Eldora Venema Gibson

Eldora Venema Gibson, age 87, of Kearns, Utah, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2019 surrounded by her family. As she left mortality, she was welcomed by her parents, brother, and precious daughter, Abbie.

Eldora was born on August 13, 1931, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Albert and Loveina (Naismith) Venema. She grew up with one older brother, Ronald. She graduated from West High School a year early and began working in a bank as a bookkeeper. After some encouragement from the relatives of Roy Ralph Gibson, she began writing to him while he was on his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After his return and time for a courtship, they were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on April 13, 1953. Shortly after their wedding, they purchased a home in Kearns, Utah, where they resided for the rest of her life, despite her husband’s regular attempts to show her other homes. Roy and Eldora had 5 boys and 3 girls, losing their sweet Abbie due to birth defects at 3 months old. Within their 8 children, they have seen 5 Eagle scouts ranks, 1 young womanhood medallion, 5 returned missionaries, and all 7 adult children have been through the temple.

Eldora spent much of her life in service of her Heavenly Father teaching children in primary, youth in Mutual, women in Relief Society, and both men and women in Sunday School. She enjoyed visiting her sisters in the gospel through visiting teaching. Eldora also held a love of music that she instilled in her children, grandchildren, friends, and church congregation through piano lessons, playing the organ during church services, leading the choir and church congregation in singing hymns of praise.

Eldora is separated for a time from her loving husband of 65 years, Roy; her children Royce (Dawn), Kent (Janelle), Laine (Julie), Ladora (Steve), Rodney (Marian), Jerry (Michele), and Maureen (Scott); and a marvelous posterity of 44 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Eldora’s family expresses gratitude to the many healthcare providers who cared for her during the last few years of her life. Her daughter, Ladora, deserves special recognition for providing years of in-home care and support so Eldora could remain in her home.

Viewings and funeral services will be held in the Kearns East Stake Center, 4300 W 4715 S. A Sunday evening viewing will be held from 6 to 8 pm. On Monday, January 14, 2019, a viewing will begin at 9:30 am and end at 10:40 am. Funeral Services will follow at 11 am. Interment will be at the Valley View Memorial Park located at 4335 W 4100 S.

Professional funeral services provided by Affordable Funerals and Cremations.