Mary Renee Sorenson Hyde passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2004, after a long struggle with cancer. She was seventy-four years old. Renee was born in Logan, Utah on December 11, 1929, to James V. and Ruby Sorenson.

She was the fourth of five Sorenson children and their cherished only daughter. Reared in Logan by exceptional parents, Renee was raised to be gentle, hard working and devoted. Of her many qualities and attributes, those characteristics define her best.

Renee graduated from Logan High School in 1948, and married Charles L. Hyde on July 20, 1950, in the Logan LDS Temple. She supported Charles in his military service and long years of study to become a physician. Together they completed assignments and medical residencies in California, Idaho and Utah.

During these early years, Renee supported the family by working at various jobs, including that of a telephone operator for Mountain Bell. Renee and Charles had four children. With the arrival of the children, Renee spent her life in their service and exercised all of her energy for their welfare. Renee was a remarkable mother in spite of battling poor health and physical sickness for fifty years.

Renee was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served throughout her life in the various organizations of the Church. In their later years, she and Charles worked as officiators in the Logan temple. The joy of Renee’s later years was her grandchildren. As with her own children, Renee nurtured her grandchildren with her soothing manner and gentle ways.

The life of Renee Hyde is a bright example of Christ-like kindness and charity. Her singular focus was quiet service to her family and others, never seeking for herself. Her gentle words, endless service and unqualified love have blessed our lives and given us an eternal anchor of strength. We, her children and grandchildren, are the living beneficiaries of Renee’s wonderful life and influence. We honor and revere her, and unitedly call her blessed.

Renee is survived by her four children, Kathleen Wettstein (Danny), Dianne Andersen (Gary), James C. Hyde (Lori), and Karen Petersen; fifteen grandchildren; and, nine great-grandchildren. Renee’s husband, parents and three of her brothers preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 7, at 11 a.m. in the North Logan First Ward Chapel, 1105 East 2100 North, North Logan Utah. Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing on Monday, September 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Allen-Cranney Mortuary, 420 East 1800 North, North Logan, Utah, or prior to the funeral services from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow the funeral services at the Hyde Park Cemetery, Hyde Park, Utah.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Steven and Sharon Salisbury and to Anna Trappett and the IHC Hospice Staff who cared for her so well.