Afton Blonquist

A life of Gratitude, Service and Love

Coalvile a�" Our sweet mother, grandmother and sister passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 12, 2011, after an 18 month battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She was born October 21, 1929 the 5th daughter of Ursula Elizabeth Sargent and John Eaton Wright in Spring Hollow, Utah. Afton graduated from North Summit High School in 1947. She moved to Salt Lake City and worked for the Department of Employment Security.

She married the love of her life, Melvin Eugene Blonquist on November 11, 1950, and were later sealed in the Ogden LDS Temple on October 13, 2010. They moved to Seattle, Washington while her husband was in the military. She worked for Immigration Services there. In March of 1953 they returned to Coalville where she worked together with her husband to establish the family mink ranch. They had 3 children, Blair Eugene (Denise), Blaine Craig (Launa) and Gena (Glen Black). Together they learned how to work hard, play hard, laugh and enjoy music, family and friends. Afton's mantra, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!" was always enforced. She began playing the piano as an organist and accompanist at the age of 13. Her service touched untold number of lives by playing at church services, weddings, funerals, school plays and family get-togethers. She cherished many lifetime friendships. She always made people feel loved and welcome in her home. At any given time you could find family and friends gathered around the kitchen table for one of her tasty meals.

She was one of the first women in Utah to own an Insurance Agency by establishing Blonquist-Leavitt Insurance. She exemplified outstanding customer service, which was reflected by her longtime friendships with her clients. She was actively involved in many civic organizations and volunteered her time unselfishly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 2 sisters (Rose Deseret and Ursula Mae). She is survived by her children, 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

We are grateful for her example of a life well lived. She was a woman of integrity, grace, great strength and faith. Afton's life of selfless giving, her calm, humble and always loving demeanor will be greatly missed.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, January 15, 2011 12:30 p.m. at the Coalville Utah Stake Center. A viewing will be held Friday, January 14th from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. prior to the funeral at the Coalville Utah Stake Center.

Interment will be held at the Coalville City Cemetery.