Marilyn Dunford Eliason, 71 years old , passed away unexpectedly at her home on Dec. 26. She was greeted by her sweet parents, and her siblings.
She was born April 23, 1946 in Logan Utah to Albert Bailey & Phylis Dunkley Dunford. She was the youngest of 6 children. She was the light of their family. She was raised in Logan,Ut where she met and married the love of her life, Stephen Eliason. They were happily married for 55 years.
From that union, 6 children were born. The first 3 children, Stephanie, Mindy & Ty were born in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marilyn was thrilled when she and Steve were able to move back to her beloved Logan to continue their family. Nicky, Jared & Marasol followed, completing their family.
Soon after returning to Logan, Marilyn and Steve opened Steve’s Carpet Barn which is still going strong after 45 years. The “store” has become a gathering place for customers, family, friends, neighbors and the community. Marilyn and Steve always believed that it was important to treat everyone they came in contact with like they were family . They had many other successful business ventures, and enjoyed working alongside their children.
You could always count on finding Marilyn with a Tab and a few cinnamon bears in her hand. Everyone was welcome at Marilyn and Steve’s home. Marilyn was always planning the next party. As soon as one party was over, she was looking forward to the next.
There was never a person that didn’t know they were loved when they came in contact with Marilyn. Her love, smiles, and hugs were contagious. She could light up any room.
Marilyn loved digging in the dirt. She loved her flowers and enjoyed making everything beautiful inside and outside her home. She loved walking each morning with her sweet neighbor friends whom she adored. She met with her high school friends often and couldn’t say enough about how much she loved them.
Marilyn and Steve have been blessed with 21 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. They were her world. She loved them like they were her own. Thursdays were “grandma’s day” where she would watch all the grandkids. Kids and grandkids alike each felt like they were her “favorite.” She had such a special way of making everyone feel special.
Marilyn loved serving others. She served in many callings such as relief society president, stake primary president and Sunday School teacher. Whatever calling she had, she loved those she worked with and impacted them greatly because of her dedication, thoughtfulness, and genuine love for those she served. She constantly thought of others and would bring in meals, notes, and treats to neighbors, friends, ward members and family anytime there was a need.
Marilyn was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She lived and loved the gospel with all her heart. She has strengthened the testimonies of many of her family and friends through her righteous example. Because of her influence she has had seven grandchildren who have served missions, 3 are currently serving with one returning on Saturday.
There will not be a day that will go by that we will not think of and miss our sweet wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend because of the incredible legacy of kindness she has left with us. We all hope to take a part of what we learned from Marilyn to become more Christlike as she has shown us. In honor of Marilyn we ask you to do a kind deed today, or hug someone in need.
Marilyn is survived by her husband Stephen; children: Stephanie (Mike Wildman), Mindy (Roger Andersen), Ty (RaeLynn), Nicky (Darren Hellstern), Jared (Suzanne), and Marasol; grandchildren: Payden (Kate), Marquel (Koddy), Caden, Jacoby, McKenley, Beau, Chloe, Berkley, Hazley, Ali, Quincy, Mia, Boston, Braizlin, Kinzie, Jadin, Macy, Jackson, Baylor, Cruz; great grandchildren: Knox & Nixon.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her father Albert Bailey Dunford, mother Phylis Dunkley Dunford, brothers, Mont, William, James and sisters Joyce and Karen, and grandson Phil.
The mortuary services is under the direction of Allen Mortuaries. There will be a viewing held at the funeral home, located at 34 E. Center Street in Logan, on Monday January 1st from 6-8 p.m. The viewing and funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 2nd, at the LDS Lundstrom Park 2nd Ward Church at 1260 N. 1600 E. Logan, UT. The viewing will be from 10:00-11:30 a.m., with funeral services following at 12 noon. Following the services, the interment will be held at the Logan City Cemetery.
We love you Mom! We don’t know how we are going to live without you.