Mary Jane Purdue Salmon was born September 4, 1923 to Eva Lillian Higbee and Paul Hubert Purdue in Salt Lake City, Utah. She passed away peacefully January 27, 2016 at the home of her daughter Emily. When Mary Jane was just 5 years old, her father died. Mary Jane's maternal grandparents lived close by, so her family took up residence with them. Her mother later married Jethro "Arlie" Rydalch, and the family moved to a new home on N Street close by the City Cemetery. Many happy days were spent at this home.
She graduated from East High and attended LDS Business College. On September 30, 1942, she married her next door neighbor and best friend, Orville James Salmon, in the Salt Lake Temple. She caught her biggest "Fish" when she got married. Together, they raised five children and were almost married 70 years. They bought their first and only home in the Sugarhouse area in 1945, during WWII. Here they had many rich experiences raising their children and making many cherished friends.
She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings, including Relief Society President twice. She was an accomplished genealogist, finding hundreds of her ancestors and doing their temple work. She loved studying the gospel and having gospel discussions with friends and family. She has been a member of many different wards and stakes, without moving once, witnessing the growth of the neighborhood and church.
She is preceded in death by her son Steven Craig, husband Orville, and brother Paul. She is survived by her children, Jim (Rusty), David (Robyn), Sue (Brent) Wallace, Emily (Paul) Greco, 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 3, at 11:00 am at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple. A viewing will precede the service from 9:30-10:45 am. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery following the service. Condolences may be made at www.LarkinCares.com
