Dauneen Abel

It’s all about the dash. The dash between the day she came into the world, and the day she left. It was a life well lived. Starting with her birth in Lyman, Wyoming to Ora Mae Walker and LaMarr G. Vella. She loved her parents so very much, as well as her brother who was 2 years older than her.

She grew up in Seattle, SLC, and spent many summers in Lyman, where she spent time with her favorite cousins. She loved going there and shared many memories often.

After her high school graduation from South High, she went on to Utah State University. Her nickname there was “Peanut” because she was so short. She graduated with a degree in Childhood Education. Later she earned her Masters’ Degree from Xavier University. Education was very important to her, she loved to learn. She went on to teach for 38 years. She taught 1st grade for the most part. Students, parents, and the community loved her. She was given many awards. Teaching was truly her gift. She inspired so many. Students stayed in touch long after they left her classroom. She also sat as a board member of the Callister Foundation, where they researched and taught about ADD/ADHD.

Her most proud achievement, and her happy place was with her family. She married Joe Shannon Abel on Feb. 6, 1965. They met at the Del Mar club in Logan, Utah. Her friends were telling her about this cute guy, who had just gotten home from the Navy. When she finally saw him, she was smitten! He asked her to dance, and that’s where it all started. Together they raised 4 children. Tiffany (Todd), Joe Jr., Kristine ( Bret) and Jennifer ( John).

She adored every one of them, and created a happy home, full of love, support and good food! She made birthdays and holidays extra special. We have many memories of camping, singing around the campfire, while Dad played his guitar. She was also a great seamstress. She made Barbie clothes, cheer outfits, a wedding dress for Tiffany, and many blankets. She was always busy supporting each of her children in their own interests. She drove them to all their activities, traveled with them, snow skiing was always fun, and shopping. (Lots of shopping!)

She was definitely a hands on Mom. She was the same with her grandchildren. She had 15 grands, and 17 greats.  Every single one of them felt like they were her favorite, and they were right! Lots of sleepovers, movies, singing, gingerbread house making. It was always fun to go to her house. She was an excellent cook, and hostess. She had many gatherings, and welcomed everyone. She always said “Come early and stay late”. People just gravitated towards her, which is why she had so many friends.

She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings in leadership and teaching. She loved Jesus Christ and did her best to follow his teachings. She went to the Bountiful temple to receive her endowments, and later was sealed to her sweetheart in the Logan temple. She served a service mission in her later years at the Family History library in Salt Lake City.

All of this and more, in a short little dash. The dash is where life is lived, and she lived hers beautifully!

Those waiting for her on the other side are her loving husband, her parents, and her brother J-Marlan. Many other relatives that she loved. She deeply loved, and loved deeply. When the Savior welcomed her into his arms, we are positive he said “Hallelujah, You’re home!!”

LOVE YOU MORE!

Mom wanted a small service, so there will be a viewing on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at White Pine Funeral Services, 753 South 100 East in Logan, Utah. Following the viewing, there will be a graveside service at Noon at the Paradise, Utah Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husbands ashes.