SALVESEN, DONN A JEAN, September 6, 1931 – May 26, 2008

Donna Jean Smith Salvesen, 76, of Idaho Falls, and former Malad resident passed away May 26, 2008 in Rexburg from complications due to lung cancer. She was born September 6, 1931 in Malad, Idaho, a daughter of LaVern M. and Rosella John Smith.

Donna was raised on the family farm in Malad and attended elementary school at Pleasantview. She graduated from Malad High School and attended Utah State University, where she participated on the Aggie Drill Team.

On September 1, 2950, she was married to Darrald L. Salvensen in Malad. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LS Temple on May 23, 2963. Donna kept a loving and comfortable home for her family. They have lived in Malad, Twin Falls, Pocatello, Salt Lake City and Idaho Falls.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she was an active member and shared her musical talents in all of the auxiliaries as music director and pianist. She served as Primary President, Young Women’s President and in the Relief Society presidency. She also served in the Young Women and Relief Society Stake presidencies.

Donna was a member of the Malad Valley Community Chorus. She also sang with the Pleasantview trio and took part at many weddings and funerals. Donna sang with the Cantabile women’s chorus of Rexburg until a stroke paralyzed her vocal chords and took her singing voice away in 1998.

Donna enjoyed traveling abroad with her husband and camping with her family.

Her husband, Darrald, passed away on March 10, 1997. She is survived by her children, Dave (Susan) Salvesen of Rexburg, Dan (Sandy) Salvesen of Meridian, Debbie (Greg) Mays of Idaho Falls, Didi (Brad) Andrie of Minneapolis and Daralee (Kent) Beck of Ammon; brothers, Delwyn, Jack and Sheldon; 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a granddaughter, Melissa.

Funeral services were held May 31, 2008 in Idaho Falls. Burial followed in the Pleasantview Cemetery.