Denice Young Meyer

Our beloved sweetheart, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter passed through the veil of this mortal life to the glories of our Heavenly Father, our Savior Jesus Christ, and her loving family there. Born December 26, 1951, to Ray Arnold Young and Mary LaRae Miller in Twin Falls, Idaho, Denice enjoyed a full life. She was the proverbial “Army Brat” who lived in Idaho, Germany, California, Nebraska, Alabama, Kansas, Virginia, and Texas. She met her lifelong and eternal sweetheart, Larry Meyer, at Fort Hood, Texas in 1971 while visiting her family during a semester break from BYU where she studied art and design. Their whirlwind courtship of 4 months was capped when Larry was sent back to Vietnam for a second tour. Their engagement continued long-distance across the oceans until Larry returned. They were married June 6, 1972, in a double wedding and sealing in the Salt Lake Temple. The other wonderful couple were her sister Shelly and her great husband, William (Bill) Johnson.

Denice loved children and gave birth to six wonderful babies who have grown into loving and caring adults. They are Adrion Jade Meyer, Adam Troy Meyer (Kaylyn), Kimberlee Seal (Ben), Rebecca Hill, Shayla Tuakoi (Aki), and Aaron. They blessed the Meyer clan with 18 grandchildren. Denice loved her “babies.” As is often the case, it takes someone passing from this mortal life to help us recognize what a powerful blessing they have been in our own lives. Denice created, sewed, designed, painted, and drew myriad things for her family. She designed and helped build their home in West Valley City. She loved her neighbors there and often talked about how happy it made her to know that just like families, friends, too, will be forever.

Children were the focus of Denice’s love. She loved raising them, she loved teaching them, and she loved serving them. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served as ward Primary presidency counselor, teacher, pianist, and chorister. One of her most memorable times was when the primary presidency and teachers taught the children about putting on the whole armor of God. Each week a new piece of armor was added to a “soldier silhouette” affixed to the wall. Each silhouette had a picture of each Primary child. That was a lesson the children who are now grown still talk about. Denice went with the youth on Pioneer Trek in 1985. She served as ward Relief Society President, Young Women secretary, Sunday School teacher, Activity Day leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, and companion to Larry when assigned to the Spanish Park Vista Branch. Most of all, she loved her grandchildren. She told Larry when she knew she was preparing to pass from this life – “you now have to take care of our babies while I’m gone.” Each grandchild was her favorite.

Denice loved and was loved by many. It is sad to us that she is gone for a season, but it is joyful to know that we will enjoy “the same sociality on the other side of the veil that we enjoy here, only it will be coupled with glory.” Denice said that is a “forever” worth working toward and waiting for.

Flowers may be sent to Valley View Funeral Home at 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, UT 84120.

A viewing will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 10:30AM followed by funeral services at 12:00 Noon at the Hunter East Stake Center located at 5000 West Pavant, West Valley City, Utah. The funeral will also be streamed live at https://youtube.com/live/fib4HdzWZr4?feature=share Burial will be the following Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11:00AM at the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park at 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale, Utah.

Our heartfelt thanks goes to Tyler at Valley View Funeral Home for his kind and caring service to arrange all services and care for Denice. Our family expresses profound gratitude for the care and service provided to our sweet Denice by Dr. Kimani and Tammy and the oncology team at Huntsman Cancer Institute, Dr. Manpreet Kaur, the medical team at St. Mark’s Hospital, the most awesome team ever at IMC Hospital (especially Dani, Marna, Abbey, Baile, Josh, and Jeff), and the caring staff at Stonehenge Rehab (especially Kai, Kari, Kayla, Kim, Sally, and Ashlee). And how do you thank our sweet Sarah, Kari, and Clover from Solstice Hospice who helped us the last three days of Denice’s mortal life. You ladies are true ministering angels. We are truly grateful for the many friends and neighbors who visited Denice, sent messages, called, and lovingly brightened her day. May you all be blessed for your service and kindness to a wonderful woman.