Iris Marie (Hayden) Middleton

Our loving mother, grandmother, and friend, Iris Marie Hayden Middleton, age 90, passed away February 10, 2015 at a local hospital. Born February 21, 1924 in Hunter, Utah, she was the daughter of Alfred Alonzo (Doc) and Ann Smith Hayden.

She is survived by sons, James Grissom (Marie) and Rick Sharples (Phyllis); sisters, Della Heugly, Glenda Davis, and Joan Hendrickson; as well as loving grandchildren, Martha Jakala (Jim), Tonia Cordes (Marion), Dawn Webster (David), Jimmy Grissom (Allison), Samantha Chapman (Brandon), Ben Sharples (Kim), Shelby Law (Stephen), Jordan Sharples (Cassidy) and numerous great-grandchildren.  Iris was preceded in death by husbands, Chuck Grissom, Fred Sharples, Lloyd Middleton; son, Robert Grissom; and step-son, Freddie Sharples.  Also preceded in death by brothers, Alan and Doran; and sisters, Irene, June, Faye, and Carol.

Iris was born in Hunter Utah – the fifth of ten children.  She was raised on a farm where she worked side by side with her brothers and sisters.  She talked often and lovingly of her mother and father and expressed great admiration and appreciation of how hard they worked to raise their family.  Her father was known as Doc Hayden and instilled in Iris a determination to always work hard and never quit learning.  Her memory and sharp mind were legendary.

Iris left home at an early age and immediately entered the workforce – working for the railroad.  She soon bought her first car, a 1940 red Ford convertible and ways always proud of that car – taking many trips with friends and family.  Iris worked many jobs over the years and was proud that she was one of the only women at one time working (and keeping up with the men) at the Dugway Proving Grounds.

Iris married Chuck Grissom in 1945 and had two sons – James and Robert.  Chuck died in an explosion at a refinery at Utah Copper in 1955. Soon she had the fortune to meet and marry Fred Sharples.  They were a blended family with her two sons and a son from Fred's first marriage.  Together they had another son, Rick.  However, Iris always wanted a daughter and expressed great happiness when she finally got granddaughters!  Tragedy struck Iris again when her step-son Freddie died in a car accident at age 18.  Her husband Fred died of cancer in 1971 at age 49. Another son, Robert, also died too early in 1987 – a hard blow for a loving mother.

Iris spent the next few years working and raising three boys on her own.  In 1980 she rekindled an old friendship and married Lloyd (Lutz) Middleton.  They were married for 30 years until Lutz passed away in 2010.  Iris and Lutz enjoyed retirement together – traveling in a motor home and spending the winters in Yuma, Arizona.  Some of her best memories were of the Arizona years and crossing the border to Mexico, going to the Date festivals, and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.

Iris has spent her lifetime working with her hands and her love of crafts and sewing is obvious to all who know her.  She will always be remembered for her homemade hard candies and the beautiful items she has made – such as a blessing dress, prom dresses, even a wedding dress for her grandchildren. In her last days she could be found making doilies and beading necklaces.

Life for Iris was not always easy but she never complained and was an incredible influence in the lives of her grandchildren.  Her home became a haven for some of her granddaughters and they credit her for many of their successes. As we say goodbye to Iris we thank her for being an amazing woman of determination and strength and pray we can follow in her example.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, where friends may visit with the family from 11:30am to 12:30am prior to services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.