Feb. 11, 1929-June 12, 2024
Mary Louise Lyons Mortensen, 95, passed away on June 12, 2024.
Mary Louise was born on Feb. 11, 1929, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. She was born the third of 13 children of George Edwards Lyons and Ilene Betts Lyons.
Mary Louise attended Ricks College, Idaho, where she met her husband, Ronald W. Mortensen. They married on June 6, 1950, in the Cardston, Alberta, Canada Temple. Together, they had four children: Rayde Warren (Patti), Dallas Ilene (Richard), Ronald George (Tammy), and Kerry Lee (Susan).
Mary Louise is the proud grandmother of 15 fabulous grandchildren and 31 marvelous great-grandchildren and counting.
Mary Louise was well educated, earning degrees from Ricks College Idaho and the University of Utah, including a master’s degree and two specialist degrees. She held teaching positions at Church College of Hawaii (BYU-H) and Georgia College. In public education, she held numerous positions, including teacher, librarian, principal, and retired as an assistant superintendent at the age of 67.
Following the death of her husband in 1994, Mary Louise moved to St. George, Utah, for the remainder of her life. She married Cyril Van Orden and later married Tom Lovell. Mary loved to travel and cruise the world as long as she was able.
Mary Louise was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served the church in many areas, including as Relief Society President and teacher, and used her talents playing the piano and organ. After retirement, she served two missions in American Samoa and then Richmond, Virginia. She also served as an organist at the St. George Temple.
Mary Louise’s final years were spent in the care and comfort of the staff at the Spring Gardens Assisted Living Center. She enjoyed regular visits from family and friends.
Mary Louise will be interred in the Blackfoot, Idaho, family plot.
A celebration of life will be held later this summer. The date and location are to be announced.
Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. Visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.