Rayola Geneva Husband Ely Obituary (1933

Rayola Geneva Husband Ely passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, 2022 at Utah Valley Hospital due to complications from pneumonia. She was surrounded by her family throughout a 2-week hospital stay, and although her full recovery became unlikely, she was determined to celebrate her 89th birthday; and celebrate she did, requesting multiple repeats of her birthday song. What a sweet celebration it was! Rayola was born on Oct 18, 1933 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Russell Starr Husband and Geneva Marie Husband, the youngest of their 5 children. As a result of being born 7 weeks premature, baby Rayola developed Cerebral Palsy. However, that never stopped her from attaining all the goals she set in life. Since the moment Rayola was born, she was determined to accomplish great things. She graduated from East High School in 1949 and went on to earn her Elementary Education degree from Brigham Young University. While attending BYU she met her eternal companion, Nathan Albert Ely. She moved to Hayward, California where she taught 2nd grade before returning to Utah and marrying the love of her life in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 26, 1958. They lived in Utah until Nathan attained a teaching job in Crescent City, California. They moved 3 small children to the West Coast and remained there for over 50 years. While in Crescent City, Rayola taught school at Crescent Elk Jr High and Redwood Elementary. In her later years she substituted at most of the elementary schools throughout the district, touching the lives of countless children. Rayola was very charitable and loved serving in the community and volunteering for service centered auxiliaries. Rayola was a leader! She was a PTA President, a Girl Scout Leader, The Sunshine Lady President at the convalescent hospital, Sister Friendly at church and went to girls camp for over 15 years. She was a homemaker and loved to bake bread and can fruit. She had a green thumb and loved plants. She loved creating and making crafts and always was up for learning new things. Rayola loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and spent her life living a Christ-centered life. Her devotion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was evident in all she said and all she did. She spent many hours serving the ward members and giving wherever, whenever and whatever she was able. From Primary President to Relief Society Secretary to Ward Librarian she served with all her might, mind, and strength. Rayola loved her family and her children were her everything. She spent hours teaching, serving, and caring for them. Her greatest accomplishment was raising her children by example. “SWEET” is definitely the best world to describe her. Never an unkind thing to say and always working for the happiness of those around her. She truly gave life all she had with never a selfish thought for herself. She was a light shining so brightly in her little corner of the Vineyard. Those who knew her loved her and are truly better for knowing her. Rayola is survived by her children, Ty Allen Ely, David Ray Ely, Cindy Wallace (Joe), and Terri Whittingham (Brady). Grandchildren, Kaela Marie Whittingham, Kristi Marin Whittingham, and Kaitlyn Jane Whittingham, and many nieces and nephews. Rayola was preceded in death by her husband Nathan Albert Ely, her father and mother, her brothers, Marvin, Grant, and Dale Husband, sister Dorthy Bangerter, and her grandson Brady “Bo” Whittingham. Funeral services will be held in Crescent City, California on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 at the LDS Chapel on 1031 A St. All are invited to a viewing and to visit with loved ones from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Services will begin at 11:00 am with the graveside interment immediately following, after which family and friends are invited to return to the LDS Chapel for a light brunch. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com. In honor of Rayola’s concern for Ty’s well-being in her absence, donations made in lieu of flowers will be used to bless her son’s life. Venmo account for Rayolas Son: @RElyson (account will come up as Lucinda Wallace) Thank you Crescent City Ward is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting: Topic: Sis. Rayola Ely Funeral Service Time: Nov 1, 2022 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95758285235?pwd=OVhuSlZMdGkzWGlLdTd5UEQxOFpXZz09 Meeting ID: 957 5828 5235 Passcode: 033337