Elaine May Kendrick Inkley's Obituary
On October 24, 2021 our beloved mother Elaine May Kendrick Inkley returned home to her Heavenly Father and into the loving arms of her eternal companion. Her last words were, "It's a beautiful day!" knowing she would soon be with our dad. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.
She was born in Granger, Utah on September 13, 1929 to Ralph Charles Kendrick and Zella May Pratt. She married Shirl Bawden Inkley on February 27, 1947 in Memory Grove-later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on September 5, 1958. She graduated from Cyprus High School in 1947 and was an incredible homemaker. She taught her family early to be organized, to put things where they belonged, and never leave anything part way done. She taught us to laugh and enjoy life, and to always look at both sides and to see the best in others. She always saw the glass as half full- not part empty, telling us that if you had a problem that couldn't be changed, accept it and find a way to be happy.
She touched countless lives in her 92 years. If you were to sum up her life it would be service and unconditional love. If the countless acts of service she so unselfishly gave were recorded, it would fill volumes. Because of her example, her children and grandchildren enjoy the blessings of serving others.
She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and her lover for her Savior was evidences in everything she did. She served in many church callings throughout her life, including Primary and Relief Society Presidencies, but her favorite place to serve was with the youth. As Young Women President she touched so many lives, not only the young women but the young men as well. She has so many cherished memories of youth conferences and Girls Camps.
When Dad was called as bishop she supported him whole-heartedly as the mother of the ward. She loved serving in the temple. She served a church building mission with Dad for 18 months, becoming a mother figure to many young building missionaries that were assigned to work on Dad's crew, building several meetinghouses. Those young men loved being in her home and she loved having them there.
She and Dad served 9 years as camp hosts at Camp Timberlane which provided many cherished memories for her family as we spent time with them at the cabin. She opened her home to countless- including family and even strangers off the street. She never turned anyone away who needed help. As memories were shared so many cousins said they felt safe and loved when they were in her home.
She enjoyed camping, boating, water skiing and watching sports including volleyballs and The Jazz. She loved playing card games and she loved Dr. Pepper!
Because two people fell in love their posterity numbers 163. She is survived by her children Susan (Dennis), Sandi (Glen), Shirlayne (Neal), Tammy (Ronald), Kathy (Allen), David (Rachel), Mark (Chris- deceased), Paul (Bea), 57 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren.
We were blessed to add a beloved sister Sylvia to our family when she was ten years old. She and her family continue to be part of ours to this day. Mom considered so many to be family and Lorraine and her family held a special place in her heart.
Preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, 3 brothers, 2 daughters-in-law and 4 great-grandchildren.
Special thanks to her many friends who helped make her life so special.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 29, 2021, 11:00 AM at 12852 South 3200 West, Riverton, UT 84065. Viewings will be held at the same address, Thursday, October, 28, 2021, 6:00-8:00 PM and one hour prior to the service on the 29th. Interment Valley View Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.premierfuneral.com
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