Eva Mae Dustin Pickett, a revered community leader, master artisan, and the steadfast matriarch of a sprawling, devoted family, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026. She was 80 years old. Remembered for her profound faith, tireless service, and the tangible warmth she brought to her community, Pickett leaves behind a legacy defined by unconditional love and the quiet, daily acts of compassion that transform neighborhoods into true communities.
Early Life & Education
Born on February 8, 1946, in the picturesque town of Driggs, Idaho, Eva Mae was the daughter of Monroe and Vera Jean Dustin. Raised in the shadows of the Teton Range, her foundational years instilled in her the values of resilience, resourcefulness, and deep-seated family loyalty. She attended Teton Valley High School, graduating in 1965, and subsequently pursued higher education at Stevens-Henager College, equipping herself with administrative and organizational skills that would later serve her community well.
On February 17, 1967, her life’s trajectory was beautifully cemented when she married the love of her life, Jerry Bronzel Pickett, in the Swiss Temple. This union marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in shared faith and an unwavering commitment to domestic harmony and community upliftment.
Career Zenith & Contributions
While traditional resumes often highlight corporate milestones, Pickett’s life work was a masterclass in the domestic arts, cultural preservation, and familial administration. In an era that increasingly overlooks the profound societal value of community care, she stood as a master of these foundational disciplines.
Her expertise was vividly displayed through her remarkable skill in textile arts and culinary traditions. A gifted crafter, Pickett spent decades creating heirloom-quality pieces—including meticulously sewn receiving blankets, pocket pillows, and signature “eagle blankets” for her grandchildren. Her home was a sanctuary of hospitality, particularly during the holidays, filled with the aromas of her baking and cooking. Furthermore, her proficiency in food preservation—most notably her annual canning of chokecherry syrup and local fruits—reflected a deep respect for agrarian traditions and self-reliance. Through these tangible expressions of care, she provided not just sustenance, but a profound sense of belonging to all who entered her home.
Leadership & Affiliations
Pickett’s authoritativeness within her community was firmly established through her decades of steadfast leadership and affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was frequently entrusted with significant ward and stake callings, serving as a guiding force within the Young Women, Relief Society, and Primary organizations.
In these leadership capacities, she functioned as a spiritual mentor, shaping the moral and ethical development of countless individuals. Her collaborative efforts fostered robust support networks that provided critical emotional and practical assistance to families throughout Redmond and beyond. Her leadership style was deeply personal; she was known for her annual tradition of hand-crocheting dishcloths for the sisters in her congregation every Christmas—a testament to her belief that true leadership is rooted in humble, personalized service. Outside of her church callings, she also found joy in the cultural fellowship of square dancing and quilting, further cementing her role as a vibrant participant in local civic life.
Legacy & Impact
Eva Mae Pickett’s greatest pride and most enduring legacy is her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Jerry Pickett; her son, Michael (Camille) Pickett; and her daughters, Monica (Kent) Drew, Stephanie (Troy) Parkinson, Jerilyn (Nate) Rock, and Colette (Karl) Cox. Her influence will continue to ripple through the generations via her 20 grandchildren—four of whom are currently serving missions, with another departing soon—as well as two great-granddaughters and three soon-to-arrive great-grandsons.
She is also survived by her brothers, Wesley Dustin and Todd (Jennifer) Dustin; her sisters, Robyn (Dave) Anderson, Lorraine (Don) Bone, and Sherri (Randy) Ivie; and sisters-in-law Donna Giguiere and Nancy Dustin. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Dellas and Erroll Dustin.
During her final months, Pickett resided at Seasons of Santaquin, where she received compassionate care from the facility’s staff and the Health Watch Hospice team, particularly nurses Kylie and Kristy.
Funeral services to honor a life beautifully lived will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Payson Spring Creek Ward (1080 South 930 West, Payson, Utah). A viewing will precede the service from 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. at the chapel. For those unable to attend in person, livestreaming will be available via the Springer Turner Funeral Home website. Burial will follow in the Redmond Cemetery under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes, ensuring her final resting place is in the community she so deeply enriched.
Eva Mae Pickett’s life is a poignant reminder that the most profound impact is often made not on the global stage, but in the quiet, steady dedication to one’s family, faith, and neighbors. Her steady hands and kind heart have left an indelible mark on the world.