Melba Martarano Jolley

Melba Martarano Jolley

March 4, 1932 ~ January 27, 2009

LAYTON a€" Melba Martarano Jolley, 76, was welcomed into the arms of her loving husband and her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 27, 2009. She passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in her home from a pulmonary embolism.

She was born March 4, 1932 in San Jose, California. She was the oldest of eleven children born to Frank and Melba Shaw Martarano. She was married in the Idaho Falls Idaho LDS Temple on May 21, 1948 to the love of her life, George (Bud) Vicilo Jolley. They celebrated their 59th anniversary a month before Bud passed away.

She was able to keep a tight-knit family while Bud served in the military, living in California, Puerto Rico, Idaho, Oklahoma, and Turkey. Her home was open to all who served in the military so they could feel a part of a family while they were away from their own families. They retired to Layton, Utah where together they built their family home and created a sanctuary from the world in their beautiful yard, where the family gathered often.

Her greatest joy in life was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She found no greater joy than when she was surrounded by her family. She loved music and loved to hear her family sing. She had a beautiful voice and sang to her children and grandchildren while she held them and rocked them. Her favorite song to sing to the children was "My Grandfather''s Clock." She did her best, even when caring for her ailing husband, to support her family in all their accomplishments, including baby blessings, baptisms, priesthood ordinations, missions, and weddings.

Melba was an excellent cook and enjoyed trying new recipes. She was always concerned about the well-being of guests and family and offered to cook something for them when they visited. She also enjoyed quilting, making porcelain dolls, oil painting, knitting scarves, sewing, gardening, yard work, personal family history, e-mail and computer work. She surrounded her home with beautiful flowers and plants. But above all, she loved to spend time with her family.

Mel was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings, including Primary teacher, Young Women advisor, Relief Society president, visiting teacher, and several other callings. Bud and Mel served in the Ogden Utah LDS Temple as ordinance workers for five years. They also served as Church service missionaries at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Melba had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and she taught her children by her righteous example. Even though she knew she would miss them, she was happy when her children and grandchildren served LDS missions and she was a great support to them.

A cross stitch in her home says, "To love and be loved is the greatest joy on earth." Mom, we love you! Thank you for loving and cherishing us.

Melba is survived by her eight children: Larry (Rexalee) Jolley, Bountiful; Susan (Wayne) Palmer, Sunset; Michael (Marjean) Jolley, Pleasant View; Kathy (Mike) Rigby, Layton; Rebecca (Dean) Fonnesbeck, Syracuse; Janeen (Tom) Passey, Layton; Melinda (Brent) Roth, Kaysville; and David Jolley, Weiser, Idaho.

Also surviving are 41 grandchildren: Barry (Tanya), Steve (April), John and Sharon Jolley; Mark (Annette) Denece (Steve), Jared (Pam), Nathan (Julie) and Tami (Brent) Palmer; Scott (Kourtney), Melanie (Tally), Alan (Amanda), Kristen (Adam), Natalie and Tyler Jolley; Adam (Cara), Brandon (Marci), Caleb (Becky), Derek (Aynna), Eric, Feliz, Gavin, Hayden and Indee Rigby; Daniel (Linda), Joseph (Sadie), Marisa (Brent), David (Alisa) and Rachel Fonnesbeck; Jim, Jeremy (Kristin), Jennifer, Jessica and Jordan Passey; Dallin, Francesca, Brady, Brianna, Giovanna, Isabella and Serena Roth; and 34 great-grandchildren: Cameron, Zachary, Kaleb, Rachel, Cassie, Cami, Shannon, Justin, Devin, Nala, Tucker, Molly, Teancum, Gideon, Zaytey, Porter, Emma, Sera, Lucy, Kady, Abbie, Kayley, Cameron, Cory, Kenzie, Cooper, Colsten, Jaida, Zachary, Brooklyn, Cambria, Raquel, Speirs, Noelia, and seven great-grandchildren on the way.

Surviving siblings are: Rosalie (Byron, deceased) Puffer, Joan (Mike) Atkinson, Carol (Manuel) Borge, Geri (Elvin) Prescott, Frank (Georgia) Martarano, Cindy (Bob) Jangula, Diane (Glen) Gibson and brother-in-law, Gary Davidson.

Melba was preceded in death by her loving eternal companion, Bud, parents, sister, Judy Davidson, and two infant brothers, Danny and John.

The family would like to thank Layton Police and Fire Departments and Ogden Regional Emergency Room staff and personnel for their care and concern.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road. Friends and family may call Friday from 6 to 8 p. m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.

Interment, Lindquist''s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.