Melva Williams

Melva Coral Schindler Williams died Thursday, October 30, 2014 in her apartment at Sunrise Senior Living in Salt Lake City.  She was 92 years old.  

Melva was the firstborn child of Henry Schindler and Susan Wallace Wilson.  She was born in Salt Lake City on February 26, 1922. Her parents met working at Sweets Candy Company in Salt Lake, which is where her lifelong love of candy was born.

At age 19, Mel married Robert Louis Williams on June 26, 1941 in Salt Lake City. Bob was in the navy and was soon shipped out to fight in the Pacific.  Mel was strong without him through her first pregnancy and the birth of their oldest son, Jim.  

After the war they made their home in Bountiful, Utah. Mel was a dedicated mother to her four children and later a wonderful grandmother.  She instilled her values in all of us: love of family, working hard, enjoying simple pleasures, and quality over quantity.

She was also a dedicated student and became an accomplished businesswoman. She graduated from West High School in 1940. She spent most of her career as the office manager at Bountiful Medical Center.

She was active in her community.  She was a founding member of St. Olaf's Alter Society and a board member of Catholic Charities.  She was a member of the League of Women Voters and politically active all her life.  

She enjoyed spending time at Bear Lake with her family, cooking, playing bridge, and was an avid sports fan.

Mel, known as Grandma Mel to most of us, will be dearly missed.  She is survived by her sister (Susan) Kay Duncan; her four children James Robert Williams, John David Williams, Monika Williams Brannan, and Kevin Williams; her four grandchildren Kendall Thomas Stevenson, Scott Rees Stevenson, Witney Williams and Samantha Williams; and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

Viewing will be Friday, November 7, 2014 at 12:30 pm with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary, 275 U Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.