Velma Sorenson

Velma Davis Sorenson

Elsinore, Utah

Our dear sweet mother, grandmother and great-great grandmother, our "Grandma Honey" to all who knew her, returned home in Elsinore, Wednesday October 21, 2015 surrounded by her family, at the age of 93. She was born on November 10, 1921 in Panguitch, Utah. She was the only child of George Ashley and Amelia Rozella Case Davis. Velma spent her childhood days in Panguitch, up through her high school years. She loved the creek behind her home, where many childhood memories were made with friends. They would ice skate or float down this creek in an old tin tub, depending on the season. How she loved the peace and contentment this creek brought to her.

In Velma’s teen years she loved to spend her summer vacations in Annabella, Utah with her beloved grandparents, Marion Francis Case and Tora Elisha Burr, along with her many cousins. This is where she met the only love of her life, Ferd H. Sorenson. They were married on April 8, 1939 in Junction, Utah. Later sealed as a family in the Manti LDS Temple, March 12 1963. He preceded her in death on September 23, 1984.

They were the parents of five children: Carol Lynn, (deceased); Ferd Craig (Pam) Sorenson, Herriman, Utah; Kenneth Ashley (Donna) Sorenson, Richfield, Utah; Gary Garth (Karla) Sorenson, Sigurd, Utah; Sydney Kaye (Brent) Roberts, South Jordan, Utah; 8 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren, 10 step-great-grandchildren.

Carol Lynn, their first born, was a special needs child. She was diagnosed as one of the first PKU babies at this time in 1941. Her needs were many, requiring constant care, which led to many sleepless nights. This created many hardships for this young couple, but how they adored her and lavished her with love and care.

Velma loved her little town of Elsinore and her ward where she was always willing to lend a hand when needed. She held various teaching positions in the Primary and the MIA and truly loved working with the youth. You could always count on her for that beautiful floral arrangement for any special occasion. Velma was known in the valley as the one to go to when you needed that special idea for something. She could always make something special out of nothing. She designed and created many floats and costumes with her magical touch and always had ideas for any ward function. She also enjoyed decorating the windows at JC Penny’s which she did for 10 years. Velma was a beautiful artist as well, and was able to keep painting well into her 80’s

One of her passions in life was her involvement as an officer in the Elsinore DUP where she spent countless hours cataloging and organizing the histories and artifacts of the early settlers that she proudly displayed in this museum.

Velma loved to cook, and what an amazing cook she was! Everyone knows that you couldn’t go to Velma’s without her bustling around and always having to fix you something special to eat. And she wouldn’t give up until you relented to try that special treat or fabulous dinner she would prepare.

Mom was still able to cook and take care of herself up until three weeks ago. What a fighter! "I can do it myself" she would say. No matter how bad she felt herself, she would always be worried about taking care of her family and others first. Mom, we love you so much and you will be missed by all who knew you.

Velma is also preceded in death by her daughter, Carol Lynn; grandson, Kenneth Ashley Sorenson Jr.; and great-granddaughter, Brook Bradshaw.

A special thanks to Jackie Johnson from At Home Health Care. Jackie lovingly spent many hours attending to the needs of Velma. Mom would always look forward to her weekly visits. Also thanks to Vickie Gurney and her At Home Health Hospice staff who helped us through her last days making it possible to fulfill mom’s wishes to stay in her little home in Elsinore. Thanks to all the many wonderful neighbors and caring friends from our little town of Elsinore and from the surrounding area for your love and support during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday October 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in the Elsinore Ward Chapel Friends may call prior to services at the church from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Elsinore Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com .