Avalon Klein

Avalon Klein, a woman of remarkable spirit and unwavering determination, passed away on June 14th, 2023. She was born into humble beginnings during the Great Depression on a ranch in a small town in Idaho. Growing up alongside her hardworking siblings, Avalon's dreams and aspirations bloomed, leading her on an extraordinary journey that touched the lives of many. At the young age of 16, Avalon embarked on a courageous adventure, boarding a bus to Los Angeles, California, armed with only .75 cents and a heart filled with hope. Drawn by the allure of paradise and opportunity, she found her first job at Sees Candies, and from there, she carved her path into the glamorous world of movie studios. Avalon's talent and magnetism landed her a position at Metro Goldwyn Mayer, and eventually, she became the prop director at the newly opened studio called MGM in the early 1940’s. Avalon's infectious smile, intelligence, wit, laughter, humor, elegance, and timeless style opened doors that were often closed to women in the late 1930s and early 40’s. With tenacity and grace, she paved her own way in life, earning her own money and purchasing her own car. It was in Los Angeles that she met the love of her life, Bob Klein. Avalon and Bob exchanged vows in Beverly Hills, California, before embarking on a journey that led them to become successful real estate developers in Salt Lake City. They built their family home, designed by the renowned architect Ed Dreier, in Willow Creek; where they raised their three sons. The couple's visionary spirit recognized the boundless potential in southern Utah. With their son Jeff's diligent efforts, they played an instrumental role in the development of the new St. George airport on their land. Avalon's drive, combined with Bob's entrepreneurial spirit allowed them to leave a lasting imprint on both the northern and southern regions of Utah. Avalon's true joy in life came from raising her three beloved boys, Robert Douglas Klein, J Kelly Klein, and Jeffrey Scott Klein. She nurtured them with love and instilled in them the values of hard work and ambition. Avalon's legacy of resilience and determination lives on through her children and their families. In addition to her sons, Avalon was adored by her grandchildren, Carson Douglas Klein, Brinn Mary Klein-King (Michael King), Derek Nelson Klein, (Lulu Leonard and Ella), James Stephen Klein and Neil Anthony Klein. She took great delight in their presence and cherished every moment spent with them. She especially loved “James’ Park.” Avalon's heart also embraced her six great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Brielle, Kabren, Kreighton, Britta, and Kamden (KING), bringing immeasurable joy to her later years. Avalon's love extended beyond blood ties, as she welcomed into her life her first daughter-in-law Michele Brewer (Klein) Bristol and Kerstin Klein (Daughter in law), Ellen Plante-Klein (daughter in law and son Ryan), and Tina Gerber (future daughter in law). Avalon had her “adopted daughters and kindred friends Lucinda Johnson, Diane Thompson and Teresa Sampson. She also held deep gratitude for her dear friend and neighbor Judy Jensen and friendship with Mother Mary Emslie and Nanette Matsuoka (along with her children), who all played cherished roles in her life. She also loved and adored her lifelong friend Lois Smith from Salt Lake City. We would like to extend our thanks to Diane Thompson for your consistent love, friendship, care and “pillow talk.” Avy adored you and you know the special bond you both shared. As we bid farewell to Avalon Klein, we find solace in the knowledge that her radiant spirit will forever remain in our hearts. Though she will be dearly missed, the bonds she forged and the love she shared will endure through the memories we hold dear. May Avalon's soul find eternal peace, and may her remarkable journey continue in the realms beyond. As a family we would like to thank our father Robert Douglas Klein for his selfless service to our grandmother. He devoted the last few years to care for her so she could live out her life in the comfort of her home. We would also like to thank our Uncle Jeff Klein for his generosity in helping grandmother get into the home Avalon resided in over the last years of her life. We would also like to thank our mother Michele Brewer (Klein) Bristol, for her unconditional love she showed our grandmother. Our mother has been our greatest teacher in selflessness, and we are so grateful for her love and devotion towards our grandmother. We are eternally grateful to our grandmother and our family. We will miss her warmth and laughter, but her memory will continue to bless our lives. A private viewing will be held on Sunday June 18th, 2023, at Serenity Funeral Home from 7 to 8 PM. We will celebrate her life and 100th birthday on November 8th, 2023, TBD.

Avalon Klein

November 8, 1923 - June 14, 2023