Thella Bunnell Mortensen, 82, of Salem, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2016 at her home. She was born March 29, 1934 in Rexburg Idaho, the daughter of Thell Bunnell and Mary Ann Tuckett. She joined her older sister Mary Ann, and 15 years later her younger brother Steve was born.

Her parents owned Thell and Mary's Cafe in Rexburg and Thella grew up working there after school. She graduated from Madison High School where she was a cheerleader. She attended beautician school and had a small beauty shop in her home.

She married Ted Mortensen on June 1, 1955 and 3 children were born:, K'Lyn, Jace, and Mindy. They raised their family in Salem and were later divorced. Thella loved to dance and she and Ted were members of a square dance club in St Anthony. She was also instrumental in developing the Rexburg Dance Festival.

She worked for the Sugar-Salem School District for many years, earning many awards including the "Go the Extra Mile" award.

She has been all over the world with her favorite fellow traveler, Lola Walker, visiting the Great Wall of China, Maachu Pichu, and Russia.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many church callings including, 3 missions, 2 in Nauvoo and one in North Carolina.

In her later years, she enjoyed working for BYU-I Event Services as an usher.

She loved music and was a member of several musical groups. She was an accomplished conductor and led many choirs.

She is survived by her 3 children: K'Lyn Lyman (Mat), Jace Mortensen (Nicki), Mindy Robison (Jody), 13 grandkids, and 29 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Steve (Judy) Bunnell. She loved and is loved by the Salem 2nd Ward.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 24, 2016 at the Salem LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home and again from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions be made to ward mission funds.