DaVida Schouten

DaVida "Dee" Wright Schouten

"Nana"

1945- 2023

Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, and Friend - passed away peacefully at home while her Husband and her daughters held her hand. Nana's earthly work had been completed and the time had come for her to take on more loving challenges, alongside her daughter Demie, in our Heavenly Father's Kingdom. Together, they are helping to prepare a loving home for the rest of us. We don't doubt that they will get up to a little mischief too.

Born on June 1, 1945, to Melva Lois Kearn and Heber Estus Wright, Nana was a Salt Lake / North Salt Lake resident all her life.

Nana and Papa were married on December 17, 1960. A love affair of 63 years that began when a young man peeked over the fence and fell in love with the pretty girl next door. Together they had three daughters, April, Melanie, and Demarie (Demie). Each of her daughters represents the very best traits of both of their parents and through them, Nana's love and compassion will live on through the generations. She is extremely proud of all her grandchildren, including her several great-grandchildren. She wanted Chase to know how proud she was of him and for him to know the great love she held within her heart for him. She always wanted the very best for him.

Nana was very proud of the life she and Papa had together. The good times, the hard times, the sad times, and the happy times. They always faced it together. She took pride in her family and loved her soul mate. She taught us how to love one another, forgive and forget, support the one who was down, and to never leave without saying "I Love You". Her family was her greatest treasure. Family dinners, holiday gatherings, BBQs, and swimming parties were a constant presence in her life, and everybody was always looking forward to the next one.

Her yard was beautiful and was filled with a rainbow of colors, calming fountains, and a lot of personality. Her home was her sanctuary.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her favorite calling was in the Primary. She loved His smallest of children and taught the Sunbeams for 25 years. She also had a home day care where she played with and loved many children, often for no pay.

They say dynamite comes in small packages. It is true. Sitting with Nana while she was watching a race, football, or basketball game was always a treat. If her team or favorite driver wasn't winning, her competitive side would come out and you might find yourself blushing. It was always best if you played on her side of the fence.

Amongst her favorite things were sports. Baseball (The Cubs), Auto Racing (Sprint Cars, Go Carts and Salt Flats racing). Hockey (Blackhawks), Basketball (Jazz), Football (anywhere Peyton Manning played). To the consternation of many around her, she was able to be fiercely loyal to both BYU and Utah. She loved watching her granddaughter Morghan ride her horses and all the kids swim and excel in their special talents. She loved her classic movies, Perry Mason, and anything with Cary Grant in it. She loved bowling. Her team's name was the "Babes with Balls", and her high score was 222. There were always rumors that one of her girls had beat that score, but Nana flatly denied it. Her special places included Lake Powell and Cruises. She was the biggest supporter of the Skyward Symphony and loved being on the committee which included decorating for concerts. She had a real talent for that. Above all, anything to do with family was her domain.

She worked at J&M Innovative Products for 25 years. Her presence at the family business will be also missed by not only her family, but every employee, customer, mailman, and UPS Driver. She was the face of the business and the first person that new customers would meet. That was by design as she always cast the best possible light on the company.

Nana's heart was a safe place - full of unconditional love, acceptance, joy, honesty, and strength. She taught by example. She made the words "I Love You" real and important. We are grateful that her legacy goes on through each of us. We will continue to love and support one another. We will make her proud, and will stand strong with Pa, love him, and continue to make memories. No words can express how much we will miss our Nana.

One thing we know for sure - When Demie greeted Nana, she handed her a coke and said...." Thanks for the smile".

Survived by: Husband, Mark Schouten, Daughters, April Filler (John), Melanie Nish (Jeff)

Grand Children: Jonathan Nish (Tara) Brady Nish, Chauncey Filler (Lacey), Channing Filler (Kieara), Morghan Filler (Miya), Chase Schouten

Great Grandchildren: Heston Freeland, Swayzey Filler, Georgia Filler, McKenzie Nish, Ella Nish

Brother: Peter Gallagher

Preceded in death by Daughter Demarie (Demie) Schouten, Parents Melva Lois Kearn and Heber Estus Wright, siblings Floyd Gallagher, Eva Gallagher Cassell, Klair Gallagher, Kathryn Gallagher Nengas, Farrol Wright, Mary Wright Hawkins, Billy Wright, Vernal Wright

Special thanks to Tatiana and Kyle (RN's), Sean PT and Genna

Graveside Service will be held at the Bountiful City Cemetery 12:00 Saturday October 28, 2023

2224 South 200 West, Bountiful Utah 84010

Luncheon to follow at the LDS Church Building 3317 South 800 West, Bountiful, Utah 84010

Family and Friends are welcome to come visit with the family and have lunch with us.