Marjean Armstrong Tew passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, a day she cherished as a celebration of the Savior she loved and followed throughout her life.
She was born on September 4, 1930, in Bybee, Idaho (formerly near Rigby), the eldest of six children born to Cliff and Fern Peterson Armstrong. In 1938, her family moved to the Lost River Valley. Her somewhat “frontier” childhood forged a strong can-do attitude and a pioneer’s resilience that would come to define her throughout her life.
During World War II, Marjean’s lifelong love of learning flourished while attending junior high in Vancouver, Washington, where her parents worked in the shipyards. Though she carried many responsibilities at home, she enjoyed the expanded school curriculum and the big Saturday night dances during the era of the jitterbug.
After returning to Idaho, she graduated from Mackay High School in 1948 and went on to attend Ricks College, where she formed lifelong friendships and excelled in vocal and drama performances. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in music in May 1952. One month later, she married her sweetheart, Wendell Hurst Tew, on June 24, 1952.
They began married life in an 8’ x 10’ log cabin before building their dream home near Leslie. Marjean had always dreamed of a beautiful garden, and together they transformed two acres of farmland into a lush oasis filled with hundreds of trees, flowers, grass, and bushes. It became a beloved gathering place where children and grandchildren played and where decades of family reunions were held. Marjean was never afraid of hard work and went above and beyond to create a home filled with beauty, warmth, and love.
Marjean worked as a schoolteacher for 22 years. She deeply loved her students and kept in touch with many throughout her life. She was especially passionate about teaching beautiful handwriting, ensuring every child learned to read, and sharing lessons about countries and cultures around the world.
She and Wendell later found joy in traveling to many of these places together, attending World Fairs and exploring destinations including Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Scandinavia, throughout Europe, the United States, and the Mediterranean.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Marjean served faithfully in many callings, including Ward Primary President, Stake Young Women’s President, and Ordinance Worker at the Idaho Falls Temple. As Stake Camp Director, she inspired a love of camping that she shared with her children for many years. In later life, she and Wendell served together as missionaries at the Cove Fort Historical Site in Central Utah.
Marjean faced life’s challenges with graceful resilience, choosing faith over frustration and caring for others even during her own health trials. Drawing strength from her pioneer heritage, she felt a sacred responsibility to preserve the past for future generations. Her more than 30 years as a Temple and Family History Consultant reflected her firm testimony of the eternal nature of families and her deep faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Marjean lived with cheerful perseverance and steady kindness, creating a home where family and friends always felt welcomed and loved. She was a light to all who knew her and leaves behind a lasting legacy of devotion to God, her family, and the land she loved.
Marjean is survived by her children Brenda (Paul), Michael (Kathy), Bruce (Debra), Allison (Ryan), and Craig (Dawn); 28 grandchildren; 87 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and her sisters Linda Jensen and Judy Crowder.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers; one sister; two children (one stillborn); and a great-grandson.
Viewing services will be held at the Leslie Ward Meeting House (3801 N Hwy 93, Leslie, Idaho) on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. An additional viewing will be held Saturday, January 3, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Lost River Cemetery under the care of the Anderson Family Funeral Home.
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