Muriel Snelgrove Johnston

Della Muriel Snelgrove Johnston died October 21, 2010, at age 94 of complications resulting from a fall and causes incident to age. Muriel was born January 28, 1916, to Charles Rich Snelgrove and Fidella Flint Laird Snelgrove, founders of the Snelgrove Ice Cream Company. A graduate of East High School and the University of Utah, she affiliated with Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

Muriel spent her life as a dedicated teacher. She was an accomplished pianist and organist and for over 55 years taught piano lessons to children and adults in the Holladay and Provo areas. Over the years she also directed ward, stake and Relief Society choirs. In 1961 she traveled to England with a special Relief Society choir from the Salt Lake area as they presented the music for the dedication of the Hyde Park Chapel in London. Her Church service included serving as a Relief Society president and faithful Visiting Teacher.

She married Clarence Smith Johnston May 31, 1940, in the Salt Lake Temple. Clarence died in 1975 leaving Muriel a widow for over 35 years. She has been sustained during those years by her children, Claire J. Glade (Scott), Frank S. Johnston (Barbara) and James S. Johnston (Eva). Her son Bruce S. Johnston died in infancy in 1951. Muriel has enjoyed the blessing of being a grandmother and great grandmother to 14 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Monday evening, October 25, from 6 to 8 pm at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral services will be held Tuesday October 26 at 11 a.m. at the Valley View 3rd Ward, 1925 East Gunderson Lane, Holladay, Utah. There will be a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. We extend special thanks to the caregivers of the Highland Care Center for their excellent care and loving concern for our mother and grandmother. In lieu of flowers it is suggested that donations be made to the LDS Perpetual Education or Humanitarian funds or to the Primary Children's Hospital in Muriel's name. Messages and tributes to the family can be posted at: www.holbrookmortuary