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Verna Challis Obituary

Verna Fish Challis
1924-2012
Verna Fish Challis passed away peacefully on May 18, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She is now reunited with her loving husband Donald W. Challis. She died as she lived, expressing her love for each of us, and brightening our lives with her hugs and smiles. Verna was born on March 10, 1924 in Snowflake, Arizona to Roland W. Fish and Susan Freeman. On January 8th 1943 she married her childhood sweetheart Donald W. Challis in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with nearly 60 years together. She wanted everyone to know that she loved the Lord. She always strove to follow His example. She was a member of the LDS Church and served faithfully in many church callings, and also in the community. She was a wonderful mother. She knew, kept track of and cherished each of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. So many others, also, have been treated as family. In all of this love and service she remained a strong and independent woman. She had an amazing memory, and a love of learning. Her love for others was unconditional and never rationed or reserved. She knew each of us, our talents and interests. She admired and encouraged us. She loved so much and is loved by so many. We wish to thank Intermountain Hospice for their loving service. Survived by her children, Donald W. Challis (Lorraine), Suzanne Limburg (David), Lynne Rowley (Richard), Brian Challis (Gunn), Janet Dawson (Thomas), Woodruff Challis (Ruth), Winifred DeMann (Alan), Marlene Lane; 46 grandchildren; 107 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Ruth Challis. Preceded in death by her husband Donald W.Challis;, 5 brothers and sisters; and son-in-law David G. Limburg; grandson-in-law Scott Kessler.
Funeral services will be held Thursday May 24, 11 a.m. at the Murray South Stake Center, 5635 South Fashion Blvd. (approx 350 E) in Murray. Friends may call Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State, and Thursday 9:30-10:30 at the stake center. Interment, Murray City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund. Online condolences: www.jenkins-soffe.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from May 20 to May 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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May 24, 2012

I loved "Grandma Challis"! There was not a sweeter, more loving person in the world than her. I wasn't a part of her family but she treated me like I was. She lived as an example of the pure love of Christ. I want to grow up and be just like her. We will meet again!
Love you lots, Katie Johnson

Jenkyn Powell

May 24, 2012

Brian, sorry to hear of your mothers passing. God bless you all.

David Poulsen

May 22, 2012

Verna was one of my heroes growing up--someone I wanted to be like. She was always so positive and kind, and there was no question that she knew and loved our Savior. I especially admired the way she cared for, and involved her children in caring for, Grandpa Fish.

She was so very practical. One of my favorite memories of her was during the time she was young women's president. She was loved by the young women, who showed their love by toilet-papering Verna's trees and bushes. Well, Verna couldn't let all that good toilet paper go to waste, so she gathered it up in bags and took it to the cabin for the usual purpose.

I am one of many whose life will be blessed forever for knowing Verna.

May 21, 2012

I am so glad I got to visit with your mother a little over a year ago. She was the same sweet, gentle, yet strong woman I remembered as a young teen when I would hang out with Suzanne. She always made me feel welcome in her home. I am now living in the town where she was born. May you all feel the peace the comforter brings. I wish I could be at the funeral. I am sure it will be a glorious celebration of her Christ-like life.

Patricia Paxman Newsom

May 21, 2012

I am so glad I got to visit with your mother a little over a year ago. She was the same sweet, gentle, yet strong woman I remembered as a young teen when I would hang out with Suzanne. She always made me feel welcome in her home. I am now living in the town where she was born. May you all feel the peace the comforter brings. I wish I could be at the funeral. I am sure it will be a glorious celebration of her Christ-like life.

Mike Rosenhan

May 21, 2012

I consider Verna Challis to be one of the most Christlike women that I ever knew.

Our family had a long association with her family in the old 9th Ward and since. I cherished the time that I was the home teacher to the Challis family when I was in high school. I know that they taught me more than I taught them.

Don spoke at my Mom's funeral all those years ago, and Verna spoke at my Dad's a couple of years ago, which was much appreciated by myself and my family. I am sure that Verna and Don are sharing a great reunion together.

I have great memories of ward campouts, trips to Lake Powell, Scout camps with Woody, and just times together as families.

Verna Challis, in my book, is one of the greatest people that I know and she will be missed.

Mike and Courtney Golder

May 20, 2012

Sweet Grandma Challis will be missed. She was so giving with her time and talents. Adopting our family as her own, she supported us in so many ways. Love and prayers,
Mike and Courtney Golder family

Janet Black Brooks

May 20, 2012

What a wonderful lady your mom is! Her good works and those of your father remain visible today in their beautiful family! May you find comfort in your knowledge of the Gospel and look forward to a joyous reunion in the Lord's due time.

Raymond Seerup

May 20, 2012

What a wonderful, wonderful Lady Verna is, how honored I am to have known Verna and count her as a friend through the years.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all.

Kathy Thayne Herman

May 20, 2012

I am sorry for the loss of your dear mother, Brian and to the rest of your family. God Bless you all. The hole will never be filled as she is not truly gone but on another journey until you meet again.

Roxanna Naylor

May 20, 2012

The world has lost a wonderful woman, but what a great reunion up in Heaven. Thank God for the plan of salvation that allows us all to be together again.
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this difficult time. I loved your Mother's hugs in church.
Love, Roxanna (Hillside Ward)

Carol Robinson-Morris

May 20, 2012

Dear Lynne & Dick, Woody & Ruth, and rest of this wonderful family,

What a heritage you have to bless all of your lives.

I went to high school with dear, beautiful Lynne, and feel part of this amazing family through marriage (my cousin Ruth married Woody).

My love and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of this great woman.

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Funeral services provided by:

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4760 South State St., Murray, UT 84107

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