Ivoni Fakatou McPhie

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of Ivoni McPhie, who returned to her Heavenly Father on June 29, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by family who loved and cared for her deeply.

Ivoni was born on November 24, 1944, in Vaimalō - Vavaʻu, Tonga, to her mother Talahiva Katea Alatani. She was then adopted in her youth by her paternal grandparents, Samuela and Helene Fakatou. Ivoni was deeply loved by both families, and those relationships helped shape the remarkable woman she became. At the age of 19, Ivoni immigrated to the United States with determination, faith, and a dream for a better future. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from LDS Business College, laying the foundation for a life marked by hard work, perseverance, and service.

On April 4, 1968, Ivoni was sealed for time and all eternity to the love of her life, John Richard “Dick” McPhie, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another. During Dick’s service in the United States Navy, they welcomed two children: their son, Sean, born in Italy, and their daughter, Natalie, born in Hawaii. Following Dick’s retirement from the Navy, they returned to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they raised their children surrounded by the love and support of extended family.

Ivoni devoted much of her career to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, where she worked in catering as a chef’s assistant until her retirement. She took great pride in serving others through her work and formed lasting friendships along the way.

Retirement brought some of life’s sweetest blessings. Ivoni and Dick treasured time together, creating memories through family gatherings, church, travel, and the simple joys of everyday life. Nothing brought her greater happiness than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and later, great-grandchildren.

In 2022, two years after being diagnosed with vascular dementia, Ivoni and Dick made their home with Natalie in Texas, where she lovingly became their primary caregiver. Sean, still living in Utah, was a constant source of love, support, and encouragement, sharing the caregiving journey in every way he could.

Though dementia gradually stole many of her memories, it never diminished the love she inspired in those around her.

To know Ivoni was to know warmth, kindness, and quiet strength. She loved the Lord with all her heart and faithfully lived her testimony throughout her life. She cherished her Tongan heritage and culture, carrying it with pride and passing its traditions on to her family. Above all else, she loved being a wife and mother. She also had a wonderfully playful side that those closest to her will never forget.

Ivoni’s greatest love story was the one she shared with Dick. Their nearly six decades of marriage were filled with gentle affection, and a partnership that inspired everyone who knew them. Even through the difficult journey of dementia, their love never wavered. They continued holding hands, exchanging “I love yous,” and finding comfort simply being together. Their marriage was a beautiful testimony that true love endures every season of life.

Ivoni leaves behind her beloved husband, John Richard McPhie (Dick); her son, Sean McPhie (Jen); her daughter, Natalie Kime (Chris); her cherished grandchildren Ashley Moeakiola (David), Aspen Gilmore (Brian), Logan McPhie (Dante) and Braxton Kime (Stacy); great-grandchildren: Sadie, Ziggy, Kingsley, Heber and Theo; her siblings, extended family as well as countless friends whose lives were made richer by knowing her.

While her family grieves the loss of her physical presence, they rejoice in knowing she has been reunited with loved ones who have gone before her and has returned home to her Savior. They find peace in imagining the beautiful reunions she is now experiencing and take comfort in the promise that families can be together forever.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, church members, home health staff, hospice staff, and loved ones who offered prayers, encouragement, and support throughout Ivoni’s journey.

Ivoni’s legacy lives on in the faith she shared, the family she nurtured, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and joyfully remembered until the day her family is reunited with her again.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 10th, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11th, 2026, at the Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m., prior to the funeral service.