Lucille Peterson

Lucille Dorothy Kelly Peterson passed peacefully from this life on September 12, 2019. She was born to loving parents on March 21, 1931 in Sugarhouse, Utah. Her mother Lilly Rose Crafts had many friends, loved to laugh, was patient and determined. Lilly was partially paralyzed due to polio but worked hard to provide a delightful childhood to the daughter she always wanted. Lucille adored her father Frederick Henry Kelly who was a patient and kind man. He had a bad heart and creatively found ways to be able to work from home. This was a blessing as he was always around to help with homework, teach life lessons and take her on picnics to the park. She spent eleven years listening to his interpretation of scripture, helping in his large garden, going for ice cream and feeling loved. Frederick passed away in 1942 when Lucille was eleven and only 4 years after moving to a home in Southern California. This event was a defining moment in her life as she took on much responsibility and began to work to help her mother sustain their lives. Lucille and Lilly developed a bond defined by love and strength. She taught Lucille to persevere through the hardships in life, to be of high moral character and to lean on the Lord in all things. Lucille had an older half-brother, Frank Henry Booth with whom she loved and shared many fond memories. They had a sweet relationship that lasted through the years.

Lucille developed a love of athletics, education, dancing and reading as a teenager. She had to grow up quicker than many her age and worked after school at various jobs. This work ethic and ability to persevere with humility continued throughout her life. She felt a yearning to develop a stronger relationship with God as a young woman and started attending church more regular and accepting church callings. Lucille went to City College and trained as a dental assistant. It was during this time that Dean Black Peterson danced into her life. He was the consummate gentleman. He was smitten by Lucille’s beauty and made it his mission to make her his wife. He was generous and tender with her mother and grandmother. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on May 26, 1953.

After a few years Dean and Lucille welcomed their charming children; Linda, Mark, Kathy, Darlene, Deanna and Janet. Their home was abundant with laughter, creativity, hard work and mischief. The Peterson home was a hub for the neighborhood friends and a safe haven for many. Dean was gone a great deal due to his acceptance of church leadership callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Lucille was a great support and counselor during his years of selfless sacrifice on behalf of others. She herself in many capacities; but was remembered most for her service and instruction in the Relief Society.

Lucille would seek out the underdog, the disabled and the ignored. She had an innate ability to make anyone she met feel comfortable and safe. She would babysit children, clean homes, make food, drive to doctors’ appointments, tend to the sick and nurse many through illnesses. She regretted not completing nursing school but many in her life felt of her nurturing and healing abilities. Lucille was admired greatly and trusted by many but remained humble and modest; serving in a quiet and unassuming way. She learned the secret to true happiness was in seeing the value in each life and cultivating the potential in every spirit.

The last half of her life was very much like the beginning, in that she lost her sweetheart and protector to a fatal illness at the young age of 52. She didn’t let the sad times swallow her up but remained a source of light and strength for her family. She and her daughter Janet became the ultimate tag team and brightened the lives of all who knew them. I don’t think that any child, grandchild or great grandchild ever left her house not feeling loved, unique and wanted. Lucille found great joy serving in the temple and with the genealogy program. She always found the time to have special one on one time with her grandkids and found delight in spoiling them.

Lucille wanted us to know that she has found happiness by living the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She worked hard to promote respect for each other and her life was a true testament of service and abiding love for others. She would want us to find humor and enthusiasm in our everyday lives as we build bonds with our family and fellow man. She reminded us often that she and Dean would have the ultimate reunion in heaven with a thousand kisses and an eternity of dancing. There is no doubt that is happening now.

To end this life sketch, Lucille said it best; “Many times in my life I felt good about the way life was and often thanked my Heavenly Father for giving me the guidance of marriage to such a wonderful human being. He has even returned to give me comfort since his death, to put his arms around me and to answer my questions. He was so stable and reliable and always seemed to be able to solve problems, to be strong when it was necessary, to be willing to talk, to shop, to work. His humor carried us through some rough times and I guess this is the quality I miss most. I still laugh, however, on many occasions when I know just what he would have said if he were there. I miss him so much. Nothing seems as much fun anymore. But I know that I could only give him up willingly because I know Heavenly Father needs him. He must have needed someone to liven up heaven and make it an even more enjoyable place, with more laughter, for I am sure that is just what he has done.” … And we know heaven needed you, too.

Lucille leaves 5 children; Linda Gwilliam, Mark Peterson (Catherine), Darlene Hexem (Dan), Deanna Warner (Nathan), Janet Peterson as well as 20 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Dean, daughter Kathy (surviving spouse, Glen Brown) and grandson, Kyle.

The family would like to give thanks to...

Legacy House of Bountiful staff; Relief Society and Branch Presidencies. To her hospice nurse Angie, your kind, loving care of our mother and grandmother will never be forgotten. To Dr. Douglas S. Kasteler, MD for his humor and many years of excellent care and to Brent Ballif of Lindquist Mortuary for his years of service and help in the care of our dear mother.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2019 from 6-8pm at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 North 400 East, Bountiful, UT. A graveside and internment will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 1pm in the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem UT.