(November 8, 1932 – December 1, 2014)
An extraordinary life of strength, joy, love and service ended on December 1, 2014, when Charlene Bryner Leidich Davis slipped quietly home to her Heavenly Father.
From the moment of her birth on November 8, 1932, in Raymond, Alberta, Canada, Charlene lived life to the fullest. She was the third of six children born to Hardison Redd and Mary Woolley Bryner. Charlene always liked to make a fun entrance, so she felt it was appropriate that her Aunt announced her earthly arrival by promptly placing her bare bottom up against the picture window of her family’s living room. The neighborhood women were then able to rush to church services and announce that Mary had given birth to a sweet baby girl. She was fiercely proud of her Canadian heritage and she would occasionally refer to herself as the ‘Crazy Canuk’; we simply called her ‘Mom’.
When she was a young child, her family immigrated to Price, Utah, where she graduated from Carbon High School. She was very delighted to be called a ‘Dino’ and she convinced many of her grandchildren to believe that she had indeed grown up with the dinosaurs.
She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and she happily dedicated many hours to the welfare of anyone she was called to serve. One of her greatest joys was to be able to follow in her mother’s footsteps and serve for several years as a temple worker in the Logan, Utah Temple. Never one to take it too easy; after retirement, she willingly answered a call to serve a proselytizing mission in the Antofagasta, Chile Mission. Tracting door-to-door with young women less than half her age wasn’t very easy; but her perseverance and dedication will always stand as a testimony of strength and conviction to her posterity.
Charlene retired from U.S. West having worked several different positions throughout her career. She loved ‘Ma Bell’ and all of the many friendships she was able to develop. She was never afraid to learn new things or take on a challenge and she could always be relied upon to provide her very best work.
Charlene had a deep and abiding love for music. Some of her happiest moments were spent as a member of a choir or directing one. She had a beautiful alto voice and began performing at a very young age. She recalled traveling from Price to Camp Douglas to perform for troops stationed there during World War II. During her high school years she was a member of a singing trio called The Three C’s. When her children were small, she was a member of the Salt Lake Singing Mothers and most recently a proud member of the Northern Utah Chorale Society. Many choirs filled the years in between.
One of her greatest loves was spectator sports. She was passionate about the Utah State Aggies, and had season tickets to many of their sporting events. Even when she moved away from Logan, she would brave the worst weather to be in her seat before the start of a game. Her enthusiasm, love and pride for the Aggies knew no boundaries and often led to some very colorful and highly memorable moments for her family to enjoy. She knew the rules to most sports and could call a game better than most referees; who in her opinion, were either blind or delusional.
Charlene was always the life of the party. She dared to experience life in unique and exciting ways; whether it was camping out on her own bedroom floor or riding in the front of shopping carts, she was always ready for an adventure. Travel was a true pleasure for her, and her European and Chilean adventures were always a source of great conversation. She loved to laugh and to look for the humor in most situations.
How grateful we are to know that you are ours and we are yours forever.
Charlene is survived by her children: Christine Leidich Bartlett of Garland/Roosevelt, Utah, Hans (Julie) Leidich of Walled Lake, Michigan and Jeneanne (Kelton) Davis Liston of St. George, Utah; thirteen grandchildren; brothers: Robert (Luzanne) Bryner and Wayne (Suzan) Bryner, both of Logan, Utah and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband: Edward Leidich; her sister: Joyce (Norville) Craven; brothers: Merrill (Simone) Bryner and Richard (Erika) Bryner; and grand-daughter Anna Shea Liston.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Chapel, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Visitations will be held on Friday, Dec. 19, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10-10:45 a.m., prior to services at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Chapel.
- Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, telephone 435-673-4221. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit the Metcalf Mortuary website.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the caregivers at Spring Gardens Assisted Living Center in St. George, and Horizon Hospice. Your friendship and compassion were a true blessing for our mom and family.