Mell Ree Andersen

Mell Ree Perkes Andersen

Petersboro – Our beautiful, kind, spunky, and spiritual Mell Ree, 91, passed away November 15, 2013 at the Logan Legacy House. Mell Ree was born September 14, 1922; the 11th of 14 children born to Thomas Willard Perkes and Rhoda Eva Jorgensen. Mell Ree grew up in Hyde Park, Utah and graduated from North Cache High School. After high school she went to work at the Budge Memorial Hospital as a cook. In 1942 she met Zeno H. Andersen at a friend’s wedding. They were sealed in the Logan Temple on October 18, 1943. Zeno and Mell Ree moved to Petersboro in 1945 to live on the ranch. Mell Ree lived there for 68 years before she moved to Legacy House in May of 2013.

Mell Ree was the mother of five children: four sons and one daughter. She spent her life in the service of her family, her church, and her community. She served 23 years in the Stake Young Women program and 20 years in the 4-H program, all while raising her family and helping Zeno on the farm. She said of her service…it was a blessing and joy…with many spiritual experiences to strengthen her testimony of the gospel.

At age 47, Mell Ree realized a life-long dream when she graduated with a BS in Social Work from Utah State University. Afterwards she worked in some of the valley schools.

Mell Ree and Zeno were able to travel after the kids were grown and enjoyed trips to Europe, Mexico, and the Holy Land. Zeno passed away in 1986. After Zeno’s passing Mell Ree served a mission in the Georgia Atlanta Mission.

In 2007 Mell Ree became ill and we thought we would lose her. Dr. Redd discovered she had West Nile Virus and she went on to fully recover.

In Mell Ree’s later years she enjoyed traveling, quilting, playing cards, and being involved in Daughters of Utah Pioneers, AARP, and Yeshara Service Club. She also delivered Meals on Wheels.

Mell Ree touched the lives of all who knew her with her kindness and generosity. She exuded energy, vitality, and capability in everything she did. She got something done before we even realized it needed done. She leaves behind a legacy of service and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. She will leave a void in our lives, but we are joyful that she is now reunited with Zeno and Coy.

Mell Ree was preceded in death by her husband, Zeno, her daughter Coy, and her brothers Asa, Carroll, Theo, Eldon, Gaylon and Arthur Perkes and her sisters Rhelda Smith Woodward, Vera Jenson, Elaine Perkins, and Kate Crockett. She is survived by her brothers Rolan, Larry Udell, and Doral Perkes. She is also survived by her children Dr. C. Zeno (Mar Del) Andersen of Tacoma, WA; Dale P. Andersen of Petersboro, UT; Dr. Blaine P. Andersen (Kim) of North Logan, UT; and Kay L. Andersen of Cedar City, UT. She is also survived by six grandchildren Terrell Andersen of Salt Lake City, UT; Krista Hintze (Jonny) of Salt Lake City, UT; Brynn Fenton (Tim) of Centerville, UT; Reghan LaBarbera (Aaron) of Fort Worth, TX; Jamie Grange (Derek) of Pocatello, ID; and Eryn Andersen, serving a mission in Italy. In addition she is survived by six great-grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the members of the Petersboro Ward, Drs. Nash and Redd, the staff of the Legacy House, and family friend Carol McArthur for the service rendered to mom during her life. In lieu of flowers Mell Ree would want you to do a kind deed or donate to the Humanitarian or Missionary fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.