Vella Ann Horrocks Pilati Obituary (1924 - 2012)

“Loving Mother”On November 3, 2012 Vella Ann Horrocks Pilati departed from this life, after enjoying 88 wonderful and happy years, surrounded by her children.Vella was born in Roosevelt, Utah to David and Caroline Horrocks on July 11, 1924 in a log cabin. In her teenage years she moved to Murray, Utah and graduated from Murray High School. On July 11, 1942, Vella married her sweetheart, Ben Michael Pilati at the Salt Lake County Building. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage together. Vella and Ben had their marriage solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Vella was a stay at home mother raising her two children, Leonard and Lynn. She was an immaculate housekeeper and amazing cook – known for her Italian food, cakes and pies. Vella kept a beautiful flower garden; enjoyed reading books and the daily newspaper; and possessed amazing patience finishing numerous jigsaw puzzles. Vella was faithfully supportive of her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She traveled all over Utah and surrounding states watching her grandchildren play sports and perform the arts. If a grandchild had a performance then Vella would be in attendance.Gratitude, graciousness and “thank you” were always heard from Vella. She was kind and considerate to everyone she met. You always knew how much she loved you and how well you did at any activity.Even at 88, Vella loved to go for rides and dinner – especially to eat ice cream and drink root beer. She possessed a patient yet unconquerable spirit and enjoyed life to the fullest right to the end. She had a goal to see all of her great-grandchildren and fulfilled that promise when her 12th great-grandchild was born in June. Vella will be dearly missed by those remaining on earth and warmly embraced by those waiting in heaven. Good-bye Mom and Grandma.Vella is survived by her sons, Leonard (Becky) and Lynn (Kathey); 4 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ben Michael Pilati.The family wishes to thank the staff of Carrington Court and Millcreek Home Health and Hospice for their loving care. Vella always expressed deep appreciation for the love and care shown to her in your hands.Vella’s funeral services and viewing will be Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State Street. The viewing will be held from 1:00-1:45 p.m. and services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Interment: Murray City Cemetery.