Wanda Grace Peterson Skeen

Wanda Grace Peterson Skeen
September 26, 1924 - October 30, 2015
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Wanda Grace Peterson Skeen passed away on October 30, 2015, surrounded by many who loved her. She was the eldest of four children born to Clayton Edgar Peterson and Esther Grace Bartholomew Peterson.

Wanda was born and raised in Ephraim, Utah, living and working farm life with her parents and siblings. She obtained an Associate's degree in Science at Snow College, and then attended Utah State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1946. It was at Utah State that she met her sweetheart and eternal companion, Ellison Riley Skeen. They married in the Manti, UT, Temple on May 28, 1947, and were blessed with five children: Riley Skeen (Linda), Cody, WY; Janet Skeen, So. Ogden, UT; Carol Hays (Walt), Spring, TX; Laura Skidmore (Farrell), Fruit Heights, UT and Jo Ann Nicholson (Nick), Rochester, MN.

Wanda and Ellison lived in Utah their entire married life, except for a brief 2 A 1/2 years in the early 1950's spent in Madrid, Spain, where Ellison took an assignment for his job with the Federal Government.

Wanda taught English and Home Economics at Morgan and Weber High Schools, retiring after a long and rewarding career teaching teenage girls and boys to sew, cook, and develop other important home management skills. She excelled in homemaking skills herself, including sewing, knitting/crocheting, canning, and cooking. She was an outstanding seamstress, and sewed most of her children's clothing for many years. She designed and sewed her own wedding dress, and those of two of her daughters. She was also an accomplished pianist and organist.

Wanda was always an avid reader, enjoying a wide variety of literary genre, and was rarely seen without a book in hand. She was also a member of Utah Daughters of Pioneers. At one time, she served as President of the Home Economists in Homemaking Club of the Ogden area.

Wanda was a member of the LDS Church and served in many capacities during her lifetime. She was faithful to the end, even when she was unable to attend meetings.

Wanda shared Ellison's great love of nature and adventure. They enjoyed wonderful experiences with their family at the cabin they built in Scare Canyon, Cache County, UT. Wanda also loved to camp and travel, exploring a number of overseas and U.S. destinations. To the end, Wanda enjoyed getting out for scenic drives, and she never failed to express her joy and gratitude for our beautiful world. She especially loved clouds and was always pointing out their beautiful colors and shapes to whomever was with her.

Wanda absolutely loved her family, and regularly expressed gratitude and joy for all the blessings in her life. She was never one to complain, frequently noting that she had "so much to be grateful for, how can I, or why should I, complain about anything?" Her dry wit and sense of humor kept her family, friends, and caregivers in stitches. She held little back and was hilarious, even in her most challenging times.

Wanda always thought of others and their needs before her own. She loved serving and was happiest when ensuring those around her were well-fed, comfortable, and happy.

Wanda will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Her positive traits of gratitude, joy, humor, and unselfishness will always be an example for those left behind.

Wanda is survived by her 5 children; 12 grandchildren, and 11 A 1/2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister; two brothers, and her dear husband.

Special thanks to all the staff at Right At Home and the many others who gave kind and loving support to Wanda.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Burch Creek Stake Center, 4955 Adams Ave., So. Ogden. Friends and family may call at Myers Ogden Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., on Friday, November 6th from 6 - 8 PM, and on Saturday from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the church prior to the service. Interment will be at the Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Perpetual Education Fund (http://give.lds.org/pef).
VisitationMyers Mortuary - Ogden
100 Monroe Blvd.
Ogden, UT 84404
November 6, 2015
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
ServiceBurch Creek Stake Center
4955 Adams Avenue
So. Ogden, UT
November 7, 2015
11:00 AM
CemeteryMemorial Gardens of the Wasatch
1718 Combe Rd
Ogden, UT 84403
November 7, 2015