Neita (Hess) Lundquist

Neita Hess Lundquist passed away at the University of Utah Medical Center, December 25, 2020, at the age of 86.

Neita was born to Russell William Hess and Ione Ruby Lundberg Hess on March 21, 1934, in Woodruff, Idaho. As the only daughter, she loved mothering her three younger brothers.  While growing up on the farm, Neita’s parents taught her the value of hard work and the importance of family. In her teenage years, Neita moved to the Milo area in Idaho Falls, where she was able to attend Bonneville High School and be part of the first graduating class in 1952. She loved being a Bonneville Bee and was particularly proud of her title, “class comedian”.  Later that year, Neita met and fell in love with Max Joseph Lundquist. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 19, 1952. Neita and Max began their marriage at the marine base stationed in Oceanside, California, while Max served in the Marines during the Korean War.

After the war, Neita and Max returned to Swan Valley, Idaho. Along the banks of the Snake River, they built a beautiful home and raised their six children: Lynda, Luann, Lorie, Lanae, Leisa and Robert. Neita found true joy in being a wife, mother and homemaker. She loved to welcome friends and family to her home where she enjoyed playing games, sharing stories, and making all feel welcome. There were truly no strangers to Neita because everyone that came in contact with her were instantly loved. Neita loved the Valley and found great happiness in being outside enjoying nature and her surroundings. She had a wonderful raspberry patch and she loved sharing her berries and jams with family and friends. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Neita held many callings, but her favorite was working with the youth. She also found great joy in serving others. She loved working on humanitarian projects that the Swan Valley women would do each month, which brought her so much joy and fulfillment. After the passing of her husband, Neita moved to Quail Ridge Assisted Living in Pocatello, Idaho.  Neita always wanted to serve a church mission, and for the last five years she was able to serve and love those around her while living there.

Neita is survived by her loving children, Lynda Meservy of Sandy, Utah; Luann (Brian) Marsden of Ucon, Idaho;  Lorie (Bryan) Murray of Pocatello, Idaho; Lanae (Jeff) Meyer of Greeley, Colorado; Leisa (Stacey) Barker of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Rob (Chalice) Lundquist of Las Vegas, Nevada; 25 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren; her loving sisters-in-law, Annette Lundquist, Pamela Hess, and Karen Hess.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Max Lundquist; her parents, Russ and Ione Hess; her brothers, Hal Hess, Kyle Hess and Kim Hess; and her granddaughter, Brittany Marsden.

A private memorial will be held January 2, 2021. The service will be live broadcasted online. The video will be available at the top of this page at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 2nd.