MarJean Rackley

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, MarJean (Slaymaker) Rackley passed away in Taylorsville, Utah, on June 14, 2025. Present were members of the family who cared for her during her last days on this earth.

MarJean was born September 11, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Alfred Stuart Slaymaker and Ella (Hansen Slaymaker) Bussell. MarJean was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved serving as a member of her church and had a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

MarJean graduated from South High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, class of 1953, and recalled that she received her engagement ring from her soon-to-be husband at that same time. She married Norman Pratt Rackley on March 24, 1954, in the Salt Lake City temple. MarJean chose to be a homemaker and faithfully followed her husband as he completed his enlistment in the US Army and then advanced his career as a golf professional. They lived in various cities in the west, such as: Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Durango, Colorado; and Ely, Nevada. They eventually settled in Taylorsville, Utah.

During her life, MarJean served in many callings in her church. These included visiting women in her congregation, teaching children's and women's classes, and was president of the Relief Society organization for the women, and the Primary organization for the children. From 1996 to 1997 MarJean and her husband Norm served in the New Mexico Albuquerque Mission. They labored in the cities of Taos and Socorro. They loved their mission and were in turn loved by those they taught. MarJean often remarked that "It was a time we'll never forget." Their missionary service was cut short due to health complications with her husband. Following her husband's death, MarJean served many years as an ordinance worker in the Jordan River Temple. She loved the temple and the peace it brought to her life.

In addition to her service in her church, MarJean was actively involved with the American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery program. She survived breast cancer mid-life and volunteered her time and talents to educating women who were undergoing treatment and the life-altering challenges of breast cancer. Many were touched by her compassion.

MarJean had a love of music and made sure that all of her children received training in various musical instruments. She belonged to a book club and loved books and reading. Other hobbies included designing and sewing girls' dresses with and without patterns, crocheting baby blankets, smocking, and landscape painting. She was an excellent housekeeper and was very organized in running her home.

MarJean raised three sons and four daughters. She fully supported her sons in the Boy Scouts of America, who all earned the rank of Eagle Scout. She also supported her daughters, who all earned their medallion in the Young Women's program. MarJean loved and encouraged her family and was very proud of their accomplishments. Five of her seven children served full-time missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All seven of her children attended college, and six of the seven received advanced degrees. She loved to play board and card games with her grandchildren. She is lovingly remembered for many of the foods that she cooked, such as clam chowder and chicken bake rolls. She even made a green Jello salad that was enjoyed. She specialized in making candies, made excellent chocolate fudge, and of particular note were a few ethnic Danish cookies, baked beans, and scones.

MarJean was preceded in death by her husband Norman Pratt Rackley, parents, step-father Harvey Burl Bussell Sr., brothers Norman and Ronald, sister Ella June, step-brother Harvey Burl Bussell Jr., her oldest daughter Sherrie Kistine Nelson (Douglas William Nelson) and her grandson Paul David Nelson. She is survived by her sister Carolyn Jean (Slaymaker) Sobocinski, her half-sister Joyce Slaymaker, sons Norman Glenn Rackley (Dianne) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Steven Pratt Rackley (Amy) of Houston, Texas, Craig Alan Rackley (Wesley Ellis Garlick) of Holladay, Utah, and daughters Marla Jean Avery (Shane Avery) of Magna, Utah, Mary Ann Rackley of Chicago, Illinois, and Christine Louise Falconer of Cameron Park, California. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved so very much.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Cascade Springs Hospice for their tender care during MarJean's final days.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at the Taylorsville Gardens Ward, 4252 South Bennion Road (1905 West), Taylorsville, Utah. Viewing and meeting with family will be from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. before the funeral. Burial will be next to her husband at the Bountiful City Cemetery, Bountiful, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=menudefault