Opal Martha Chugg

PROVIDENCE - If you have ever heard a yoo whoo in Providence, Utah, it was Grams! Today there were yoo whoo’s in Heaven as a joyous reunion took place. Opal Martha Sorensen Chugg completed her 102 year journey on earth March 9,2017. She was reunited with her sweetheart, Marion Chugg, that she has missed every day for 35 years and her dear Mother that she hasn’t seen for over 75 years along with many family members and friends who have gone on before. She was the last of a wonderful generation and one of a handful of living daughters of an original Utah Pioneer. Her father walked across the plains at 12 years of age. Opal was born at the family’s two room home in Hyrum, Utah on September 27, 1914. She was the youngest child of Julius and Caroline Christensen Sorensen. Welcoming her into the family were four half brothers and sisters and six siblings. In her youth she learned the value of church, family, friends and hard work. She had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was stalwart in her testimony of tithing. Right up until her passing it was the first thing she did and she taught us all through example. Opal served faithfully in many church callings, including, Stake and Ward Sunday School Secretary, Ward Jr. Sunday School Coordinator, Relief Society Presidency, Librarian and a faithful Visiting Teacher for over 70 years. She loved going to the temple and visiting friends. She also loved to travel; Jackson Hole was a yearly favorite right up until she was a 101 years old. She loved her family and was always there to serve and support each of them. Before her marriage she worked in the County Court House for years, at USU and JC Penney. Opal married Marion (Mae) Chugg, May 10, 1937, in the Logan LDS Temple. They made their home and raised their three children in Providence, Utah. She remained in her home and independent until her passing. Later in life she went back to work at Farm Bureau to support their missionary and to get rid of the milk cows to free up her husband. She was active in the DUP (Daughters of the Utah Pioneers) and she loved Utah State Aggie basketball games. She and Mae, and later her dear friend Vada, held season tickets for over 50 years. We all knew she was not available for any activities on game night. Oh, the many things she has seen, Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States in 1914 and there have been 18 since. Joseph F. Smith was President of the Church and there have been 11 to follow in his stead. She has gone from horses and wagons to a man on the moon, from wood burning stoves to microwaves, and an apron waving out the back door as a call to dinner to cell phones. When asked what was the most amazing thing she has seen in her life she replied that it was the airplane and cell phones. Opal and Marion were blessed with 3 children, Brent (Myrl) Chugg of Ogden, Julie (Brent) Palfreyman of South Jordan, Mary Jo (Bob) Russell of College Ward. She is the wonderful Grams, Grandma Opal,”Chugg”, and Grammy Opal to 11 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. While we will miss her dearly we know she has longed for this day for many years. We also know that families are forever. Until we meet again…we will share a Snickers and a shot of Diet Coke in her honor as we gather to celebrate her life Monday March 13, 2017.
Funeral Services will be at 12:00 pm on Monday, March 13, 2017 at the Providence LDS Chapel at 155 N 100 E Providence, Utah. A visitation will be held Sunday, March 12, 2017 from 6-8 pm at Allen-Hall Mortuary at 34 E Center Street Logan, and from 10:30-11:30 am prior to services at the church. Interment will be at the Providence City Cemetery. Special thanks to Jo for her everyday care and to the nurses and doctors at Logan Regional. Condolences and thoughts may be expressed online at www.allenmortuaries.net .