Ella M. Steffensen Obituary (1919 - 2019)

Ella passed away Monday, December 9, surrounded by her family in her home. She was born September 9, 1919, in Salt Lake City to Merelda Burton and Walter Scott Mackay. Ella married Eldan Woodruff Steffensen March 3, 1948 in the Salt Lake Temple. She is survived by her children: Lois Deardorff, Merelda Okelberry, Loyd, Boyd, Steve (MaryAnn), Chris(Kris), Mary (Terry) Nielson, Kraig (Janet), JoAnn (Ralph) Bahr, John (Emily), Ted (Janice), Don (Sarah), Tim Christenson (son-in law), 63 grandchildren, 123 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren and counting, brothers Walt and Dick Mackay and many nieces and nephews. Ella graduated from South High School, attended Stevens-Henagar College, BYU, and U of U. She earned a degree in Gospel Study at the U of U institute. She loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served faithfully in many callings in Sunday School, Primary, MIA, and Relief Society. She loved going to Institute classes with her friends. Ella’s family was the central focus of her life. She raised 14 children and is survived by 12 of them. She worked tirelessly to raise them. She would sew clothes for them, often 100 items in a year. She would bake 10 loaves of bread once or twice a week. She taught her children to preserve fruits and vegetables and to bake cookies. Each Christmas, she had each child bake one or two batches of cookies. The family then delivered plates of cookies to neighbors. She would send boxes to her children on missions, who enjoyed the treats no matter how crumbly they arrived. Ella had many talents. She had a kiln and made ceramic gifts for family and friends for years. All of her children and grandchildren have decorations for Christmas and other holidays. With this talent she created a large Christmas village that took several rooms. Family, friends, and neighbors would come each Christmas to enjoy her festive displays. Each year she would decide on a different theme. Some of the favorites were scenes of the pioneers crossing the plains, a zoo, a carnival, a Disney parade, and a special section on the life of Jesus Christ. She created scenes of his life complete with scripture quotes. With her mother, she made large dip -and- drape nativities that were sold at Mormon Handicrafts and given to many of her children.. She worked for the Salt Lake County Fair for over 25 years. She was supervisor over Hobby Displays and then worked in the office. She also worked at the Utah State Fair where she took entries, organized displays, and judged items in the Home Arts Dept. Ella will be missed. We are so thankful to all the family who cared for her these last few years. Everyone was willing to sign up and spend some time helping to care for her. We wish to thank Inspiration Hospice for their assistance this past week. Ella was preceded in Death by her husband Eldan, sisters Margaret and Ruth Challis, brother Teddy, son Gene, daughter Shauna Christenson, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 14th, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Little Cottonwood 12th Ward, 6180 South Glenoaks (855 E) with a viewing from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment: Murray City Cemetery.