Eula Mullen

Eula Belle Mullen, 90, of Idaho Falls, passed away November 6, 2016, at her home. Eula was born May 8, 1926, in Hart, Texas, to John Franklin Starkey and Kathryn Isabelle McLaughlin Starkey. She grew up and attended schools in the Muleshoe/Bailyburrough area. Following graduation from high school, she attended Texas Tech University where she received a Bachelor's Degree. She participated in high school and college sports. While in college, Eula was the Women's Southwest National Fencing Champion. Following college, she went to work for Phillips Petroleum as an accountant and bookkeeper. Her future husband, Charlie, was also working for Phillips as a chemical engineer. The first time Eula saw him, she told her coworkers that Charlie was the man she was going to marry. It was not only love at first sight, it was also love for a lifetime and for eternity. On August 23, 1952, she married Charles Verlin Mullen, Jr. in Clovis, New Mexico. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Their love for each other expanded to include eleven children: Tim, Tom, Don, John, Robbin, Mary, Martha, Elizabeth, Rebecca, David, and Esther. In 1962, Eula and Charlie moved from Cactus, Texas to their current home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Eula was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and homemaker. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings including Primary President, Relief Society President, and Librarian. Her greatest joys were her family and spending time with them. She attended countless baptisms, priesthood ordinations and mission farewells and homecomings. She was also at almost every high school and college graduation for her children and grandchildren, as well as many, many sporting events, plays, musical events, etc. Although she was not an avid traveler, she traveled well over 100 thousand miles to be involved with family. Her grandchildren loved to go Grandma's home for Christmas and Thanksgiving (or any other time). They thought that whatever she made tasted better, whether it was her cinnamon toast and waffles or her "world-famous" macaroni and cheese. (Although Grandma made it from a box, they still say it was the best macaroni and cheese ever. It must be the "Grandma touch.") Even though Mother had eleven children there was always room for more. Mother's philosophy was there is always room for another "nail on the wall" (to sleep on) and always room at the table. She enjoyed watching BYU and Texas Tech sports and playing the Hand and Foot card game. Part of the wonderful legacy she leaves for her family includes those things she helped to instill within them, including unconditional love for family, hard work, integrity and a love for the Lord, Jesus Christ, and His gospel. Although we will miss her, we are thrilled that she is now reunited with her beloved Charlie and other loved ones who have gone before her. Sometimes, she and her sisters would refer to themselves as "three tough old birds." They did a lot of hard things, but never lost their tender hearts and caring hands. Now, one more these "tough old birds" has flown to Heaven. Whenever we see a majestic eagle soaring in the skies, we will think of her and know that she is soaring, she is watching over us and that we will see her again. We love you Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma. Eula is survived by daughter-in-law, Brenda (David) Lazarow of Belgrade, MT son, Thomas Edward (Susan) Mullen of Provo, UT, son, Donald Eugene (Melonie) Mullen of Orem, UT, son, John Patrick (Dessie) Mullen of Spring, TX, son, Robbin James (Tracey Lou) Mullen of Payson, UT, daughter, Mary Kathryn (Stephen) Meldrum of Idaho Falls, ID, daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Clifford) Fisher of Taylorsville, UT, daughter, Rebecca Janet Cole of Ammon, ID son, David Mark (Rebecca) Mullen of Provo, UT, daughter, Esther Ruth (Hal) Johnson of Idaho Falls, ID sister, Nina Brewer of Abilene, TX. brother-in-law, Jerry (Wanda) Mullen brother-in-law, Var (Laura) Mullen sister-in-law, Patricia Mullen sister-in-law, Bev Mullen 41 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, with two on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Timothy Charles Mullen; daughter, Martha Jean Mullen; son-in-law, Daniel Cole; and grandson, William Lee Cole. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 12, 2016, at the Idaho Falls LDS Central Stake Center, 2025 Jennie Lee Drive, with Bishop Kim Smith of the Idaho Falls 26th Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.