Ronald L. Petersen

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Ronald L. Petersen

Our dear father, grandfather, teacher and friend, Ronald L. Petersen, 77, passed through the veil to join his sweetheart in the early morning hours of April 25, 2010.

Ronald was eldest in a large family of ten children, born to Merrill and Cora Petersen on May 10, 1932. He spent his early years on a farm in Granger, Utah surrounded by loving parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and many cousins. He learned to work hard from an early age tending the large family garden and milking cows alongside his father. His father purchased a farm in Farr West, Utah where Ronald spent his later teenage years weeding and thinning acres of sugar beets. He was also active in 4-H where he won many awards, and he graduated with high honors from Weber High School.

Facing induction into the U. S. Army, he elected to enlist in the U.S. Navy in1951, his hopes of serving an LDS mission placed on hold. While yet involved in the Korean Conflict, he was joined in eternal marriage to the love of his life, Charlene Mary Moore, on May 7, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple by Elder Harold B. Lee, then an apostle. They became parents of five sons and two daughters to whom Ronald was a steady and faithful influence as father and provider. He taught his children to love the Lord, to honor their mother, to value hard work and to cherish integrity.

Ronald graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University with a degree in English and Theater. He taught for 40 years a€" 7 years at Central Davis Junior High, and 33 years at Layton High School. He taught A.P. English and Drama, serving as chairman of the Drama Department for more than 25 years, directing countless plays and musicals. He influenced the lives of thousands of young people sharing with them his love of literature and theater. He was later honored with two prestigious awards by Layton High alumni of both Brigham Young University and Weber State University for being "Most Influential Teacher." He was also honored by the Layton Chamber of Commerce as Outstanding Educator in 1994.

He served in a variety of church assignments throughout his life, including Bishop''s Counselor, Elder''s Quorum President, Stake YMMIA Superintendent, several stake missions, High Priests Group Leader, and writer for the Church Curriculum Department. Following retirement in May 1998, Ronald and Charlene began nearly ten years of service as missionaries for the LDS Church in the Church Magazines Department.

Separated by Charlene''s death January 1, 2008, his final two years were met with the same cheerfulness and endurance that were hallmarks of his life. Even though he faced loneliness and numerous health difficulties he remained optimistic and enjoyed the love of family and friends. He continued to write poetry for which he was well known. He wrote a poem for each grandchild at high school graduation and felt a deep urgency to complete poems for three who will graduate in May.

Ronald is survived by his seven children: David (Raylene), DeAnn (David) Hoggan, Scott (Marilyn), Mark (Becky), Doug (Brenda), RenAC.e (Steve) Barker, and Rusty (Rebecca), 27 grandchildren (with one on the way), and 17 great grand-children (with two on the way). He is also survived by five siblings: Denis (Taunya), Marge (Val) Fisher, Roger (Susan), Bob (Rosanne) and Marsha (Greg) Porter.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene, granddaughter Kiersten, parents, sister Betsy (Jim) Snyder, and brothers Keith (Pat), Jay (Lois), and Gerald (Kathy).

The family is grateful to all who have been a friend to Ronald in his final years. He has been provided countless rides, meals and tender acts of service. He enjoyed his longtime association with the "back row bunch" and dearly loved his neighbors and his ward.

Ronald loved the missionary work of the Church. He assisted in supporting all his grandchildren who served missions and many, many others.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 30, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Adamswood Ward, 1410 East Gentile, Layton. Friends may visit family Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the ward. Interment, Lindquist''s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that contributions be made to the general missionary fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.