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Show Page 6 The Ogden Valley News Volume XXX Issue VI June 1, 2023 Announcements Obituaries Melanie Charlene Grob Mark October 7, 1947 ~ May 15, 2023 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Melanie Charlene Grob Mark, our beloved Swiss angel. She passed away peacefully after a long and fulfilling sojourn Melanie Mark spent exploring the peaks and valleys of life. Known for her kindness, generosity, and grace, she touched the lives of countless individuals and will be deeply missed by all who knew her and had the opportunity to experience her kindness and compassion. Raised in Utah, Melanie was known for her love of nature and her strong connection to her Swiss heritage. She was an avid traveler and spent many years exploring, but always returned to her beloved Wasatch Mountains. Melanie was also a member in her early years of the Swiss Chorus Edelweiss with her parents. She spent many years horseback riding, biking, hiking, and skiing in the Cottonwood Canyons and Ogden Valley with her children, family, and friends. She had an adventurous spirit and fearless attitude, especially on Wonder, her favorite horse. Melanie especially loved her years in the breathtaking natural beauty of Eden, Utah. Melanie would often say to her friends, family, and grandchildren that the natural beauty of both Switzerland and Eden is something that cannot be captured in words alone but must be experienced firsthand and she encouraged all to visit often. In her later years, spending time with her grandchildren in the Alps was a highlight that embodied her two greatest loves, her family and the serenity of this natural world. She was a dedicated and hardworking individual known for her strong work ethic and her determination to succeed in all that she did. She was an inspiration to many, and her legacy and sacrifice will live on through the countless lives that she touched. Melanie always had a deep love for education. As a young mother, she instilled in her children the importance of learning. This was also evident in the way she constantly sought out new learning opportunities for herself and her family. She graduated from the University of Utah and completed her graduate work at Utah State University, with a gap year in Hawaii surfing and eating lots of pineapple. Professionally, Melanie dedicated her life to the social determinants and supporting those most vulnerable in our communities. This work required a deep understanding of the complex issues that affect our society, as well as a commitment to improving the lives of others. She deeply understood the interconnectedness of various aspects of life, such as poverty, education, mental health, and more. Melanie worked diligently to break the cycle of poverty and inequality, focusing on building healthier and stronger communities. She was truly an inspiration. Faith and dedication are powerful forces that can inspire us to achieve great things. One person who embodies these qualities is Melanie, who has always been guided by a deep sense of purpose and worked tirelessly to make a positive impact in this world. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her faith was an integral part of her life, and it is the foundation upon which she built her commitment to serving others. Melanie is a shining example of what it means to live a life that is focused on faith in Christ and enduring to the end and serves as an example to all. Melanie is survived by her loving family and friends, who will remember her for her kind heart, her beautiful spirit, and her unwavering love for life. Thank you, Melanie, for teaching us that love always wins. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all and elevating those around you. Godspeed until we meet again, our dear Swiss angel. Lastly, we wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our family, friends, and caregivers who have provided unwavering support and love to Melanie in her last few years. A special thanks to Quail Meadows, AFI Hospice and Visiting Angels. Their selflessness and dedication have been a constant source of inspiration to us, and we recognize how truly blessed Melanie was to have each of them in her life. To conclude, mothers are the ultimate personas, nurturers, and protectors. They are the ones who guide us through life’s ups and downs, providing us with love, support, and guidance along the way. They are the ones who hold our hands when we are scared, wipe away our tears when we cry, and celebrate our victories and failures. Mothers are our first teachers, our first friends, and our first heroes. On this day, we want to celebrate and honor all the incredible mothers who have dedicated their lives to raising their children and making a difference in this world. Eden Ties - Melanie Mark and her Swiss family had a deep and enduring connection to Ogden Valley. They often referred to Eden as the closest place to Switzerland within the U.S. for which one might discover. This connection began with Karl (“Charles”) Grob and Gretel (“Margaret”) Bauman Grob, and over the years, many of their children and grandchildren lived in and developed a strong affinity and built countless memories in Ogden Valley and the surrounding mountain valleys. Melanie raised her three beautiful children in Eden, where they created a lifetime of memories exploring its lakes, trails, and mountains. Additionally, Melanie’s sister Cynthia (married to Jerry Naylor) had the family’s infamous farmhouse [at the bottom of Patio Road/Wolf Creek Dr.] where they spent summers and holidays. Melanie’s family gathered at Snowbasin last week to celebrate her life, complete with the sounds of Swiss alpine horns that echoed through these beautiful mountain valleys. The following beautiful spring day, with snow-covered Wasatch mountains as the backdrop and birds singing sweet descants, Melanie was laid to rest Saturday, May 20, 2023 in the serene and picturesque Mountain View Cemetery in Eden, Utah. The ceremony was attended by her family, friends, and loved ones, who came together to pay their final respects to a woman, mother and grandmother who touched their lives in countless ways. It was an emotional moment, a time to reflect on the memories they shared, and the legacy she left behind. Möge Gott dich segnen, unser lieber Schweizer Engel. Deceased Elden Ray Schenck, 78, died May 9, 2023. C. Luckey Heath, 87, died April 20, 2023. Frances Geraldine Prevedel, 93, died May 12, 2023. Carl Ernest “Ernie” Butters, Jr., 88, died May 13, 2023. Susan Erickson Schmidt, 73, died May 14, 2023. Karen McFarland Archibald, 67, died May 19, 2023. Sherma Fae Stanger Mildon, died May 19, 2023. Sharon Wayment Flinders February 6, 1939 ~ May 12, 2023 Our loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Sharon Flinders, 84, passed away at McKay-Dee Hospital in the afternoon hours of Sharon Flinders Friday, May 12, 2023 with her loving family near her side. She was born February 6, 1939 in Ogden, Utah, the daughter of Everett Albert and Lila Berrett Wayment. She was the eldest of five children. Sharon married the love of her life, Gary W. Flinders, September 14, 1956 in Ogden, Utah. Gary and Sharon spent nearly 59 wonderful years together. They had one son, Kevin, who was their pride and joy. She graduated from Weber High School in 1957 and worked for 35 years at the Mountain Bell phone company until her retirement. In her younger years, she enjoyed skiing, playing softball, and golfing. She was a skilled golfer and longtime member of the White Barn Ladies Association. She loved traveling with her family, many friends, and her husband. She enjoyed golf trips to Canada, cruises with her husband Eleanor Jean Ransom October 10, 1930 ~ May 15, 2023 Eleanor Jean (Heskett) Ransom of Liberty, Utah went to be with the Savior she loved and served May 15, 2023. Eleanor was born Eleanor Ransom to William Clayton and Goldie Mae Smith Heskett of McCook, Nebraska on October 10, 1930. At the age of 12 she accepted that gift of righteousness the Bible talks about in Philippians chapter 3 by putting her trust in Jesus Christ alone. During high school days she heard Sam McCarrell teaching from the Bible at Maranatha Bible Camp on the salvation Jesus spoke of. Perhaps he was reading from 1 John chapter 5. She saw from the Bible that Eternal life was something she could know was hers with confidence as the chapter explains. When death came, she would be going to be with her Savior Jesus Christ for all eternity. She graduated from McCook High School in 1948. After graduation, she attended McCook Junior College becoming certified to teach in a rural school. Her first year she taught K to 4th grade at Perry School, then K to 8th grade the second year. In 1950 she met Ira Ransom at Maranatha Bible Camp. Later that year they attended a Tri-State Youth meeting where Ira was the song leader and Eleanor was the pianist. They courted and then were married June 19, 1951. and friends, and trips with her sister. In her later years, she enjoyed going for walks and working in her yard to keep herself active. She worked hard to ensure her yard was in the best of shape. She spent several years caring for her mother, who spent the final years of her life in a care facility. After her mother’s passing, Sharon was the primary caregiver for her husband when his health declined. Sharon loved spending time with family, especially her granddaughter Carissa and step-grandson Robby, whom she loved very much. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed visits from her neighbors and appreciated their help around her home. Sharon is survived by her son, Kevin (Mary Ann) Flinders; grandchildren, Carissa Flinders and Robby Facer; brothers Jerry L. (Kathleen) Wayment and Duane E. Wayment; and sister, Patricia Fleming. She was preceded in death by her loving husband; her parents; brother, Alan Blair Wayment; and brother-in-law, Richard Fleming. A graveside service for family was held Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Ben Lomond Cemetery in North Ogden. Friends visited with family prior to graveside services at the Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd. A special thank you to the South Ogden 4th Ward for their support. Together they served the Lord as dad pastored a church in Esbon, Kansas (1952); then to Gunnison, Colorado (1953-1955). They joined Pioneer Bible Mission that year and began the ministry of planting churches in Utah—first in Brigham City (1955-1965), then in Logan (1966-1980), sharing the truth of the Word of God with many and opening their home to everyone. In 1980 they moved back to Brigham City and continued to assist church planting until God called Ira home to Him in 2016. In 2022, Eleanor moved to Liberty to live with her son Stephen and his wife Rhonda. Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Ira (August 19, 2016) and her parents and siblings. She leaves behind her four children: Victor Ransom (Suebee), Stephen Ransom (Rhonda), Miriam Lofquist (Les), and Connie Viekman (Dick); 14 grandchildren and 28 greatgrandchildren; brother-in-law Jack (Wanda) Ransom; and many loved nieces and nephews. She wanted to share with you her favorite Bible verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:56 NKJV). She loved the Lord and is now enjoying eternity with Him. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15 NKJV). In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Bethel Builders, c/o Steve Barsuhn, 1010 Oak Dr., Brigham City, UT 84302. Memorial services were held Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Gillies Funeral Chapel, 634 E. 200 S., Brigham City, Utah. Interment at the Brigham City Cemetery. Please send your announcements & photos to: Ogden Valley News PO BOX 522, EDEN UT 84310 Announcements are placed free of charge. |