Mary Wanlass Hiett, age 71, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, in Etna, California, following a short and courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by love and faith at the close of a life defined by devotion to God, family, and music.
Mary was born on July 7, 1954, in Shelley, Idaho, to Leslie and Rayola Wanlass. Her childhood was marked by rich and varied experiences, as she grew up in several places around the world, including New Zealand; Huntington Beach, California; Toquerville, Utah; and Idaho Falls, Idaho. These experiences shaped her steady character, deep appreciation for people, and lifelong sense of purpose.
Mary devoted her life to her family as the mother of ten children, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. She found great joy in being at home raising her children and nurturing a household rooted in love, faith, and firm values. Music was another central thread of Mary’s life. A gifted pianist, she taught piano lessons for most of her adult years, blessing countless students with both musical skill and quiet encouragement. Later in life, she began composing and publishing her own music and produced multiple albums of her original compilations—a lasting expression of her creativity and testimony.
On November 2, 1973, Mary married the love of her life, Richard John Hiett, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Together they built a life centered on faith and family, and were blessed with ten children—six daughters and four sons: Noelle (Travis) McKay, Joshua (Jennifer) Hiett, Kayleen (Brett) Washburn, Adriel (Chris) Jenkins, Jennifer (Michael) Kennett, Laurel (Joe) West, Lindsay (John) Labate, Jordan (Carly) Hiett, Jarom (Annaleisa) Hiett, and Jared Hiett. She was also the proud grandmother of 37 grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Mary was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in many callings throughout her life. Her faith in Jesus Christ was central to who she was. She lived with quiet conviction and was known for her unwavering integrity. One of her often-quoted sayings—“What’s right is right, and what’s wrong is wrong”—reflected her steady moral compass and lifelong commitment to truth.
Above all, Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She cherished time with her children and grandchildren, loved sitting by her backyard swimming pool, and took great joy in tending her flowers and trees. Her home was a place of peace, music, and belonging.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Rayola Wanlass; her brother, Jeremi; her sisters Emily and Cecily; her daughter, Noelle McKay; and her son, Jared Hiett.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard, eight of her children, and her 37 grandchildren, who will carry forward her legacy of faith, love, and righteousness.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Etna LDS Chapel, with committal to follow in Etna Cemetery. A viewing for family and friends will precede the service at 9:00 a.m. at the church. A Zoom link will also be available for those unable to attend in person.
Mary’s life was one of quiet strength, deep faith, and enduring love. Her influence will continue to be felt in the lives she shaped, the music she shared, and the testimony she lived every day.
sourced: Girdner Funeral Chapel
One Comment
This is a beautiful obituary. Mary was my piano teacher for many years. Weekly lessons with her were a welcome escape from a quite chaotic home life. Her warmth and kindness made me feel like I mattered. Music continues to be a healing force in my life and I have Mary to thank for it.