Zelma Thorpe Alvord, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away at home of natural causes, March 22, 2014, having been a shining example of womanhood who will be greatly missed by her family. Zelma was born in Malad, Idaho to Joseph and Lucy Thorpe. She was the eldest of 5 sisters, and was preceded in death by a son, Joseph, her husband, Lloyd I. Alvord, her parents, and her sisters Lucile, who died as a child, Evelyn Broschinsky and Helen Grimm. Zelma spent her summers on the family wheat farm in nearby Ireland Canyon. There they lived a “Little House on the Prairie” lifestyle on the self-sustainable farm with their crops, cattle and cousins next door, growing all their own food and making their clothes.
Zelma was a granddaughter of the early pioneer settlers of the Malad area, many of whom knew Zelma as a child. Surnames of her immediate ancestors are Thorpe , Mason, Davis and Wight.
Zelma inherited the values and attitudes of these people, which she carried throughout her life. Those who knew Zelma were uplifted by her personal qualities, including pleasantness, lack of worry, optimism and selflessness. She especially enjoyed being around her family, who will try to emulate her example.
Zelma served in several LDS church callings among children and youth. She was a skilled seamstress, making beautiful dresses for her nieces, women’s suits and even coats. She was noted for her skills as a homemaker, where organization and cleanliness were her hallmarks. She performed many acts of service.
She is survived by her sister, Glenna Jo Cutler, son Lynn, daughter-in-law, Bonnie Malone Alvord, four grandchildren, David Alvord, James (Jim) Alvord, Katie (Alvord) Parry, and Robert M. Alvord. She has 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 12:00 noon at the Willoughby LDS chapel, 4484 Willoughby Dr., South Jordan, Utah. Viewing 11:00-11:45am. Interment at the North Ogden, Ben Lomond Cemetery.