Melva Elizabeth O\Very White

1927 ~ 2018

Melva White, age 90, passed away on January 3, 2018 after gracefully battling the devastating grips of dementia for several years.

Melva was a most wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother and, while we will sorely miss her, we rejoice at the thought of her reunion with her beloved husband, Darcie, who preceded her in death in 2016. They were married September 1, 1948 and enjoyed 67 years of marriage.

She was born September 13, 1927 to Clarence and Elizabeth O'Very in Rock Springs, Wyoming and was a true coalminer's daughter. She left home at age 17 to enter the University of Utah nursing program during WWII where she earned her RN degree and then practiced at the old St. Mark's hospital. She was an energetic and empathetic caregiver at heart and poured herself into the physical and emotional well-being of her family as well as many neighbors and friends. Complete strangers would often spontaneously tell her their life story. She was elegant and regal with a great sense of humor and a strong conviction to hard work and doing the right thing which she instilled in those around her. She cherished children, especially her 6 grandchildren (JD (Nikki), Jordan (Kristen), Sara (Kelly), Zach (Jenn), Adam and Kristie) and 3 great-grandchildren (Noelle, Jacob, and Lana) who always caused her to light up. Her favorite things were having the whole family together, cheering on her kids and grandkids at whatever they were doing, her home, the color red and the Utah Utes, and sitting outside in the sunshine.

The family wishes to especially thank Becky, Alexis, Charmaine, and Erica along with the other staff at Quality Hospice for their skilled and compassionate care during Melva's last months as well as the staff of Coventry Memory Support.

Melva is survived by her daughter Terry Tazoi, son Steven White (Paula), daughter Linda Shelton (Charlie), sister-in-law Leone White (Leon), and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, her sister Virginia Healey (Nash), and all other in-laws preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens chapel, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy, Utah, on Friday, January 12th at 2:00 pm. Family and friends may visit from 1:00-2:00 pm Friday just prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Melva's name to Alzheimer's Association Utah (www.alz.org/utah).