Marian Francis Tenney Obituary (1924 - 2012)

Marian Francis Tenney, our beautiful, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, rejoined her sweetheart Vorris on August 4, 2012. Marian came into the world with her twin sister Maurine on July 22, 1924 in Lake Shore, Utah. Born to Barbara F. and Samuel Evan Francis, Mom grew up surrounded by love, hard work, sacrifice, music – and ten siblings. Marian had a natural gift for music which she inherited from her parents, and she and Maurine would sing together everywhere. She loved growing up on West Mountain, despite the hardships of life there and losing her father and two siblings by the time she was 13. During WWII Marian moved to San Diego, CA where she met the love of her life, Clive Vorris Tenney, and they were married in the Logan Temple on July 25, 1945. Mom loved being a wife and mother and others benefitted from her many talents. She was a wonderful cook and could make the simplest dishes taste wonderful. She also had a green thumb and could make anything grow. She taught us to read, swim, cook, sing, dance, and our multiplication tables, but the greatest gift she gave us was the knowledge that we were loved, and that she loved Dad and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Marian served faithfully in the LDS church throughout her life and was known for her quiet service; always in the background cleaning and helping in the kitchen - the last to leave the building. She served in various positions in the church, including Relief Society President, but her favorite title was “Mission Mom”, serving with Dad from 1981–1984 when he was called to be the Arkansas Little Rock Mission President. They dearly loved their missionaries and the saints in Arkansas. Mom continued throughout her life to develop her amazing talents, taking up oil painting at age 65 and encouraging the artistic talents of her posterity. She was the backbone of our family, always making sure Dad was in the spotlight while she readied everything behind the scenes. Marian is survived by her six children: Michael (Diane), Elaine Wright (Lowell, dec.), Steven (Laurie), Richard (Tina), Carolyn McDonald (Alan), and Kathleen Martella (Jeff), as well as siblings Lila Madsen, Reed Francis, Rulon Francis, Carol Loveless, Evan Francis and Sam Francis. She also leaves behind 22 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sweetheart Vorris, grandson Sean Martella, son-in-law Lowell Wright, and siblings Deon Francis, Marvin Francis, Maurine Malmberg and Rell Francis. Mom, we will know we are home again when we hear you whistling. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the American Fork 4th Ward chapel located at 455 East 300 North, American Fork. Attendees can visit with the family prior to services from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Interment will take place in the American Fork City Cemetery.