LaVona Murphy Dayton

On March 25, 2024, LaVona Murphy Dayton completed her mortal journey and was reunited with her husband Gene and the many family members who preceded her in death.  LaVona was the eldest of 8 children born to Hugh and Iona Murphy. She is survived by her younger sister, Carol Walker of St. George, Utah.  

LaVona, born in Zurich, Montana on June 18, 1925, graduated from Ricks College with an Education degree.  She taught elementary school for several years prior to marrying Gene C. Dayton on November 22, 1950 in the Idaho Falls temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Shortly after marriage, they moved to Boise, Idaho where they raised a family of 5 children; Deanne Steele (Lowell) and Joleen Jenson (Sterling) of Farmington, Utah; Bruce Dayton (Kandie) of Draper, Utah; Debbie Hynes (Gordon) of Boise, Idaho and Drew Dayton (Seleste) of Rexburg, Idaho.  Her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren have loved spending time with her and she was blessed to become a great-great-grandmother in 2023.  After residing in Boise for almost 70 years, in 2020 LaVona moved to Farmington, Utah where she enjoyed close association with the numerous family members close by.

LaVona was full of faith in Jesus Christ and lived a life of service.  Music was a gift she freely shared through her piano and organ playing.  She began playing organ in church services at age 12 and continued as organist for almost 80 years.  She had a tender heart and was a trusted friend to many. Her gift of empathetic listening drew many people to her.  Always concerned more about others than self, she freely hosted uncounted family members and friends in her home.  She was a gracious homemaker and always provided wonderful meals and slices of homemade bread.  We will miss her words of wisdom and faith, as well as her great sense of humor, but we know there is a joyous and long-awaited reunion taking place with our father and many others.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on April 20, 2024 in the Steed Creek Stake Center located at 347 South 200 West in South Farmington.  The family will be available to greet guest from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. at the Stake Center.  Final resting place will be next to her beloved husband and her parents at the Fielding Memorial Cemetery just south of Idaho Falls.

Our family gives sincere thanks to all that provided care for LaVona this past year.