Our great example of goodness and beauty, Donna Mae Hill Monson, passed away on August 28, 2013.
She survived cancer, but not Alzheimer's. She was born June 8, 1934 to Melvin Eugene and Birgetta Linea (Dorothy) Hill in Salt Lake City, Utah. She graduated from South High School where she was a member of the Student Council and a cheerleader. She loved dancing and taught all types of dance to others at the Salt Lake Music Center. She participated in many summer festivals held at the University of Utah and toured through the western states participating in state productions.
While attending the University of Utah, she met and married Earl M. Monson. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on March 19, 1954. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She taught us all about real love and enjoyment of life. She always helped any around her to enjoy and understand what was good and proper in life. She kept busy spending time with family and friends, helping those in need, and giving devoted church service. She always had a calling in the LDS Church serving as a teacher or member of presidency, or directing activities. She won the hearts of many youth as she wrote and directed wonderful roadshows including one, with a close friend's help, that was presented at an all-Church June Conference presented at the University of Utah. She gave dedicated support to her husband while he served in Church callings, including one that took them to the Pacific Islands for four years and to the Philippines for three years, where she served as Matron of the Manila Philippines Temple. Wherever she went, she made countless dear friends that she truly cherished. She sewed beautiful clothing for her young children, had a lovely singing voice, and was well known as an excellent cook, always trying new recipes. Her home and yard were always immaculate and attractively decorated. She is best remembered for her loving personality, wonderful sense of humor, and determination to always do what was right.
She was preceded in death by her parents and half-brother. She is survived by her husband (Earl) and five children; Michael (Kris) of Smithfield; Julie (Cliff Hansen) of South Jordan; Wendy (Russ Mower) of Sandy; Steven of Dallas, TX; and Scott (Amy) of Saratoga Springs. She is also survived by one brother: Melvin (Anne) Hill of Holladay, 22 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
Special gratitude is expressed to the kind and caring people at Taylorsville Legacy Village and Inspiration Hospice.
There will be a viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 1st as well as from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Monday, September 2nd. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 2nd, 2013. Viewings and services will be held in the River Ridge 7th Ward at 10124 South 1300 West, next to the Jordan River Temple. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens at 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy UT. For condolences, please visit LarkinMortuary.com
