Ellen Dianne Westover Clift

Ellen Dianne Westover Clift, age 77, passed away on August 16, 2026, in North Salt Lake, Utah. With her deep faith in Jesus Christ and her belief in eternal families, Ellen returned home to a joyful reunion with her mother and other loved ones who had gone before her.

Ellen was born December 6, 1948, to Reese Humble Westover and Ellen Twila Jensen Westover, who later divorced. She lived a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and the quiet ways we show people they are loved

A proud graduate of Bountiful High School, Class of 1967, Ellen later graduated from Utah State University in 1973. As a young woman, she served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Michigan Great Lakes area. Her faith remained a constant throughout her life. She loved attending the temple and visited many temples over the years, finding peace and purpose in temple worship.

Ellen spent many years working for Utah’s Third District Court before retiring. The friendships she made there continued long after her working years, and she looked forward to getting together for lunch with the women she had worked alongside.

Ellen treasured her family heritage and was proud of her heritage and was an active member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She also enjoyed going to the senior center, where she treasured the opportunity to spend time with friends.

Although Ellen was quiet by nature, she had a special way of letting people know she cared. She noticed the little things and took the time to do thoughtful things for the people she loved. Christmas was one example. Year after year, Ellen remembered everyone. She carefully put together gift bags for each family, filling them with things she thought they could use and enjoy. In a large extended family, remembering everyone was no small undertaking, but that was Ellen. Her love often showed up in practical, thoughtful ways.

She was also well known for being wonderfully frugal and loved finding a good bargain. Paying full price was rarely part of the plan. Her family knew that if there was a better deal somewhere, Ellen had probably already found it.

One of Ellen’s great joys was the theater. For many years, she shared season tickets to Hale Centre Theatre with her sister, nieces, and great-nieces. Those evenings became more than just performances. They were a family tradition and a chance to spend time together, laugh, enjoy the arts, and make memories across generations.

Ellen was also a lifelong cat person and rarely went long without a feline companion. Her love of cats was easy to spot. She could frequently be found wearing a cat shirt or carrying a bag decorated with one. Her last cat, Robert, was her constant companion, although anyone who knows cats understands that it may be more accurate to say Ellen was Robert’s person. Robert was an important part of her everyday life and brought her companionship and comfort.

Family was always an important part of Ellen’s life. She loved family barbecues, parades, vacations, holidays, and gatherings. She may not have had children of her own, but she was surrounded by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and eventually another generation beyond them. She was part of their lives in the quiet, steady way that was uniquely hers.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Reese Westover and Twila Westover; her aunts, Myrtle Jennings and Nola Westover; her nephew, Justin; and her great-nephew, Kyle.

She is survived by her siblings, Delwin Westover, Carol (Tom) Butte, Neal (Millie) Westover, and Keith Westover; 13 nieces and nephews; 38 great-nieces and great-nephews; 3 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and her beloved cat, Robert.

Ellen did not need to be the loudest person in the room to leave an impression. She showed her love by remembering, by being present, by keeping traditions, and by doing the small things that told people they mattered. Her family will miss seeing her at gatherings, sharing evenings at the theater, hearing about the latest bargain she found, and receiving those thoughtful reminders that she had been thinking of them.

We are grateful for the life she lived, the faith she carried, and the love she quietly gave. We look forward with faith to the day we will see her again.

Until we meet again.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at Russon Mortuary & Crematory, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah.

A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the same location. In keeping with the personal nature of the gathering, family and friends will be invited to share memories, stories, and moments that remind them of Ellen.

We welcome family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Ellen to join us in remembering and celebrating her life.