.  Tom was born in Farmington, New Mexico September 16, 1938 to Howard Murel and Jean Crowther Ivory.  He was the second of six children.  He moved to Springville, Utah where he grew up and spent most of his life.  He graduated from Springville High School where he earned the nickname “Mad Dog Ivory”.  After graduating from high school he volunteered for the draft and served honorably in the US Army.  He was sealed to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, JoAnn Hall on April 15, 1959 in the Manti Temple. For 63 years their love grew strong as they enjoyed vacationing, traveling, spending time together, including him waiting on a bench while JoAnn shopped.

He was adored by his wife, family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  On this earth he learned how to love unconditionally.  He was a master at acceptance and selflessness.  One of his most admired traits is that he was non-judgmental, always a peacemaker. Those who loved him most called him “Papa Tom”. He had a gift of patience and a love that was felt. Whenever you spent time with Papa Tom, you came out a better person, knowing you were loved.

Tom and JoAnn were blessed with three children and raised them in Springville, Utah. He loved to play practical jokes and tease those he loved, which he mastered in his youth.  To his last day he loved a good laugh and was always fun to be around. His children describe him as being a gentle man, full of love, humility, generous and kind. One of his greatest Christlike attributes was that he never spoke an unkind word about anyone.  He had a gift for making everyone feel important.

Tom was a very hard worker and a wonderful provider for his family.  He was an avid Jazz fan and never missed a game. He also loved hunting, fishing, camping, Sunday dinners, Christmas Eves and any excuse to spend time with family and enjoy JoAnn’s good cooking.  One of his favorite traditions he looked forward to each year was getting together with his brothers and sisters at “the Green House” in St. George, Utah, a tradition which has lasted over 25 years.

Tom was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in various callings throughout his life. His greatest service came late in life where he was called upon to serve those he loved the most, a loving example of Christlike service.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Karma Karren and a son-in-law Gary Mortensen. He is survived by his wife JoAnn; three children, Tamara Coleman (Kevin); Sandra Mortensen; Randy Ivory (Kristen); thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren; a brother Keith Ivory (Pat), and sisters Maurine Boyer (Larsen), Mary Brown (Philip), Kathy Stokes, and brothers-in-law Craig Karren and Robert Stokes.

He lived his philosophy of life…”Don’t sweat the small stuff… THAT’S JUST THE WAY IT IS”.  We love and miss you.

Funeral services to celebrate Tom's life will be held Friday, August 5, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Chapel located at 1627 Cadbury Lane, Springville, Utah.  Viewings will be held at the church Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and prior to the funeral service on Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Interment will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.

Visit the link below to view a livestream of the funeral services.
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