OBITS: Deseret News 18 Nov 2005; Salt Lake City, Salt Lake co., Utah text formatted by W. David Samuelsen for The USGenWeb Archives Project *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ut/utfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: Deseret News http://www.desnews.com Anderson, Maxine Leigh Maxine Leigh Anderson "Lovely Max" Maxine Leigh Anderson passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Care Center in Salt Lake City November 15, 2005. She began her turn on earth Feb. 7, 1918 in Salt Lake City the oldest of three daughters of Herald Hyde and Mareada Johnson Leigh. Maxine graduated from Irving Junior High School, East High School and LDS Business College. She also attended Brigham Young University where she studied art and archaeology. Maxine was an avid reader and student continuously engaged in reading and study of a myriad of subjects. Those who knew her recognized she was interested in "everything". In her earlier years Maxine was employed as an insurance company executive secretary, as assistant Salt Lake City Parks Director and host of a children's radio and TV talent show. Maxine was very outgoing and was a friend to everyone she met. She was particularly fond of teenagers, especially those who had challenges in their lives. She had a special skill she used to mentor and counsel them to assist them in improving their lives. Maxine enjoyed teaching and was a church teacher of teenagers for most of her life, since age 16. She spent many hours in preparation of her lessons - each of which provided spiritual and intellectual uplift to her students. On September 1, 1955 (50 years ago) Maxine married Alvin (Al) Anderson in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Their first few years were spent in northern Minnesota where Al was stationed with the Air Force at the Duluth Air Base. During this period her only child (Savannah) was born. Savannah was her pride and joy - and Maxine was an outstanding mother. Maxine lost her Savannah 26 years ago when her life was snuffed out on Mother's Day 1979 in Irvine, California Maxine was peceded in death by her parents and two sisters (Dorothy and Ranae). She is survived by her husband Al Anderson. A tribute to Maxine will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 19, at 12:00 noon, at the Mount Olympus 9th Ward Chapel, 4625 South Lanark Road (3315 East) where friends and family may visit from 10:00-11:45 a.m. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery. Special thanks is extended to caregivers Viveana Romero, Tillie Kasteler and the nurses and aides at the Garden Terrace facility. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in the name of Maxine Anderson to the Humane Society of Utah, P.O. Box 573659, Murray, Utah 84157 or by phone 801-261-2919 ext. 208. Published in the Deseret News from 11/17/2005 - 11/19/2005. Billinis, Rita Souvall Rita Souvall Billinis 1934 ~ 2005 Rita Souvall Billinis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away at her home November 15 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her dear husband, John Billinis, preceded her in death by three months, on August 24. She is survived by her children, Gus and Barbara Billinis Colessides, of Houston, TX, Katherine Billinis of Salt Lake City, Alexander and Vilma Billinis, of Chicago, IL, grandchildren, John and Alexandra Colessides Solis, Maria Colessides and John Alexander Billinis, great-granddaughter Cassia Elena Solis, brothers and sisters-in-law, Sam and Mary Souvall, Pete and Mary Souvall, Toula Souvall, of Salt Lake City, Ann House Souvall, Phoenix, AZ, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Born January 22, 1934, the last child and only daughter of William A. and Kome P. Souvall, Rita Souvall Billinis attended schools in Salt Lake City, and planned on becoming a schoolteacher when fate intervened: one day, after horseback riding, she met John, the love of her life, her husband of 53 years. Rita devoted herself to raising her children and creating a warm home atmosphere, in Salt Lake City, Bethesda, Maryland, and their summer home in Hydra, Greece. Her sense of style and grace, along with her vibrancy, left an impression on all. Rita's devotion to her family came through as she nursed her husband through his slow decline from Alzheimer's disease, tenderly caring for him even as cancer silently and insidiously robbed her of her own health and radiance. As with her father, Rita's daughter, Katherine, nursed her mother tirelessly in her final months. Viewing will be at Deseret Mortuary, 36 E. 700 So., Thursday, Nov. 17, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., with Trisagion services at 7:30. The funeral will be held Friday morning, November 18, 2005 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 So. 300 West. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Hospice, 5280 So. Commerce Drive, Suite E200, Murray, UT 84107. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.celebratinglife-ut.com. A mother's love can never be replaced, but her memories are eternal Published in the Deseret News from 11/17/2005 - 11/18/2005. Coley, Lloyd S. Lloyd S. Coley "Spade" Lloyd Stanley Coley, 80, died peacefully of natural causes, surrounded by family Nov. 14, 2005 at Utah State Veterans Nursing Home. Born March 30, 1925 in Ogden, Utah to Lloyd G. and Verna S. Coley. He married Mary Onadel Averett on Nov. 22, 1947. Lloyd was a veteran who served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy as a signalman aboard the U.S.S. Norton Sound. Lloyd was a graduate of Ogden High School, class of '43. He also attended Weber State College Art Program. Lloyd began his professional career at Marveon Sign Co. in Ogden. He then worked for Salt Lake Neon. In 1955 he started working for Rainbow Neon Sign Co. as a graphic artist, later becoming the sole proprietor. Lloyd enjoyed a 50 year career in the sign business. He enjoyed golfing, music, dancing and antique cars. But his greatest passion was his wife Onadel, his family and friends. He delighted in telling jokes, stories and making people laugh. Lloyd is survived by his loving wife Onadel, three children; Connie Coley Kirkpatrick (Bruce), Laura Coley Leverich and Vincent Guy Coley (Barbara). Six grandchildren; Jennifer, Lindsay (Joshua), Ryan (Heather), Shawn, Matthew and Karen. Two great grandchildren; Savannah and Samuel. Three sisters; Judy Orton, Cheri Karren, LaDawn Kidd and one brother Ron Coley. Preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Shirley and Colleen and his brother Gus. Memorial services will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park at 3401 Highland Dr., Salt Lake City on Friday, November 18, 2005 at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends at 1:30 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn. In lieu of flowers, family asks for donations to be sent to the Utah State Veterans Nursing Home or the charity of your choice. Published in the Deseret News from 11/17/2005 - 11/18/2005. Crosby, Ed Ed Crosby 11/18/1947 ~ 7/2/2005 God looked down on your body, so tired of hanging on, from cancer that overwhelmed you and & he wanted back his son. He took away the air you breathe & gave you what was best, a place to be in final peace, A FINAL PLACE TO REST. Happy Birthday Big Bro we miss you! Love, from your family Published in the Deseret News on 11/18/2005. Darke, Maxine Henriod Maxine Henriod Darke 1914 ~ 2005 Maxine Henriod Darke, a civic and social leader in Salt Lake City for many years died on November 13, 2005 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was born June 2, 1914 in American Fork, Utah, a daughter of Leonard Claudius and Sarah Emeline Murdock Henriod. After graduating from the University of Utah, she helped to install a dozen nursery schools throughout the state. She married Roy Arnold Darke on September 20, 1935, after which they traveled to Philadelphia where Roy attended the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and Maxine taught at the Booth School. Maxine served as president of the Salt Lake County and Utah State Medical Auxiliaries. She was one of the founders of the Salt Lake Assistance League. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved growing flowers, reading books, and playing bridge. She is survived by her two daughters, Judith Sara Delogu (Orlando), Portland, Maine, and Diana Maxine Potter (Kirk), Honolulu, Hawaii; a brother, Joseph Leonard Henriod (Lorraine) and a sister, Margaret Kimball, both of Salt Lake City; 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Roy, Maxine was pre-deceased by a daughter, Dorothy Jeanne Morrison (Kent) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and a son, Roy Richard Darke (Ann) of Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 20, at twelve noon at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive. Interment, following the service will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Darke Memorial Fund for the University Honors Program through the University of Utah Development Fund or charity of your choice. Published in the Deseret News from 11/18/2005 - 11/19/2005. Garrett, Dean R. Dean R. Garrett 1914 ~ 2005 Dean Robert Garrett, 91, passed away November 15, 2005 in American Fork, Utah. He was born March 18, 1914 in Nephi, Utah to Louis and Estella Boswell Garrett. He married Amy Buchanan, August 18, 1933 in Richfield, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple in 1934. Amy died January 2, 1977. Dean later married Lucille Richards, July 15, 1977 in American Fork. He gave life long service to his church, serving as a beloved Bishop of the American Fork 3rd ward, a high councilman for Alpine Stake and a temple worker in the Provo and Mt. Timpanogos Temples for 20 years. He served on the American Fork Hospital Board, and as it's president. He was an avid gardener of flowers and vegetables, going to great lengths to make his home and yard beautiful. He was a sought after speaker in religious settings. For years he owned Garrett Market, a community grocery store. He was employed by Alpine School District as its Purchasing Agent, retiring after 25 years of service. Survived by his wife, Lucille, children, Lewis (Shirley) Garrett, Claranne Garrett Duke, Dean (Charlotte) Garrett, Jr., Suzanne (Albert) Schmuhl, Julie (Greg) Wittwer, Barbara (Kent) Richards; step-children, Bill (Debbie) Preston, MeriLu (Jeff) Mills; 36 grandchildren, 85 great- grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Gordon B. Garrett, four sisters and four brothers. Dean loved his family beyond measure and in return was greatly loved and respected by his children and grandchildren. Funeral services will be Friday, November 18th at 11:00 a.m. in the American Fork 21st Ward, 290 North 900 East. Friends may call at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork, Thursday 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday at the church from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial, American Fork Cemetery. Email condolences may be sent to www.andersonmortuary.com Published in the Deseret News from 11/17/2005 - 11/18/2005. Hansen, Olive P. Olive P. Hansen 1904 ~ 2005 PERRY - On Wednesday, November 16, 2005 our beloved mother and grandmother, Olive P. Hansen, was called home to be with her Heavenly Father, one of the oldest residents of Box Elder County. She was born June 15, 1904 in Ephraim, Utah, she was the daughter of Orson and Louisa Bailey Poulson. Olive married Angus Lester Hansen in the Manti LDS Temple. They raised three daughters, Betty (Fred) Wilson, Perry, Utah; Audrey (Bob) Bean, Blackfoot, Idaho; Elaine (Bill) Ewing, Providence, Utah. One son, Glen Angus died soon after birth. There will a graveside service at the Mayfield Cemetery on Friday at 3:00 p.m. May she have a wonderful reunion with loved ones who have passed on before her. Funeral Directors, Gillies Funeral Chapel, Brigham City, Utah. Published in the Deseret News on 11/18/2005. Hicken, Helen Hooper Helen Hooper Hicken "Beloved Mother" Helen Hooper Hicken, 91, beloved mother, grandmother and great- grandmother passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2005. She was born May 28, 1914 to Spencer H. Peterson and Jeannette Whitehead Peterson in Mammoth, Utah. She married Eugene A. Hooper on November 5, 1936 in the Salt Lake Temple. He passed away in November 1966. She married Thomas L. Hicken in November 1967 and he passed away in November 1983. She is survived by her children: Carolyn H. Robison (Richard), Eugene A. Hooper, Jr. (Joeleen), Spencer S. Hooper (Paige), step-children: Jean H. Asay, Lynn H. Wallentine (Craig), Dale H. Johnson (Don), Steven T. Hicken (Jan), siblings: sister Lorraine P. Gill, step-sisters Shirley McMurdie and Lyle Elliott, 30 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husbands: Eugene A. Hooper and Thomas L. Hicken. Helen was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many different capacities. She is a former member of and historian for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She taught early morning seminary while living in New York. She and her husband Tom served an LDS mission in the Los Angeles Temple Visitor's Center. She loved books and learning. She graduated from LDS High School and attended the University of Utah. She served as an officer in the League of Utah Writers and American Pen Women. She has published many poems, stories and a novel. She was a secretary for many years for the Utah Fish and Game Department. She was very charitable and had a profound influence for good on many throughout her life. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at the Stratford Ward, 2605 S. 1500 E., Salt Lake City. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Stratford Ward, 2605 S. 1500 E., Salt Lake City. Published in the Deseret News from 11/17/2005 - 11/18/2005. Kimball, David Golden David Golden Kimball (1939 ~ 2005) Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, returned to his heavenly home Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at his home in Midway, Utah with his loving family by his side after a valiant year long battle with esophageal cancer. He was born September 7, 1939 to Dr. James Leroy Kimball and Marjorie Dahlen Kimball in Salt Lake City, Utah. He married the love of his life, Lorna Williamson in the Salt Lake Temple, having just celebrated their 30th anniversary on October 25th. David is a loving and caring person, always taking care of his family and putting others first. He is a great example to us all and will continue to be. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the British Mission and grew to have a great love and passion for England. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1966 and is a long time season ticket holder of BYU Football and U of U Basketball, juggling his loyalty to both. He enjoyed the occasional round of golf with his boys, camping with his wife and family and autumn horseback rides. David always made friends easily, and seemed to know people everywhere, no matter where he was or what he was doing. He was always leaving a lasting impression on people with his classic bit of dry wit. Survived by his devoted wife, Lorna; his sons, David II (Rachel), Jason, Joshua; his daughters, Lisa, Kadie Nielsen (Tom); and five grandchildren; brothers, James Jr., John, and Bill Kimball; sisters, Marion Dunn and Mitzie Bigelow. Preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 19 at 11:00 a.m. at the Emigration 4th Ward, 589 E. 18th Avenue in Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday, November 18 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake and one hour prior to services at the ward. The family would like to thank Marcene Littledike of IHC Hospice, along with Dr. Ross E. Morgan and staff. In lieu of flowers please donate to IHC Hospice Care, 2250 South 1300 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84119. Published in the Deseret News from 11/17/2005 - 11/18/2005. McDonald, Lyle Lyle McDonald "Loving Husband, Dad & Grandpa" Dee Lyle McDonald, 65, passed away November 15, 2005. He was born June 26, 1940 in Roosevelt, Utah to Max and Cleo Timothy McDonald. On June 14, 1961, Lyle married Marilee Nelson. Lyle worked as a Survey Engineer at Kennecott Copper for over 30 years. Survived by his wife, Marilee; children, Troy (Heidi) McDonald, Tiffany (Mark) McCleery; five grandsons, Casey, Keaton, Austin, Dylan and Remington; one great grandson, Chandler; brothers,. Gary (Loye) and Mike (Diane); sister, Sheila Hanson (Keith) ; mother, Cleo McDonald. Graveside funeral services will be held Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, 10600 South 1950 East. Friends may call at Goff Mortuary 8090 So. State on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Published in the Deseret News from 11/17/2005 - 11/18/2005. Rogers, Royal J. Royal J. Rogers "Gone Rock Hunting" Royal J. Rogers, age 76, passed away November 15, 2005 peacefully at home after a courageous three year battle with cancer. Born January 19, 1929 to Roy and Margaret Rogers in Milford, Utah. Married Hazel L. Sherwood, his loving wife of 56 years. Jay was a jack of all trades and an avid rock hunter. He was always there to help anyone in need. Jay is survived by his wife, Hazel; sons, Larry (Eileen), Alan (Diane) and Mark (Julie); daughter, Janet (Dahl) Torgensen; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 3:00 p.m. at Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South. The family will receive friends at a visitation Saturday from 1:00 until 2:45 p.m. prior to the service at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South. Published in the Deseret News from 11/17/2005 - 11/18/2005. Seely, Edna Margaret Rowley Edna Margaret Rowley Seely 1919 ~ 2005 Edna Margaret Rowley Seely passed away Nov. 16, 2005, the day before her birthday, at her home in West Jordan. She was born Nov. 17, 1919 in Hiawatha, Utah. Married Elvin Anthony Seely on June 21, 1943 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She was an excellent homemaker, seamstress and bread maker. She enjoyed quilting and gardening. She lived in Price, Grand Junction, Colorado, Salt Lake City, Cedar City, Lander, Wyoming, Rogers City, Michigan, Cedarville, Michigan and West Jordan, Utah. Edna and Elvin always were active in the LDS church and served genealogy/ancestral missions. She held many positions in the LDS church including Relief Society President and Primary President. Survived by her husband; children, SuzAnne (David) McOmie, Kathleen (Kenneth, deceased) Whites and Douglas (Linda) Seely; 16 grandchildren; 23 1/2 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents Orson and Emmy Rowley; grandmother, Wanda Hansen Clement; sisters, Lois (Marvin) Smith, Wanda Jackson; brother, O. Grant Rowley. The family would like to thank all who helped with Edna's care including: West Jordan Copper Hills 1st Ward, Bishop D. Young, Cammi Larsen, Julie Myler, Dr. Edward Bullock, IHC Hospice - Dr. Jane MacPherson, Rhonda, Cathy, Wanda and Pearson Frank. Funeral will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. in the West Jordan Copper Hills 1st Ward, 5176 West Parr Drive (8440 South). Visitation will be held Friday at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, from 6-8 p.m.. and at the ward one hour prior to service. Interment, Price City cemetery. Published in the Deseret News on 11/18/2005. Serassio, J. J. J.J. Serassio 1989 ~ 2005 RIVERTON- Our loving son and brother Joseph James Serassio, 16, returned to his Papa Joe on Nov.15, 2005. Born June 13, 1989 in Salt Lake City, Utah to George and Darla Butterfield Serassio. He attended Riverton High School and was a member of the band, chess club and track team. He was the owner and operator of Tile J.J. A member of the LDS Church, an active priest and was an Eagle Scout. Survived by parents, three sisters Stephanie (Paul) Rindlisbach, Amie and Emma; grandmothers Jenalee Butterfield and Emma Serassio. Funeral Services will be held Monday at 12 Noon in the Riverton 2nd Ward, 12574 So. 1700 W. Friends may call Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Broomhead Funeral Home, 12600 So. 2200 W. and Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment Riverton Cemetery. Published in the Deseret News on 11/18/2005. Smith, James Lynn James Lynn Smith 1947 ~ 2005 My heart is your heart. My dreams are your dreams. This sentiment is etched forever on the headstone of the two hearts that are now reunited. Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2005. He fought a long and arduous battle with C.O.P.D. Jim was born February 17, 1947 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Robert Smith and Mary Alice Slaymaker. Jim was honorably discharged from the United States Army in the late 1960's at which time he began working in the supply warehouse at the Veterans Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah and then San Francisco, California. Jim retired in 1995, after 25+ years of service. In 1998, he and his beloved wife, Valerie returned to Salt Lake City to watch their grandchildren grow. Jim loved camping, fishing, bowling and spending time with his family. Jim is survived by his children, Jami (Jim) Brothwell and Kristin Smith; grandchildren, Sierra, Clarissa and C.J.; brothers, Michael (Alfreida) Smith, Calvin (Linda) Smith, Kip (Linda) Smith and Charles "Chip" Slaymaker; sisters, Brenda Drown and Stacie Porter; sister-in-law, Dana Smith and many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by his wife, Valerie Jean Young Smith; his parents, Robert Smith and Mary Alice Slaymaker; step-mother, Doris Smith; brother, Robert Smith and sister, Rose Johnson. Graveside Services will be held Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South. The family will receive friends at a viewing Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, and from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. prior to the service on Saturday. Published in the Deseret News on 11/18/2005. Worthington, Bonnie Bonnie Worthington 1929 ~ 2005 Bonnie Worthington, 76, passed away November 16, 2005 in West Jordan, Utah. She was born on May 17, 1929 in Castle Gate, Utah to Walter and Ila Rice. She married Edward J. Worthington on September 14, 1947 in Salt Lake City. Marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on September 14, 1980. Bonnie worked many years making pies, packing meat and making chocolates. Bonnie was everything good. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed reading, handiwork and visiting with friends and neighbors. She took great pride in her home and flower gardens. She enjoyed spending time with her dog Mickey. She had a special love for her grandchildren and always had a book or game to share with them. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her. Bonnie is survived by her husband, son; Edward (Linda) grandchildren; Shauna, Christopher, Amy, Jennifer, Adam and Heather, Brother; Gary (Merrolyn) Rice. She is preceded in death by Mother, Father, brothers; Lyle, Robert, Don. Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park 3401 Highland Drive. Family will receive friends on Saturday one hour prior to services at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary. Published in the Deseret News from 11/18/2005 - 11/19/2005. Wright, Melva Thorup Melva Thorup Wright "Returning With Honor" An Elect Lady and faithful daughter of Heavenly Father returned to her heavenly home, having endured to the end, on November 12, 2005. Although she was 80 years young, her death happened quickly and unexpectedly due to renal failure. Melva was born November 8, 1925 to William Wilford Thorup and Esther Elizabeth Nordberg Thorup, in Murray, Utah. She is the eighth of 14 children. William and Esther instilled a love of music in their children, each playing a musical instrument and/or singing. They had a family orchestra that performed throughout the Salt Lake Valley and after she and her sisters were married, they formed a chorus that continued performing. The violin was Melva's instrument of choice and as she grew into her late teens, her teacher told her that she could have a career as a concert violinist - she was that good! But a handsome, dark-haired and brown-eyed military pilot by the name of Gordon Lowell Wright courted and won her affection and she chose having a family over a career - a decision she never regretted. On June 3, 1946, Melva and Gordon were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. Only a few short days after their marriage, Gordon was sent on a mission to Northwestern states. Six months later, Melva was sent on a mission to Southern California and the last six months of their missions they spent together as companions in Montana. Because of World War II, young men were sent to serve their country instead of missions, but with the end of the war, the LDS church was in need of missionaries so it wasn't uncommon to send married men (and sometimes their wives). The miraculous part of it all is that this newlywed couple was promised that if Gordon answered the call to serve the Lord, they wouldn't miss out on anything for the two and a half years he was gone. When they returned home from their missions and started a family, they were blessed with identical twin boys! The Lord truly kept his promise. 10 more children were born over the years. Sadly, Melva and Gordon later divorced. Gordon also loved music and could play the piano "by ear" - so a second generation family orchestra was born ~ the Wright Family Orchestra. This orchestra also performed throughout the Salt Lake Valley, as well as on both the east and west coasts. Mom was never happier than she was when she watched her children perform. Mom loved to garden. She even enjoyed weeding! This talent was also passed on to several of her children (except the weeding part). The yard was always immaculate and alive with color - truly a showpiece. But her greatest love was her family and her Heavenly Father. She taught her children the gospel and set a marvelous example. She also spent hours each day teaching her children to play the different musical instruments. She used "how to" books to teach until each child became too proficient for her and she then put them in private lessons. Her children were her life. She sacrificed and went without so they could pursue their talents. But it wasn't just her children who were recipients of her generosity. When she saw a need, without being asked, she rose to the occasion; she organized a fund-raiser when Chile was devastated by an earthquake. She was active in civic events, trying to make her communities better and in her later years she worked, as well as volunteered, as a companion to patients in nursing homes, shut-ins and Alzheimer's patients. She was filled with compassion and empathy for those struggling with poor health and loneliness. She was a friend to friendless and gave freely of her worldly goods. Life took it's toll on Melva and her body was affected by various debilitating illnesses (a factor in her divorce), but like Job, she never denied God and remained faithful until the end, sharing the joy of the gospel wherever and whenever she could. Melva is survived by 11 children and their spouses: Lowell (Elaine), Layne (Marian), Gary (Sharon), Jacki (Don) Sorensen, Kelly (Sherie), Kirk (Valerie), Ginger (Dave) McNeill, Will (Robyn), Judy (Jeff) Thomson, Todd (Valee), Liz (Jerry) Flitton. She is also survived by two sisters and one brother: Geniel (Garn) Christensen, June (David) Evans and Bill Thorup; two brothers-in-law, Paulus Svedin and Ralph Loveridge as well as 12 of Gordon's siblings and their spouses. She has 65 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren and five on the way. She is preceded in death by her parents, a son, Jeffrey Lynn Wright, 10 brothers and sisters, her ex-husband Gordon, two brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law and a granddaughter, Megan Wright. The family would like to thank Joe, Monica, Jessica and "the rhubarb" nurse at Altaview Hospital for their patience, care and "going the extra mile" ~ especially with such a large and sometimes impatient group of siblings. We would like also to thank Hospice for their knowledge and care that made the last five days of mom's life a little more pleasant for all. And a special thanks goes out to Judy and Ginger, as they took turns taking her into their homes for the past three years when it became impossible for her to live alone. Funeral services will held Saturday November 19, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy (10600 So.) with a viewing from 12:00 to 1:45 prior to the service. Interment in Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online condolences at www.jenkins-soffe.com Published in the Deseret News from 11/17/2005 - 11/18/2005. Guest Book Funeral home info Flowers Charities Young, LeOra Hess LeOra Hess Young 1921 ~ 2005 LeOra Hess Young passed away at her home in Murray, November 15, 2005, from pancreatic cancer. LeOra was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 19, 1921, to George W. Hess and Oralie Andrew Hess. She graduated from South High School (1938) and from the University of Utah. She married J. Lowell Young in the Salt Lake Temple, March 16, 1945; Lowell passed away March 16, 1999. LeOra was an active member of the Church and magnified a variety of Church callings throughout her life. She was part of many fun-filled road shows, ward dinners, Relief Society skits, and ward bazaars. She served alongside Lowell as a worker in the Jordan River Temple for thirteen years. LeOra's life is a worthy example of love, service, gracefulness, and beauty. She was a creative and talented artist and teacher, a wonderful homemaker, and a supportive and loving companion to her husband of 54 years. She was a truly great mother and a wonderful grandmother. She leaves a legacy of love, service, and faith. LeOra is survived by her brother George A. (Joy) Hess; by her children, Candy Lee Young, Von (Renae) Young, Ray (Christine) Young, and Melody (Jack) Dunn; and by her eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her infant sister Marilyn Hess and her brother Raymond E. Hess. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 19, at 11:00 a.m., in the Murray 21st Ward, 41 W. 6280 South (access from Clay Park Drive at 25 W. 6400 South), Murray. Friends may greet the family Friday evening, November 18, 6-8 p.m., at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State Street, Murray, and from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the ward building prior to the funeral. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, Salt Lake City. Condolences can be sent to www.jenkins-soffe.com Published in the Deseret News from 11/17/2005 - 11/18/2005.