Edna Walton

On a snowy spring day, Edna May Little Walton, our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully in her home. She was born March 16, 1918 in Morgan, Utah to Jesse C. Little and Laura Annie Thackeray Little. From an early age, Edna May developed a love of music that lasted throughout her life. She was a very talented pianist who accompanied school plays, vocal and instrumental performers and church groups all her life. One of Edna Mays true joys was hearing or playing beautiful music. The excitement and enthusiasm with which she played music was a hallmark of her happiness. She had an idyllic childhood growing up with three brothers. She learned to draw at an early age and that artistic talent spread to every area of her life. Edna May was a talented seamstress. She learned to sew at her grandmother’s knee. These three talents were to serve her well all of her life.
On July 7, 1937 she met the man she would marry and love for more than 70 years. She was playing in a band concert at Como Springs on the 4th of July and Franklin was there and wanted to meet her. They dated for four years and were sealed for time and all eternity January 15, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple. Soon after being married, Franklin was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corp. Edna may was able to move around the country with him during his service. She remembered these as some of their happiest times together. Soon after their return home, they built their dream home. Edna May drew the plans, designed and painted every square foot of their home. She loved decorating, hosting parties, and working in her beautifully landscaped yard. There wasn’t anything that she couldn’t do. She was a hard worker at home and in her community.
Edna May was a lifelong worthy member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She held many positions in various auxiliaries. She served in the Primary, Young Women’s and Junior Sunday School.
Edna May also served on the Stake Relief Society Board and compiled a very thorough Relief Society history beginning in Nauvoo to present day Centerville, Utah. She was a Bishops wife for seven years and a strong support to her beloved Franklin. She also served as the Relief Society pianist in the Centerville First Ward for 20 plus years. Edna May was a member of the D.U.P. South Sagamore Camp. She was extremely proud of her pioneer heritage, being the granddaughter of Col. Jessie C. Little, the leader of the advanced company into the Salt Lake Valley. She was active in the Centerville Literature, Music and Art club and a founding member of the Bib and Tucker Supper Club.
Of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of her family. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her most precious treasures. She devoted much of her life in service to them. Caring for and teaching each one of them in her own way. She loved hosting family parties in her beautiful yard and watching the children play. All of us will miss those special occasions.
She is survived by her daughter Lauri Wootton of Centerville, Utah and her son Greg (Jennifer) Walton of Palm Coast, Florida; Six grandchildren Shelice (Gary) Murphy, Sarah Baldwin, Emily (Josh) Carmack, Dustin (Emily) Walton, Cassie (Nick) Vultaggio, and Nicholas Walton; and Fifteen Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Franklin E. Walton Jr., brothers Clarence, George and Frank, and great grandson Nathan Murphy.
A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:45 Friday, April 19, 2013 with funeral services to follow at 11:00 am. Service to be held at the Centerville First Ward chapel, 160 South 200 East. She will be laid to rest in the Centerville City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com
The family would like to express their love and appreciation to the Utah Hospice Specialist workers who cared for our sweet mom and grandma. Especially Debbie and Shelley. The family would also like to acknowledge the care and love shown by her friends and neighbors who stepped in with weekly visits. We love you.
We are grateful for the beautiful life of love and service that our mom and grandma lived. She has left us a legacy that we will cherish and pass on to those around us.