Ila Mae Young Sorensen, 90, the last of the pioneer women, passed away July 18, 2023, from a stroke.  She passed away peacefully at the hospital surrounded by her loving family.  She is finally in the arms again of her eternal sweetheart.

Ila Mae was born August 28, 1932, in Provo, Utah at her grandmother Fifield’s house, to Byron D. and Anna Fifield Young.  She was raised, with her brother, in Spanish Fork, Utah, in a two-room cabin.  She grew up with her cousins in the alkaline flats east of town.

She met her eternal sweetheart, James Bernell Sorensen in high school, when he intentionally tripped her. They were inseparable from then on.  They were married and eternally sealed on June 1, 1949, in the Salt Lake Temple by Joseph Fielding Smith.  Ila Mae and James spent just short of 50 years together, until he passed away.  They raised their six children in the Spanish Fork Riverbottoms.  They always found a way to provide for their children and gave them a wonderful life.  They grew a large garden which provided food for family and friends.  Mom spent her time bottling fruits and vegetables; and hand-quilting quilts, crocheting and cooking.

She was a do’er.  She was always there with a meal or money when someone needed it.  She always made sure everyone was fed and comforted.  During the pandemic, many town residents and family benefited from her 40+ loaves of bread a week.

Throughout her life, Ila Mae was very independent.  Until her passing, she still lived alone, cleaned her house, did her own finances and cooked her own meals.  She was always worried she would be a burden to her family.

Ila Mae was proud of her family.  She could tell you the names of all her 21 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren (and there are more on the way).

She is survived by her sons: James C. (Diane) Sorensen of Lyman, Wyoming; Dennis (Sharie) Sorensen of Spanish Fork, Utah; and her daughters: Pamela Potrey of Newport, Washington; Paulla (Kevin) Jackson of Salem, Utah;  and Linda (Pete) Peterson of Monroe, Utah.  She is preceded in death by her eternal companion, James Bernell Sorensen; her parents and brother; and a daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Eldon Hair; as well as three grandchildren and numerous other family members.

A viewing will be held Tuesday evening, July 25, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the 12 ^th Ward LDS Church, 310 East Center Street, Spanish Fork, Utah;  Funeral Services will be held Wednesday morning, July 26, 2023, at the church at 11:00 a.m.  Prior to the funeral, there will be also be a viewing from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment will be at Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah.

A special thanks from Ila Mae’s family is given to her friend, Dr. Bennion, and his assistant, Baylee, for many years of loving care.

Services will be streamed live.  Please return to this obituary page Wednesday morning, July 26, 2023 shortly before 11:00 a.m. and click on the link below to view the broadcast.

Ila Mae Sorensen LIVESTREAM