Emma Blakley Luellen passed away on February 25, 2024, in Sandy, Utah surrounded by her family, including all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was born on January 5, 1936, to Earl Joseph Bessire and Rhoda Gibson Bessire in Kilgore, Texas.
She lived in Cortez, Colorado in the summer and spent the winter as a “snowbird” in Phoenix, Arizona, before moving to Sandy, Utah to be closer to her family.
Mom had a full and busy life. She enjoyed being part of many organizations including, The American Legion Auxiliary, Cortez Emblem Club, and National Sorority Daughter of the American Revolution. While living in Phoenix, she was very active with her Beta Sigma Phi sisters. She loved them so much. She received her 50-year recognition while in Phoenix and was deeply honored. During her last days, her Phoenix sisters created a chain text that she looked forward to everyday. She was also an active member of the Montezuma Presbyterian Church in Cortez, Colorado.
Mom was our family’s social butterfly. She had friends all over. I don’t think she knew what a stranger was. When she met someone, it was not very long before she had made a new friend. She loved her games, Bridge being her favorite of course, but she also enjoyed Hand and Foot, Dominoes, and playing Rummikum with her great grandkids. If there was a game being played, she was always up to play. Mother loved to travel. She travelled all over the world with Sam and also Bill. She had a full life for sure.
She is survived by her daughter, Becky (Eric) Butt, 3 grandchildren Eric Leon (Danielle) Butt, Jr., Christopher Glynn Butt, Reschell Hope Conover, 8 great grandchildren Kade Butt, Sage Butt, Cooper Butt, Luke Butt, Taylor Butt, Payton Butt, Caleb Conover, and Tatum Conover. Preceded in death by her twin brothers Robert Earl and Jerrel Lee Bessire, the love of her life and husband, Harold Blakley, 2nd husband Charles “Sam” Luellen and her companion William “Bill” Duncan.
Mother will be truly missed. I am so thankful that she was living with Eric and I for the last year and a half. I will always treasure our time together. She knew she was loved.
Mom will be interred beside my dad, Harold Blakley, in Cortez, Colorado. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
You will be missed! Love you so much!
