Ellen Blair

Our sweet wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Ellen Bench Blair passed away peacefully at her home in Cedar Hills, Utah on December 9, 2016 (53 years young), after a hard fought battle with a rare cancer, which she endured with grace.

Ellen was born on July 18, 1963 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Iris Dawn Bigler and John Rees Bench. She was immediately welcomed by her brother John, and sister Gretta, then later followed by brother Andrew, and sister Jennifer. Ellen grew up in Orem, Utah, graduating from Orem High School, then attending Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. Ellen met Gary on a blind date. They had an immediate connection and were married on May 5, 1984 in the Salt Lake Temple. They made their home in Orem, and later moved to Cedar Hills. They were blessed with four beautiful daughters, who all bear a striking resemblance to their angel mother. She considered her girls to be her greatest accomplishment. She took great joy in their growing families and loved being a grandma.

Ellen worked tirelessly on behalf of her growing family. She always put their needs first, and tried to help each of them make their dreams come true. Her great joy was being a part of their lives and showed sincere interest in everything they did. Ellen was a natural beauty. We will  miss her sparkling blue eyes, that 'pixie' smile, her silver/white hair, her rosy, apple cheeks, and her beautiful long fingers with perfect nails. Ellen had the most infectious laugh! It was truly a gift to us, as was her comforting, angel voice.

Ellen possessed the finest attributes. She was generous, almost to a fault. She was the truest, kindest, friend with no judgment and a listening ear. She was a forgiving, protective, guardian.  Even in her trials and ill health, she was able to carry your sorrows, and give comfort. Ellen had a great love of nature. She said that she felt closer to God in the mountains than in any other place. She taught her children about the power of faith through her absolute integrity and example of endurance. She unapologetically owned her strengths, weaknesses, and choices.  Ellen could always see how to make things better, which she did in every situation.

Ellen was uncomplaining, compassionate, and eternally hopeful, in fact she knew with all of her being, that her trials were what the Lord intended for her to become the woman He needed her to be. She possessed a firsthand understanding of the enabling power of the atonement. She embraced the Savior, and gave her life to His will. We are all better for having known her.

Ellen is survived by her husband and best friend of 32 years, Gary Dean Blair, her four beloved daughters and their families: Cheryl Lyn (Michael) Ashton, their children Zachary, Haylee, and Graysen;  Suzanne (Richard) Taggart, their children Penelope and Maxwell; Jessica Rita Blair; Kandice (Brian) VandeMerwe. She is also survived by her brother John B. Bench (Elvera McLees), sister Gretta (Phil Millett), brother Andrew (Kerrie Bench), sister Jennifer (Garrett Seely). Along with Gary's family: John (Carla Blair), Joyce (Larry Brittian).  Many other beloved family members and friends. Preceded in death by her parents, brother Richard, sister Marsha, Gary's parents Merrill and Ruth Blair, Brother and sister-in-law Grant and Debbie Blair.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 16, 2016 at the Manila Stake Center located at 850 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah. The family will meet with friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State, Orem and Friday at 9:30 a.m., at the church, prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the American Fork Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family on this site.

Our family would like to express our warmest appreciation to Ellen's many friends and ward members for their service and friendship through the years. Special Thanks to Shelly Ebert for her tender and thoughtful care.