Fern Elwood Jeppesen

After a long and wonderful life, Fern Elwood Jeppesen, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother passed away surrounded by her family on September 28, 2022, at the age of 96.

Fern was born to Joseph and Edna Elwood on August 30, 1926, in Hyde Park, Utah, where she was raised with her sister, Diane. She lived almost all of her life in Hyde Park and had many wonderful neighbors and lifelong friends there. She attended elementary school in Hyde Park and graduated from North Cache High School in Richmond. Her formative years were spent during the Great Depression and World War II, where she learned to be frugal, work hard, and have compassion for others — values she carried with her throughout her life.

Fern married Woodrow Jeppesen on February 20, 1946, after he returned from his service in World War II. They were later sealed for eternity in the Logan Temple. They are the parents of three children: Paul (married to Connie Erickson); and twins, Susan (married to Arnie Anthon) and Scott (married to Karen Anderson). She is the grandmother of twelve, the great-grandmother of forty-three, and the great-great-grandmother of four — all of whom she loved with her whole heart. Woody passed away in 1990. All four generations of her posterity are grateful for her life, love, and legacy.

Fern’s greatest pleasures in life came from spending time with her family. When the children were young, the family spent many enjoyable outings at Yellowstone National Park, camping, fishing, and sightseeing. Later, she and Woody enjoyed special trips with each of the grandchildren. She had many wonderful memories from the times that she spent with her children and grandchildren as they traveled to exciting destinations across the United States, Europe, Hawaii, and Canada. She also enjoyed many, many excursions to Disneyland, where she dutifully and happily rode every ride her grandkids took her on.

The grandchildren — and now the great and great-great-grandchildren — all loved to go to Grandma’s house where games, laughter, and fun were in abundance. She was always up for a game of cards, but those who knew her best kept close watch — she wasn’t afraid to try and cheat a little. It was a long-standing family tradition to gather on Labor Day weekend for a family reunion and to celebrate Grandma’s birthday.

She adored her kids and grandkids and was often the loudest person in the crowd to cheer them on at the hundreds of ballgames, recitals, meets, matches, and musicals that she attended through the years. She was fun-loving, had a jolly disposition, a contagious chuckle, and loved a good joke, even at her expense.

Fern worked at the Bluebird Candy store on Logan’s Center Street for many years, making many lasting friendships with loyal customers. She was a master of the art of “visiting,” and made fast friends with anyone. She was an avid sports fan who loved the Utah Jazz and was a true-blooded Aggie since before Paul played ball for Utah State.

Just three generations removed from Mormon handcart pioneers, Fern was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served for decades in the ward auxiliary organizations. She was a valiant visiting teacher and also worked in the meetinghouse library for many years.

Fern was blessed to spend several years living under the tender care of her devoted children. Her last few months were spent at Autumn Care Assisted Living, where she quickly made new friends, and was lovingly cared for. After more than 30 years, she is finally reunited with her beloved Woody, along with her mother, father, and sister.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 3 at the Hyde Park Cedar Ridge Ward building at 65 East Center Street, Hyde Park, Utah. There will be a viewing from 10:30-11:30 a.m. with a funeral at 12:00 noon. She will be laid to rest in the Hyde Park Cemetery. Arrangements by Allen-Hall Mortuary. www.allenmortuaries.com