An angel has left our midst and she will be deeply missed.

Lulu Christensen Salmon McDaniels arrived March 10, 1914, the fourth of eight children born to Florence and William Christensen in the small town of Ephriam, Utah.

Lulu found happiness in singing, and sing she did, even to the corn stalks. At the age of five she won a county contest which cast her forever in a love for music and performing. She learned all the songs of the day and entertained locally, but her chance came at the age of 18 to begin a singing career.

For the next 13 years, she sang at weddings, nightclubs, the USO and over KSL Radio as Joyce Palmer.

John “Jack” Salmon caught her eye, courting her until they were married in 1934. Their family grew to include six children and Lulu happily ended her career to be a full time mother. She was a mother of the heart, preparing beautiful meals, canning, sewing and serving her family, where love could be found in abundance.

Jack passed away in 1964 and Lulu worked as a telephone operator at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station to help provide for the family.

Lulu married Robert P. McDaniels in 1970 and felt she was lucky in love twice. They enjoyed 32 years together until his death in 2002.

Lulu was a true optimist, laughed easily, and was generous of spirit. She shared her talents freely and immensely enjoyed her wonderful friends. She leaves behind a posterity of over 95, with five on the way, which she felt was her true legacy.

Her children include: Sally Salmon; J. Douglas Salmon and wife Marjorie; Marjorie Bailey and husband, Jack; Linda Niccum and husband, Nick; Fred Salmon and wife, Tracey; and Byron Salmon. Lulu also leaves two sisters, Jackie Killpack and Elida Gray, and three stepchildren: Jerilyn Fairbanks and husband, Mel; Robert McDaniels and wife, Lisa; and Jack McDaniels and wife, Phyllis.

Lulu was a woman of faith, an example of strength, a light in the window, comfort and grace. She shared her loved ones’ tears and joys, encouraged them upward, and she will continue in their memories with love.

Fly homeward angel.