Our loving mother, grandmother and friend, Elma Wheeler Atkin, passed away at her home in Garland, Utah, on June 26, 2026. Elma was born October 16, 1932, in Trenton, Utah, to Simon Wheeler Jr. and Luella Hodges, the third of four children.

She spent her early years in Lewiston, Utah, and attended North Cache High School.

Elma met George Atkin on a blind date at Crystal Hot Springs. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on November 10, 1949.

Together they built a home centered on faith, family, hard work and service. They were blessed with five sons; Cleve, Scott, Dee, Blake and Elden whom they loved, nurtured and taught.

They lived many places including Kearns, Tremonton, Leeds, Tooele, West Bountiful, Fielding and eventually settled in Garland where she helped build their new home.

Elma was a hard worker growing up on their family farm. This skill was very evident as she worked at Utah Mobile, La-Z-Boy, school lunch and various cafes. She made custom drapes and operated her own business Home Beautiful Drapes for 28 years.

She had a gift for creating and sewing. She was a talented seamstress and expert quilter and loved to crochet and cross stitch. Much of her time was spent making quilts, blankets, afghans and doilies, which she gave to her family and friends.

Elma was very adventurous. She liked to drive and enjoyed traveling. She belonged to the Golden Spike Bikers and enjoyed riding her own motorcycle (she said George was too slow)!

Building close relationships and making friends was also a gift she possessed. She had lots of dear, sweet friends and neighbors that she loved and appreciated.

Elma was a devoted member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers for over 55 years and cherished her pioneer heritage.

Always a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many callings including ward and stake Relief Society President. She served joyfully as a temple worker in the Logan and Brigham City Temples. Together she and George served a mission in the Cagayan de Oro Philippines Mission.

Above all she loved her family and enjoyed serving them. She was a proud grandmother and made special memories with her grandchildren through her legacy of faith, service and love.

Elma is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Cleve and Becky Atkin, Dee and Gladwell Atkin, Blake and Susan Atkin and Elden and Michelle Atkin; 29 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband George, her parents Simon and Luella Wheeler, siblings and spouses Wayne and Opal Wheeler, Sybil and Jack Nielson and Carol and Lynn Preece; Son and daughter-in-law Scott and Melia Atkin and grandchildren Brandee Jo Atkin and Daniel Atkin.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 6, 2026, at 11 A.M. at the Garland Church (175 N Main Garland). Viewings will be held Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 5-7 P.M. at Rudd Funeral Home- Tremonton (111 N 100 E- Tremonton) and prior to the service at the church from 9:30-10:30 A.M. Burial will follow at the Garland Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.