Mary Oka Lower Maughan

Mary Oka Lower Maughan died Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 in Logan, Utah following a short illness, surrounded by her loving family and kind caregivers.
Mary was born the fifth child of Samuel Steven and Mary Oka Litz Lower on August 2, 1931 at the family home in Lewiston, Utah. Growing up on a farm, Mary learned at an early age to work hard. She graduated from North Cache High School in 1949, and attended Utah State Agricultural College, where she met her husband, Rulon Boyd Maughan of Wellsville. They were married for time and all eternity on October 25, 1950 in the Logan LDS Temple.
During Boyd’s career in the US Air Force, Mary raised their five children, living in the U. S., Germany and England. Mother supported her children in their church, sports, music and school activities, and served as a PTA President. Mary’s big smile and outgoing personality won her friends around the world, many of whom remain in close contact. People often comment on how Mother’s kindness made a great impact on their lives. Mary loved dancing with Dad, playing softball, bowling, golfing, and kept a beautiful yard; she was known for her needlework and fine quilting. An avid reader, she had a keen mind and was well-informed on national issues. Mary loved the Air Force life and traveling; she occasionally worked in and later owned a travel business. Following their retirement in 1993, Mary and Boyd moved back to Cache Valley to be closer to their family.
A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mary served as a Relief Society President, Mutual President, Jr. Sunday School Coordinator and faithful visiting teacher. Missionaries and friends were welcomed into her home wherever the family lived. Mary & Boyd especially loved serving in the Indianapolis Indiana Mission and with the Special Needs students at the LDS Institute in Logan.
Mary is survived by her husband Boyd, her devoted and loving companion of 59 years and her five children and their spouses: Michael and Lynn Maughan of Escondido, California; Marilyn and David Watts of Logan; Lisa and Rod Ellis of River Heights; Susan and Doug Clark of Ogden; and Jayne and Bill Sinykin of Smithfield. She was a dear grandmother to 20 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Anne Jardine Rhinehart, Helen (Jack) Simmons and Sam (Dianne) Lower; and Boyd’s siblings: Frances Gooley, Zoe (Darwin) Nielsen, and Peter (Judy) Maughan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Max and Bart Lower, and a grandson, Elder Robert Clark.
Funeral Services will be held at noon on Tuesday, February, 9, 2010 at the Eastridge Ward Chapel, (1350 Eastridge Drive) in Logan. A viewing will be held on Monday, February 8, from six to eight p.m. at Allen Hall Mortuary (34 E. Center Street in Logan), and on Tuesday at the Eastridge Chapel from 10 - 11:30 am. Interment will be in the Providence City Cemetery (900 East in River Heights).
The family expresses their sincere appreciation to those who cared for our wife and mother, with special thanks to family, friends, neighbors, ward members, the Cache Valley Speciality Hospital staff, and her devoted doctor, Dr. Deserae Goble. Condolences may be sent to www.allenmortuaries.com .