Mary Ludean Hansen

AMALGA, UTAH: Our kind and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mary LuDean Nielsen Hansen, 81, of Amalga, departed this life on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray following a brief illness. With all of her children by her side she peacefully returned home.
LuDean was born November 11, 1932 in Logan, Utah, the daughter of the late George Gordon and Ebba Winborg Nielsen. She grew up in Hyrum where she attended Lincoln Elementary and South Cache High School, graduating in 1951.
She was united in eternal marriage to Richard Vagn Hansen September 26, 1952 in the Logan LDS Temple. He preceded her in death January 21, 2010. LuDean had a rich bond with Richard's family, as well as her own. Family, community, and faith were the cornerstone of their life together. They were a team and their greatest shared endeavor was being supportive of their family and close friends.
While Richard pursued his dreams and hobbies, LuDean was behind the scenes giving him support. She was a devoted wife that allowed him the time to do many things that brought him joy, especially coaching and managing the Smithfield Blue Sox for over 40 years.
LuDean was very maternal and caring. She was truly selfless with her children. All of her children knew she would do anything for them and was shamelessly proud of all their endeavors, no matter how great or small. She had a strong moral compass and led by example to always consider the underdog and treat everyone with respect.
As a Grandma, LuDean was a precious gift and blessing. When her grandchildren were young she lovingly helped care for them on a regular basis. She enjoyed cheering on all of her grandchildren and supporting them in their activities and life events. She was grateful for her connection to them.
LuDean was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was involved in her church. She greatly enjoyed the friends she made in the Amalga Ward. She served in many callings, including the Relief Society and Primary Presidencies, and as a visiting teacher. Her favorite calling was the many years she spent in the nursery caring for babies and young children.
She was a hard worker. As a young woman she picked beans and strawberries, ironed clothes and cared for children. Later she performed many other jobs; delivering newspapers, canning at DelMonte, catering, telephone operator, and waitress. More recently she worked at the Logan LDS Institute of Religion, seasonally at McMullin Farms, and working as a product demonstrator at local grocery stores. Since Richard was self-employed, she also worked assisting him with his business. She liked the satisfaction of work and met many of her dearest friends through her employment.
She found pleasure in painting, crocheting, embroidery, needlepoint, sewing, and making crafts. She loved to share these talents among her family and friends. She also loved planting and caring for flowers and shopping for unique and unusual items--she liked a good hunt for just the right thing!
Possessing a true servant's heart, LuDean faithfully cared for family and friends through kind deeds and a listening ear. She loved to visit with friends and all of her family. She was sincerely interested in other people's lives, sharing their happiness and trials. Many will miss her conversation and generosity of time and spirit. LuDean was filled with compassion and made friends easily, keeping in contact with many by making phone calls to reach out or by dropping in on them to say hello. She was an angel that lived, laughed, cried, and loved with all of us.
She is survived by her children; David (Linda Christensen), Paul (Kathleen Zilles), both of Amalga, Amy, Salt Lake City, Emily (Charles) Schoffstall, Clayton, CA; her grandchildren; Alisa (Jeremiah) Esplin, Ashley (Bryan) Jensen, April Hansen, Hayley (Colby) Read, Jordan Hansen, Megan Hansen, Nicole (Brent) Ballard and Benjamin and Logan Schoffstall; great-grandchildren; Paige and Peyton Esplin and Dominic, Nikolas, Dakota and Bryley Jensen; her siblings; Renee Nielsen and Val (Arlean) Nielsen; brothers and sisters-in-laws; Keith (Carroll) Hansen, Sheridan (Annette) Hansen, Sidney (Maridene) Hansen, Dean (Relle) Hansen; many nieces and nephews and their children.
The family would like to thank the Logan Regional Hospital and the Intermountain Medical Center staffs for their excellent and thoughtful care.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, December 13 at the Benson Stake Center, 6575 North 2400 West, Amalga. The family will greet friends and relatives from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 12 at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street, Logan. An additional visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church on Friday immediately prior to the services. Interment at the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences and remembrances may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.net