VerLynn Harriet Jensen Oviatt, 82, passed peacefully away in her home in Cleveland, UT on July 24, 2020. She was welcomed into the warm embrace of her Savior as she was surrounded by her children and her hero, Clifford Earl Oviatt. VerLynn bravely navigated the confusing tangles of Alzheimer’s while keeping her humor, her manners, and thanks to the unwavering love and care of her husband, her dignity and joy.
Frank Eddie and Harriet Edna Jensen welcomed their one and only baby girl on December 7, 1937 in Helper, UT. Baby VerLynn quickly captured the heart of her Daddy and maintained her deep bond with both her “Ma and her Daddy” throughout her life. Her education was also a lifelong passion. She graduated from North Emery High in the 50’s and had already spent several summers working in Yellowstone Park. She was married to Hans Gerald Miller shortly after and raised 6 children. She managed to inject her wit, whim, creativity, artistic flare and enthusiasm into every stage of her life. She was constantly observing, creating, scheming and serving her family and community. As a seamstress, she gifted countless young brides with a one of a kind wedding dress. A masterpiece designed from their whims and sewn to perfection. She outfitted drill squads and cheer teams, prom queens and black powder mountain men with everything from silk and satin, to fur and leather. She helped found the Emery County Arts Guild, organized craft bazaars, and brought in professional ballroom dancers to instruct and add an extra touch of class when she was handling the Gold and Green Balls.
Almost 35 years and a full lifetime worth of contributions later, she embarked on another adventure by heading back to school as a single mother and grandmother where she earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah with a double Major in Psychology and Sociology. She took her passion for helping people and her unconditional love and acceptance of others, and poured it into her role with the Utah Department of Workforce Services. She delighted in helping those who needed it most to get back on their feet and become self-sufficient.
She married her soul mate, Clifford Oviatt July 16, 1992 and was spoiled endlessly by him for the next 28 years. Hand in hand they spent years delighting in family and the beauty and wonder to be found all around them. From Rabbitbrush, rocks and wildflowers in the mountains, to the gnarled trees that grew beautifully from adverse conditions in the San Rafael Swell, there was always something to be learned and to share. Her love for her children, her 40 grands, and her 26 great-grands was evident to all who knew her. She had an unwavering faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and shared her faith through her love, her perspective, and her service. She appreciated the little things, but wasn’t afraid to chase the big things. She was fierce and steadfast, while deeply compassionate and tender.
She is survived by her love of her life Clifford, her children Maurdi Larsen (Blair), MiKay Potter, MiKell Miller, Sterling Miller (Shirley), Joel Miller (Jen), and Gretsel Marshall (Andy), and her siblings Marvin (Coleen), Jack (Lorraine), Kerwin, and sisters in-law Joyce and Johanna Jensen. She is preceded in death by her Daddy (Frank) and Ma (Harriet), her siblings Alan, Kevin (Lois), Delwin, her former husband Hans Miller, and her granddaughter Rachael Miller.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at the Cleveland Ward Chapel. Family will receive friends at the church Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday one hour prior to service. Interment, Cleveland City Cemetery. The family would appreciate your cooperation in wearing masks and practicing social distancing during the services. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net