Eleda Vee Stokes

Tremonton - Eleda Vee Smith Stokes, 78, of Bothwell, Utah, died peacefully, November 13, 2004 at the Bear River Valley Hospital. She was born April 29, 1926, in Tremonton, Utah the daughter of John Cameron and Polly Fredrickson Smith. She married Deloris Leo Stokes September 10, 1943 in the Logan Temple. She had three sisters and two brothers. She loved her family, her God, and her Church. She served in all of the auxiliaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, especially treasuring the 17 years that she served as chorister of the Junior Sunday School. She was a member of the Bothwell Ward for most of her life where she served as President of the Relief Society and Primary. She was Stake Young Women's President and also served as Assistant Matron and Ordinance Worker in the Logan Temple. She faithfully supported her husband while he served as Bishop of the Bothwell Ward, councilor in the South Bear River Stake, and President of the North Carolina Raleigh Mission. Together, Deloris and Eleda Vee served as Directors of the Oakland Temple Visitors Center. She loved writing tributes, poetry, music, drama, speaking in church, painting, 4-H, visiting the residents of the Bear River Valley Care Center where she was a member of the Sing-A-Long Gang and bringing cheer as "Mrs. Santa". She was known by her grandchildren as Grandma Dee Dee. She had the reputation among her children, grandchildren, and missionaries of being a great cook, famous for her legendary Dee Dee rolls, Thanksgiving turkey and dressing. She prepared over 16, 380 rolls for the missionaries of the North Carolina Raleigh Mission. Like her mother, she enjoyed flowers and gardening. She is survived by Deloris Leo Stokes, her cherished husband of 61 years. She is also survived by three daughters, Paula Vee Don Kerr, Woodland; Cameron Stanley Palmer, Providence; Gaye Scott Wheatley, Oakton, VA; her three sons Dell Stokes, Vallejo, CA; Reed Stokes, Bothwell; Spencer Mary Stokes, Ogden; 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters Frances Jones, and Karen Stokes; and brother Joe Dee Smith. She was preceded in death by sister, Polly, and brother, Junior. She was lovingly cared for by her sister Karen, as well as friend and hairdresser Teri Holmgren, who perfected her signature "classic twist". We thank them. Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bothwell LDS Ward Chapel located at 10350 West 11600 North, with Bishop Mack Esplin officiating. Friends and family may visit Wednesday, November 17, 2004 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home located at 111 North 100 East, Tremonton and Thursday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral. Donations may be made to the Box Elder County 4-H.