Harriet Elizabeth Raburn Pendleton

Harriet Elizabeth Raburn Pendleton, age 90, passed away on June 28, 2023, at her home in St. George, Utah, surrounded by family and caregivers.

Harriet was born on June 6, 1933, in Swan Quarter, North Carolina, to Mary and Joseph Raburn; as the first of eight children. Her siblings are Mary Lou (deceased), Nonie, Josephine, Doris, Jim (deceased), Jackie (deceased), J.W. (deceased).

Harriet was born and raised in the house that her father helped build, sometime in the late 1890’s. It was a small farm with a large garden to feed 8 kids. They had plenty of collard greens, tomatoes, snap green beans, and fried okra. They had hens for eggs, a cow for milk, and a pig for ham and sausage. The kids loved it when mother made homemade sausage biscuits. They had no electricity or running water but there was no shortage of love or laughter.

Harriet attended Hyde County High School. While there, she was busy learning, trying to get good grades, and was involved in school plays. She loved to read and as a young child would walk the mile into town to the library to get copies of her favorite books, Nancy Drew Mysteries.

A year or so after graduation, Harriet moved with her sister, Mary Lou, to the big City of Norfolk, Virginia. There, she briefly attended hair school, worked as a telephone operator, and met the love of her life, a sailor, the debonair and handsome Theo Pendleton. He stole her heart, and they were married in a simple ceremony with only her sister and a few others present. Before he took her home with him to Utah, he made a promise to her parents that he would return her “HOME” every year. A promise he kept almost perfectly for the next 59 years.

For young Harriet, who had never been farther than 200 miles away from home, her new sweetheart took her to see New York City and Niagara Falls on a honeymoon road trip. They then made the trip to Utah to begin their life together.

They settled down in their first home on a little lane near Tabernacle Street where Vicki and Brad were born. While they built a new home, they spent a summer living in the house where Theo grew up in Washington, Utah. Soon, they were thrilled to move into their new home on Diagonal Street where Becky and Todd were born.

While Harriet was raising her young family, she was taught by LDS missionaries and was baptized. A few years later, on June 15, 1965, she and Theo were sealed together in the St. George, Utah Temple, along with their three oldest children: Vicki, Brad, and Becky. Todd was born one year later on their temple anniversary.

Harriet loved Jesus and taught her children to pray and go to church. She also served in several church callings: as a Primary teacher, in the Stake Relief Society Presidency, as a greeter in the St. George, Temple, and as Ward Librarian, her favorite calling.

Theo and Harriet had a love of travel. They enjoyed driving their travel trailer all over the country, especially to North Carolina. They loved to cruise and visited the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska many times over the years, often taking the entire family along. They provided many lasting family memories that we are so grateful for.

Harriet dedicated her life to her family; as evidenced in the love all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have for her. We will always remember her great talent for making homemade bread. It was a favorite of Theo’s for “bread and milk”, and she used it to make what her kids and grandkids considered to be the best French toast in the world! 

The greatest lesson that we have learned from Grannie, is that of unconditional love. It is something that we all need, and she did it perfectly. She leaves our hearts full of love and many wonderful memories, and our tummies full of homemade bread and mini chocolate candy bars.

Harriet was the beloved wife of Theo Pendleton (deceased), caring mother of Vicki (Doug) Terry, Bradley Theo Pendleton (deceased), Becky (Paul) Olsen, Todd (Tyalee) Pendleton;  cherished grandmother of Trevor (Melanie) Terry, Landon Terry, Derek (Claire) Terry, Jessica (Tyler) Anderson, Jen Terry, Justin (Teryn) Olsen, Ryan Olsen, Tanner Olsen, Braden Olsen, Trent (Kim) Pendleton, Tierra (Solomon) Labrum and Tyce Pendleton; and great-grandmother to Katelynd Terry, Konner Taylor. Addie Taylor, James Anderson, Jilly Taylor, Lincoln Terry, Brooks Anderson, Sophie Terry, Thomas Terry, Davis Anderson, Drew Olsen, Jackson Terry, Grace Terry, Harper Olsen, Gigi Labrum and Ridge Labrum.

The family wishes to Thank Teri Marth, Harriet’s caregiver with Kind Hearts; and her nurse Sara West, with Zion’s Way Home Health, for their gentle and loving care.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St. George Utah, with visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 am prior to the services. 

Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to view the funeral service online by clicking on the link below.

Video on Demand

Interment will take place at the St. George Cemetery.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Harriet’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com