Beatrice Fjeldsted 1923 – 2023
Redmond, Utah – Our sweet, loving mother and grandmother, Beatrice Allayne Durfee Fjeldsted, passed away peacefully from this life on Monday, November 20, 2023, at her home in Redmond, Utah. Bea, as she was affectionately known by her family and friends, was born May 6, 1923. She celebrated her 100th birthday on May 6 of this year.
Bea was born in Auburn, New York, to Omer Elton and Edith Ide Durfee, one of six children, 3 boys and 3 girls. She attended the local schools and graduated from East High School, Class of 1941. She then worked for the Chamber of Commerce in Auburn.
Bea joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a beautiful soprano voice and often sang in church meetings. At one of these meetings, she met Marvin J. Fjeldsted, who was drawn to her voice and introduced himself. Thus began their lifetime together. Marvin was serving in the US Army at that time, so Beatrice traveled to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, where they were married February 3, 1945. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple April 10, 1945.
Bea and Marvin returned to Centerfield after his military discharge and raised their family there. In 1969, they moved to Hermiston, Oregon. Marvin worked as a Maintenance Supervisor at Prior Land, Inc. and Beatrice worked as a nurses aid. After their retirement, they served a Temple Mission in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They also served in the Portland Oregon LDS Temple and at the Manti LDS Temple. Marvin passed away January 11, 2012.
Beatrice was always active and served faithfully in many different church callings. She shared her beautiful voice often singing at church programs, social events, and musical performances. She was a kind, compassionate person who provided care and a helping hand where she saw a need.
Bea is survived by her children: Sheryl and Steven Mickelsen of Redmond, Utah; Larry and Vicki Fjeldsted of Allen, Texas; Clare Marie and Boyd Miller of Monroe, Utah; Lyle and Sylvia Fjeldsted of Orient, Washington; 16 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 52 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Irene Adams of Auburn, New York; sisters-in-law: Veone Fjeldsted of Centerfield, Utah and Carolyn Harris of Provo, Utah.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Marvin J. Fjeldsted; her parents, Omer and Edith Durfee; her siblings: Omer, Floyd, Raymond and Thelma.
Bea’s family extends a special Thank You to the many hospice caregivers who assisted us in caring for her, so she could remain in her own home, as she wished.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 1, 2023, at 12:00 Noon in the Redmond LDS Ward Chapel, where friends may call for viewing Friday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services.
Live streaming of the services can be found at: www.springerturner.com under Beatrice’s obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.
Burial will be in the Centerfield City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
Online guest book at: www.springerturner.com
