October 14, 1941 – April 12, 2025
Clydene Salmon Black was born on October 14, 1941, in Coalville, Utah, to Clyde Leo Salmon and Ellen Wheaton Salmon. She passed away peacefully at home in the care of her family on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Boise, Idaho.
Clydene’s early childhood in Coalville was challenging as she endured several childhood illnesses, including rheumatic fever, which significantly limited her activity. Despite this, she developed a determined spirit and a deep love for connection and service. She graduated from North Summit High School, where she was yearbook editor, a member of student government, and proudly served on the prom committee. After high school, she attended and graduated from LDS Business College.
The summer following graduation, she met the love of her life, Max Clark Black. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 29, 1961, for time and all eternity. Settling first in Salt Lake City, Clydene began her professional life working for Hercules Power Company. There, she and Max welcomed their two sons, Jeff and Gary, before moving to Boise, Idaho, in 1968, where their daughter Wendi was born.
A Life of Devotion
Clydene’s greatest joy was being a mother. She was whole-heartedly involved in her children’s lives—supporting them in sports, music, dance, school, and friendships. She served as a homeroom mom, PTA president, and Capital Golden Girls Mothers President. She was always the first to arrive, last to leave, and the loudest to cheer.
Her lifelong hobbies reflected her love of beauty and creativity. Clydene enjoyed tole painting, quilting, sewing, gardening, scrapbooking, cooking, and canning. Her home was a warm gathering place, especially during holidays, which she made extra special with thoughtful decorations, gifts, and everyone’s favorite foods.
She was the number one Boise State football and basketball fan, rarely missing a game on TV or in person.
A Heart for Service
As her children grew, Clydene found another calling in education. She began as a volunteer in public schools and eventually became a paraprofessional in a special needs classroom, working primarily with autistic children for over 20 years. Her love and patience left a lasting impact on her students and their families.
Clydene also supported her husband Max during his time as a state representative. She was a Legisladies president, a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and a devoted member of the Goddard Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she held many callings—her favorite being a Primary teacher alongside Max.
Family Was Everything
Clydene’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy. She had a special, unique bond with each one of them and was a profound influence on the people they are becoming.
Preceded in Death
- Parents: Clyde Leo Salmon and Ellen Wheaton Salmon
- Loving Husband: Max Clark Black
Survived By
- Children:
- Jeffrey Clyde Black (Deanna)
- Gary Ernest Black (Kyra)
- Wendi Black Cleverly (Kyle)
- Sister-in-law: Kathryn Black
- 9 Grandchildren
- 2 Great-Grandchildren
- 2 Granddaughters-in-law
- 1 Grandson-in-law
- Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins
Clydene was a woman of quiet strength, abundant love, and devoted service. Her legacy is found in every life she touched—with her gentle smile, steady presence, and unwavering love. She will be deeply missed and remembered always.
