Adele Willden

Adele Shuldberg Willden, 80, passed away at her St. George, Utah home on 17 Jan 2014 with members of her family present, following a courageous battle against cancer. She was born 7 Nov 1933, in her grandmother's home in Preston, Idaho, the fourth child of William Hansen Shuldberg and Aleda Chadwick.

Adele grew up on the family farm in Mud Lake, Idaho where she learned to work and, with her mischievous disposition to have fun. She learned many skills while working in the fields and in the home. She was active in 4-H work and became an expert seamstress.

Adele excelled in her studies. She attended the two-room Level School, Terreton Grade School, Madison High School (Rexburg) and Ricks College. She later graduated from Henager School of Business in Salt Lake City.

Adele met Dee Erold Willden while attending Ricks College. They were married in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple on 4 Feb 1953. Their first home was in Salt Lake City. This home, as each thereafter, was a welcome haven for family and friends. They lived in Yakima and Moses Lake, Washington, before moving to Caldwell and Springdale, Idaho, where they built their dream home on the banks of the Snake River. They then relocated to St. Louis, Missouri and on to Port Washington and Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Adele was a great support to her husband in his business adventures. With their family, they built a very successful business in Wisconsin, Matrix Packaging Machinery. They retired to St. George, Utah. They left behind friends and fond memories whenever they moved.

Adele was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was just twelve years old when she received her first calling as secretary of the Sunday School and was busy serving someone, somewhere ever since. She was a gospel scholar and a great teacher, especially to the youth. She enjoyed teaching home study and early morning seminary, and was the YW Laurel advisor when she was in her late seventies. Adele served repeatedly as a ward and stake Relief Society president. She also made a great contribution to family history by her research, temple work, and writing histories for innumerable ancestors, and helped others do the same. She served as an ordinance worker in the Chicago Temple for nearly 20 years.

Adele's first priority was her family. Neither her hands, nor mind, were ever idle. Either she was making clothes for her growing family, baking fresh cinnamon rolls for them and their ever present friends, or attending their many activities. She became their best support and they loved her for it.

Adele was a friend to all and was always available whether comfort, acceptance, love, or advice was needed. She had a listening ear and a willing heart, and also had a great sense of humor and was quick to laugh.

Dee and Adele celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with an Alaskan Cruise with their children this last August.

As Adele faced her diagnosis with faith, she said, "In the end everything will be just fine."

Surely it will be when she is greeted by her deceased family and the numerous people she assisted in obtaining their ordinances of salvation.

Adele is survived by her husband, Dee Willden and their children; Kevin (Kim) Willden of Statesville, NC; Marcel (Mary) Willden of Lehi, UT; Kurtis (Melanie) Willden of Kent, WA: Leslie (Stephen) Miles of Orem, UT: Marc (Takako) Willden of Cedarburg, WI: Amy (Jeff) Jones of Madison, WI and Wade (Angela) Willden of San Diego, CA. They have 20 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and one step-greatgrandchild.

She leaves four sisters, Marilyn Nielson, LaJune Hall, Connie Larsen, and Sharon Gillett. Adele was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Wm Clair, and an infant daughter, Heidi Adele.

The family wishes a heartfelt thank you to Dixie Rehab and Hospice, especially Cindy, for their empathy, support, and loving care of Adele.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 2:00 pm with a visitation from 12:00-1:30pm prior to the services at the Foothills Ward LDS Chapel located at 2079 E. 2450 S., St. George, Utah.

Interment and graveside services will be Monday, January 27, 2014 at 10:00 am at the Fielding Memorial Cemetery, 4600 S. Yellowstone Hwy, Idaho Falls, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.