Mary Lyn Porter

Mary Lyn Ossmen Porter passed away surrounded by family on July 23, 2026, at the age of 79 at The Abbington Assisted Living in Murray. She is survived by her daughter, Alicia Porter Smith (Jeremiah); son, Jeffrey Michael Porter (Becca Lyon); brother, Gregory Val Ossmen (Pamela); grandsons, Alexander Porter Smith and Christian Michael Smith; and many nieces and nephews. Mary Lyn was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Dee Porter; brother, Douglas Arthur Ossmen; and her parents.

Mary Lyn was born to Bernice Shreeve Ossmen and Angus Fowler Ossmen on August 23, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Growing up, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Patio Springs and cheering for the team in the Highland High School pep club.

She met her husband, Mike Porter, while studying at the University of Utah and participating in the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Mary Lyn and Mike married on May 15, 1968, in Salt Lake City and were later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Mike served in the United States Air Force. They were stationed in Mississippi, England, Florida, Arizona, and Hawaii and traveled extensively throughout Europe. Mike and Mary Lyn settled in their Layton, Utah, home after Mike retired from the Air Force.

Mary Lyn earned her bachelor's degree in Office Administration and worked as a secretary on base, eventually retiring from the Hill Air Force Base Vehicle Maintenance Branch. She also served in many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Primary teacher, nursery worker, choir member, mentor at Deseret Industries, and senior missionary.

For hobbies, Mary Lyn enjoyed skiing, hiking, tennis, playing bridge, traveling, painting, attending concerts and musicals, playing the piano, and especially eating desserts! The Porter family cabin at Bear Lake and Hawaii were cherished destinations. She never passed up an opportunity to appreciate nature, regularly telling us, "Look at the pretty sunset!" She collected rocks, pine cones, seashells, and souvenirs from her worldwide adventures.

She loved caring for and teaching children—her own children, Jeff and Alicia, as well as her grandsons, Alex and Christian. Her childlike wonder, curiosity, and excitement were infectious to those around her. Time spent with family was her favorite thing. Murder mystery shows and chocolate were close runners-up.

Her sweet, generous spirit and optimistic demeanor left a special impression on everyone who knew her. She was always upbeat and never complained, even while caregiving for Mike during his battle with ALS, managing her own multiple sclerosis, and fighting terminal cancer. She faced life's challenges with humor and kindness.

The family would like to thank The Abbington of Murray and Sequoia Hospice Care for their help in her final months.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 1, at 1:00 p.m. at the Crestwood LDS Church, 1039 E. Crestwood Road, Kaysville, Utah. Visitations will be held on Friday, July 31, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah, and on Saturday from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m., prior to the funeral service at the church. Services will be livestreamed at: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26077891217655