Vila Dean Walker-Bland

Vila Dean was born to Harvey and Montez Harward on August 16, 1932. She was the seventh of twelve children and was raised a dedicated member of the LDS church. She married her sweetheart, Jim, September 5, 1946 and later they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Vila Dean and Jim were the devoted parents of seven children. Vila Dean had a magic touch with little ones and served as a mother to more than her own home in church callings as well as in her work as a home day care provider. She had a love of music and shared her beautiful voice with her family and in church choirs. She loved serving in Relief Society both in leadership positions and as a visiting teacher. She really enjoyed working with young women and children in her callings throughout her life.

Vila Dean and Jim were deeply committed to each other for over 45 years before he passed on. She was heart-broken. After some time of deep grief and sorry, Vila Dean began to socialize again. She and Cecil met through their shared love of square dancing. They courted and were married April 14, 1990. She and Cecil enjoyed dancing and traveling and camping together for years until Vila Dean’s health prevented them from participating in life that way. Cecil took loving care of her as long as he was able. Vila has been in Our House of Orem Assisted Living since she had a subsequent stroke. The family is grateful for the care she received while there.

Vila Dean was proceeded in death by her eternal companion, James Wesley Walker Jr.; her parents, Ozias Harvey Harward & Montez Bell Harward; siblings, Garn, Golden, Lavon and Iva Lee; Son-in-Law Timothy Dawson; grandchildren Christine Walker, Thomas Bruce; and great-grandchild Anthony.

She is survived her loving husband, Cecil Doyle Bland; beloved children, Jan (Richard) Bruce, Micheal (Karen) Walker, Tim (Debra) Walker, Dan (Deborah) Walker, Cole (Wendy) Walker, Collette (Jesse) Dawson-Loveless, Tina (Tyler) Knudsen; 55 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Friends and family will remember Vila Dean for her warm smile, her willingness to serve and her unbounded energy. She loved the gospel and shared her testimony of the Savior and of the Great Plan of Happiness. We feel sorrow at the loss of our mom, but we take comfort in knowing this is not the end.

Funeral services will be held Saturday Dec 3, 2016 at 11:00AM at the

Lindon Ward Chapel 325 Canal Drive Lindon, UT 84042

Friends and family may call Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the chapel above and Saturday morning from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to services at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Wasatch Memorial Lawn Cemetery 3401 S Highland Drive in Salt Lake City, Utah