Shauna Johnson Samuelson, 73, died on Friday, June 14, 2024, following complications of a stroke which occurred during an effort to repair a major aneurysm on her carotid artery. She leaves her husband, eight children, and thirty-seven grandchildren, who loved her deeply. Whether she was birding and tracking animals in Yellowstone, avidly researching ascents of Mount Everest, or embracing a friend or family member who was struggling, she lifted all around her with her wit, intelligence, and nurturing personality.

Shauna pursued many interests, particularly her love of music and literature. A gifted musician, she played the piano and organ in her home and for her community. With her many correspondents, she exchanged book recommendations and was always prepared to recite an apt passage from Emily Dickinson or William Butler Yeats. She instilled a great love of creative expression in her children, an enthusiasm which was equaled by her passion for education and the natural world.

She was beloved by her grandchildren, who clustered around her during family gatherings. Not only were they intrigued by the countless toys she carried, entranced by the games she played, and lured by sweets, but they were also buoyed by her individual attention. Reading books together, painting fingernails or boxes, and engaging in dynamic conversation, she always devoted time for connecting with each child. She amplified family traditions, delivering warm muffins to neighbors on Christmas morning until it was no longer morning, and adding special coins to the birthday money jar so she had an excuse to celebrate grandkids more outrageously.

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served as a Primary President, a temple worker, and in innumerable other callings. She was a gifted teacher, caring for those in her classes through her generous kindness, devotion to truth, and love of stories well told.

Shauna is survived by her husband Scott of Rexburg, and their eight children: Andrea and Kevin Ricks of Rexburg, Todd and Jennifer Samuelson of Murray, Jill and Will Shakespeare of Provo, Melissa and Travis Turley of Provo, Stephen and Shawna Samuelson of Boise, Ian and Devin Samuelson of Provo, Richard and Marie Samuelson of Idaho Falls, Elisabeth and Daniel Stephens of Provo, as well as several siblings and uncountable friends.

There will be a Memorial Reception Thursday, June 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Rexburg 15th Ward Chapel, 166 South 1st East.  The family will also receive friends and family Friday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the chapel, prior to funeral services at 11:00 a.m.

The funeral will be broadcast live on Friday, June 21, at 11 a.m. and can be viewed later on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/.JsjvnWlmH8s?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donating to the Huntsman Cancer Institute or the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation.