Our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Alice Elayne Harding Strickland, passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2018. She was 83 years old.
Elayne was born on April 20, 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ortho Lionel Harding and Essie Lenore Nielsen. The eighth of nine children and the youngest girl. She married Douglas Vernon Strickland. Together they had six children, including Jo Ellen (Doug's beautiful daughter from a previous marriage), followed by Stephen, Jean, Clay, Richard and Cecelia.
She was a devoted and life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she happily served in any position to which she was called. She especially enjoyed serving in the Primary and Junior Sunday School where she was surrounded by children. She had a great love for children and enjoyed playing with them, teasing them, singing with them, talking to them, listening to them, teaching them and loving them. Even in her last years, she was a fun and playful "Grandma" to many new adults and their children—all of whom readily loved and enjoyed being with her. It was with total joy that she was called "Grandma" by everyone who knew her—biological family or adopted by heart.
Family was everything to Elayne. Throughout her life, she remained especially close to her sisters. When they were together, there was endless laughter, silliness and a true and abiding love. Once she became a mother, she completely dedicated her life to her children and considered being sealed together forever one of the greatest blessings of the gospel. She was so grateful to have had the privilege of serving in the Jordan River Temple.
She is survived by her children, Jo Ellen (George) Alford, Jean (Robert) Schloss, Clay Strickland, Richard (Gina) Strickland and Cecelia (Jimmy) Murray; 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Sue, Elnora, and Ina Mae; brothers LeGrand, Clark, and Royd; and her son Stephen.
The family would like to thank all of those who assisted in caring for her these past 10 years: the truly amazing staff at the Neighborhood House, especially Kelsi, Jamie and Hailie, who loved her and treated her so well that we never had a moment's worry about her safety; Tia Lalor, her nurse from Symbii Hospice, whose respect and kindness guided her and us during the most difficult week; and the countless neighbors, family members and friends, whose selfless and helpful acts over these past years blessed all our lives; and most especially, her devoted son Clay.
We will honor her request to have a viewing followed by a graveside memorial service instead of a funeral. The viewing is scheduled at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 19, 2018, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah. The graveside memorial service will immediately follow at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
