Vella Haderlie Hansen, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 13, 2010, surrounded by her family. She was born in Freedom, Idaho, on July 3, 1926, to John and Martha Lindholm Haderlie. She was the fourth of five children and had wonderful memories created by growing up on a farm in Star Valley. Her mother and father instilled in her the value of hard work and an incredible love of music—she took great pride in her Haderlie heritage. She graduated from Star Valley High School and attended Utah State University. While in Logan she met Lyman Dale Hansen; they were married on Feb. 7, 1947, in the Salt Lake Temple and resided in Smithfield, Utah. She was an incredible wife, and she and Lyman loved each other deeply. They were blessed with five children, Dale, Von, Penny, Madlyn, and Douglas; 23 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Lyman and Vella opened their home to others who needed a temporary family, including her infant niece, an Indian Placement daughter and her family, a foster son, her own grandchildren, and friends from far and near. She was a mother and grandmother to anyone who needed her. Vella worked as the bookkeeper for the family business for over 40 years Vella was a humble and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She commented many times that her testimony of Christ was strongly influenced by the music of the gospel. She loved each opportunity she had to serve in the church and gave each calling her full effort. She was a visiting teacher, a Primary teacher, a chorister in every organization, an activities director, and even the Young Women's President when she was in her 60s. In her later years she devoted many hours to working in the Logan Temple cafeteria. Vella had a beautiful voice and spent years performing vocal solos and duets with friends. She devoted years directing choirs and will always be remembered for the wonderful musical Christmas programs she wrote and directed. She taught and entertained her family with the violin, her harmonica, and her mother's mandolin. Vella loved taking care of her home and family and created fun family traditions. She was a beautiful, practical seamstress and enjoyed doing crafts; she created treasured gifts for many people. She memorized and enjoyed stories and poems and shared her thoughts beautifully in written letters. She showed unconditional love to everyone. If you knew Vella, you were her friend. She knew how to brighten our days with her beautiful smile; she radiated love and beauty. Vella had challenges in her life that she endured with grace and dignity. Her strong faith carried her through joys and sorrows. Vella is survived by her husband, Lyman; her five children; Dale Craig (Gayle) of Smithfield, Utah; Von Lyman (Julia) of Boise, Idaho; Penny (Charles) Findlay of Smithfield, Utah; Madlyn (Mark) Huber of Hyde Park, Utah; and Douglas John (Toni) of Riverton, Utah; 23 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren; her sister Nelda (Willard) Oakeson and her brother Morris (Esther) Haderlie. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; her brother Conn Haderlie and sister Wilma Jenkins; her daughter-in-law Susan (Von) and her granddaughter Brenna (Von and Susan). Thanks to those who served Vella during the last months: Hearts and Hands Home Care, especially Rachael Archibald and Miranda Ricks; all the wonderful help from Alpine Hospice, and family and friends who were such a support. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at 12 Noon in the Smithfield 16th Ward Chapel, 451 South 250 East. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield and on Wednesday at the church from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com.

Published in Idaho Statesman on March 16, 2010