Rela Wardle

Rela was born June 12,1928 to Emma T Freeman and Norvell V Wardle at West Jordan, Utah. She passed away peaceful on October 11, 2022. She is the youngest of 7 children. Her early years were spent on the family farm. Too little to do many chores, she filled her time playing tricks on her Grandma Wardle. Music was a big part of the family. Each child learned to play several instruments and learned to sing. Rela's lovely alto voice served her well as she sang in many choirs and groups all through her life.

Rela loved school. She remembered the name and subject taught by every teacher she ever had. Her adventures were many and legendary.

Her brother Robert taught her how to twirl a baton. The family marched in a parade with Rela in front leading the way. She was mentioned in the newspaper. In 1937 the family moved to Salt Lake.

She finished grade school and attended an experimental schooling called the Articulating Unit during 7th and 8th grade. In Junior High she recalled the start of World War II, fire drills, attending Seminary which her mother taught, sisters and brothers getting married and her brother going off to war. She attended South High. Band, ROTC, working in the school office, and working at Auerbach's kept her busy.

Rela loved softball. Third base and shortstop were her positions. She was invited to play with the well known Shamrocks who were part of the Western Softball League. The team traveled to other states for games. She was offered a contract with the first National Woman's League.

A tragic accident in 1946, while driving to a game at Provo, left Rela badly injured. She had many broken bones and her eyes were damaged. The recovery was slow. She attended her graduation two months later. Rela had to change her dream of being a Physical Education teacher to Sociology and Social Work.

Rela moved forward making adjustments as she went. She attended Utah State University, earned a Masters degree at the U of U, served 18 month in the Northwestern States Mission, taught school at Kearns Junior High and became a Vocation and a Career Counselor at West High. She served on the Utah Professional Practices Commission and was President of the Utah Vocational Counselors Association.

Rela served in many callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Salt Lake Temple for many years. Rela gave many hours of volunteer service.

Rela met her lifelong friend, Colleen Thurston, about I960. They caught the travel bug and together they traveled the world. In 2002 they bought a home in West Jordan. Colleen has been Rela's caregiver for many years. There are few such devoted and loving lifelong friends.

Rela was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Norvell, Robert and Duane and sisters: Thelma, Helen and Jean. She is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

We are grateful to the nurses and aides for the kind care Rela received at Meadow Peak Assisted Living. We are very grateful for Rela's friends Kim Hansen and Lynette Watson. Their daily help was selfless and truly appreciated.

There will be a viewing from 10 am to 10:45 am on October 18, 2022 at the Westbrook First Ward, 6500 S. Dixie Drive, West Jordan. Funeral services will follow at 11 am. Interment will be at the South Jordan Cemetery, 1055 W. 10650 S., South Jordan.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.

Following is the Zoom link for the services:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88186797393




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