November 30, 1919 to February 26, 2023
Reyma Lois Horrocks slipped peacefully into the spirit world on Feb. 26, 2023. Born on Nov. 30, 1919, in Dry Fork, Utah, to John Norval Massey and Gladys Britt, she was the third oldest of ten children. Reyma experienced everything from traveling via horse and wagon, hauling water from the canal to heat for weekly baths, to cell phones and internet which she called “online.”. As a child, she could outrun all of her schoolmates, including the boys. She was so strong she could also out chin them. She met her future husband at a stake dance.
She married Mervin Horrocks on May 5, 1937, in Vernal, Utah, and later was sealed eternally in the Salt Lake Temple on May 5, 1954. She gave birth to nine children, six sons and three daughters; three of which have passed away. Her husband Mervin Horrocks passed away on Nov. 9, 1972, leaving her a widow for more than 50 years. Reyma was a strong, independent woman of pioneer stock. Her purpose was centered around taking care of her family and she did whatever it took to make sure those needs were met. She lived a life of tremendous self-sacrifice and self-reliance which she attributed to her mother. She spoke often of her mother with utmost love and respect.
Reyma miraculously survived cancer at age 92 and continued to live on her own and drive a car until three months shy of her 97th birthday. She loved to crochet and created beautiful doilies until her hands could no longer perform the task. Her goal was to reach 100 years of age which she accomplished, plus three more. She was still playing balloon volleyball a week before her death. “Yippee ki yay” she would say each time she hit the balloon. She is now on the other side of the veil with her tremendous spirit of let’s get it done! Our family will miss our spunky mother and grandmother.
She is survived by Gordon Horrocks, Las Vegas, Nevada; Britt Horrocks (Shana), Hooper, Utah; Gregory Horrocks (Nelly), Tucson, Arizona; Gawin (Kristine), Page, Arizona; Leslie Hopkins (John), Lewisville, Texas; Finley (Megan), Naples, Utah; 52 grandchildren; and many great and great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Mervin; parents; nine siblings; and three children, Gloria Jean Hoskins, Sheldon M. Horrocks, and Venissa Rose Martinez.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 12 noon at the Glines 3rd Ward Chapel, 480 W. 100 S. A visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Dry Fork Cemetery under the direction of the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.