Melva Wakley Toponce, 16 October 1915

Melva Wakley Toponce, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother was finally called home on November 10, 2002.

Melva was born October 16, 1915 in Downey, ID to Wilard and Cora Barnes Wakley. Melva was the fourth child born of 11 which consisted of four girls and seven boys.

Melva married Emmett C. Toponce November 26, 1932 in Malad, ID, later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in 1957. She was the mother of Emmett Elroy Toponce, Abilene, TX and Jerry D. Toponce, Centerville, UT.

After being widowed in 1966, Melva started her career as a master cook working for the University of Utah hospital for seven years, Blue Cross of Utah for two years and retiring as the head cook and manager of the LDS Church Lion House Pantry where she served thousands of people over the years and was well known for many of the recipes used there today.

She was preceded in death by husband, Emmett C. Toponce; mother and father; Willard and Cora Wakley; sisters, Jennie and Verna; brothers, Pete, Arley, Dale, Dean, Lamar and Ben.

She is survived by sons Emmett Elroy (Annie); Jerry (Jan); brother, Howard Wakley; sister Genavie Colton, seven grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of Meadowbrook Assisted Living; Care Source Hospice and Rocky Mountain Care Center for all of their loving care.

Services will be November 15 at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary.