Eleanor Knowles Laney

Eleanor Knowles Laney Feb. 28, 1932 a€" July 17, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY a€" An exemplary and faithful life came to an end with the death of Eleanor Charlene Knowles Laney, who died on July 17, 2010 in Salt Lake City.

Eleanor was born February 28, 1932 in Ogden, Utah, the daughter of Kenneth B. and Helen Pearce Knowles. She grew up in a loving home, with many friends in a friendly environment. She was ambitious, hard working, intelligent, and an exemplary student.

Eleanor developed an early interest in journalism, serving as editor of school newspapers in elementary, junior high and Ogden High. She attended the University of Utah her freshman year, boarding with and working for Elder John A. and Leah Widtsoe.

In 1952 she transferred to Utah State University, where she was editor of the campus newspaper, "Student Life". Here she met many of the friend and professional colleagues with whom she served throughout her life.

Upon graduation in 1954, she joined the staff of the Salt Lake Deseret News for five years. In 1959 she relocated to New York City where she was employed as editor of "Supervisory Management", the company magazine of the American Management Association. She was later employed by the Cornell University Medical School as Executive Director of their Alumni Association. Eleanor returned to Salt Lake City in 1965 with an editorial position with the LDS Church Magazines.

In 1969 she joined the Deseret Book Company where she was the first full-time editor and subsequently served as the first woman Vice-President. Her contributions to church publications will not soon be forgotten. During her career, she was mentor to many authors and journalists, and was honored as an unfailing source of help and expertise in editing and writing. A highlight of her career was the key role she played in bringing forth a new LDS edition of the King James Bible, a calling from the LDS First Presidency. She had the massive duty of editing all the materials prepared by Scholars at BYU and LDS Church headquarters and preparing them for typesetting. Later she had a key role in the preparation of the Topical Guide covering all standard works. Eleanor was sent many times to the Cambridge University Press in England to do proof reading and hasten the work of publication.

Eleanor served in many LDS Church capacities, including President of the Manhattan Stake Young Women, member of the YWMIA General Board, and many local ward and stake callings.

Eleanor retired from the Deseret Book Company in 1994. In retirement, she performed volunteer work at the Salt Lake City Public Library, including two terms as President of friends of the Library.

Eleanor''s last few years were marked by several illnesses that required full-time medical care. She resided at the Silverado Senior Living Center, where she received kind and loving care.

In February 2007, Eleanor was sealed for time and eternity in the Bountiful Temple to her husband, Richard Laney, a long-time friend.

Eleanor is survived by her husband, Richard Laney, Salt Lake City; four brothers, Kenneth Boyd (Lou, deceased) Knowles, Dallas, TX; Raymond (Colleen) Knowles, Ogden; Michael (Peggy) Knowles, Phoenix, AZ; Darrell Knowles, Salt Lake City; and her sisters, Kathie Trulson, Salt Lake City. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, whom she adored and supported throughout her life.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the South Cottonwood Ward Chapel, 5605 S. Vine Street, Murray, Utah.

Family will meet with friends at the Ward Chapel on Thursday, July 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday 9 to 10:15 a.m.

Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary.

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com