Orlin Hadley

ELBA – Orlin Hadley, an 84-year-old Elba resident, was called home to his Father in Heaven on Saturday, January 30, 2021.

Orlin was born on October 26, 1936, in Ogden, Utah, where he was adopted by Lillian Christina Hunter and Samuel Hadley Jr. Orlin was an only child, so when he got married, he wanted lots of kids. He grew up on a farm in Taylor, Utah, where he learned how to be a hard worker. He always had a twinkle in his eyes and was known as a prankster. Later he graduated from Ogden High School in 1955.

He was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served his mission in the Northwestern States Mission from 1957 to 1959. He had a powerful testimony of the teachings of the gospel and our Savior. He served the Lord in many ways. He had many callings and loved holding the priesthood. Having earned his Eagle Scout, one of his favorite callings in the Church was serving as a Boy Scout leader. He and the Scouts had many adventures.

Orlin honorably served his country in the United States Army Reserve from 1960 to 1965. He valued what he learned from his experiences.

He went to Weber college to study English Literature, but fate had different plans. He met the love of his life, VaLayne Wake, and three months later they were married and sealed in the Logan Utah Temple, on March 22, 1961. Then they were blessed with 12 children, evenly split into six boys and six girls. He was a jack of all trades. He did what was needed for his family and made sure they were all provided for. Some of the cool jobs he did throughout his life included running the Stoker Dairy, EMT, mechanic, surveyor, and coal processor. But, his favorite job was being a daddy, grandpa, and great-grandpa.

He has been a great inspiration to so many. He was a kind man who always had a handshake and a story to tell. Grandpa loved telling his grandkids stories of his exploits and stories about his kids. He is going to be greatly missed by all. He has been reunited with his soul mate and eternal companion whom he couldn’t live without.

Orlin is survived by his children, Alayna (Steve) Shiver, Eric Hadley, Angela (Michael) Calhoun, Camille (Norman) Boley, David (Donna) Hadley, Loralee (Paul) Hansberger, Crystal (Joshua) Holloway, and Nathan Hadley; 19 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, VaLayne; four children, Kerry, Lillian, Donald, and Daniel; a daughter-in-law, Tiffany Hadley; a grandson, Anthony Calhoun; his parents, Lillian and Samuel Hadley; and his in-laws, Lovina and Nathaniel Wake.

Our family would like to thank Minidoka Home Health and Hospice, the Minidoka Memorial Hospital staff, and the Elba ward for the love they have shown to Orlin and his family.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 25, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elba Ward, with Bishop Brodee Boden officiating. Burial will follow at the Elba Grandview Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Thursday.