Obituary: Melva Thunell Omer

Melva Thunell Omer 1923 ~ 2005 Melva Bernice Thunell Omer, 81, of Holladay, Utah, died September 9, 2005, of natural causes. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 17, 1923, to Isaac Peter Thunell and Hildegard Valentina Olson, the fifth of seven children. When she was a young girl, her family moved from Salt Lake City to Holladay. Melva graduated from Granite High School, after which she attended Pasadena City College while working in Pasadena, California. Her studies included secretarial business skills. Melva was talented in music and art, and particularly had a love of music. She was an accomplished pianist and organist. For over 50 years she accompanied church congregations, choirs, soloists, and a wide variety of musical shows. Melva was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. Her personal beliefs and faith were the guideposts of her life. She served others in many capacities in church and community, especially as a musician and music teacher to children and youth. She worked diligently with family members to complete family histories and genealogical records started by her parents. Melva cherished her family, and her children and grandchildren adored her for her enduring love, support, and devotion. She was a friend to all, both young and old, and was known for her kindness, thoughtfulness, gratitude, friendship, hospitality, encouragement, and keen sense of humor. Melva married Wayne Albert Omer October 29, 1943, in Santa Barbara, California, prior to Wayne's departure for Marine Corps service in the South Pacific. After his return, their marriage was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. At the close of World War II, they relocated from Santa Barbara to Holladay, Utah, where they have since resided. Melva is survived by her husband, Wayne Albert Omer of Holladay, Utah; daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Brent Gandre of Sandy, Utah, son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Audrey Omer of Jonesboro, Georgia, son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Deborah Omer of Meeker, Colorado, son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Denise Omer of Lithia Springs, Georgia, son and daughter-in-law, Bradley and Sharol Omer of West Valley City, Utah, son, Theodore (Ted) Omer of Sandy, Utah, son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Julie Omer of Lehi, Utah; 35 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren. Also survived by sister-in-law, Florence Thunell of Salt Lake City, Utah; brother, Richard Thunell of Logan, Utah; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Kenneth Hardy of South Jordan, Utah; sister, Mildred Weed of West Valley City, Utah; and numerous nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held Monday, September 12th, at the Cottonwood Mortuary, 4670 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, from 6-8 p.m. Memorial services will be held at the LDS Holladay 24th Ward, 4395 Albright Drive (2145 East), Tuesday, September 13, at 12 noon, with a viewing prior to the services from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Holladay Cemetery. The family expresses sincere appreciation to the staff of the Residence of CareSource for their professional skills and compassionate care.