Velda Mae Duce Egan Thornley

Our loving mother and grandmother Velda Mae Duce Egan Thornley left this earth on Friday October 29, 2023. Velda was living at the Hidden Valley assisted living center, being cared for by the staff of Inspiration Home Health and Hospice. Velda Mae was born on February 2, 1934 to Delbert McNeil Duce and Mary Archibald Larsen Duce. She is preceded in death by her parents, one sister, two brothers, her first husband Earl Delbert Egan and second husband William Robert Thornley.

Velda Mae had a wonderful childhood living in Hyde park, Benson, Wellsville, and Richmond. She learned early that it is not good to go swimming in a deep muddy hole if you don't know how to swim.  She and her friend, Lenora learned this the hard way after lying to their parents and almost drowning in an irrigation pond.  After this incident, Velda Mae did not like swimming and when the family went swimming, mother stayed home.  

As a teenager,  Velda Mae was involved in the  mutual program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint. She was also involved in the marching band and enjoyed going to school dances and ball games.

After seeing Earl Delber Egan at a hay fire,  Velda Mae said, “I am going to marry that boy someday”.  Earl  and Velda Mae  were Married and Sealed in the Logan Temple October 2, 1952.  Earl and Velda Mae have seven living children; Trina (John) Wollen, Terri (Lynn) Maughan, Darrell (Annette) Egan, Teresa (Stewart) Nielsen, Tess (Paul) Hulet, Dan Egan, and Trudy (Brad) Carlson.  Velda Mae enjoyed many adventures with her family that will be remembered forever. Velda Mae made quilts for every one of her grandchildren.  This created great excitement at Christmas time when there were quilts under the Christmas tree from Grandma. . 

Velda Mae knew that she would go on a couples mission, but after Earl suffering from a fall died on October 25, 1990.  At the time of Earl's death, Velda Mae was working at Cedar Ridge Middle school. She was very thankful for the love and support she received from  those she worked with.  She often commented on how their love and support helped her through those difficult times.

Velda Mae didn’t thinking she would ever remarry after Earl’s death.  But she was introduced to William Robert Thornley in 1991 and after some perseverance and a few outdoor concerts at Utah State University, Robert and Velda Mae were married in the Logan Temple September 26, 1992. Robert's children are:  Robbie (deceased), Joan (Mike) Fullmer, Peggy (Richard) Elwood, Ken (Sondra) Thornley, Randal (Charlotte) Thornley, and Kathryn (Mike) Clark. These children have become an integral part of her life.

Robert and Velda served an honorable mission to the Ireland Dublin mission January 1996-July 1997. Many of their missionary experiences are found in Velda’s life story..

Velda Mae was Diagnosed with Breast cancer December of 2009.After fighting the burns from the radiation treatments and the sickness caused by the Chem-therapy her cancer was in remission.  Each year we have celebrated her victory over cancer with a girl’s sleep over.

Velda Mae was a wonderful mother, step-mother and grandmother and she will be forever missed.

A viewing will be held Wednesday October 4 from 6:00-8:00 at  Allen mortuary. on 34 East Center Street in Logan, Utah .

A second viewing will be held at the  LDS Chapel on 135 west Main St in Richmond on Thursday October 5, from 9:30-10:30 with Funeral services to follow at 11:00 She will be buried in the Richmond Cemetery.

 Funeral services are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary. Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com

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