Bernice Perrins Eskelson

Bernice P. Eskelson, of Smithfield, Utah, passed away June 8, 2009 at Rocky Mountain Care Center in Clearfield, Utah after a series of lingering illnesses. She was born April 18, 1921 in Ogden, Utah to Thomas & Cora Warner Perrins. She attended Ogden High School, Brigham Young University and Utah State University, receiving both a bachelor?s and master?s degree in elementary education. She taught in the Cache County School District for many years, eventually retiring from Summit Elementary School in Smithfield, at age 76. At the end of her career, she actually had students in some of her third grade classes who were grandchildren of her first students from her teaching career. Her great loves in life were music and her family. She was a piano teacher for many years starting many on their path in music. She served in a variety of capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, principally in the music field. She served as ward and stake organist until her health forced her to ?retire? after serving in those capacities for over forty years. Starting a young person on a path of a lifetime of music enjoyment was one of the highlights of her life. Her interests included music, reading and programs directed toward elementary education. She enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors, and often participated in outdoor activities with her family, although truthfully, probably more out of love for them and a desire to be with them, than a love of sleeping in a tent in the rain. She was preceded in death by both her parents, her husband, Ross W. Eskelson, her youngest son, Mark P. Eskelson and all six of her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children: Scott Ronda Eskelson of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Doreen John Solum of Layton, Utah; and Lynn Margene Eskelson of Preston, Idaho; sixteen grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2009 at the Smithfield 17th Ward chapel, 300 South 350 East, with Bishop Roger Hansen conducting. The family will visit with friends Thursday evening, June 11, 2009 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield and Friday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .