Vonda Porter

Vonda Merlene Christensen Porter, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away at home in Sunnyvale, California on June 2, 2025, at the age of 93, with her husband at her side and surrounded by loved ones. Her long and fulfilling life was marked by faith, perseverance, service and a deep love for her family.

Vonda was born on January 28, 1932, in the small mining town of Castle Gate, Utah. She was the fifth of six children born to Louis Earl Christensen and Bertha Hazel Dawson Christensen.She moved with her family to Salt Lake City when she was just three years old but returned to her father’s coal mine in Fairview Canyon during the summers, where she loved roaming the surrounding Utah mountainside. A bright and driven student, Vonda graduated from South High School in SLC at age 17 and immediately began working to support herself through college.Vonda attended Brigham Young University where she thrived in the campus environment. She was actively involved in student government, often organizing campus assemblies and creating opportunities for students to connect and engage.

 It was during this time that she met the love of her life, LeRoy Porter, who served as BYU’s student body president during their courtship.After marrying, Vonda and LeRoy moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where LeRoy served in the United States Air Force and their first child was born. Two years later, they returned to Provo, Utah where Vonda resumed her studies while caring for their growing family. Her commitment to education never wavered, even as she balanced it with the responsibilities of motherhood. Nine years after she first enrolled, and now a mother of two, she graduated from BYU with a major in Human Development and Family Relationships and a minor in Counseling Psychology. Vonda also completed coursework at BYU for a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

In 1962, the family relocated to Palo Alto, California where LeRoy pursued graduate studies at Stanford University. A few years later, they purchased a home in Sunnyvale, California, where they would live for over 57 years and raise their five children. Vonda became deeply rooted in this community and left an enduring legacy of compassion, service and friendship.Vonda was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in numerous church responsibilities. Whether she was teaching, leading or mentoring, she was loved and respected for her wisdom, thoughtfulness and creativity. Her compassion extended beyond her immediate family, including welcoming a teenage girl into their home as a foster daughter, someone Vonda had taught at church.

 Later, Vonda and the family opened their hearts and home to a niece who lived with the family for an entire school year. Vonda made their home a place where all were welcome, and where friends of her children enjoyed spending time. Wanting to help those in need, Vonda volunteered for the Parental Stress Hotline, offering support and guidance to parents experiencing difficult times. Her compassion was quiet but powerful, often felt in small gestures that left lasting impressions. Vonda had many talents and interests that brought her joy throughout her life. She had a lovely voice and enjoyed singing with church and community choirs. She sang with Sweet Adelines, a competitive singing group, for over a decade. She was an accomplished seamstress, designing and constructing her own elaborate wedding dress. 

A lifelong reader, she was an active member of her church book club, where she enjoyed thoughtful discussions and time spent with friends. Although Vonda had long dreamed of having a career, her children became her top priority. She taught preschool for several years, bringing her young children along as participants. At the point her children were well along in school, Vonda entered the workforce full-time. She first worked in banking before discovering her true professional passion in real estate. Vonda became a licensed realtor and spent 25 years helping individuals and families find homes. Her approach to real estate was warm, honest and service-driven … qualities that made her beloved by her clients. After working on her own for five years, LeRoy joined her in business, and together they formed a dynamic and dedicated team that thrived for two decades. 

Vonda officially retired at age 78, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, hard work, and sincere care for those she served. Above all else, Vonda loved her family. She was never happier than when she was surrounded by family members. Her home was a gathering place, filled with stories, laughter, good food and love. She took genuine interest in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and extended family, bringing them together for weekly meals, family reunions, special occasions and holiday gatherings. She was thoughtful, intelligent, fun-loving and kind, always offering support and a listening ear. Vonda’s journey on earth has ended, but her influence continues; she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. 

She is survived by her beloved husband of 71 years, LeRoy, and their five children, Toni Hulme (Rich) of Santa Barbara, CA, Patti Evans (Alan) of Sunnyvale, CA, Cheryl Ludlow (Victor) of Pleasant Grove UT, Gregory Porter (Kaele) of Las Vegas, NV, and Christopher Porter (Adrienne) of San Juan Capistrano, CA. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. Vonda was beloved by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as by a large extended family and many dear friends. She will long be remembered for her wisdom, compassion and motherly influence.

Funeral services will be held on June 28 at 3 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 771 W. Fremont Avenue, Sunnyvale California. Family and friends may pay their respects at a viewing from 1:30-2:30, with a family prayer immediately following. For those who wish to attend the funeral remotely, feel free to go to the following link: www.http://tiny.cc/funeralsunnyvaleA grave-side service and interment will be held on July 12, 2025 at 11 am at Eastlawn Memorial Cemetery, 4800 Timpview Drive, Provo, Utah.