Orpha Amanda Sweeten Boyden, 90, completed her earthly sojourn in patience and grace on June 3, 1998.

Born August 7, 1907 in Malad, ID, the only child of George Gillis and Sara Evens Sweeten. Raised in northern Utah and southern Idaho, she graduated from Utah State University, where she was Phi Kappa Phi, President of Sorosis (Alpha Chi Omega), Center on Women’s Basketball Team, and Harvest Queen. She worked as a stenographer for the Veterans Administration in both Washington, DC and Utah, and later for the F.B.I. While working as a secretary for Senator William H. King, she met John Sterling Boyden after attending a Democratic rally where he spoke. They were married May 17, 1936, in Coalville, UT. and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. They raised three sons and one daughter.

Orpha spent her life in service to her family, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to the community. She found great joy and satisfaction in her family. She revered her ancestors and enjoyed strong ties with her parents and her Sweeten and Evans cousins. Orpha was a loving and supportive companion to her husband, a dedicated mother, and an unusually personable and “hip” grandma. She was known for her intelligence, common sense, leadership, sensitivity to others, unique humor, and great compassion. Orpha was Organist and Primary Teacher in Yale II Ward and member of the Bonneville Stake Primary Board. She served 11 years on the Primary General Board, giving Cub Scouting its initial momentum and was the recipient of the Boy Scout Silver Beaver Award. Orpha was an excellent speaker and writer, serving nine years on the Church Home Evening Writing Committee. She served as a volunteer secretary in the First Presidency’s Office, and was a church service missionary in the office of the Massachusetts Boston Mission. A cause-oriented person, she was Chair of the March of Dimes and the Cancer Drive and was President of Uintah P.T.A. She served on the Utah State Fair Board, the Women’s Legislative Council, and was a Trustee of Utah State University, where she received the Distinguished Alumni Award and was named to the Old Main Society.

The family expresses appreciation to the staff of Garden Terrace Alzheimer’s Center for their skilled and caring service during the last years of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband on July 17, 1980. She is survived by her children: President John S. Boyden, Jr. (Margaret Sabine), California San Diego Mission; Stephen G. Boyden (Pat Shumway); Carmen Sweeten Boyden Pingree (John C.); and Paul W. Boyden (Ann McConkie), Salt Lake City. She is survived by 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, Yale Second Ward, 1431 E. Gilmer Drive. Viewing will be Monday evening, 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 So and on Tuesday at the Ward from 10 – 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Autism Society of Utah, 668 South 1300 East, Salt Lake City, UT. 84102.