Vivian  O'Neil
Vivian  O'Neil

Obituary of Vivian Holley O'Neil

Vivian Holley O’Neil passed away on May 26, 2021 in Peoria, Arizona after a brief illness. She was born on April 16, 1932 to Basil Holley and Veda Lucille Jensen (Byrne) in Salt Lake City, Utah. Vivian was the youngest of three daughters who were born close together. Irene (1929-2014) and Marie (1930-1984) preceded her in death. Vivian grew up during the depression and delighted in telling stories of her and her sister’s exploits and about how everyone helped each other out as they coped with difficult circumstances.

Vivian graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City in 1949 and attended Henager Business College. She was employed as a stenographer at Walker Bank in Salt Lake City. She eloped to Elko, Nevada on May 13, 1951 where she married the love of her life, Kenneth Donal O’Neil. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple. Kenneth preceded her in death in 2013.

Vivian had a gift for working with children and youth as a teacher, cub scout leader, 4-H leader, and softball coach. She was a good listener and always made an effort to make those around her feel loved and appreciated. She supported her children and grandchildren in all of their activities and interests which sometimes meant that she developed new interests so that she had interests in common with those she loved best.

She and Kenneth started their marriage in Kaysville, Utah and later lived in Boise, Idaho, Pocatello, Idaho and Billings, Montana. They retired to Meridian, Idaho in 1987. Vivian was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-saints. She was a lifelong learner and loved to golf, read and travel.

She obtained a real estate license in Pocatello and loved helping young couples get started as homeowners. She was an early adopter of all things technological and used her computer extensively to pursue her love of genealogy and family history.

She is survived by 3 children. Holly O’Neil Andrus (Joseph) of Hingham, Massachusetts, Kelly

Kenneth O’Neil (Dana) and Riley Ryan O’Neil (both of Sun City, Arizona), 20 grandchildren and

35 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at a later time. Burial will be at the Idaho State  Veterans Cemetery, Boise.

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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Summers Funeral Homes - Ustick Chapel
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