Elva Louise Bienz

Elva Louise Thornton Bienz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, was called home to be with the Lord on November 29, 2017 at 99 years of age.

Even though she will be dearly missed, we know she is in a better place and we know we will see her again. We loved her dearly and now heaven has another angel.

Elva was born in Randal, Kansas on February 22, 1918 to John Logan Thornton and Blanche Collier Thornton.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Harold Raymond Bienz; son, Raymond Logan Bienz; daughter, Lauretta McFadden; sisters, Marguerite and Fern Thornton; granddaughter, Jamie Trees; and her beloved dog, Rowdy.

She is survived by her son, Rick Bienz and his wife, Peggy Bienz; daughter-in-law, Arlene Bienz; grandchildren, Ron and Belinda McFadden, Jared Bienz, Amanda and Ryan Burney, Robin Harper, Corey and Ray Shugart, Kandis an Brian Mesecher; great grandchildren, Kaden and Anessa Bienz, Madilynn and Jonah Ritter, Janae, Arielle, Allen and Austin McFadden, Sadie and Alexa Trees, Kaylie and Parker Shugart, Presleigh, Kensleigh and Ledger Mesecher.

Elva and Harold met in grade school and then married on November 27, 1935. The started their family in Nucla, Colorado, then moved to Dragerton, Utah and finally settled in Sandy, Utah. They celebrated their 70th anniversary just a few months before Harold passed away.

They had 3 children, Raymond, Lauretta and Rick. Elva loved her family and dedicated her life to be a great wife, mother and great grandmother.

While raising her family, Elva worked in the Alta View School District for 18 years. After retiring, she had many enjoyable years traveling, going hunting, gardening, sewing and playing the piano.

In 2007, after Harold's passing, Elva decided to move to Texas to be close to her son, Rick and daughter-in-law, Peggy. Elva and Peggy immediately developed a close bond. Peggy had just lost her mother and Elva lovingly filled that empty place in her heart. They were always "two peas in a pod," going to church, shopping, out to eat, attending events and even getting pedicures with bright toenail polish. In her 90's, Elva started really living life to the fullest, including cruising! Rick was delighted to see her new excitement for life.

Elva led a Christian life and was a role model for her family and friends. She loved her church and made many friends over the years, most of whom have preceded her in death.

The family would like to give a special thank you to two people who touched Elva's life. Marjean Marshall, who Elva thought of as another daughter, attended the same church in Salt Lake an was always the first one there to do whatever it took to make sure Elva had what she needed. Elva dearly loved Marjean and so did her family. Rick would call her Mother Teresa because there wasn't anything she wouldn't or couldn't do for anyone. Marjean will always be very special to our family.

The family would also like to give a very special thank you to Denise Gardner for taking such loving care of Elva. She lived with Elva the last few years of her life and shared so much together. Elva would sit in the kitchen and watch Denise cook or clean and talk about the good old days. Elva had a special place in her heart for Denise and Denise will miss her dearly.

Funeral services will be held at Goff Mortuary in Midvale, Utah on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Elva will be laid to rest after the service at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park in