Logan—Della Hancey Meacham, 87, passed away on Thursday, March 3rd, 2005.

Della was born in Hyde Park, Utah on July 1st, 1917. She was the tenth of eleven children born to Alma John and Ellen Elizabeth Thurston Hancey.

Raised in Hyde Park, Della grew up in a loving family that worked hard (as the times required) and played hard. She attended Cache Valley Elementary School from the first to the eighth grades, and consistently was found at top of her class, earning high marks and the praise of her teachers.

She married D. Reid Meacham of Logan on February 9th, 1940 in Brigham City, Utah. They resided in Ogden until Reid was drafted in the Army during World War II, when he was called to overseas duty in Japan.

Della moved the family to Logan, where, upon Reid’s return from the service, they made their home, eventually residing in Reid’s family home, until March of 2002, when declining health required full-time attention. She was under the care of the Sunshine Terrace at the time of her death.

Della was a hard worker who knew the value of a dollar. She was employed at the Bluebird Restaurant, the Crystal Motel, the Del Monte Cannery, and the Lamplighter Motel. Many co-workers became life-long friends to her. She also enjoyed performing housekeeping duties for several families who came to know and love her more as a friend than an employee.

Della loved the beauties of the earth. Indoor and outdoor plants filled her home and yard, which she lovingly referred to as her “crazy, patchwork quilt.” She loved sharing starts of unique plants with family, friends, and the occasional total stranger met at a garage sale she held or attended.

She was a member of the Logan 6th and 14th Wards where she served as a Relief Society instructor, visiting teacher and member of the Singing Mothers Choir. She was a spirited volunteer, working on fund raising for organizations such as the Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, and the March of Dimes. She was also involved in the Batten Disease Support & Research Association in raising awareness of the terrible disease that claimed the lives of two of her granddaughters.

A compassionate person who dearly loved her family, friends and neighbors, Della's outgoing nature and love of a good laugh cheered the lives of people who knew her.

In her declining years, those who tended to her needs found her easy to please, and always grateful for the simplest of care given in her behalf. She will be greatly missed. Della is survived by her six children including D. Richard (Connie) Meacham, Logan; Steven R. (Twila) Meacham, Avondale, Arizona; Jan (Kris) Ricks, Logan; Terry (Danny) Petersen, River Heights; Bryan D. Meacham, Logan; Kip D. (Ginny) Meacham, Orem.; 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Rachel H. Olsen of College Ward.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, six sisters, three brothers, and two granddaughters, Erica Dawn and Emily Claire Meacham.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the staff of the Sunshine Terrace Foundation and the Hospice Alliance of Utah for their kind care and service in Della’s behalf.