Melissa Hayhurst Cox Bean, an amazing woman and mother, known for her warmth, humor, sarcasm, talents and boundless love for her family, tragically passed away on July 26, 2024. Missy was 73 years old, born on July 11, 1951, in Holister, California and grew up in Olancha, California. Missy was the daughter of Murphy and Claramai Hayhurst, the third of six children. She graduated from high school at the remarkable age of 16, showcasing her intelligence and determination from an early age.

After high school, Missy moved to Salt Lake City to attend LDS Business School, where she met and married Gregory Cox in 1971. They had five beautiful children together, Tami, Andrea, Karissa, Alysha, and Matt. Missy raised her children in a few different cities, making friends all along the way. Places she and her family called home in Utah, Idaho and Oregon were Blackfoot, Provo, Bliss, Leadore, Arco, Cambridge, Baker City, Layton and Kanab. Although they lived in many cities, Missy made every house a home and one of her children’s favorite memories was coming home to the smell of fresh baked bread. Missy also became mom to many, including foreign exchange students Eva Wagner and Takafumi Sekino. She also called Darren Pearson her son, who became Uncle Darren to all of Missy’s grandkids, and a sibling to her own children. Missy then was very excited to take on the role of Grammy when her first grandchild was born in 1997, and is now Grammy to 22 of her most favorite people, whom she loves with all her heart, and would do anything for.

Missy’s professional life was marked by her compassionate work as an EMT and Hospice Nurse. Her children remember her spending time on forest fires during the summer and fall. As a hospice nurse, she provided comfort and solace to those in their final days. Despite her fulfillment in these roles, her most treasured job was that of mom and grammy. Her greatest delight was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Missy could often be found in her garden or quilting/sewing room, where her love and creativity flourished. Missy’s quilting projects and gardening and flower efforts were as colorful and vibrant as her personality, bringing warmth and beauty to her family and home. Her home was always full of the sounds of children, birds, and chimes.

Missy married Roland Bean in 2018, and for the past six years, Missy has built a beautiful home and life with Roland in Kanab, Utah. Living next door to her son, Matt, his wife, and their four lively children, she enjoyed the daily joys of shared family life. Although she enjoyed visiting her other children and grandchildren at the various places in Nevada or Idaho where they resided, she especially loved hosting them at her home in Kanab.

Missy was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and magnified her many callings through the years. She especially loved Temple work.

Missy is survived by her loving husband, Roland Bean; her children and her grandchildren Tami (husband Lonny, grandchildren Dillon, Garrett, Wyatt, Levi, Zachary) Andrea (husband Barry, grandchildren Kayleigh, Koy, and Kyler) Karissa (husband Shan, grandchildren Devin, Shailee, Brielle, Xave, Daxton, and Alissa) Alysha (husband Daniel, grandchildren Gabriel and Poppy) Matthew (wife Elizabeth, grandchildren Peyton, Amelia, Addie, Audrey, and Zen Murphy). Missy is also survived by her siblings Jim, Loren, and Julie.
A special note needs to be made about Missy’s relationship with her sister, LaVonne. Although LaVonne left this world prior to Missy, their relationship was extremely strong, and they will be forever bonded. Missy has also enjoyed a special relationship with LaVonne’s children, James, Luke, Jess, Lacey, and Jennifer. Missy also loved and considered Darren’s daughter Caitlyn as her own granddaughter. Missy leaves behind a host of extended family and friends who were touched by her kindness and spirited nature.

Missy was preceded in death by her parents, Murphy and Claramai Hayhurst, and her siblings LaVonne and Ernie. A memorial service to celebrate Missy’s remarkable life will be held at a later date, and notice will be provided once details are determined. Missy will be deeply missed, but her memory—filled with laughter, love, and the beauty of a well-tended garden—will forever brighten the lives of those who knew her.

Missy’s children and husband would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered their love and support throughout this difficult time. It has been a blessing to hear how she impacted all those she came in contact with.