Dorthy Davis Thunell

Dorothy Davis Thunell, our well-loved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on November 18, 2012 at the McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah at the age of 87. She spent the last days of her life surrounded constantly by her family, who she loved so much.

She was born July 3, 1925, the oldest of five daughters born to John S. and Ella Olson Davis along with two brothers. She received her elementary schooling in River Heights and graduated from South Cache High School as one of the valedictorians of her 1943 graduating class. She married J. Fred Thunell on June 28, 1946 in the Logan LDS Temple. Fred passed away on October 19, 1996.

Dorothy and Fred started a photographic business in 1947. They had a photo finishing service and later leased space in the Utah State University Student Union Center, where they operated a camera shop and portrait studio. They also had a camera shop on Federal Avenue in Logan, as well as one in the basement of their home in River Heights. They operated their business for over 45 years.

Dorothy was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held positions in all of the auxiliaries of the church. She was especially proud of having been secretary of the Young Women’s organization for 25 years. She had an exceptional singing voice and belonged to the Singing Mothers Chorus as well as the River Heights ward choirs.

She was born in her parents’ home in River Heights, and in 1950 she and Fred built their home right next door. She spent the rest of her life in River Heights and was proud that her grandparents were among the earliest settlers of that special little town. She loved her home and was the happiest when she could be out working in her flower gardens. She took great pride in making her yard beautiful. Her dearest possession was her family, and she treasured the blessing of being able to remain in close proximity to all of them.

She leaves behind an incredible legacy of testimony, hard work, and unparalleled kindness.

She is survived by two sons, Steven (Jami) Thunell of River Heights, and Gary (Krista) Thunell of Logan; three sisters, Maurine Uzelac, Janet Wolford, Faye (Reed) Durham; one brother, John H. (Shirley) Davis; a sister-in-law, Jane Davis; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a brother, Lehi F. Davis, and a sister, Barbara Campbell.