Tamara (Mortensen) Salvesen

Tamara Mortensen Salvesen peacefully passed away early Saturday morning, August 3, 2024, at 69 years old in Ogden, Utah surrounded by her family who adores her in every way. 

Tammy was born June 22, 1955, in St. Anthony, Idaho to Richard Mortensen and Wanda Wray Green. She had one older brother and one little sister. On February 24, 1978, she married her forever sweetheart, Jay Dee Salvesen, in the Idaho Falls temple. Together they had one boy and two girls. They started out their married life in Pocatello, Idaho for 2 years, then 3 years in Downey, Idaho after which, they spent a few months in Brigham City, Utah before settling in Tremonton, Utah in 1983 where they have remained ever since.

Tammy spent life using her talents, time, intellect, kindness and humor to cultivate a beautiful life for her family and to lift up those around her. Her primary anchor was to our Savior Jesus Christ and becoming more like him was her goal. Motherhood was her most cherished calling and her children were always very aware of her love and devotion. Additionally, she served in multiple callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including Stake Young Women's counselor, ward Young Women, Primary and Relief Society Presidents and Gospel Doctrine Teacher to name a few. Her infectious smile, charm and overwhelming kindness had genuine power to “lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” 

Her artistic soul explored various pastimes including poetry, crocheting, tole painting and quilting. However, her heart found its true love when she discovered cross-stitching. To say she was a master of this particular art would be an understatement. Additionally, she was naturally talented at decorating and made our home a beautiful haven. 

Tammy loved learning and was a strong advocate for education. She was naturally intelligent and an avid reader. In 1973 she graduated as her class Salutatorian from South Fremont High School, attended Rick’s College for a year, then BYU for 3 years. Being just a few credits shy from graduating, Tammy went back to school 15 years later and finished her degree in family science, officially graduating from BYU in 1995. 

Her pursuits outside the home included volunteering for the Bear River Health Department as a family counselor, working for an interior design team staging properties for home shows, volunteering at the old Bear River Hospital and, of course, working at her favorite store in the entire world, Shepherd’s Bush in Ogden, Utah.

She is survived by her husband Jay Dee Salvesen, her children, Tyler Salvesen (Melinda), Autumn Gubler (Sean) and Jasmine Shorten (Phillip), her brother Rick Mortensen (Marva), her sister Lancy Rudd (John) and her beloved goldendoodle, Martha. She was preceded in death by her parents.

She spent the last day of her life praising and expressing her love to every one of her 13 grandchildren. They were and will continue to be her most cherished blessings.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 12 PM and the viewing will be beforehand from 10:00-11:30 AM. All services will be held at the Tremonton Stake Center (660 North 300 East–Tremonton). Interment will take place in Downey Cemetery in Downey, Idaho. The service will be livestreamed and may 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.