Linda Raye Blackham

Linda Raye Blackham, our sweet and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on February 19, 2023 at her home in Moroni holding hands with her husband. She was born in Vernal, Utah to Leland Floyd Allen and Birdie Elmay Witmer. Linda Married John LaMont Blackham in the Manti Temple. She married "Her Best Friend" Brandon Mellor on March 14, 2009. Linda received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Brigham Young University, and completed graduate studies in Ballet, English, and Education from the University of Utah. She was a choreographer and dance instructor at Olympus and Skyline high schools and at Promise Valley High School in Salt Lake City. She taught dance, English, and health at North Sanpete Junior High in Moroni, Utah.

Linda was an owner/manager of Old Country Fair Restaurants and Gateway Travel in Salt Lake City. Linda was an instructor and mentor for hearing impaired students in Granite School District and for Down Syndrome students at Snow Collage. Linda was an Instructor and Choreographer for the Church of Latter-day Saints for several Regional dance festivals. She was a certified judge for the Utah State High School drill and dance competitions. Linda was an accomplished poet and shared her poetry with family and friends for special occasions. Linda traveled extensively and has many memories of far-away places.

One month before her death Linda and Brandon were teaching dance classes together in Ephraim, Utah and were so successful that those who attended did not realize she was blind. She worked hours preparing the music and practicing with Brandon. Linda became completely blind in the last year of her life she never complained and remained gracious and positive. Brandon was her constant companion and cared for her with love and devotion.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her favorite calling was that of a visiting teacher. She faithfully visited her dear friends for many years. Linda and Brandon prepared meals for many widows in their neighborhood, often taking 4-5 meals each week.

She is survived by her husband, Brandon; children, Wayne, Matt, and Angie Blackham, Stetson, Madison, Jaden, and Logan Mellor; daughter-in-law Lisa Blackham; grandchildren Ashlee, Emily, Jessica, Tessa, Zach Blackham and Hudson Bushman, her sisters, Francis Fay Emery, and Kathleen Kay Caldwell and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and 1st husband. Linda will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and her delightful personality. Linda always treated everyone with kindness, love, and respect. She will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 12:00 pm at the Moroni Stake Center, 82 North Center Street, Moroni, Utah. Family and Friends are invited to a visitation from 10:30 to 11:45 am before the funeral. Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Central Valley Medical Center, Nephi, Utah.