Iona Thompson Ekker was a unique, pioneering woman of southeastern Utah. She was intelligent and educated yet accepting, with a wide spectrum of friendships, from cowpunchers to PhDs. She was devoted to her family, yet always engaged in work and community activities beyond her own front door. She traveled widely in North America and Europe but lived nearly all her life within a few miles of the small farm beside the Green River where she grew up. Iona was a pioneering spirit who saved many lives as an Emergency Medical Technician and went on many white water rafting down the Colorado and Green Rivers – when such pursuits were far from common for women of her generation and culture.

Iona was born to Leamon and Weltha Burnett Thompson on September 11th, 1934 in Price, Utah. She grew up and went to school in Green River. After she earned Girl’s State and then Ford Scholar honors, Iona attended the University of Utah and LDS Business School. She married Ted C. Ekker on May 27th, 1955. At the time, Ted had been working as a cowboy and uranium miner. With Iona’s help and encouragement – and with Iona “doing the books” for his various businesses – Ted became a successful entrepreneur and businessman in southeastern Utah. Ted and Iona were married for nearly 60 years, until his death in 2014. They loved to take afternoon drives out into the southern Utah desert they both loved, looking for wildflowers or wild horses. They had four children: Tamara Jill Ekker, Leslie Evonn Ekker, Gilbert Lee (Emily) Ekker, and Teddy Neal Ekker.

Iona was working as a teacher at Green River High School when she married Ted. Within a few years of their marriage, she volunteered as the Business Manager of the first medical clinic in Green River. During these years she was also involved in the local Women’s Club, LDS Relief Society, Little League Baseball, and Parent Teacher Association, among many other community activities and organizations – while volunteering as an election judge for decades. Iona earned her EMT certification in 1980 and for years worked on the volunteer ambulance crew operating out of Green River. She served for many years, and in 1992 she was recognized as Utah EMT of the Year, one of the few times when a small, rural volunteer ambulance association won that award.

Later in life, Iona worked as the Green River High School secretary for more than a decade. During this time, and for years afterward, she went on a number of river trips in Grand Canyon, Cataract Canyon, Westwater, and Desolation Canyon, as well as the Yampa River. She also traveled in Mexico and Europe, and from coast to coast across the USA.

Iona was a quiet woman, but her accomplishments spoke volumes. She was tall, with flaming red hair. Though reserved, she was quick to give hugs. She became a beloved matriarch within the large Ekker and Thompson clans of southern Utah. Her strong character and independence were an inspiration to family and friends.

Iona is survived by her four children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at the Elgin Cemetery east of Green River on May 29th, with a memorial gathering at her home (170 North Long Street) in Green River to follow. Please come and share stories, songs, and many hugs.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Green River Ambulance Association, c/o Lesa Madsen, P.O. Box 5, Green River, Utah 84525. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.