Vicky Valeen Lowder

Vicky Valeen Mikkelsen Lowder, 79, passed away at her home on Thursday, December 1, 2022, after a short but vicious battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. Our hearts are broken, but she is back with her eternal sweetheart and is no longer suffering.

Vicky was born in Ogden, Utah on November 2, 1943 to Carl and Cevela Jones Mikkelsen. She grew up in North Ogden, surrounded by loving family. During that time, she developed a special bond with her Grandma Jones.  She often talked of helping Grandma plant pinecones that grew into huge pine trees that are still there, 75 years later. She has fond memories of working in the orchard, berry patches and flower gardens. One of her most cherished memories is of combing and braiding Grandma’s long, white hair every day.

Vicky graduated from Weber High School and LDS Seminary in 1962. While in school, she developed friendships that have lasted a lifetime. She always looked forward to spending time with “the girls”. Vicky attended Weber College and graduated from LDS Institute. 

Vicky met Robert “Bob” Lowder when they were in Nursery in the North Ogden First Ward. They were friends all through school. When Bob returned from his mission, they renewed their friendship and were soon married in the Logan LDS Temple on June 9, 1966. They continued holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes until the moment he passed away on January 16, 2021. They are continuing that love story once again.

Vicky loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong testimony of Her Savior, Jesus Christ, and His love for her. That testimony gave her the strength to endure the many trials she has faced in her life with courage. She loved reading the scriptures and studying the gospel daily. She had a strong testimony of the blessings of paying a full tithe. She served faithfully in each calling, including being a dedicated visiting teacher and minister all her adult life. Bob and Vicky were ordinance workers in the Laie Hawaii Temple and served a mission together in the Utah Ogden Mission. They were also beloved Sunday School Team Teachers in the Pacific Islands. After Bob’s passing, Vicky was an ordinance worker in the Ogden Utah Temple and a Relief Society Teacher until her health prevented her from continuing to serve.

Vicky worked many jobs to help support the family. She was a medical assistant for Dr. Charles Hetzel and was a CNA at Weber Memorial Hospital and Mount Ogden Care Center. She worked in child nutrition for Davis School District for many years. She felt very blessed to have worked in the Ogden Temple cafeteria.

Bob’s work took him out of town much of the time the family was growing up. Vicky lovingly raised the family, while missing Bob terribly every day. The day after her youngest child, Lance, graduated from high school, she went to work with Bob. They worked hand in hand as they built the Kona Hawaii, Apia Samoa, and Gila Valley Arizona Temples. Then, they returned home, to spend time with their children and grandchildren, who all chose to settle within a few miles of their home.

Vicky loved to make people smile. She decorated for every holiday, even painting the windows of her home for those around her to enjoy. Every Halloween for 45 years, she performed “Little Orphan Annie” for school children and friends. She remembered the birthdays and anniversaries of countless loved ones by sending hand-selected cards. She loved supporting her grandchildren by attending choir and band concerts, sporting events, plays, and graduations.

Vicky loved to share her talents by writing poetry, drawing and painting pictures, and making quilts, clothing, and dolls for all her children.

Vicky was always very patriotic. She loved America and the freedoms that we enjoy. She proudly flew a flag at her home every day. She loved watching parades and would stand for the flag each time it went by. She was grateful for those who fought for our freedoms, especially those within her own family. Her favorite outfits were Red, White, and Blue.

Throughout Vicky’s life, and especially with the difficulty of the last few months, she found strength in the motto: “Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen today that you and I together can’t handle.”

Her parting advice to all those she loved was to always say your prayers and love everybody.

Vicky is survived by her children, Bryce (Stephanie), Sunset; Carla (Scott) Steed, Roy; Denise (Brent) Perkins, Sunset; Courtney (Joei), Roy; Dixie (Carl) Stettler, West Point; Aaron (Hannah), Hooper; and Lance (Sarah), Roy; 20 grandchildren, and 21 2/3 great-grandchildren. One brother, Jay (Debbie) Mikkelsen, Willard; one sister, Maralyn (Myron) Stratton, Quincy, IL.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob; her parents, Carl and Cevela; one grandson, Nathan Ward, just 10 days earlier; Infant granddaughter, Tiffany Perkins; two sisters, Carol Barton and Karen Turner.

We would like to thank Vicky’s wonderful friends in the Clinton 15^th Ward and Carol, Shelby, and Dee of Inspiration Hospice for their love for and care of our sweet Mom.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South. The family will meet with friends Thursday, December 8^th from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.

Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery.

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