Cleo Atkin

Cleo Remington Atkin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on February 1, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born on March 5, 1934, in Vernal, Utah, to Fuller and Edith Remington, Cleo was the sixth of seven children, with four brothers and two sisters. She spent her early years in Ogden, Utah, before moving to Salt Lake City's Sugar House neighborhood, where she attended junior high and high school. Growing up during WWII, she embraced the vibrant spirit of the Big Band era. She had a special love for fashion, wearing pearly gates shoes with bobby socks and full circle skirts, and she found joy in dancing the foxtrot at Saltair and the Rainbow Rendezvous.

After high school, Cleo moved to St. George to attend Dixie College, where she met her eternal companion, Lee Clawson Atkin. Just two months later, on March 20, 1953, they were married in the St. George Temple. Their adventure together began as Lee was drafted into the U.S. Army, and they spent two years at Fort Ord, California. Following Lee's military service, they briefly returned to St. George before moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Lee attended dental school. After his graduation in 1960, they made their way back to St. George, where they began their family and ultimately raised four children-three daughters and one son.

A natural leader, Cleo was deeply involved in community service. She was elected Vice Chairman of the Utah Republican Party, during which she attended several GOP conventions as a national delegate. She was President of both the Washington County Republican Women and the Utah State Republican Women, and Chairman of the Washington County Fair Board. She also gave her time to the Women's Dental Auxiliary, where she served as Utah State President and National Vice President. She also served on the Utah State Fair Board, the Washington County School District Foundation, and the Intermountain Foundation of Dixie Regional Medical Center. Cleo's love for her state led to one of her most treasured involvements: being appointed to the Utah Statehood Centennial Commission, where she served for 10 years, including as Chairman of the Grants Committee. In this role, she directed millions of dollars to cities and counties throughout the state to commemorate Utah's centennial. She also played a key role in planning the Utah centennial celebration and in establishing This is the Place Heritage Park as a living legacy of the centennial.

Cleo was a woman of many talents. She had a passion for cake decorating and taught classes at Dixie College for several years. She decorated countless wedding cakes for her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. In addition, she was a gifted seamstress, sewing much of the family's clothing-including beautiful formal gowns-making each piece with love. For 40 years, Cleo delighted in serving with the Jubilee of Trees, where she decorated and donated beautiful trees, wreaths, centerpieces, and table settings. Glitter was a permanent fixture in her car and home as she poured her heart into each creation.

Her lifelong friendships were a treasure, especially her "San Francisco girls." Each year, they would save up for a trip to San Francisco, and though the trips eventually stopped, their bond remained unbreakable. Cleo also loved to travel, with cruises being a favorite, often with her siblings, children, and grandchildren by her side.

A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cleo served in many callings, with her most cherished role being a Relief Society teacher. She also loved sewing costumes for roadshows and enjoyed her time as an ordinance worker at the St. George Temple.

Cleo's life was a reflection of her core beliefs. She often said she had been raised in the best of times-when neighbors were trusted, business was done with a handshake, and doors were left unlocked. She firmly believed in making the world a better place and always sought ways to give of herself. Her Sunday dinners, tea parties, and countless traditions kept her family close, and she led by example, showing them the power of service, kindness, and love.

She will be deeply missed by her children, Sandy Atkin, LeAnn (Ernie) Hafen, David (Janet) Atkin, and Christy (Greg) Gibson; her 8 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; siblings Don and Ted Remington; sister-in-law Karol Remington; and many extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Lee Atkin; siblings Newell Remington, Lillis Brooks, Earl Remington, and Lois Hirschi; and granddaughter, Emily Gibson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 8th, at the 1st Ward (Bluff Street) LDS Chapel, 591 W 500 N, St. George, Utah. Viewings will be held Friday, February 7th, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St, and on Saturday prior to services from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the chapel. Interment will follow at the St. George City Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Karen Radley and Mission Healthcare and Hospice for their excellent care and kindness.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary. 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah 84770. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to share memories on Cleo's digital memorial page at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com