Inge Grethe Ruth Andersen Eliason

Inge Grethe Ruth Andersen Eliason peacefully passed away on March 1, 2020 to return to her Heavenly Father. She was surrounded by her loving family. Inge was born on July 30, 1928 in Randers Denmark to her loving mother Kirstene Andersen. Inge was close to her mother and was also raised by her loving aunt and uncle, Abild and Thomas Kristensen. She grew up with many siblings who loved and adored her calling her “Little Inge”. Inge lived through many events in her lifetime including World War 2 when the Nazi’s invaded Denmark.

After the war, she decided to go to America. Inge took a ship from Denmark to New York by herself and then traveled across the country to California where she stayed with her sponsors, The Balmforth’s, for a while not knowing any English. Inge then moved to Payette, Idaho where she had relatives, the Jensen’s, and there she learned English and worked at several jobs. Inge served on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Denmark, where she met Allen Eliason, also serving on a Danish mission. After her mission, she went back to Idaho and then moved to Salt Lake. She worked as a dental assistant and was saving up money to go back to Denmark. At that time, she was also corresponding with Allen and eventually he asked her to marry him. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 2, 1960 and had 3 daughters, Linda, Lisa, and Lynette.

Inge was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the Relief Society and was also Primary President. She was also a chorister and loved to sing and could play church hymns on the piano. Inge worked in the ward library for many years and everyone loved to stop by and say hello to her. She was involved in the PTA and was a classroom volunteer bringing treats for her daughters’ classrooms. Inge was the ultimate housewife and took great care of her family. She made the best Danish cookies, and this has always been a tradition every Christmas season. There was never enough as they were so popular and tasty.

Ward members and neighbors all loved Inge and hugs were always in order. She was the kindest and most giving person, always putting everyone before herself. Inge loved her family and was known as “Mormor” to her 6 grandchildren and “Oldemor” to her 8 grandchildren. Her presence will surely be missed by all that knew her! We know that Inge was greeted in Heaven by her loving husband Allen, her grandchildren Ashton and Parker Harmes and baby Roy Lund and all of her Danish family!

Survived by her 3 daughters, Linda Harmes, Lisa Fangupo, Lynette (Brent) Lund: 4 grandchildren: Naki (Danielle) & Latu Patetefa, BJ (Addie) Lund, & Kirstina Lund (Jordan Kirk); and 8 great-grandchildren Lisinge & Naki Patetefa, Emery & Bennett Lund, Willow, Javin, Tatum & Brekklynn Kirk.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 7^th, 10:30 a.m., at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, where viewings will be Friday, March 6^th from 6-8pm and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:15 am. Burial will be held immediately after at Redwood Memorial Estates, 6500 South Redwood Road. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association.

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