Velma "Bunny" Payne MIllet
1931 - 2019
On Saturday February 16, 2019, Velma Payne Millet passed away peacefully at her home in Provo, Utah. She was 87. Velma was born to Clarence Alvin Payne and Lucy Zelda Manning on August 7, 1931, in Trenton, Utah. She was the 6th of nine children. She was raised in Trenton, Logan and Brigham City, Utah where she attended school and graduated from Box Elder High School. She was involved in various school activities, was a cheerleader, and enjoyed the friendship of many schoolmates. She attended Weber State College and studied English Literature and Elementary Education. She moved to Provo to continue her education at Brigham Young University. In January of the following year, she rekindled her friendship with “the most wonderful man in the world”, Leon Millet, who had returned just two days prior from his missionary service in Western Canada. On July 31, 1953, Leon and Bunny, (as she was called), were sealed in the Logan Utah LDS temple. This past summer they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary and together raised three sons and two daughters.
She had a passion for dance her entire life. She taught lessons on a military base, in her basement and in her own studio. Hundreds of girls and women learned to love dance and have fun as a result of her classes.
Velma loved a good crossword puzzle, which was a favorite pastime. She loved to read and write, play games and stitch embroidery as well as crochet.
Leon and Bunny loved to drive. They drove thousands of miles together, traveling from coast to coast. There is hardly a corner of this country that hasn’t been seen from the window of their car. They drove from Alaska to Florida and from California to the Northeast. They enjoyed every minute of their adventures.
One of Velma’s greatest desires was to have a peaceful and lovely home where the Holy Spirit could reside. The Gospel was wonderfully presented in her wall hangings and special things displayed on the shelves of her home.
She enjoyed serving in Primary, Young Women, Relief Society and the Gospel Doctrine class. Velma and Leon served in the Missionary Training Center and the Provo LDS Temple together. She loved to share her testimony with others, especially her family. She always felt that the most important calling was serving her husband, five children, seventeen grandchildren and thirty great grandchildren, including three sets of twins.
She loved her grandchildren and spent many hours in the stands of baseball games, dance recitals, graduation ceremonies and school programs.
Velma is survived by her loving husband Leon Millet and children: Randy (Carolee), David (Linda), Kimball, Julie (Brett) Burr, Jennifer (Bret) Swope, siblings, Norma Morse, Reno, NV and Lu Dean (Owen) Betteridge, Winnemucca, NV. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers Eugene, Valdon, Glen, Gerald and two sisters, Urene Romine and Nilas.
Funeral service is Saturday, February 23, 2019, at 11 am in the 9th Ward Chapel 4295 North Canyon Road, Provo Utah. Viewing prior to the service 9 to 10:30 am.
Interment Provo City Cemetery.
