Mary Ann Petersen

Mary Ann Esplin Petersen passed away peacefully on January 11, 2022 in Logan, Utah. She was welcomed into this life on January 15, 1953 in Cedar City, Utah by her loving parents Grant M. and Vilda Bowman Esplin.

She grew up in Beaver, Utah enjoying life to its fullest. Mary Ann attended elementary and secondary school in Beaver. One of her favorite after-school activities was mounting her trustyhorse Sugar Foot and giving the local kids rides, sometimes with three on board at once.

She loved raising and showing sheep, winning Showmanship honors and Grand Champion lamb several times at the South West Livestock Show.

Her youth was filled with trips to her grandfather’s ranch near Navajo Lake and Zion’s Narrows. There she loved to ride her horse Krispen, helping her Grandfather and Family with the activities related to Cattle Ranching. A place that would always hold a special place in her heart, that her own family came to enjoy and love as well.

Mary Ann graduated from Beaver High School and attended Ricks College/BYU-I. She represented Ricks College as a member of their track and field team, qualifying for and winning the 100-meter dash at the Western Regionals in Denver, Colorado.

She graduated from Ricks/BYU-I and continued her education at Utah State University. While at USU she was active in team sports. She completed her student teaching at Box Elder High School being mentored by Emily Call Williams who became a lifelong friend.

Following her graduation from USU, she was employed by Davis School District as a teacher, coach, and advisor at Davis High School. She was blessed with wonderful young ladies to teach and coach. Mary Ann was fortunate enough to have teams that won several Utah State Championships in Track, Volleyball, and Basketball. She loved these young ladies she associated with, and her experiences at Davis High School with teachers and staff. There is still a prestigious D-Pin award given each year in Mary Ann’s honor to a female athlete who is successful in academics, community service, and in sports.

On April 12, 1979, she married Reggie G. Petersen for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were blessed with two wonderful children, R. Spencer Petersen and Jessica Ann Marie Wilkinson. Mary Ann was very proud of them and provided support in every way. She loved being involved with their dance, sports, church activities, Missions, and life experiences. She was a wonderful mother. Her love extended to the addition of a Son-in-Law Gary Wilkinson and a Daughter-in Law Bethany Cummings Petersen. She felt blessed to have them part of the family.

Mary Ann introduced her husband to Cross Country Skiing, and they enjoyed the pristine winter scenes in many areas of the state. He in turn introduced her to hunting, fishing, and together they loved the adventure and beauty of the great outdoors. On occasion, she would call Reggie and let him know she was going to take their trusty German Shorthair Max out and hunt for pheasants. She would always return home with a bird or two in hand, a big smile, and proud of her success.

Mary Ann welcomed her Grandchildren in her life with open arms, and loved them dearly. Each had a special place in her heart. She was affectionately referred to as “Grandma Mary” by Jordan, Eva, Ethan, Lincoln, Eliza, Sophie, and Baby Girl Petersen who is arriving around the first of March. Mary Ann agreed with her late mother who would say, “Grandchildren are the greatest invention.” She will be truly missed by her loving grandchildren.

Mary Ann was grateful for the callings extended to her by the Church. She loved working as a Young Women’s President, and being part of the stake Young Women’s organization as a Secretary and Counselor. She always went the extra mile. She especially loved working with the youth in Cub Scouts and Primary. She served with a group of wonderful Relief Society sisters and loved each one. They were a bright spot in her life when she needed it.

She always wanted to serve in the Temple and on a proselytizing mission with her husband, but because of health reasons, she was unable to do so. Yet a great blessing came to her and Reggie in the way of a calling as Lead Pathway Missionaries for the Box Elder Coordinating Council. They had the privilege of implementing the Pathway Program in this area by training and working with other missionaries, Stake and Ward Priesthood Leaders, and wonderful students from the thirteen Stakes in the Council.

Mary Ann valued her friendships that she developed throughout her life. She loved people and easily made friends everywhere she went, and nurtured those relationships.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband Reggie G. Petersen, her children R. Spencer (Bethany) Petersen, Logan, Jessica Ann Marie (Gary) Wilkinson, River Heights, her grandchildren whom she adored Jordan, Eva, Ethan, Lincoln, Eliza, Sophie, and baby Petersen (coming soon), and her Sisters-in-Law Sherrie Applonie, Donna Fronk, and Carol Petersen.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her Mother and Father Vilda and Grant Esplin, Father-in-Law and Mother-in-Law Jesse F. and Vera S. Petersen, her sister Carolyn Burk, her Brothers-in-Law Jesse F. Petersen Jr., Jack Fronk & Glen Applonie, her Sister-in-Law Karel Petersen, and her Nana Bowman whom she loved very dearly.

Mary Ann was a loving and wonderful Wife, a tremendous Mother, a happy fun-loving grandmother, a loyal friend...we are grateful for a Loving Heavenly Father who shared her with us. Until we meet again, “love you more.”

All services will be held at the Thatcher-Penrose Church (11475 W 10400 N Thatcher, UT) on Saturday January 15, 2022 with a viewing from 10-11:30 am and a Celebration of Life to follow at noon. The celebration of life will live streamed below.