Tess Whiting Malan

January 19, 1922 - December 16, 2017

After a long and wonderful life, at just one month shy of her 96th birthday, Tess Whiting Malan left this life for an eternal one with her loving husband, Robert Henry Malan. Tess passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 16, 2017, with family by her side in Lehi, Utah. This Idaho farm girl earned top academic honors, was class and Debate Team secretary at Albion Teacher’s College, and then went on to work for the government in Ogden, Utah during WWII, where she met her sweetheart , Robert Malan. The two were married in the Logan temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, after which they attended college at Weber, Utah State, and Brigham Young University. They settled in Rupert Idaho where they raised a family of five children, including Dr. Scott (Susan) Malan of Red Bluff, California; Kirtis Malan of Lehi, Utah; Marcie (Wayne) Loose of Riverton, Utah; Annette (Michael) Alexander of Provo, Utah; and Rick (Heidi) Malan of Shelley, Idaho. In addition to their children, Tess is survived by 30 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. Tess and her husband of 50 years, did almost everything together including educating students in Minidoka County Schools for over 40 years. A daughter of Utah Pioneers, Tess was active in Church, teaching Sunday school, primary, and teacher training classes. She was a strong supporter of community and attended countless county church and school fundraising activities, class reunions, graduations, and weddings of former students. She had a passion for writing, poetry, and reading that continued throughout her life, and recently finished reading a thick historical autobiography. She was actively involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, always encouraging them to set high standards and pursue their dreams. Tess loved to learn and meet people from all walks of life. She and “Bob” traveled to Jerusalem, Italy, Western Europe, Mexico, Canada, and many of the United States. Tess set an example of humility, gratitude and charitable service to so many and her life has laid a strong foundation for posterity to build on. Those that knew her call her name blessed. Viewings will be held at the Chapel Valley 3rd Ward off Pioneer Crossing Exit at 1185 South 1700 West in Lehi, Utah on Friday, December 22, 2017 from 6-8 pm and again Saturday, December 23, 2017 from 9-10:30 am prior to funeral services at 11 am. Graveside dedication is at about 2 pm on 10th Street of Ogden City Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in Rupert, Idaho at 11 am on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Rupert Stake Center on 25 South and 100 West. The family would like to thank Serenity Mortuary in Draper, Utah and Lexi and Brittany of Hearts Home Health for their tender care of our mother.