Lynda was born on September 6, 1941, in Albany, California to Thomas Franklin DeRouen and Irene Emily Berrett. She grew up in El Cerrito, California and graduated from El Cerrito High School in 1959. She was active in the Student Body Government and the Thespian Club. After graduation she moved to Utah and attended Brigham Young University. She graduated in 1964 with degrees in English and Drama. Lynda was a gifted actress and performed in numerous plays and TV commercials throughout her life. Her favorite role was as Lucy Van Pelt in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”. She brought much joy to those who watched her perform.
While a student at BYU, Lynda met John Boyd Tenney and they were later married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 19, 1964. Her greatest desire was to have children. She and John were blessed with 5 sons and 1 daughter. Lynda loved her family and was passionate about creating meaningful family get togethers. Family gatherings at her home were filled with great food, laughter and fun. Her language of love was gift giving. She was known to spend months finding the perfect gift for each family member.
She worked for many years as a PBX Operator at both Cottonwood Hospital and the Intermountain Medical Center. She enjoyed the life-long friendships she made with co-workers. Lynda also worked as a florist creating beautiful arrangements for many special occasions. She had a knack for decorating and scrapbooking.
Lynda was an avid genealogist and spent countless hours researching family names and histories. As a result of her tireless service and attention to detail, she submitted thousands of names to be added to her Family Tree.
Lynda was member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was baptized and joined the church at the age of twelve after attending church with a childhood friend. She loved serving in many church callings and had a generous and giving heart.
Lynda loved yard sales and thrift shopping! She had the uncanny ability to sniff out a good deal anywhere. Her entire family benefitted from her awesome ‘finds’. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, word games and was a master Scrabble player.
Lynda will be remembered for her witty sense of humor, her pure heart, love of family and her love of the Savior. Her favorite scripture is found in D&C 6:36: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” She was deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed. Until we meet again.
Her memory lives on in the hearts of her loving husband, John, sister, Joyce DeRouen, her children, Scott Tenney (Marie), Tanya Roylance (Alex), Taylor Tenney (Amy), Jordan Tenney, Clark Tenney (Brandy) and Brett Tenney (Candace). She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren, Christian Tenney, Erin Tenney, Rachel Farr (Conner), Elisabeth Peterson (Beau), Benjamin Roylance, Riley (Breanna) Nielsen, Colby Tenney, Lauryn Tenney, Troy Tenney, Ryker Tenney, Gavin Tenney, Mikaela Mailander (Jaden) Aidan Mailander, Natalie Mailander, Ryder Sanchez and 1 great grandchild, Charlotte Farr. She also has two great grandchildren on the way that we are sure she has already met.
A viewing will be held Friday, May 10th from 6-8 pm at the Wasatch 5th Ward Meetinghouse: 8100 S Top of the World Drive, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121. A morning viewing will be held Saturday from 10-10:45 at the same location followed by the funeral at 11 am.
