Cloudy, 54° F
(January 31, 2003)
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Powell for Marian Emma Utter, long-time Powell resident, who died peacefully in her sleep Friday, Jan. 31 in the Powell Nursing Home. She was 91.
She was born April 2, 1911, in Cicero, Ill., to Anton and Albie Horn. She moved with her family to Wyoming in 1915 and received all of her schooling in the Powell area.
She married Lester Utter in 1929. They had four children: Floyd, Florence, Elaine and Everett.
To her neighbors, she was known as "Grandma Utter." She loved children and was always there, if needed, to care for 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren, as well as children in her neighborhood.
During her years in Powell, she was a life-time member of Rebekahs, Riverside Club and Modern Home Club and was active in other organizations. She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends.
She taught home economics and sewing as a 4-H leader, as well as canning skills and quilt-making to young homemakers. She was known for her many sewing projects, but especially for her quilts, which she proudly gave to her family and friends. She is fondly remembered for these cherished gifts. She was a member of First Baptist Church for 27 years.
Said her family, "The sunshine and spirit Grandma Utter gave to her family and friends will continue to light up their lives. She truly will be missed."
Survivors include her two daughters, Elaine Lohrenz of Billings, Mont., and Florence Roberson and husband Alfred of Klamath Falls, Ore.; special daughter-in-law Sharon Utter of Powell; and 11 grandchildren and their families: Karen Krebill of Billings, Carolyn Johnson of Shepherd, Mont., LeeAnne Thompson of Eugene, Ore., Steven Roberson of Sherwood, Ore., Mike Harris of Hugo, Colo., Kim Harris of Lyman, Randy Utter of Powell, Sherene Dixon of Bozeman, Mont., and Relena Ogawa of Hayward, Calif. She is also survived by a devoted niece, Judy Reifer of Powell.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Edward; sister Mildred; her husband Lester in 1972; sons Floyd in 1954 and Everett in 1993; and granddaughter Glenda in 1963.
Cremation has taken place. Burial of cremains will occur Feb. 8 at 1:30 p.m. at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to a charity of choice. Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
