Byron Donald Ibey

Byron Donald Ibey was born on September 21, 1929 in San Diego, CA to Willard and Virginia Gidney Ibey. He passed away peacefully at his home in Smithfield, UT on July 18, 2023 at the age of 93.

Byron was raised in San Diego until the age of 12, when his family moved to the Los Angeles area. Byron graduated from Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, where he was involved in many school sports teams. He met his high school sweetheart, Mildred (Millie) Sinerius, in the 11th grade. They were married right out of high school on September 16, 1948 and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 31, 1950. They were married for 70 years at the time of Millie’s passing in 2018.

His dream was to be a professional baseball player and his dream came true when he signed a contract with the St. Louis Browns, now known as the Baltimore Orioles when he was 19 years old. After playing for the Browns for one year, he decided that being a professional baseball player wasn’t the life he had hoped it would be and returned to Southern California. He continued to play baseball and softball for over 50 years with his last game being played in 2002 at the Senior Games in St. George, UT. He also loved playing golf with family and friends.

Byron was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of his life. He was a great example of love, service, and compassion with a strong and unwavering testimony. He served in many leadership positions on the ward, stake, and regional levels and has touched so many lives.

Byron and Millie were blessed with four wonderful children (2 boys and 2 girls): Russell Byron; Rodney Allyn; Shannon Eileen; and Mary Louise, who died at birth in 1961. They have 10 grandchildren (8 girls and 2 boys) and 17 great-grandchildren (10 girls and 7 boys).

His first job was a pin setter at the bowling alley when he was 14 years old. Then he worked at the Revally Movie Theater, as the assistant manager and an usher. After he was married, he started a sales career beginning with Coast Surgical Medical Supply. Then he moved to Marx Brothers Fire Extinguishers, then to Warren Springs, and finished his 35+ years with Betz Springs, all in the Los Angeles area.

In 2001, after living in the same home in Torrance, CA for 42 years, Byron and Millie moved to beautiful Cache Valley, settling in Smithfield, where they have spent the last 22 years.

Byron enjoyed camping, fishing, golf, playing card games, going on cruises, but the greatest love in life (besides Millie), was sports, especially baseball. He is an avid Dodger fan.

The family would like to thank his neighbors, friends, and ward members for the love and support they have given to Byron over the years and last few weeks. A special thanks to Dr. Salisbury’s hospice care team at CNS (Community Nursing Services), who so carefully, patiently, and loving cared for Byron the past four weeks.

Byron is survived by his three children; Russell (Kathy) Ibey of Whittier, CA; Rodney (Lucille) Ibey of Smithfield, UT; and Shannon (Mark) Johnson of Petersboro, UT; with nine grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Millie; daughter Mary Louise; his parents Willard and Virginia Gidney Ibey; and his grandson Jeffrey Mark Johnson.

A viewing will be held at Allen Mortuary: 420 East 1800 North, North Logan, UT, on Friday, July 28th from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebration of Byron’s life will be held at the mortuary on Saturday, July 29th at 11 a.m. with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be held at the Hyde Park Cemetery immediately following the celebration. The service will be broadcast on Zoom from the mortuary’s link (Obituaries | Allen-Hall Mortuary - Logan, UT (allenmortuaries.net)

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CNS Cares (Community Nursing Services – Home Health & Hospice) in memory of Byron and Millie Ibey at 221 N Gateway Drive, Suite G, Providence, UT 84332.  www.cns-cares.org