Marva May Young Elggren

Marva May Saunders Young Elggren, age 94, returned home to our Heavenly Father on May 9, 2019, to a joyful family reunion. Marva was born at the Saunders Family Home, on 20th Street, Ogden, Utah, on November 4, 1924. She was the 6th of 12 children born to Edward Thomas Saunders and Marcia Ann Slater Saunders. She is survived by 3 siblings, Ilene Saunders Cook Smith, Glen (Marvetta) Saunders, and Darrell Saunders. Marva attended school in Ogden graduating from Ogden High School. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served faithfully in many callings. She loved music all of her life. She had a remarkable, lovely soprano voice. As a youth she sang in a trio with her sisters Anna and llene. She was a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for twenty years. She was an accomplished chorister, pianist and organist and was a Bountiful Temple organist for 4 years. She loved to serve others and was loved by all who knew her. Marva was married and sealed to James Ira Young in the Salt Lake Temple on September 24, 1943. Marva and lra were blessed with five children, James Lawrence, Louise Young (Garcia), Steven Ray, Jay Rowland, and Elaine (Costa). Added to the family, for a few years, was a Hopi brother, Gerald Lomatewaime, who recently passed away.

Marva’s first husband lra, passed away suddenly on March 16, 1976 leaving Marva a widow at the age of 51. A few years after lra’s passing, Marva married John Elmer Elggren on December 11, 1980. John, a widower, had six wonderful children, Patricia Anne (Rushforth), Barbara Elaine (Williams), John Elmer Jr., Thomas Wooley, Mark Daniel, and Robert Earl who have always loved and supported her. Marva’s second husband John, passed away on June 7, 2002. Marva has always been a kind mentor to family and friends. She treasured her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family members, and cherished every moment that could be spent with them. She loved and never judged, always lifting people’s spirits showing unconditional compassion and loyalty. Marva was an avid reader especially enjoying sacred scriptures and other spiritually inspiring books. The gospel was an important part of her life. She loved the Salt Lake Temple and served as an ordinance worker there with her husband John for 12 years. She, along with John, served 2 missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Washington D.C., and the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City. She was a devoted member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers for 55 years. Her surviving children and grandchildren wish to thank all who have given her needed care and comfort. Grateful and sincere thankfulness must be directed to the Lord, Jesus Christ, for His merciful and loving Plan of Happiness assuring us of eternal families and associations which will continue long after our earthly mortal existence.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, May 17, 2019 at the Centerville 19th Ward, 900 S 400 E, Centerville, Utah. Viewings will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah, and from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the church prior to the service.  Interment at the Centerville City Cemetery.