Lynaun Jeanine Mortenson

Our beloved Lynaun Jeanine Stone Mortenson (52), of Vernal, Utah passed away suddenly on March 21, 2026, due to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. Her son, Branlon, was in the vehicle with her and had only minor injuries. It was apparent that Lynaun did all that she could to protect him, maneuvering the car so that she took the brunt of the head-on collision thus shielding her son.

Lynaun entered this world on April 24, 1973, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and spent her childhood years in Granger and Venice, Utah (near Richfield). She was active in numerous school and extracurricular activities, including student council, track & field (shotput), show choir, drama and theater. Lynaun was a Sterling Scholar (English & Literature), school newspaper editor, and a school mentor. She became an accomplished pianist and participated in numerous school and community plays. Her strong love for music, theater, and leadership continued into adulthood.

Lynaun attended Snow College, Utah State University, and Blackhawk College in Illinois. She earned a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from USU and was admitted to and completed a very competitive Physical Therapy Assistant program at Blackhawk College. While at USU, Lynaun met the love of her life, Valton Mortenson. The two were married and sealed in the Manti Temple on September 22, 1995, and initially made their home in Illinois before coming back to Vernal to grow their family.

Lynaun was a devoted mother to her six sons, putting her career on hold to be able to stay at home with them while they were young. Her boys were her world. Lynaun and Valton could often be seen coaching, refereeing, or running between their boys' soccer, basketball, volleyball games, tennis matches, football, or running events throughout Vernal and beyond. She also spent many years as a dedicated Cub Scout Leader. She is the mother of four Eagle Scouts.

With the birth of her granddaughter, Zelia, Lynaun became a devoted grandmother as well. She cherished the role and loved that her world of boys expanded to include this sweet addition.

Lynaun loved to stay active herself and often ran in local 5k's, competed in triathlons, and wrangled her family to do team competitions with her. Lynaun enjoyed camping and spending time on the mountain with her family. Her love of music was also ever-present, and she played and tuned pianos in her nonexistent spare time. She also had a soft spot for animals, and many dogs and cats found refuge in her loving care.

Lynaun had a special place in her heart for children, and she was a gifted teacher. She worked and volunteered in various positions for the local schools, including Physical Education teacher, Preschool Aide, Elementary Aide, PTA member, ESL Aide, and her current position as Youth-In-Care and Check & Connect Mentor for the Utah State Board of Education. She dearly loved her students.

Lynaun is survived by her husband, Valton, and sons Quillon (Jessica), Talon (Naomi), Kylon (Heidi), Xavlon, Branlon, and Weslon, and granddaughter, Zelia. She is also survived by her mother (Auna), father (Lynn), and her brothers Ryan (Joan), Jason (Matthew), and sister Shera (Brendan).

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, David and Grace Stone and Gus and Betty Erickson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Maeser 3rd Ward LDS Chapel. Visitation for family and friends will be Friday from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home, and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. at the Maeser 3rd Ward LDS church. Interment will be in the Rockpoint Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/care-and-support-for-the-mortenson-family to help cover future educational costs for Branlon and Weslon.

Lynaun was a beautiful soul. She loved the Lord and her faith shone through in everything that she did. She always fought for the underdog and sought out the one who sat alone. Her family was her world, and there is no doubt that she continues to love them beyond boundaries. Her talents, spunk, and kind-heartedness live on through her boys, but the amazing woman that she was-her strength (and stubbornness), independence, heart, and smile-will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved her.