Mary McKinlay

Mary Louise Thornton McKinlay

January 26, 1928 ~ November 28, 2014

Our dear mother and friend passed away early Friday morning, November 28, 2014 at age 86.  She valiantly endured many years of health problems.

Mary was born on January 26, 1928 to George Dunn and Elva Thomas Thornton in American Falls, Idaho.  She was raised in North Logan and met her adoring husband Robert “Bob” H. McKinlay while attending Utah State University.  They married on July 9, 1949 and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Mary was a skilled seamstress and made professional draperies, clothes, costumes, and was passionate about quilting.  She gladly sewed for family and friends but wanted no compensation.  Mary loved singing and sang with many groups throughout her life.  Lovingly she gave service to all including family, friends, and neighbors.  She provided help for Santa by custom tailoring Santa suits and giving transportation for him to many parties and events through the years.  Bob and Mary enjoyed traveling including reunions with Bob's Army Infantry Division and his family in the East, Midwest, Canada, and Scotland.

Mary’s testimony of Heavenly Father was unwavering and serving Him was top priority.  Over the years she served in many church callings including several times as Primary President, Relief Society President and  Stake Relief Society President.  She did extracting for the church for years.  She enjoyed doing temple work.  She and Bob served an accounting mission at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City.  She lovingly supported her husband in all of his church, personal, and business endeavors.

Mary was exceptional in taking care of her husband and family and spoiled them all.  She loved to entertain and hosted elaborate dinners and parties.  Her appearance was always at its best even when she was ill.  She always had her nails and hair done. In the later years dear friends would come to her home to help her keep up her appearance.  Mary dressed well and was an example to her family.

Mary and Bob are survived by their three children, Margaret (Joseph) DeCaria, Plain City; Robin McKinlay, Cottonwood Heights; and Robert B. (Julie) McKinlay, Boston, MA.  Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Eric (Jen) Decaria, Adam (Heather) Decaria, Amber (James) Hansen, MaryKay (Jeff) Hall, and Harrison, and Grant and Sydney McKinlay.  There are eight great-grandchildren, Madison, Aliya, Logan, and Chloe Decaria; Marlie, James, and Jack Hansen; and Domenic and Simon (arriving soon) Hall.  Also surviving are her sisters, Grace Thornton and Lorraine (Alva) Young, Bountiful.  Mary was preceded in death by her husband, sisters, Ann and Norma; and brothers, George, Preston, and Howard Thornton.

The family would like to thank Encompass Hospice for their exceptional help and Chancellor Garden Assisted Living staff and residents.  Also thanks goes to Mary’s wonderful neighbors and friends for all of their love and help through the years.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, 880 Harrison Blvd., Ogden.  Friends may visit family on Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment, Ogden City Cemetery.