Myrna Joy Matley

Myrna Joy Rasmussen Matley, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend returned to her Heavenly Father surrounded by her family on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020. She was 86 years old.

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Myrna was born on April 5, 1934 in Manti, Utah to Wanless Elsworth Rasmussen and Blanche Braithwaite Rasmussen. She graduated in 1952 from Manti High School and received her associate’s degree from Snow College in 1954. Myrna was known for her beauty, grace and elegance. She was encouraged to enter her first beauty pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of 16. She then went on to win the titles of Miss Nephi, Miss Ephraim, and Miss Sanpete County. In 1955, she won the title of Miss Utah.  Later, she was a contestant in the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants. She was honored to represent her state and did so in an exemplary way. It was during her reign of Miss Utah that she met and married the love of her life, Fred Stahmann Matley, in the Salt Lake Temple on March 16, 1956.

Myrna had a strong testimony her Savior, Jesus Christ, and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved to serve and especially enjoyed her time in the Young Women’s organization. She was an uplifting influence and a steady anchor to many of the young women she served. With her husband, she served as a host at the Joseph Smith Memorial building. She loved visiting with people from around the world and had a remarkable ability to reach out to others with great sensitivity, love, and compassion.

In her younger and middle-aged years, she enjoyed tennis, golf, and skiing. In her later years, she developed her talent for drawing and painting with watercolors.

Myrna’s family was her greatest pride and joy. She was known for her great capacity to love which was poured out in abundance upon her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her family and the community were continually awed by the love and support Myrna and Fred gave their grandchildren. They were known as the grandparents that all children would love to have and that all parents aspired to emulate.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Marleen Neal for her 25 years of loving and dedicated service to Myrna and Fred. Her positive and joyful countenance was a blessing to our entire family.

Myrna is survived by her daughters, Mindy (Stephen) Pitcher, Mitzi (Jeff) Krantz; son, Mark (Kristen) Matley; 9 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and brother, Gary Ellsworth Rasmussen, and sister, Helen Jean Rasmussen Utley.

Due to the limitations caused by the COVID-19 virus, the funeral will be a private family service.