Taunya Merris Yearsley Petersen

Our cherished mom, grandma and friend returned to her heavenly home on Monday, March 3, 2025. Taunya was born on July 18, 1935, into the loving home of Gladys and Raymond Yearsley. She grew up in Ogden and recounted fond memories of her parents, brother and grandparents; she was a very loved little girl.

Taunya graduated from Ogden High in 1953. She married her eternal sweetheart, Denis Petersen, on June 25, 1954, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple and together they made their home and raised their four children in Farr West. Her family was the most important thing to her, and she always wanted them to know how much she loved them.

Taunya began working at Berland’s Shoe Store at a young age where her love of great shoes began and then she worked as a seasonal IRS worker while also keeping books for the family business as it grew.

In 1961 Denis and Taunya founded Specialized Welding which later became Petersen Incorporated. Taunya has been the backbone of Petersen Inc. for 63 years including working there until she retired on her 89th birthday in July of 2024. She treated all who worked with her like part of her family and loved them very much. She called many at Petersen’s lifelong friends, especially Kim Steed whom she worked next to for nearly 30 years.

She always saw the very best in everyone and loved unconditionally. She was an empathetic listener who would encourage you, build you up, cheer for you and continually saw the best in life as an eternal optimist.

Taunya was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. She started attending church at five years of age when invited by a friend. Her faith and testimony have always been very important to her. Taunya had such a giving heart; she loved being a missionary and serving others. She was joyfully looking forward to being reunited with her husband Denis, their daughter Joy and many other loved ones who have passed on before her.

Taunya had many friends whom she loved dearly. Everyone was always welcome in her home. She enjoyed baking and cooking for her family and was the center of many family Sunday dinners and pool parties. She was known for her cookie jar and the best toast made out of her homemade bread. She had countless memories of square dancing, camping, cruises, and other trips with family and friends. Many hours have been spent with Taunya playing the card game Hand and Foot and she was an avid fan of the show Heartland.

Taunya is survived by her children, Denise (Jerry) Crawford, Steven (Polly) Petersen, Julie (Ron) Cloward, and son-in-law Mike Grange; 18 grandchildren and 66 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Denis; her daughter, Joy; her parents, and her brother, Ronnie.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 12 p.m. at the Farr West Poplar Stake Center, 1745 North 2300 West. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the stake center prior to the services. Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery. 

The family would like to thank the special angels that helped care for Taunya including Dr. Tyler Dixon, the staff at Primrose, Julie Burchell and many others.

Her greatest wish was that her posterity and friends knew how much she loved them, which we all definitely know.

In lieu of flowers, take your family out to dinner and think of Denis and Taunya.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Taunya’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.

ORDER VIDEOS