Maridee Ruth Perkins

Mom's favorite saying was simple: “Life is hard.”

She said it often. Sometimes after one of the many accidents that seemed to find her. Sometimes after another surgery, another set of stitches, or another mishap that reinforced her self-proclaimed title of “klutz.” But if you knew Maridee, you know those words were never spoken as a complaint. They were simply an acknowledgment of reality, followed by an unspoken determination to keep moving forward with faith, humor, and grace. Over the years she accumulated more stitches, casts, surgeries, and recovery stories than anyone can accurately count, yet she rarely complained. Instead, she laughed, adjusted, and kept going.

As our family gathers around her during her final earthly journey, we find ourselves reflecting on a life that was full—not because it was easy, but because of how she chose to live it. We wonder if she knows how many lives she changed, how many students she inspired, how many grandchildren adore her, and how deeply she is loved. We hope she knows that her example of enduring to the end has become part of who we are.

Maridee Ruth Hill was born on April 16, 1949, in Boise, Idaho, to Eva Ruth Homer Hill and Merlin Georald Hill Sr. She grew up in Idaho surrounded by her siblings Merlin “Gary” (Celia, Diana) Hill, Jack (Laura) Hill, Pam (Ben) Cluff and Dana McClellan, where she developed the wit, determination, and compassion that would define her life.

While attending Brigham Young University in Provo, she met a young man named Daniel Kilner Perkins. They belonged to the same Family Home Evening group and spent countless hours participating in activities together. In a story that became family legend, they became engaged before they ever went on their first solo date. What may have seemed unconventional led to a nearly 55 year marriage.

Her greatest joy came through their family. Maridee and Dan welcomed five children: Deesa (Fred) Pearson, DaNell (James) Sexton, Carson (Ashlee) Perkins, Merlinn (Travis) Andersen, and Malena (Dan) Kelly. Their family eventually grew to include 25 beloved grandchildren and spouses, nine great-grandchildren, and two more eagerly anticipated arrivals.

To some she was Maridee. To others she was Mom. Some knew her as Mrs. Perkins. To an ever-growing crowd, she was Grandma Wobet. Her nickname, “Wobet,” became a cherished title known throughout the family and spoken with affection by generations who loved her.

For her entire professional career, Maridee taught speech, debate, English, and theater at Eagle Rock Junior High School in Idaho Falls. Thousands of students entered her classroom over the years. She taught far more than grammar, public speaking, and performance. She taught confidence. She taught preparation. She taught students to find their voices and use them well. Long after assignments were forgotten and grades were filed away, many of her students continued carrying lessons she had planted.

Maridee was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her testimony was not something she displayed loudly; it was woven into the way she lived. She served wherever she was needed, loved people as they were, and trusted the Lord through both joyful and difficult seasons. Her faith sustained her through every challenge and became a source of strength for those around her.

Perhaps that is the legacy she leaves us. Not perfection. Not ease. Not a life free from hardship. Instead, she leaves us the example of a woman who met life's challenges with faith, humor, and unwavering determination. She taught us that strength is often quiet, that joy can coexist with struggle, and that a meaningful life is measured not by the obstacles we avoid, but by the grace with which we face them.

As we prepare to say goodbye for a season, we find comfort in knowing that families are eternal and that the relationships she spent a lifetime building do not end here. We imagine joyful reunions, warm embraces, and the familiar voices of her parents, in-laws, older brother Gary, and many friends welcoming her home.

Mom graduated from this mortal existence on June 27, 2026. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Edgemont Ward building located at 2025 Jennie Lee Drive in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, and from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the Jennie Lee building. Burial will be at Fielding Memorial Cemetery.

Our heartfelt thanks to Parkwood Assisted Living and Symbii Hospice for taking such amazing care of our Mom, and the rest of us at the same time. Josh, Jose, Kathy and Rachelle, and all of you who cared for our mom, you will be in our hearts forever.

To our youngest sister, Malena, thank you for all of your efforts to help keep Mom healthy and happy over the last 6 years. You have seen her through all of the illnesses, surgeries, breaks and cuts, and we were able to rest easy knowing you were carrying the burden. We will forever be grateful to you and your family for making Mom a priority.

Until we meet again, Wobet, thank you for the lessons, the laughter, the example, and the love.