Lynn Naomi Villaverde, 68, of Salem passed away, surrounded by her family, on December 31, 2019 in Provo Utah.
Lynn was born on September 13, 1951 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Nathan and Elsie Kauihou Blevins. She enjoyed her youth in Hawaii and attended Kahuka High School and eventually went on to earn her masters degree from BYU Hawaii. She was always a hard worker and spent long hours working in the pineapple cannery. Her hard work helped to pay for her brothers to go on missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of which she was a member. After sending her brothers on missions, she answered the call to serve in the Philippines as a missionary as well, where she eventually met her future husband, Byron Villaverde. They were married on October 1, 1976 in the Provo, Utah Temple. Together they were blessed with two children, Kelii and LaShaun. Lynn was a talented dancer and performed at the Polynesian Cultural Center and also provided guided tours. She treasured her time there and told of her experiences accompanying many apostles as prophets and they toured the center.
Lynn and Byron made their home in Utah where Lynn started working in Salt Lake schools and then moved on to the Provo School District where she worked for 30 years. She also worked in the Nebo School District for 8 years. She loved to work with children and it led her to stand out as she came up with new and unique ways to teach her students. Some of her special efforts were recognized by educators throughout the state and are still used today.
Lynn also extended her care and concern for youth to her family, her church members, and all those she came in contact with. She encouraged young people to rise above what was expected and to excel at whatever they wanted to become. She was a strong supporter of the Scouting Program and the Young Women’s program of the Church. Lynn was creative with her hands and mind. She loved to play the piano and shared this talent with others. She was a devoted disciple of Christ and served in various callings within the church but especially loved working with the youth.
Being outdoors, gardening, camping, fishing, and swimming were best enjoyed with her family by her side. Lynn was a competitive swimmer in high school and later on, taught her son Kelii to swim when he was only two years old. She loved to cook for her family and kept track of Birthdays for many of her close and extended family so that she could bake a cake and deliver it to them. Lynn and Byron enjoyed having a mini farm where she could raise farm animals. She had special place in her heart for animals.
Lynn is survived by her husband of 43 years and her two children. She leaves behind 5 grandchildren; Genesis, Kai, Pita, Kingston and Ariana Villaverde-Unga. She also is survived by her siblings, Brigham Blevins, Wendy Sing, RayAnn Blevins and Nathan Blevins. She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Joseph Blevins. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Knoll Park Chapel in Salem, 160 South 460 West. A visitation will be held prior from 9:00-10:45 a.m. in the same location. Interment will immediately follow in the Orem City cemetery.