Mary Ila Anderson Flinders

Mary Ila Anderson Flinders 1927 ~ 2024 quietly slipped away on Feb. 26, 2024, from the caring clasp of those surrounding her to return home to rejoin her Heavenly Father, loving husband Earl, cherished son Craig, and the countless other acquaintances who preceded her in crossing that same border between mortality and eternity, to receive their welcoming heavenly embrace. 

Born on August 6, 1927, in Grantsville, Utah to John William and Janet Hale Anderson.  She loved art, which led to her mastery of a Scottish-lace royal icing technique with which she made hundreds, if not thousands of wedding cakes, and had a remarkable gift of discourse; growing up giving readings, including a one-woman presentation performed at Grantsville High School, where she graduated from.  She married her high school beau, Robert Earl Flinders on November 25, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple.  They started their lives together in Wendover, before moving to Centerville. 

She quickly gained statewide notoriety with both her cake decorating skills and oratory prowess.  The highlight of her cake decorating career was when she was commissioned to provide the 66th anniversary cake for President David O. McKay and his beloved wife, Emma.  Her most popular recitation was a stirring rendition of “The Long Road” where she even received the author’s praise.  Ila also shared her husband’s love of the outdoors.

What started as weekends in a trailer on their property in “The Pines” near Flaming Gorge Dam soon became a summer retreat while building a home of their own.  The dream eventually became a reality, and they changed their permanent residence upon his retirement in the late eighties.  It broke her heart when health conditions a few years BC (before COVID) prevented her from being able to stay “up on the mountain” amongst some of her dearest friends.

Mary Ila’s passions in life were her family, friends, the gospel of Jesus Christ, genealogy, poetry, and art; utilizing her many talents to serve selflessly in many different callings within the church throughout her life.  She will be remembered by those who knew her as a peacemaker and giving soul. 

She is survived by her children, Blaine (Ann), Merrill (Jolayne), Gary (Lisa), Bryan (Elza), Ilene (Joe) Belnap, and Chet (Janine); daughter-in-law Anne, 30 grandchildren, and 60 great-grandchildren.  Special thanks go out to Merrill and Jolayne Flinders with whom she stayed for nearly seven years.  The family also wishes to thank the many friends and medical professionals that provided loving care, encouragement, and happiness during her final weeks of life. 

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 11, 11:30 AM at the Grantsville Chapel located at 428 S Hale St Grantsville, UT with a viewing just prior beginning at 10:30 AM.  Interment at the Grantsville Cemetery.

All that Mary Ila had, she was willing to share; and now she has so much more to give.