Cleo Esplin Malan

1940 - 2020

Cleo Esplin Malan obituary, 1940-2020, North Odgen, UT

Cleo Esplin Malan

1940 - 2020

Cleo Malan Obituary

Visit the Myers Mortuary & Cremation Services - Ogden website to view the full obituary.
NORTH OGDEN - "My beautiful eternal companion and sweetheart, Cleo Esplin Malan, mother of our eight children, peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father at the age of 80 on November 21, 2020, in Ogden, Utah, after a courageous battle with complications from Covid-19."

– Max J. Malan

Cleo was born in Logan, Utah, on March 21, 1940, to Wendell Luke Esplin and Marion Low Esplin. She grew up in Ogden, Utah, where she met her forever sweetheart, Max J. Malan. Their romance budded from their first meeting at a youth dance in their early teenage years and continued through letters exchanged during Max's L.D.S. mission. After six and a half years of dating and courtship, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple on May 19, 1961.

Cleo graduated from Ogden High School in 1958 and held various class offices throughout her education. She later graduated from Weber College as a Registered Nurse. Cleo worked at the Orthopedic Hospital in Southern California while supporting her husband through dental school at U.S.C., where she earned her PHT (putting hubby through), starting a family, and serving as Relief Society President. Cleo was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and enjoyed opportunities serving in various callings. She had unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and the power of priesthood blessings. Her favorite hymn was "Be Still My Soul," and she loved the inspiring song, "In This Very Room." Max and Cleo moved to North Ogden in 1965, where they have lived in the same home for 45 years, surrounded by wonderful neighbors who have become dear friends. Cleo was a founding member of the Camenae Club of Ogden, a women's community service organization, where she developed lifelong friendships.

Cleo and Max shared a beautiful love story. He was the love of her life. Those who know them have seen their LUV4EVR expression on various possessions. She loved their weekly date nights, rides in the Mustang, listening to Max sing love songs, and hearing him reciting poems. Max and Cleo were united in their deep faith, their abiding love for each other, and in cherishing their children. They shared a wonderful marriage partnership and an eternal love story. Her greatest delight was raising their eight children, a.k.a. the 'crazy eight.' Cleo was supported in loving and caring for her eight children by her dear Aunt Oleen Esplin. Cleo was honored to be an aunt. She loved the families of her younger sister Carol and Max's twin brother Lee.

Cleo loved all things beautiful, cozy, and comforting. She filled her home with flowers, candles, art, books, family pictures, and music (religious, classical, and Max singing to her). Cleo readily offered soft pillows, fuzzy socks, warm blankets, or an extra layer to put on. Green was her favorite color, and she had the most beautiful green eyes, loved green plants and watching things grow. Cleo and Max enjoyed traveling and built lifelong friendships along the way.

Fun-filled, adventurous, and unforgettable memories were made with her family and friends during annual Lake Powell trips. Cleo discovered a love for the ocean, island air, and tropical flowers during her beloved vacations to the Hawaiian Islands. Her favorite island was Kauai, the Garden Island.

Cleo was adored by her children and grandchildren and loved by all who knew her. She showed others unconditional Christ-like love, empathy, and acceptance. Her greatest gift was to help everyone feel individually loved and sincerely cared for. Cleo was fully present in each moment, was the worlds' best listener, and a counselor to many. People were always more important to her than things, and her priority was to help others feel their self-worth. Cleo was beautiful, fun, elegant, classy, intelligent, understanding, gentle, kind, and supportive. Her family loved the many endearing names she called them: darling, dear heart, angel, dear one, sweet darling, honey, baby doll, and precious. Upon entering her home, visitors always received her warm, enthusiastic welcome as Cleo was truly happy to see them. She created an inviting, loving home where many wanted to be. One of Cleo's favorite hymns was "Love at Home," and this was the abiding feeling in her home.

Cleo joins her parents Wendell Luke Esplin and Marion Low Esplin, her eldest son Andre' (Maren) Malan, and friends in continued relationships on the other side of the veil. Cleo is survived by her husband Max Jeppson Malan, her children; Heidi (Ralph) Andersen, David (Dawn) Malan, Laurie (Lance) Albrechtsen, Matthew (Julie) Malan, Joni (Paul) Taylor, Rebekah (Regan) Howell, Mindy (Andrew) Georgi, 45 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, dear sister Carol Simpson and brother-in-law Lee (Becky) Malan.

We will be forever grateful for the nurses, doctors, and medical staff who compassionately cared for our beloved Cleo at McKay- Dee Hospital.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, funeral services will be private with immediate family members. Services will be available to view Saturday, November 28 at 11:00 a.m. via live-streaming at www.myers-mortuary.com where condolences may also be sent. In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests that donations be sent to Primary Children's Hospital or Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Interment will be at the Ogden City Cemetery. We extend our gratitude to Myers Ogden Mortuary and family for their kind service. The family wishes to thank all those who have expressed their sympathy and condolences at this time.
Myers Mortuary & Cremation Services - Ogden

845 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, UT 84404

Sign Cleo Malan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 29, 2020

Kathy Wilson posted to the memorial.

December 26, 2020

Brent and Myrl Chugg posted to the memorial.

November 29, 2020

Roger Grua posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Kathy Wilson

December 29, 2020

Dear Max and family, I just found out today about Cleo´s passing. Please know you are in my prayers and accept my condolences. Kathy

Brent and Myrl Chugg

December 26, 2020

Max and family, sorry to hear of Cleo's passing. We will always remember her friendly smile and our association with her. She was truly a remarkable lady and loved by everyone. We always felt welcome in her presence. I pray the blessings of peace to be with Max and his family as promised by the Savior during this tender time. Sincerely Brent and Myrl Chugg

Roger Grua

November 29, 2020

My dear friend Max, I am so saddened to hear of the passing of your dear Cleo. You both are such fabulous people. Please know of my love and concerns for you at this time. Our love to all of the family. Roger & Lori Grua

Kathy Roylance

November 26, 2020

Cleo had a way of lighting up our lives, both at Ogden High and Weber college.
Cleo enjoyed student government as I did.
We shared similar interests with both of us getting PHT degrees after Weber College (Putting Hubby Through) school.
Cleo was “always there” and her loving supportive friendship will always be part of our memories. Her sweet manner and light heartedness along with Max’s are treasures from our early days.....Heartfelt love and sympathy.. Bob and Kathy (Kittock) Roylance

Claudia Malan Crawford & family

November 25, 2020

Thank you so much for sharing your Cleo with us . Our hearts ache with you all, may you have the comfort and peace you need. Our love, huge hugs thoughts and prayers will be with your all. Believe it not Boyd `s favorite hymn is Be Still My Souls also . I play it on the piano most every night the lyrics as I sing take on such a meaningful message for us. Love you all and may it help in some small way for you all to know we care and share with the closing of this life chapter but Grateful to know Cleo is with loved ones and that we all can be together again. Love always from cousin Claudia, John, Claudette, Charlotte & James

Bobbi Waldron

November 25, 2020

My heart goes out to the family and I Send love to you all.
There will always be a big empty hole in our lives.
We Will donate to one of your suggested foundations in Cleo´s name!

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Sign Cleo Malan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 29, 2020

Kathy Wilson posted to the memorial.

December 26, 2020

Brent and Myrl Chugg posted to the memorial.

November 29, 2020

Roger Grua posted to the memorial.