Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Maydene Bodell Obituary
Maydene Brown Bodell returned to her Heavenly Father on March 19, 2012 after 86 years of joy and happiness as a writer, poet, dancer, singer, and seeker of knowledge. Maydene left this earthly state while holding the hand of her loving husband of 68 years, James Huggard Bodell.
She taught her eight children to find joy in everyday life. Mom's ability to listen intently and empathize made her the perfect wife, mother, and friend. We usually knew mom was nearby because she was always singing or humming a happy tune. It was common to find her tap dancing her way through her chores.
Her support enabled Dad (Jim) to start Bodell Construction, for which they moved over 20 times to oversee the construction of about 75 LDS church buildings in Utah, California, Arizona, and Hawaii. They served as missionaries in Liberia, Africa for 18 months. Together they developed Clear Creek Family Ranch, where they welcomed hundreds of family reunions and church groups into their ranch homes near Zion's National Park.
An avid reader and writer, Mom continually pursued greater knowledge. Words were magic to her. She was an accomplished songwriter, poet, playwright and author.
She is survived by her children - Jimae, Kristine, Michael, Mark, Pamela, Timothy, Daniel and Dixie. Her posterity includes 34 grandchildren and 53 great grandchildren.
Our mother will be honored by her family and friends at a funeral service on Saturday, March 24 at 1:00 p.m. at Parleys Stake Center at 1870 E Parleys Canyon Blvd (2315 S), Salt Lake City. We welcome friends to also join us at a viewing on Friday, March 23 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary at 3401 S Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, or on Saturday, March 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Parleys Stake Center.
Though her memory faded in recent years, Maydene Brown Bodell always clung to her two dearest pieces of knowledge - her testimony of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her love for Jim.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Maydene Bodell
Matthew Davis
April 6, 2012
Today mark the 17 days since you left us and today was the day Jesus Christ layed down his life for us. I have no doubt that since you left us you have met him and he did welcome you with open arms in one of his father's mansions. Please rest in peace mum till we meet again.
April 5, 2012
Our sympathy is with you and your family at the loss of Maydene.
Geraldine Sagers & family
Matthew Davis
March 29, 2012
Her memories will forever be with me for the rest of my life. Have a perfect rest with our father in heaven Sister Bodell.
Paul Grant Paulsen
March 28, 2012
Dear Jim,
Jobsite memories (and more recently Ranch memories) flooded my recollection when I learned of your loss from my brother Dave. You are a special man. I learned from my dad to
watch how you went about life - and learn. Your trademark smile has cheered and lighted many; I number myself among them. Isn't the Gospel great!
Agnes landford
March 25, 2012
this is my missionary mother from liberia what a mother one in a million. she and elder Bodell actually represent the truthfullness of the gospell i missssss up sister B i really do. may your soul rest in peace.
Matthew Davis
March 25, 2012
She was simply an Angle on earth. Her love brought many to the gospel
John Gaye
March 24, 2012
Sister Bodell and brother Bodell represent the truthfulness of the gospel in the way they showed love to so many people during their mission in Liberia, West Africa. Even after their mission ended, they continued to help us. I have never seen such love and humility and willingness to help others. Sister Bodell became a mother to so many of us - teaching us, laughing with us, sharing with us. She and Brother Bodell touched my life in so many ways. I am forever grateful to them for their Christ-like love. I know our Heavenly Father has a special place in His many mansions for Sister Bodell to rest and enjoy the fruit of her good deeds to others. Sister Bodell was a great teacher – she taught by examples. Rest in peace, our dear missionary, mother and teacher. The memory of your love will always remain in our hearts.
John Gaye
Pamela Neeleman-Clark
March 24, 2012
Love you Bodell family and will miss Aunt Maydene. I have to say Jim and Maydene have been two of my parents favorite people in their lives, and mine too! It was fun having you close to us in Zion our first few years there.... and great to have you visit me with my parents while I was living in the Bay Area. My little Abby adored Maydene and loved to take care of her when she would come to our home with Dixie to visit. We love you all!
Christine & Laird Snelgrove
March 23, 2012
Dear Mike. Laird and I are sorry to hear of your mom's passing. We were just wondering how you were. We wish you and your family the best. Laird and Christine Snelgrove (Barrington, IL)
Nyle & LaVerle Hansen
March 23, 2012
Jim and family: We learned to love both you and Maydene the short time we were together in the Panorama Ward. We've thought of you often and wondered how you were doing. Sorry for your loss and we will be thinking of you. We are burying our oldest daughter on Saturday.
David Delaby
March 23, 2012
Some of my fondest memoires are of playing as a little boy at your house on 17th East. You will be missed.
Sherry Henderson
March 23, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
MATTHEW DAVIS
March 23, 2012
It been about 24 years ago when I met Elder sister Bodell in Liberia when they came there on a full time mission in 1988. The sweet smile from her face and the extraordinary love she has for people and the gospel was extraordinary . I became very closed to them while they were on their mission. As a young boy who have just joined the church my closeness to them help me to remained in the church today. She taught me how to sing from the hymn book and play the piano.The frist hymn she taught me was Do What is Right. she encouraged me whenever I come from school I should come over to learn how to sing and play the piano as well. they took me for proselyting whenever I am around and the time is due for them to go and teach the gospel and there I became to develop love for missionary work. The time came for them to leave and go back home. I can clearly remember that morning When I was helping them to pack their belongings that faithful morning she look in my eyes as I look in her face the tears row down from her eyes as my came down. She said Matt as she used to call me, she said the gospel is truth do everything to remained in the church I do not know if I will ever see you again maybe or maybe not but I want you to serve mission in the church. In 1994 I was called to served mission in the Ghana Accra mission with out them knowing were I was due to the war which was going on in Liberia and had lost contact. They supported me on my mission when they learned that I was serving mission. The last time we ever spoke on the phone was in 2001 for about 2 minutes, she shared tears for the rest of the time knowing that I am still
alive. Mother Bodell I know you are in the bosom of our heavenly father seen all the prophets of old including prophet Joseph Smith. People will forever remember you in Africa Liberia for that matter because you brought smiles to many faces through your love for the gospel and fellow man. I which I could be there just to see your mortal remains for the last time but distance can not allowed me to do so now. father Bodell is my prayer that you be strong and have the strenght to go through this difficult period of your advance life. May the Lord comfort you and blessed you with courage and strong mind, you are not alone in this I know how hard it is to see her lying lifeless after 68 years of been together in the sun, cold and rain. Mother Bodell, May God be with you till we meet at Jesus feet
Matthew your son
David Paulsen
March 22, 2012
Sorry for your loss.
March 22, 2012
Our lives will be forever touched and changed by Brother and Sister Bodell. Our little Branch at Sandy Regional care center will not be the same without them. When one of us said to Bro Bodell how wonderful it was for them to be together at the care center he said: We are Eternal companions, where else would we want to be, but together. Love to all. The Mingo Branch Leaders.
Dixie McCorvey
March 22, 2012
I found this on a Mothers Day card I sent Mom on her mission to Africa, when I was living in Berlin Germany.
Mom, I keep memories of the special times we shared tucked away deep inside my heart. And when I find myself missing you, I remember those times...and smile. Suddenly, you don't seem nearly so far away. I love those memories, Mom. I love you.
Dixie
March 22, 2012
Oh, how we will miss your mom. We love you all and will be thinking of you as you prepare for this special occasion. We will see you there. Love Jim and Judy Alvey
March 22, 2012
Dear Jim
I am glad that Ruth and Maydene are having a happy reunion together now.
It won't be long now until the gang will be back together again. Isn't it wonderful to have the the Gospel in our lives.
I love you Jim
Ralph Silver. Saint George
March 22, 2012
Dear Bodell Family, My wonderful friends and employer Bodell Construction Company. Jim, Mark and Michael have done so much for me since I met them in 1972. I met Maydene and had wonderful conversations with her at the Clear Creek Ranch. I immediately realized what a wonderful and strong person she was and how I came to understand why my best friends Jim, Mark and Mike were so wonderful. I was also very thankful to meet the other family members at Clear Creek and consider this family to be at the very top of my list of wonderful and amazing people.
Kelley Anderson Bountiful, Utah
W.Scott Harbrecht
March 22, 2012
Dear Bodell family,
Through out the years, our two families have been bonded by our fathers, the Granite High Stage Crew. Jim and Maydene were always said together almost if they were the same person. Your mother made my mother part of that stage crew group, with her love and support. Your family has always been there in our time of need. Jim our hearts and prayers are always with you and your family. I am sure that your lovely wife is counting the hours till you can be together again. But not too soon, your family still needs you. I am sure that my Dad would be the first one on the phone to offer his love and support, Mom is not very mobile, so she will not be able to attend the viewing. She sends her love and sympathy. Our hearts and prayers are with you always.
The Harbrecht Family, (Willard and Joyce)
Janet Budge
March 22, 2012
Bishop Bodell, you and Maydene helped me hang in there when I most needed to. My sympathy and prayers are with you and your family now.
Pauline Call Torgersen
March 22, 2012
Dear Bodell family,
Thanks for the many enjoyable hours I spent in your home. You all had a big impact on my life. Maydene was an amazing woman.
merrill davidson
March 22, 2012
jim,
sorry to read of the passing of your dear wife. you folks were always kind to me.
merrill davidson
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Maydene Bodell's name
Memorial Events
for Maydene Bodell
Funeral services provided by:
Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106
How to support Maydene's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Maydene Bodell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
