Marjean Armstrong Tew

Marjean Armstrong Tew, age 95, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, a day she cherished as a celebration of the Savior she loved and followed throughout her life. 

Born on September 4, 1930, in Bybee, Idaho (formerly near Rigby), Marjean was the eldest of six children born to Cliff and Fern Peterson Armstrong. In 1938, her family moved to the Lost River Valley. Her somewhat “frontier” childhood forged her “can-do” attitude and a pioneer’s resilience that came to define her. 

During WWII, Marjean’s lifelong love of learning flourished as she attended junior high in Vancouver, Washington, where her parents worked in the shipyards. Though she had many responsibilities at home, she still enjoyed the expanded school curriculum and the big Saturday night dances at a time when the jitterbug was popular.

After returning to Idaho and graduating from Mackay High School in 1948, Marjean attended Ricks College, where she made lifelong friendships and excelled in vocal and drama performances. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in music in May 1952. A month later, she married her sweetheart, Wendell Hurst Tew, on June 24, 1952. 

They began their life together in an 8’ x 10’ log cabin before building their dream home a mile from Leslie. Marjean had always wanted a beautiful garden, so they turned two acres of farm ground around their home into an oasis, planting hundreds of trees and bushes, grass and flowers. It became a beautiful gathering place where children and grandchildren played, and where decades of family reunions were held. Marjean wasn’t afraid of hard work and went above and beyond to create the home and yard she dreamed of for herself and her family. 

Marjean worked as a schoolteacher for 22 years. She loved her students and kept in touch with many of them throughout her life. She was especially passionate about teaching beautiful handwriting and wanted to make sure every student knew how to read. She also loved teaching about different countries around the world.

She and Wendell found joy in traveling to some of these locations together, attending World Fairs and exploring places as far-reaching as Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Scandinavia, and throughout Europe, the U.S., and the Mediterranean.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Marjean’s commitment to her faith was reflected in her many callings, including Ward Primary President, Stake Young Women’s President, and Ordinance Worker at the Idaho Falls Temple. Her service as Stake Camp Director inspired a love of camping that she shared with her children for years to come. In their later years, Marjean and Wendell served together as missionaries at the Cove Fort Historical Site in Central Utah.

Marjean met significant life challenges with graceful resilience. She continually chose faith over frustration and cared for others even amid her own health trials. Drawing strength from knowing the stories of her pioneer heritage, Marjean felt a sacred responsibility to preserve the past for future generations. Her 30+ years as a Temple and Family History Consultant stand as a witness to her firm testimony of the eternal nature of families and her faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Marjean lived with cheerful perseverance and steady kindness, creating a home where family and friends felt welcomed and loved. She was a light to those around her and leaves an enduring legacy of devotion to God, her family, and the land she loved.

Marjean is survived by her children Brenda (Paul), Michael (Kathy), Bruce (Debra), Allison (Ryan), and Craig (Dawn), as well as 28 grandchildren, 87 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and sisters Linda Jensen and Judy Crowder.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, one sister, two children (one stillborn), and a great-grandson.

Viewing services will be held at the Leslie Ward Meeting House (3801 N Hwy 93, Leslie, ID) on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. An additional viewing will take place the following morning, Saturday, January 3, at 10:00 AM, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in the Lost River Cemetery under the care of the Anderson Family Funeral Home.