Marian Lois McLellan

Marian Lois (Jones) McLellan of Taylor, Arizona passed away on November 17, 2024, at the age of 89.  She was born on February 6, 1935 in Mesa, Arizona to Leon Clifford Jones and Grace (Haws) Jones.  She shared her growing up years with one brother and four sisters, one of which was her identical twin Marie.  They grew up on the family homestead in Lehi, Arizona where they learned the value of hard work including the typical farm chores and dressing out chickens becoming known as “The Chicken Pickin’ Jones’”.  Hard work was rewarded with a swim in the canal or the irrigation pump ditch.  Marian attended Lehi Elementary School (graduating with the last 8th grade class in 1948), Mesa High School (class of 1952) where she was a member of the Rabbettes Marching Squad for 3 years, and attended 1 year at Arizona State University.   

On February 20, 1953 she married Clyde Andrew McLellan who she said was a spiritual, kindhearted and hard-working man.  They lived in Mesa where she worked as a nurse’s aide and  Motorola mold press operator.  After moving to Show Low 1970-1984 Clyde & Marian started an electrical company, Clyde’s Electric, where she ran the office and store.  Upon moving back to Mesa in 1984, Marian enjoyed the work she did at Telonics as an electronic assembler for 12 years.  As pleased as she was in being able to contribute to the family’s finances she said she wouldn’t trade it for the job of being a mom. After they retired Clyde & Marian served as volunteers for the Nauvoo Restoration Incorporated for 3 months.  

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the gospel was an integral part of her life where she held positions of service in the church.  Her favorites were primary teacher and Primary and Young Women’s President.  

Marian had many diverse interests including: serving others, keeping a daily diary, crocheting, quilting, making loom hats for hospital babies, baking delicious bread and cookies, working side by side with Clyde building their homes, and temple service.  

Marian possessed an amazing desire to serve and a love for her ancestry & posterity.  She will be remembered for her wonderful example of faith and hard work.  We are grateful for the legacy she leaves.  Anyone who knew her, knew a woman of integrity, love of family and boundless energy. We were so lucky to be loved by her. 

Marian and Clyde were blessed with 6 children: Cris (deceased), Julie (John) Kinney of Lakeside, Angie (Steve) Klaproth of Taylor, Sandie (deceased), Wylie Jo (Wiley – deceased) Johnson of Taylor, and Andrew (Janet) McLellan of Gilbert, 16 grandchildren (fourteen living), 28 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, 2 step-grandchildren, and 12 step great-grandchildren.  She is now reunited with her husband Clyde, her parents, son Cris, daughter Sandie, and two grandchildren Tyson Klaproth and Tiffany Carpenter.  Survived by her sisters Barbara Sherwood, Marie Miller, Gerrie Lyn Squire, Janice Adams and brother Robert Jones.   

Marian’s family is thankful for the expressions of sympathies they have received and are especially grateful for the prayers offered in their behalf.   

“Call me when you get there.” 

Visitation will be held Friday, November 29, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1150 W. Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ 85233 from 6-8pm.  A visitation will be held on Saturday from 10-11am followed by a funeral service at 11am.  Interment will take place following the service at Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa.  

For those that are not able to attend in person,  please join us at 11:00 for the funeral via Zoom:  Join Zoom Meeting (click this link)    

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