Sarah Melda Fackrell passed away on September 4, 2017, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 28th, 1917 to Joseph W. and Sarah Jane Vickers. Melda was born, and raised, in Nephi. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After graduating from Juab High School, Melda attended college in Logan, Utah. She became a Home Economics teacher. She taught for a few years then decided to work for the Utah State University Extension Service as a War Food Preservation assistant. She purchased a car because she was required to travel between 3 counties helping and teaching others. Her family never owned a car, so she had to learn how to drive. Later she was a Home Demonstration Agent in Uinta County.
She returned to teaching and moved to Mountain View, Wyoming. This is where she met James Wallace Fackrell. They fell in love and were later married in the Manti Temple in February 1946.
Melda has devoted her time to family, church and community. She has been a substitute teacher, worked with the 4-H clubs, and has held many positions in the various organizations in the Church.
She also has held the positions of president and secretary for the American Legion Auxiliary. Melda worked as a city librarian for 9 years. She was very active in Daughters of Utah Pioneers, including helping to restore as well as place many artifacts in the museum. She took care of her mother until her passing in her home.
Melda enjoyed life. She loved to garden and watch things grow. She had a garden and loved being in it until she was 96, when a fall stopped her from doing what she enjoyed so.
She is survived by a son, Ray, 4 daughters, JoAnn Lawson, Laura (Craig) Newton, Janice (John) Staley, and Betty (Brad) Ballow, 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Melda was preceded in death by: her parents, brother Joseph (Jay) Vickers, and husband James Wallace Fackrell.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 9th, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at the Nephi North Stake Center (1125 North 400 East). A viewing will be held at 10:30 a.m. prior the services. Interment at Vine Bluff Cemetery.