Erla Palmer Young

Erla PalmerYoung 1917 ~ 2004  A rare and exquisite bird has flown away from us today. Erla Palmer Young, 87, died peacefully November 12, 2004, from complications associated with a sudden stroke. Erla was born October 29, 1917 in Logan, Utah, the eldest child of George Earl Palmer and Elmina Taylor. She was raised in Kaysville, Davis County, Utah, and lived and studied in Washington, D.C. (at the Critchner Art Academy), before settling as a commercial artist/designer in Salt Lake City. She fell in love with Brigham Spencer Young, and the two were married December 28, 1940 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were married for 64 years, filled with love, challenges, triumphs, mutual respect, and legacy. Her "Spence" passed away May 23, 2004. Erla was blessed to find another special companion for the last few months of her life, marrying Richard B. Young October 8, 2004, in Mesquite, Nevada, and sharing a brief but joyous union. She is survived by her husband, Richard; her brother, George Richard Palmer (Barbara); her four children, Susan Young, M'Lisa Joy Paulsen (Craig), Brigham Spencer Young Jr. (Julie Fuhriman), and Marcie Beth Little (Brent); her 12 grandchildren; and her 8 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy, and each of whom she touched in profound ways. Erla was a visionary. She practiced and excelled at virtually every form of artistic endeavor. In the course of her professional life she was a commercial artist for ZCMI, Castleton's, and numerous LDS Church publications. She was a fashion designer and an excellent seamstress, creating and selling her own line of gowns at her SLC store "Artista" in the 60's. She designed and built several homes on Salt Lake's East Bench. She was an extraordinary writer and poet, publishing numerous essays, poems, scripts, and several books. She is perhaps best known for her collaboration with Murielle Ashton and Alene Dalton in the celebrated children's songbook "My Picture Book of Songs," and for the children's pioneer tale "Betsy Buttons" - of which she owned the original doll. Erla was a natural musician, always able to tease a pleasing melody from whatever instrument was at hand. She was an excellent photographer, with an eye for beauty hidden within often familiar scenes. It was that eye, too, that served her well as a fine artist. Erla's landscape paintings won numerous national and local awards, and hang in museums, corporate offices, and private collections. For all of her talents, Erla was always willing to share her insight and technique. She taught art and design classes at Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, and in her private studios. She was a patient and inspiring instructor. Erla also had a passion for community. Along with her husband, Spence, she put in many hours to help Midway, Utah, develop visual monuments to its heritage. She designed the dolls of the glockenspiel, painted the Swiss mural at the old Burgermeister, and depicted artistic motiffs on Swiss Days posters, t-shirts, and programs. She loved her own Scandinavian heritage, but was pleased to honor the pioneering spirit in all people that she met. She was active in the LDS Church and volunteered herself in whatever capacity she was needed, as artist, as teacher, as personal confidant. She served a memorable mission with Spencer to the Truk Islands of Micronesia, where she fell in love with the people and the sunsets. Erla defied easy description, she was a philosopher, and a palm-reader, an idealist, and a shoulder to cry on. She made traditional Danish ebleskevers, and improvised on the recipe for her own famous bread. She loved wild birds and Maltese lapdogs. She was a strong and independent woman, and a beautiful, delicate butterfly. She dedicated her life to beauty in nature, in humanity, in literature, and in life itself. She was loved and admired by so many, and for so many reasons, that we stand in awe of the woman she was, and is. We are surprised by her sudden passing, but know that her talent, strength of character, and unconditional love are needed in the place to which she has flown to. We will miss her every day. A viewing will be held Tuesday, November 16th, from 6-8 p.m., at the Olpin-Hoops Mortuary, located at 288 N. Main Street in Heber City. Funeral services will be held in the Midway 5th Ward chapel, 165 N. Center in Midway, Utah, Thursday, November 18th, at 12 noon with a viewing from 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will follow in the Midway City Cemetery under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary 435/673-4221. In lieu of flowers send donation to the Hillcrest Care Center, 348 E. 8000 S. Sandy, UT, 84070 (801) 566-4191. Online condolences may be sent through the Metcalf website at www.metcalfmortuary.com