Blanche Utley Darger's Obituary
Blanche Utley Darger left the loving arms of her earthly family Saturday, December 6, 2014 after a long struggle with illness related to age. She returned to her Mother, Father, loving Husband of 65 years, two daughters and many other friends and family members that have preceded her in death. Blanche was born in the small farming community of Sevier, Utah on March 18, 1921 to Benjamin Hammond Utley and Mary Ellen, (Ella), Levie Utley. On March 25, 1939 she married Valdon C. Darger, (Val), and was married to the love of her life for 65 years. Their marriage was later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. Their family consisted of four daughters and one son. Shortly after their marriage she was left alone to care for the couple’s two young daughters while Val was sent to serve as a Paratrooper during World War II. For most of their marriage Blanche served as a full time mother raising the children and maintaining the home. After the children left the home, she and Val had many adventures traveling the world including the Far East and Europe. Their greatest love, however, was spending most of their free time exploring, camping, and enjoying the outdoor wonders of Utah and the surrounding western states with their family. She was active in her LDS faith for most of her married life with duties in the Relief Society and Primary organizations. Blanche is survived by three daughters, Bonnie Pond (Edwin), Mauve Walker (Lanny), Gwen Stratton, (Mark) and one Son Terry (Susan). She is also survived by one sister, Barbara Dawn and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband and two daughters, Gloria and Shauna. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 noon, Saturday December 13, 2014 at the Winder West Stake Center on 4551 South 1200 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Family and friends may visit Blanche and the family prior to the service at 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM. Internment in Elysian Burial Gardens will immediately follow the funeral service. The family would like to especially acknowledge the kind service provided to Blanche by members of her ward and the various caregivers providing her with comfort and dignity.
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