Velma Risenmay

Velma Rose Gray Risenmay, 97, of American Fork, Utah, passed away on December 7, 2023. She was born in Iona, Idaho, and lived in York, Woodville, Rose, and Idaho Falls for the next 87 years before moving to Utah. She grew up on a farm with a loving family. She attended school in York in a two-room school where a curtain separated the rooms. Her childhood was filled with life on the farm, riding horses and bikes and working alongside her parents. She also played first base on the boys’ baseball team. She attended grades 9-12 in Idaho Falls.

In January of 1944, she met Eldon Risenmay at Wandamere, a local dance establishment. He drove her home, and this was the beginning of their relationship. Eldon was inducted into the Army in October 1944, and his basic training ensued for the next three months. They became engaged during a furlough, and he was shipped out soon after to the Philippines. An injury brought him home near the end of 1945. They were married on January 16, 1946, in the Idaho Falls temple, a marriage that lasted 60 years. Together they farmed in eastern Idaho, raised six children, welcomed 33 grandchildren, and took joy in an additional 84 great-grandchildren. We love the memory of her holding newly born Hannah for hours the Sunday before she was called home.

Velma served in numerous church callings throughout her life. Eldon and Velma served a full-time mission together for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Diego, CA. After Eldon’s passing, she served another mission to the Cannery in Idaho Falls from 2009-2013, and a third mission at the Bishop’s Storehouse in Lindon, Utah from 2014-2017. Later, she developed a deep love for Indexing and has completed 380,000 names.

Velma loved playing games, whether outdoor sports, boardgames, or card games. “Nobody beats Grandma” was a well-known phrase in our family. This love of games also brought great friends into her life over the years. Recently Tuesdays and Thursdays were filled with some of the sweetest ladies gathering together to play some serious pinochle or canasta.

Being born with a green thumb, plants and flowers filled Velma’s life. She had a gift for crocheting and quilt making, and she shared her beautiful work with many over the years. Anyone sitting at her table was in for a treat as she was an amazing cook–how we loved her Scotcharoos! She also loved BYU sports, and their teams have lost one of their most devoted and enthusiastic fans.

Velma was widowed for 17 years. We can only imagine the joy of being together with Dad again. She really never got over his passing. The reunion with parents, siblings, and so many loved ones must be incredible. “Tell everyone how much I love them,” were her final words. How we will miss her keen mind, funny wit, and loving heart.

Velma is survived by her children, David (Diane) Risenmay of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Ron (Judy) Risenmay of Las Vegas, Nevada; Allan (Valerie) Risenmay of Cedar Hills, Utah; Ralph (Peggy) Risenmay of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Karen (Mark) Pugmire of Highland, Utah; and Connie (Sterling) Orton of Pleasant Grove, Utah; 33 grandchildren and 85 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon Risenmay; parents, Merton and Rosetta Gray; three brothers, Dean, Nile, and Bob and one sister, Shirley; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many friends.

Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary. Condolences may be expressed to the family at utahvalleyfuneral.com.