Emma Lovina Dennis

Salina, Utah - Emma Lovina Drollinger Dennis, of Salina, died 21 September 2006 in Glenwood, Utah. She was born 92 years ago on 22 April 1914 in Bear River City, Box Elder County, Utah. She was the third of thirteen children born to Allen Elmer and Nancy Elizabeth Stone Drollinger. During her formative years, she lived in Ioka in the Uintah Basin and graduated from Roosevelt High School when she was 18 years old. On 10 May 1935 she married DeVere Thomas Dennis. Their mothers accompanied them to the Bishop’s home in Uncle Willard’s 1932 Star pickup truck. When they arrived (unannounced), they had to wait while the Bishop’s wife called him in from the field. Then, after changing into his suit, he performed the ceremony in the front room. Emma and DeVere were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on 13 April 1954, while she was expecting their third child. An excellent homemaker and seamstress, Emma enjoyed crocheting, quilting and interior decorating. During WWII, the happy couple moved with their two little sons to Portland, Oregon. They both worked in the shipyards - - she was a three-plate welder and bears a dime-sized scar on her foot from a piece of hot slag that got into her boot. She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and happy to serve in numerous capacities over the years, including Primary Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Young Women Advisor and twice as Relief Society President. Emma is survived by her husband of 71 years and their three children: Alan and Hope Dennis of Victoria, TX; Ronald and Grace Marie Dennis of Provo; Rochelle and Paul Erickson of Salina. She is also survived by her sisters: Ardy Strong of Salt Lake City; Velma Dart of Roosevelt; Pearl and Ken Workman of Centerville; and her brothers: Cliff and Gladys Drollinger of Roosevelt; Dee and Gwen Drollinger, Don and Verna Drollinger, all of Salt Lake City. She was preceded in death by both parents and she is no doubt having a great family reunion with them and her sisters, Erma and Rowene Drollinger, Helen Beilfuss; and her brothers, Grant, Glen and Fred Drollinger. Emma and DeVere are loved by 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 12 Noon in the Salina 2nd LDS Ward Chapel, 87 South 100 East in Salina. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Salina, Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or Wednesday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Salina Pioneer Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield, Salina and Gunnison, Utah.