Minerva Colemere

Our beautiful mom Minerva Kartchner Hunt Colemere (Minnie) died peacefully on October 14, 2013 at the age of 96. Minnie was born in Blanding, Utah, August 10, 1917, to Franklin Kartchner and Elva Black. She married Emery R. Hunt May, 1934. They had six children. They later divorced. She married Ralph J. Colemere July, 1958. They had two children and three stepchildren. She felt her greatest accomplishment was her eleven children and their families. Minnie moved from Blanding to Salt Lake in 1950 and bought the home in which she lived from then until she died. That home has been the happy home (or adopted home) of her husbands, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren. In that home Minnie eagerly and happily offered infinite and unconditional love, the epitome of hospitality, incredible food—especially comfort (Blanding) food (always enough for everyone who showed up), homemade breads, cakes, pies, and homemade canned food (especially famous and delicious tomato chili sauce and salsa). There was always an abundance of warmth, kindness, support, an eager “ear,” exuberant laughter, compassion, and a model of integrity, honesty, and unparalleled heartfelt compassion. Minnie’s gracious home was a magnet that drew all that knew her, and all that knew her loved her and deeply mourn her death. Minnie loved to camp, and her entire huge family faithfully camped together at least once or twice a year—and often more. Relatives who lived away made it to at least one campout every year. We often reserved an entire campground. Minnie’s hospitality and love—the entire amenity–merely moved from her home to the campground. Minnie was a world-class quilter. She made exquisite quilts that won top awards all over the country. They were impeccably made—if there was a mistake, no one but her saw it because it was remedied immediately. Yes, they were perfect; they were not finished until they were. That was Minnie. She also donated quilts she made, or contributed to the making of, to Ronald McDonald, hospitals, and other charities. Minnie loved quilting; next to her family, that was her pride and joy. She quilted until her arthritis and eyesight absolutely prohibited it; she was 95 when she completed her last quilt. Minnie also worked as an insurance administrator. She was a perfectionist and highly praised for her efficiency and work ethic. Those who worked under her loved her and were inspired to do their best. She was a first-rate boss who managed with kindness, compassion, hard work, integrity, and imperturbable patience. Minnie was a bright light in a world that was often full of darkness and despair. She was a “rock of Gibraltar” during times of uncertainty and tumult. Unfortunately, she had more than her fair share, but she always handled it with courage and discernment. She did everything she could to protect her children from any of the ugliness she experienced. She was also quick to claim that she had the best life in the world. She never complained. She always looked for the best in people and was kind and tolerant of everyone. One of her grandchildren commented, “It’s a short drop from the womb to the tomb, and if I spend even a fraction of my days living by her example, it will have been a life very well lived.” Minnie is survived by her children, Maxine (John/deceased) Hixon; Kay (Jodie) Hunt; Audrey (Dave) Wells; LaRae (Chuck) Piper; Judy (Grant) McAllister; Buzz (Jan) Hunt; Suzanne Colemere; Valerie Colemere, Jay(Sue) Colemere; John (Kay) Colemere; LaDawn (Dennis) Perry; 24 grandchildren; and too many great and great, great grandchildren to name. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 21, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Redwood Memorial Estates, 6500 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitations will be held prior to the funeral from 10 a.m to 10:45 a.m. Interment to follow at Redwood Memorial Estates.