Afton Marie Adams Ellison passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2013. Afton lived in Boise since 1947 and was 95 years old at the time of her passing.

Afton was born August 18, 1918, in Layton, Utah, daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth Adams. She was raised on a farm in Layton, Utah, as the youngest of eight brothers and sisters who survived infancy. Being the youngest, she grew up working on the farm raking hay, milking cows and picking fruit. She graduated from Utah State University and taught at Adams Elementary School, which was named after her family.

In 1941 Afton married Howard Day from Layton, Utah. They had one child, Dennis Howard Day (Ellison). Three short years later, Howard was killed in the closing weeks of World War II in the Battle of the Bulge. Afton ran for public office in Utah and was elected the Davis County Recorder.

She later married Don Ellison and moved to Boise. Don and Afton were blessed with three children: Mark A. Ellison, Monty Don Ellison, and Robert Lynn Ellison, bringing the total to four sons. They also have 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom they are very proud and love dearly. And they reciprocated that love. Grandma's house was always the destination of choice.

While raising her family she also worked as the librarian at Monroe Elementary School in Boise.

Afton had a green thumb, growing beautiful flowers that were the envy of the neighborhood. There was truly beauty all around when she was at home. Afton also served the women and children of her church community with years of compassionate leadership in her many church callings. Afton led a very busy and active life.

Even though she considered herself a country girl and loved to stay at home, she saw much of the world - Europe, Africa, Russia, South America, China, Australia, Egypt and Israel. But more importantly, she loved to help and serve others. She was full of love and charity to all people.

Following years of service in Boise, she and Don left the comfort of home and family to serve a mission in Nigeria, Africa. After that, Afton served in the Boise Temple for many years. We, her family, constantly hear from others in the community how Afton made a positive difference in their lives.

Afton's greatest love was her husband, children and home. She was a loving and dedicated wife and the consummate homemaker. Her four sons could not have asked for a more patient, loving, instructive Mother. Her home was open to everyone and always full of love and delicious home cooked meals, including her signature orange rolls and divinity candy. The world is definitely a better place because Afton was here. Her family and friends and the many other lives she touched still strive to follow her Christ-like example of charity.

Afton is survived by her children; daughters-in-law, Nancie Covino Ellison, and Linda Barton Ellison; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Afton was preceded in death by her husband and her brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the LDS Chapel located at 3200 Cassia St., Boise. A viewing and gathering for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 10, 2014 from 6-8:00 p.m. at Relyea Funeral Chapel located at 318 N. Latah St., Boise. Family will also greet friends on Saturday afternoon from 1:00-1:45 p.m. at the chapel prior to the services. Interment will follow the at Morris Hill Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Relyea Funeral Chapel.

Published in Idaho Statesman from Jan. 7 to Jan. 9, 2014