Melva Bennett-Hafen

Melva Aleen Bennett-Hafen, loving mom, grandma, sister, daughter, and friend returned to her Heavenly Father after a long and courageous fight with cancer on April 6, 2014 with her family surrounding her. She was born July 16, 1941 in Bell, California to Ernest and Melva Talbot. She married Bruce Morton Telford on March 25, 1961, later divorced. Together, they had three daughters and seven grandchildren - all of whom she was very proud of and would just beam up with all smiles any time she talked about them. She married again in 1982 to Wilford Bennett and gained nine more adult children and many more grandchildren as a blended family she also enjoyed bragging about. After his passing, she married DeWayne Hafen...and yes, she was excited to say she had many children and a gazillion grandchildren! She enjoyed more than anything else, making people happy and doing things for others. She loved to crochet and share her talents with others, both in teaching them the craft as well as making beautiful pieces to give away. She made afghans, sweaters, and scarves among many other items. Her baby blessing dresses were time consuming, but each one had to be perfect...it was witnessed many times her taking it apart and doing it again until it was just right. Those who received this special gift cherished it. She was a secretary most of her adult life and had also worked in hotel management and worked as a caregiver. She had a heart bigger than anyone and she demonstrated her kindness every minute of every day. She is an amazing example of a woman who has truly been an angel on earth.
She is survived by her husband, DeWayne; daughters-Stephanie (Steve) Barton, Pam (Jim) Sommerville, Sheila Srivastava; brother- Jay (Bonnie) Talbot; grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by both parents, brother Wendell Talbot and sister Verna Huffer.
Mom didn't want a funeral with people sad and crying, but instead wanted a party where people could laugh and have joy in sharing the memories they shared with her. So, we are hosting a Celebration of Life in her honor in that light. Please come to share your favorite stories about our mama with us on Saturday, April 26th, 2014 at the Old Mill Golf Course Clubhouse at 11:00 a.m. - 6080 Wasatch Blvd. SLC, UT 84121.