Melanie Boren Dern

Melanie Boren Dern, 70, of Herriman, Utah passed away unexpectedly on November 21st, 2024. She was born on October 20th, 1954 in Salt Lake City, Utah to John Henry and Vera Maxine Boren.

She was raised to be adventurous, as she traveled the world with her family at a young  age. She started with a voyage across the ocean to England on the Queen Mary. At the age of 8, she returned to America, where she lived with her family in Holladay, Utah. It was at that time that she met her lifelong friend, June Hansen.

After a chance encounter at Lindsey Gardens in September of 1972, she met the love of her life, Deveraux Riley Dern. They were together for nearly seven years before marrying on January 20th, 1979. They went on to have 3 children and provided the warmest and most loving home.

Melanie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. For 46 years, she was a homemaker and family pillar known for her love, kindness, and genuine concern for
everyone. She taught those in her life to always be kind and was a ray of light with the most beautiful smile.

Outside of homemaking, Melanie was an accomplished hairdresser, where she enjoyed  making people feel beautiful. She went on to work at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father John Norman.

Melanie was passionate about life. She was always eager to experience anything new.  She was an avid baker. Family, friends and neighbors looked forward to her
Christmas cookies. Later in life, Melanie took up water-coloring and found a hidden talent that none of us knew she had. Her work adorns our homes.

Melanie cherished her time with her family. She made every occasion memorable, from Sunday dinners to Christmas celebrations. But, her most important role was being a grandmother. She nurtured her grand-childrens talents and supported their dreams.

Her spirit, love, and joy will live on in all who knew her.

Melanie is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Deveraux; their 3 children,  Dustin (Ashley) Dern, Ashley (Dak) Harvey, Emily Dern; and her precious
grandchildren, Zachary, Claire, Nolynn, and Keaton. She is also survived by her siblings, Marilyn Cox and John Boren, along with numerous extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 5th, 2024, at Starks Funeral Parlor from 6:00-8:00 PM, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on December 6th, 2024, at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 11:00am, 1375 Spring Ln, Holladay, with a graveside to follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.