Melba Kofoed

Melba Hobbs Kofoed
1920 - 2017

Melba Hobbs Kofoed passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Easter Sunday April 16, 2017. She was born September 11, 1920, the fifth of six children, to Charles James Hobbs and Teresa Una Malan in Ogden, UT.

She loved growing up in Ogden and often shared fond memories of her early years there.  She spent hours picking cucumbers and grapes that her father sold. Despite a bit of a dislike for this in her youth she always enjoyed being in her garden and felt that “digging in the dirt” was the best thing.

Melba was outgoing and participated and played in the many theatrical roles at school. She also loved dancing at the White City Ballroom in her youth. She was in the first graduating class to attend all years at the new Ogden High School graduating in 1939.

After high school she loved working at Walgreens and then married for a time and welcomed her son David R. During World War II Melba worked at the Defense Depot, Ogden where she met the love of her life, Rulon Hans Kofoed. They married January 10, 1947 and were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple January 10, 1950. Their marriage added four more children to their family.

Melba loved being with her family. She and Rulon often went for camping trips and family adventures experiencing the great outdoors. She selflessly served her family and showed them her devotion and love for Jesus Christ by her steady example of faith and service.

As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Melba served in many capacities in Sunday-School, Primary and Relief Society at the ward and stake levels. Melba served an 18-month LDS mission in San Diego, CA from 1984-1986. She loved serving there and often shared her mission experiences with others.

She enjoyed traveling. With a beloved aunt, she visited many places including Nauvoo, IL. One of her most beloved travel experiences was the tour she took to Jerusalem and Greece. She was grateful to have been able to walk where her Savior had. She also loved visiting Washington D.C. when her oldest son lived there.

Melba always had a special place for music- sacred, silly and classical. For many years she faithfully attended the Ogden Symphony and Ballet West with her dear friends.

Melba’s faith and Christ-like service sustained her and her family as well as so many others she influenced throughout her life. Anyone in need was guaranteed to be uplifted by Melba.

She is survived by three sons; David R. (Suzanne) of Anthem, AZ; Alfred J. (Jan) of Salt Lake City; Steven D. (LuAnn) of Sandy City; daughter-in-law Karen Kofoed of Layton; son-in-law Kimo D. (Janet) Wood of Clinton; older sister Lorell Widdison of Hooper; younger brother Raymond Hobbs of Ogden; 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; son R. Brent; daughter Kathleen; siblings Doris, Donald and James.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at the Cannon Mortuary – 2460 E. Bengal Blvd. (7600 S.) Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday April 20, 2017 at the LDS Stake Center – 2130 East 10000 South, Sandy, Utah 84092, from 11:00 to 12:00 am. A short viewing will be held the same day from 10:00 to 10:45 am.

Special thanks to Heidi from hospice and staff at Sunrise of Sandy who blessed Melba’s life the last few years.