Stella S. Axelsen Walton, 88, completed her earthly sojourn with grace at her home on June 30, 2000. Her last days were filled with the love and tender care of her cherished family and caregivers.
Stella was born June 30, 1912, in Manti, UT to Charles Melvin and Christy Crawford Stringham. She attended Ogden High School skipping two grades and graduated with her older sister, Mad-eline Stringham Han-sen, now deceased. She attended the U of U where she met and married Karl Christen Axelsen on November 25, 1932, in the Salt Lake Temple. He passed away from this life on December 29, 1968. While at the U of U, Stella affiliated with Tri Delta. During her early married life Stella was left to raise her two daughters alone for four years while Karl served overseas in World War II. Her family and friends were the focal point of her entire life, as well as serving principally in the Relief Society and MIA of the LDS Church. She revered her ancestors, hosted many reunions in her Manti family home and later became a worker in the Salt Lake Temple. She was a member of several social clubs. Stella is remembered for her courage, infectious laughter and strength.
She later married Douglas Porter Walton on March 10, 1979. He preceded her in death by just two months on April 25, 2000. She is survived by one sister, Margaret Dillingham; two daughters, Patricia (Chad) Fisher, Draper; and Karly Axelsen, SLC; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three great great-granddaughters. Also survived by Douglas's children, Roger (Sherry) Walton, Steven (Ursula) Walton, Margaret (Phillip) Pugsley, Kathryn (Brent) Yeates; 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren. The family expresses profound gratitude to Stella's attending physician, grandson Dr. Kerry Scott Fisher and devoted caregivers, Jill McGavin (grandchild), Trish Libby (great-grandchild), Ron Rigby, Katherine Einzinger, Jessica Smith, Lina Dunham, also Verlean Brewster, Jenny and Ted Witker.
Services will be held on Wednesday, July 5, 2000 at 11 a.m. in the Valley View 6 th
Ward Chapel, 2000 East 3900 South. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will follow at the Manti City Cemetery.