Marion Grace Snow Peterson

“Have you eaten?” Marion Grace Snow Peterson asked this question of nearly everyone who entered her home. Together with Dennis Ray Peterson, her husband of 54 years, she created a home that welcomed friends and family, and became a base from which almost no one escaped unfed. Even when Denny and Marion weren’t home, their children’s friends were welcome to come over and help themselves, and they did.

Marion was born September 1, 1936 in Pasadena, California. She treasured memories of walking a mile to school every day hand-in-hand with her Grandpa Roberts, who also built her a lovely playhouse. She learned to love gardening from her mother and uncle. She was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through the friendship of the Kawai family– Veda Kawai was one of her lifelong friends. Marion was baptized as a teenager and was a devoted member who exemplified service in many callings throughout her life. After graduating from high school, she attended Brigham Young University. Marion’s love for California never faded; she was an enthusiastic member of the “Little Old Ladies from Pasadena'' club and looked forward to their annual reunions.

In 1964, Marion moved to Logan, Utah with her parents and two sons from a previous marriage: seven-year-old Steven and three-year-old Scott. Just half a block from their new home was the little house from which the notorious Peterson brothers once ruled the neighborhood. Not long after settling in, Marion walked past a man working under the hood of a red ‘56 Ford pick-up. He would turn out to be her beloved companion in coveralls: Dennis.

Scott saw Dennis at church and wanted to sit next to him to sing his favorite song, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” Marion always considered this a great mystery because “Denny couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.” Dennis still remembers how Marion seemed to pass by rather often, and we’re all so glad she did. They were married February 16, 1968 in the Logan LDS Temple and later that year, Dennis legally adopted Steven and Scott. Dennis promised her that their first baby would be a girl. He was right! Happily, their family grew when Lorelle was born in 1971 and Ryan followed in 1973.

Marion and Dennis loved to travel; after retiring, they visited many more places and countries than they ever imagined they would. Based on her extensive journals, Marion estimated that they logged close to 100 flights together. Their children and grandchildren adored their visits and enjoyed their company. One of Marion’s favorite trips was an Alaskan cruise with Denny and their best friends, Faye Loosle and Marilyn Olsen.

On sunny days, you could usually find Marion working in her garden, pulling weeds and raising lovely roses. She had a personal vendetta against dandelions and a passion for the flavor of home-grown tomatoes. “Nothing tastes like a homegrown tomato.” In the evenings, she loved sitting in her corner, which had the best light for reading books–always ending first-because she preferred reading happy stories. She perused recipes and endless cooking magazines, wrote in her journals, knitted sweaters, crocheted baby blankets, embroidered countless sets of dish towels for gifts, and organized innumerable photographs into albums full of happy memories and adventures.

For the last two years, Marion’s failing health prevented her from enjoying all of the activities she loved so much. We miss her greatly, but rejoice in her new freedom. We are so grateful to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Logan Regional Hospital and Rocky Mountain Care and Hospice who skillfully and compassionately cared for her and all of us.

Marion is survived by her husband, Dennis; her children, Steven, Scott (Lisa Canfield), Lorelle (Scott Bewley) and Ryan (Sharla Roe); 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; and her younger brother, Robert Snow (Randi Callender). She was preceded in death by her parents, Grace Louisa Roberts and Francis Stevens Snow, and her devoted aunt and uncle, Cora and Glen Hartshorn, who were like second parents.

Marion and Denny built a life full of memories, traditions and recipes that will be cherished by their descendents for generations to come. We know Marion would love to sit with all of us one more time–to re-tell old stories over yet one more serving of dessert.

Until we all see her again, please take one of her favorite recipes, and remember her when you share a plate with someone you love.

Chocolate Drop Cookies
From the kitchen of Marion Grace Peterson

Ingredients
1 C. butter or shortening
2 c. packed dark brown sugar
2 eggs
2 t. Vanilla
2 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate, melted and cooled
3 c. flour
½ t salt
½ t. Baking powder
1 c. buttermilk or sour milk
1 t. Baking soda

1- Cream shortening, add sugar and cream together
2- Add eggs, vanilla and melted chocolate
3- Sift flour, salt, and baking powder together
4- Add soda to buttermilk
5- Add dry and liquid to mixture alternately and beat gently after each addition
6- Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 8-10 minutes on a greased or lined cookie sheet.
7- Cool and frost with buttercream icing, sprinkles, sugar, etc.

Marion loved flowers, and the family is happy to receive them in her memory; alternatively, donations to the Cache Community Food Pantry are equally welcome. https://cachefood.org/

Click on the link to view the funeral service livestream, password: Marion.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86836411322?pwd=SEpraXBmRFEydzcwNzM1U0RSSmRtQT09