Florence Irene Hawkins Johnson Madson Collett Ellsworth, 90, of Payson, UT, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025. She was born April 18, 1935, in Eureka, UT to Alma Hawkins and Cynthia Buckley.
Irene attended schools in Eureka, learning to appreciate the simple, befriend the lonely and light up the room. While only nine years old, she lost her mother and a decade later her father; she knew hardship and adversity but always found a way to prevail.
She was a genuine lover of the arts, painting the classics or an enchanting Santa mural on her home’s picture window. She loved crafts and articulated design, creativity and enriched our lives.
Renowned for her sincerity and kindness, she added light and love to everything she touched. Family was central to Irene’s life. She showed genuine love to all which was reflected by her family and by all those who knew her.
Irene raised three children while employed as the secretary of Payson’s Wilson Elementary school. Her kindness was therefore known to many.
Irene is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the temple, had a robust testimony she shared with many, occasionally using words. Irene served as a missionary while living in St George. She relished any service in the church and loved her Savior.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her twin sister Iris Swenson; brothers Richard and Franklin Hawkins; sisters Shirley and Sharon. She is survived by her three children: Cindy Jones (Lamarr), Dennis Madson (Dori), and Connie Ericksen (Boyd), her twenty-four grandchildren, seventy-seven great-grandchildren, and many great-great-grandchildren. Through marriage she inherited many other family members that she loved as her own.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, at 11:00 am at the Beehive Chapel located at 952 West 1580 South, Payson, UT. A viewing will be held on Monday, July 14, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West Payson, UT and from 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service at the church. Interment to follow at Payson City Cemetery.
3 Condolences for Florence Irene Ellsworth
Condolences(3)
Gina Gasser Jordan says
July 7, 2025 at 5:04 pmI absolutely loved Irene. Fun and friendly smile. Kind words, always. I enjoyed watching her friendship with my sweet mama. I know they are excited to see one another now. Sending love to your family.
Alison Watkins Spencer says
July 10, 2025 at 4:34 amMrs. Madsen was my elementary school secretary along with Mrs. Perry. She will always be a sweet memory for me. She was always so classy and put together. Send you all condolences at this difficult time.
Jennett Bishop Labrum says
July 15, 2025 at 2:04 pmDear Neighbors,
I have great memories of your mom through the many years we lived by you. She was vivacious and kind. One of my fondest memories was when I happened to meet her at church in St George and found out she lived there not far from my house! So neighbors once more!
I send my love to all of you. It’s hard to lose your mom even if it is only for a time.