Eleanor Eliza Dow Sjoblom, a grand lady, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2001, at Alta View Hospital.
Mom was born February 16, 1903, in Vernal, Utah. She was the oldest of nine children born to John Lorenzo Dow and Mary Sorensen Dow. Her family later moved to Lehi and then to Draper, where they built the Dow family home that stood as a landmark in early Draper for many years. Mom married Fred Ervine Sjoblom on June 4, 1924, in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in Draper for 50 more years, where they helped manage and farm the Sjoblom family farm while raising a family of five children. Mom's focus was always her family. She loved to cook, bake bread, sew and quilt. She loved and enjoyed her brothers and sisters, as well as her own children, and has greatly missed those who were called home before her. Mom spent much of her time in service to others as she served in numerous church callings including many years as a young women's leader and as Relief Society president. Mom became a Gold Star Mother when her second son Lynn died of pneumonia in 1954 while serving in the Air Force. Our brother was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple to his fiancee Janene Walker following her death in a traffic accident. After their retirement, Mom and Dad moved to Sandy, close to where they had both attended Jordan High School. They found many new friends in their Sandy neighborhood. Mom's life has been an example of loving kindness, dignity, independence and optimism. She was able to live in her own home and enjoy her daily activities until a few days before her death.
Survived by four children: Wanda Dunn (Richard), Vancouver, WA; Wallace Sjoblom (Margaret), North Ogden; Lorna Toone (Jae), Sandy; Roger Sjoblom (Kristine), Salt Lake City; and one sister, Alta Ludwig (Martin), Delta; 19 grandchildren; four step-grand-children; 57 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her loving husband Fred in 1986; son, Lynn; brothers: Peter, Howard, Rayburn and Mack; sisters, Melba, Mary and Lorraine.
Funeral services will be Friday, March 30, at 11 a.m. in the Mt. Jordan Stake Center, 9331 S. 300 E., Sandy. Viewing, Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State, Midvale, and Friday, 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment, Draper City Cemetery.
Special thanks to the many close friends, neighbors, and relatives who loved and served our dear Mom.