Virginia Petersen

Virginia Blanchard Petersen

LAYTON – Virginia Blanchard Petersen passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 29, 2014 due to complications from a stroke. She was born March 21, 1924 in Robin, ID, a daughter of Eli Davis and Hazel E. Wheeler Blanchard. She was raised as youngest sister to Arthur, Merlin, Howard, Madge, Lorna, and LaMar. Virginia grew up on a small farm in Robin, Bannock County, ID. She attended high school in Arimo earning the honor of valedictorian of her class. After working as a housekeeper and saving for a year, she attended Idaho Falls LDS Hospital School of Nursing. She graduated with a three-year course of instruction and practice diploma in 1945 as a Registered Nurse.

She married Ralph Chauncey Petersen on September 15, 1945 in Carlisle, PA. On December 28, 1945, they were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple. As a family practice physician, Clearfield proved to be a great place to set up Ralph’s medical practice, to work, play and raise a family. They loved living among his patients and people in this area. Virginia amazingly knew, remembered, and unofficially cared for many of his patients. She lovingly took care of her and Ralph’s extended families.

Virginia was active in many church callings, probably her favorite as Relief Society President. She is quoted as saying, “”The best thing in my life was marrying Ralph and bringing up our family with the Mormon Church as our guidelines to live by.” In 1989 she and Ralph were called to serve in the Washington D.C. South Mission where they were assigned to work with people from Africa.

Service was her motto. She was constantly aware of and helping those in need. Rolling up her sleeves and getting to work, she provided everything from home-cooked meals, taking in laundry and making visits, to giving financial assistance. (Never hesitating to volunteer her children’s help.)

She will be remembered for her keen mind and memory, genuine interest in people, her generous heart, her desire to learn, and her love of work and family.

Ralph and Virginia were married for 48 years before his passing in August 1993. They survived and are survived by their five children: Lucille (Vincent) Pace, Richfield, UT; Don (Donna) Petersen, Robin, ID; Susan (Jay) Cashmore, Layton, UT; Annette Petersen, Layton, UT; Bonnie (Lee) Jenkins, South Jordan, UT; 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren (with a baby boy on the way).

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings, daughter Jenny Lynn, and great-grandson Kaden Kevin Taylor.

The family would like to thank Carolyn Warren, Pheasant View Assisted Living and McKay-Dee Hospital for their love, support, and excellent care.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 N. Main St. where friends may visit with the family prior to the services from 9 to 9:45 a.m.  Interment, Hyrum City Cemetery, Hyrum, UT.