Spencer slipped peacefully to eternity on the evening of January 6, 2024 in his home with family near him. Spencer was born in Nephi, UT on January 16, 1934 to Ronald Oscar Belliston and Caroline Naomi Topham.
He was the first born with five sisters, Iris, Joy, Carol, Barbara, Ellen and a brother Burtis to the family. He took the responsibility of being the big brother through his lifetime to sisters and brother.
The Belliston family had a beekeeping business and other related work opportunities that lead to living in places throughout the states, from California, Montana, and North Dakota during the pollinating seasons.
They would always return to their home in Nephi, UT. Spencer would often introduce himself to others as a "Nephite" He attended elementary school in Nephi and many other places as they traveled, but the family returned and settled in Nephi during Spencer's high school years where he graduated in 1952.
He participated in basketball, baseball, track and band. He also participated in his senior year in the school play of Starlight, Starbright as the character "Buddy". Spencer was called on a mission to the Central States Mission in 1952-54 with President Alvin R. Dyer. His mission region covered the states of Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.
He had the opportunity to sleep on newspapers on the cold floor in the Liberty Jail. This experience deepened his understanding that he could do hard things. Upon serving diligently he returned home and was drafted into the Army.
He was stationed at Ft Lewis Washington, during a peaceful time. He was in charge of keeping records of the enlisted men and was a key punch operator. He was also able to serve a stake mission in the area, which brought such joy to him.
He finished his military service in the Army Reserves in Utah and continued to serve on the selective service board. He has a great love of the constitution of this great country and he instilled that love to anyone he met in his life.
When he returned to Utah, he enrolled at BYU (also a true blue man) where he received his Master's degree in Elementary School Education. While he was in school at BYU, he met Joan who was in the same BYU ward. He was serving in the Elder's Quorum, and during many activities they developed a love and affection for each other.
Spencer and Joan were married in the Idaho Falls Temple in August 12, 1960. This temple was nearest to Joan's family home in Wapello, ID and was the start of their eternal family.
They returned to Provo so that she could graduate the following year. They settled in Murray and where they have lived the rest of their lives together.
They raised their family, Cynthia Ann, Mark Spencer, Elosia Kae and Anita Denise and loved the Murray area. Spencer taught elementary school over 30 yrs. in the Murray School district at Bonnyview, McMillan and Liberty Elementary Schools.
Throughout his life he was a true educator and teacher to many, not only formally, but by his example and personal moments with those he met.
He took an early retirement but continued to stay active and busy. During his early retirement time, Spence and Joan lovingly took care of their daughter Elosia (who was diagnose with MS) for 22 years.
She has preceded her parents and is lovingly meeting her Dad on the other side of the veil, along with her brother Mark. He also, worked in a vacuum business and lawn mowing. He was involved in helping his son, Mark, grandsons and many others learn the principles of hard work. His son-in law and grandsons spent many summers helping with lawn mowing. He was a hard worker. His example of hard work was expressed many times while he served in the scouting program from Cub Scout leader, scout master, District Scout leader. He taught and offered ways for the young men to earn money for camp, by assisting with power raking, pizza drives and yard work. He encouraged the youth to be self-sufficient, even teaching them how to take care of bikes and cars.
He could be found camping in the mountains, hiking the Grand Canyon and river canoeing with the scouts. Scouting was a big part of his life, starting with his first calling as an Explorer advisor and leading to his completion of Wood badge and Philmont training. He served over 31 years in different callings in the scouting program and was awarded the Silver Beaver award. Many young men have received their eagle through Spence's encouragement and training. He often felt bad that he never received his eagle award but he was so influential in encouraging many young men in accomplishing their Eagle Scout award. He would be a part of the recognition of the Eagle Scout award by leading songs and preparing the award ceremony.
His greatest joy was seeing his 3 grandsons receive their Eagle Scout award. Not only was Spencer busy with the young men in Scouting, he was also involved in girls camp and could be found taking the young women on backpacking trips, identifying flowers and learning camp skills. He sang songs around the camp fire, told scary stories and put on funny skits. One year he hiked a group of young women caught in early summer snow storm to safety. He was called to be the YM leader in his early 60's and was a great PA on the Pioneer trek in the summer. He taught the youth marbles games, how to set up camp and build camp fires. Spencer's life was centered around service, especially anything the Lord would have him accomplish.
He faithfully served throughout his life, never missing Sunday meetings. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his testimony of the Savior is the essence of his earthly journey. He served in the Young Men's organization, Bishopric counselor x 3, Bishop and High Counselor in the Murray Stake.
After the death of his daughter, Elosia, Spencer and Joan were called by President Monson to serve in the Utah Salt Lake Central Mission from 2011- 2013. Hailey, his granddaughter was currently serving a mission in LA and his daughter, Denise would soon join them in missionary work and was called to the Albuquerque, NM mission. 3 generations of missionary service was reflected in his great example of being faithful.
In 2016, shortly after their mission in Salt Lake Central, Spence and Joan then served a service mission at the Sandy Family History Record Operations Center. His most recently calling was a counselor in the IMC Hospital Branch Presidency, where he spent many hours at the hospital serving with kindness, giving priesthood blessings and sacrament services. Spencer enjoyed many outdoor activities such as deer hunting, camping and hiking. His love of his family was reflected in family reunions, game night, puzzles and even a good square dancing night.
Bear Lake vacations were among his favorite. He would spend time riding around on his 2 Honda 110's with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His family was his greatest joy and any time he spent with them was precious.
He is survived by his wife, Elosia Joan and 2 children, Cindy (Kevin) Andrews and Anita (Kelly) Nicholas. His grandchildren Scott (Shawndra) Andrews, Todd (Tiffany) Andrews, Logan (Emily) Andrews and Hailey (Lance) McGavin and 14 great grandchildren. His 2 sisters Barbara (Paul) Watt, Ellen (Terel) Grimley, and brother Burt (Sue) Belliston and brother-in-law, Mike Harris.
Preceded in death by his parents, siblings Iris (Denis) Rosier, Carol (Weldon) Smith and his sister Joy. Also his 2 children, Mark and Elosia (Dick) Peterson. We wish to thank all those who have been supportive during these past few weeks.
We appreciated the dedicated doctors, nurses and Hospice team. We love and appreciate the many who visited, expressed their love, time and prayers on his behalf.
A viewing will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home located at 4760 South State Street, Murray, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Murray 12th Ward building 363 E. Vine Street, Murray, Utah, with a viewing prior to the service from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Burial will follow at the Redwood Memorial Mortuary and Cemetery (6500 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah).
Spencer slipped peacefully to eternity on the evening of January 6, 2024 in his home with family near him. Spencer was born in Nephi, UT on January 16, 1934 to Ronald Oscar Belliston and Caroline Naomi Topham.
He was the first born with five sisters, Iris, Joy, Carol, Barbara, Ellen and a brother Burtis to the family. He took the responsibility of being the big brother through his lifetime to sisters and brother.
The Belliston family had a beekeeping business and other related work opportunities that lead to living in places throughout the states, from California, Montana, and North Dakota during the pollinating seasons.
They would always return to their home in Nephi, UT. Spencer would often introduce himself to others as a "Nephite" He attended elementary school in Nephi and many other places as they traveled, but the family returned and settled in Nephi during Spencer's high school years where he graduated in 1952.
He participated in basketball, baseball, track and band. He also participated in his senior year in the school play of Starlight, Starbright as the character "Buddy". Spencer was called on a mission to the Central States Mission in 1952-54 with President Alvin R. Dyer. His mission region covered the states of Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.
He had the opportunity to sleep on newspapers on the cold floor in the Liberty Jail. This experience deepened his understanding that he could do hard things. Upon serving diligently he returned home and was drafted into the Army.
He was stationed at Ft Lewis Washington, during a peaceful time. He was in charge of keeping records of the enlisted men and was a key punch operator. He was also able to serve a stake mission in the area, which brought such joy to him.
He finished his military service in the Army Reserves in Utah and continued to serve on the selective service board. He has a great love of the constitution of this great country and he instilled that love to anyone he met in his life.
When he returned to Utah, he enrolled at BYU (also a true blue man) where he received his Master's degree in Elementary School Education. While he was in school at BYU, he met Joan who was in the same BYU ward. He was serving in the Elder's Quorum, and during many activities they developed a love and affection for each other.
Spencer and Joan were married in the Idaho Falls Temple in August 12, 1960. This temple was nearest to Joan's family home in Wapello, ID and was the start of their eternal family.
They returned to Provo so that she could graduate the following year. They settled in Murray and where they have lived the rest of their lives together.
They raised their family, Cynthia Ann, Mark Spencer, Elosia Kae and Anita Denise and loved the Murray area. Spencer taught elementary school over 30 yrs. in the Murray School district at Bonnyview, McMillan and Liberty Elementary Schools.
Throughout his life he was a true educator and teacher to many, not only formally, but by his example and personal moments with those he met.
He took an early retirement but continued to stay active and busy. During his early retirement time, Spence and Joan lovingly took care of their daughter Elosia (who was diagnose with MS) for 22 years.
She has preceded her parents and is lovingly meeting her Dad on the other side of the veil, along with her brother Mark. He also, worked in a vacuum business and lawn mowing. He was involved in helping his son, Mark, grandsons and many others learn the principles of hard work. His son-in law and grandsons spent many summers helping with lawn mowing. He was a hard worker. His example of hard work was expressed many times while he served in the scouting program from Cub Scout leader, scout master, District Scout leader. He taught and offered ways for the young men to earn money for camp, by assisting with power raking, pizza drives and yard work. He encouraged the youth to be self-sufficient, even teaching them how to take care of bikes and cars.
He could be found camping in the mountains, hiking the Grand Canyon and river canoeing with the scouts. Scouting was a big part of his life, starting with his first calling as an Explorer advisor and leading to his completion of Wood badge and Philmont training. He served over 31 years in different callings in the scouting program and was awarded the Silver Beaver award. Many young men have received their eagle through Spence's encouragement and training. He often felt bad that he never received his eagle award but he was so influential in encouraging many young men in accomplishing their Eagle Scout award. He would be a part of the recognition of the Eagle Scout award by leading songs and preparing the award ceremony.
His greatest joy was seeing his 3 grandsons receive their Eagle Scout award. Not only was Spencer busy with the young men in Scouting, he was also involved in girls camp and could be found taking the young women on backpacking trips, identifying flowers and learning camp skills. He sang songs around the camp fire, told scary stories and put on funny skits. One year he hiked a group of young women caught in early summer snow storm to safety. He was called to be the YM leader in his early 60's and was a great PA on the Pioneer trek in the summer. He taught the youth marbles games, how to set up camp and build camp fires. Spencer's life was centered around service, especially anything the Lord would have him accomplish.
He faithfully served throughout his life, never missing Sunday meetings. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his testimony of the Savior is the essence of his earthly journey. He served in the Young Men's organization, Bishopric counselor x 3, Bishop and High Counselor in the Murray Stake.
After the death of his daughter, Elosia, Spencer and Joan were called by President Monson to serve in the Utah Salt Lake Central Mission from 2011- 2013. Hailey, his granddaughter was currently serving a mission in LA and his daughter, Denise would soon join them in missionary work and was called to the Albuquerque, NM mission. 3 generations of missionary service was reflected in his great example of being faithful.
In 2016, shortly after their mission in Salt Lake Central, Spence and Joan then served a service mission at the Sandy Family History Record Operations Center. His most recently calling was a counselor in the IMC Hospital Branch Presidency, where he spent many hours at the hospital serving with kindness, giving priesthood blessings and sacrament services. Spencer enjoyed many outdoor activities such as deer hunting, camping and hiking. His love of his family was reflected in family reunions, game night, puzzles and even a good square dancing night.
Bear Lake vacations were among his favorite. He would spend time riding around on his 2 Honda 110's with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His family was his greatest joy and any time he spent with them was precious.
He is survived by his wife, Elosia Joan and 2 children, Cindy (Kevin) Andrews and Anita (Kelly) Nicholas. His grandchildren Scott (Shawndra) Andrews, Todd (Tiffany) Andrews, Logan (Emily) Andrews and Hailey (Lance) McGavin and 14 great grandchildren. His 2 sisters Barbara (Paul) Watt, Ellen (Terel) Grimley, and brother Burt (Sue) Belliston and brother-in-law, Mike Harris.
Preceded in death by his parents, siblings Iris (Denis) Rosier, Carol (Weldon) Smith and his sister Joy. Also his 2 children, Mark and Elosia (Dick) Peterson. We wish to thank all those who have been supportive during these past few weeks.
We appreciated the dedicated doctors, nurses and Hospice team. We love and appreciate the many who visited, expressed their love, time and prayers on his behalf.
A viewing will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home located at 4760 South State Street, Murray, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Murray 12th Ward building 363 E. Vine Street, Murray, Utah, with a viewing prior to the service from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Burial will follow at the Redwood Memorial Mortuary and Cemetery (6500 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah).
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