Evelyn Petersen Harris

Our mother Evelyn Jensen Petersen Harris, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91 in the home of her daughter, surrounded by her loving family. Mom was the 12th child of James B. and Mary Jane Jensen, born on January 8, 1928 in Avon, Utah. She was raised in Penrose, Utah and later moved to Brigham City, Utah where she graduated from Box Elder High School in 1946. She was recognized as a Senior "Personalities" Student as well as being selected a cheerleader for the Box Elder Bees. She married John "Bud" Petersen in December of 1946. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Jordan River Temple in April of 1993. They purchased their first home in Kearns, Utah where they raised their 5 children.

Mom worked at Littons, O.C. Tanner and Mountain Bell, selling touch tone telephones, before deciding to pursue a career in cosmetology. She attended Excelsis Beauty College with two cousins and graduated in 1965. She opened a shop in her home where she made miracles happen. She purchased Cameo College of Beauty in Sugarhouse before deciding to become an instructor of Cosmetology at Salt Lake Community College (formerly Utah Technical College). Her students lovingly named her "Yoda" due to her size and wisdom. Her students and patrons, both young and old, loved her. She could relate to everyone, and she made everyone feel loved. She loved music, and played it in her house throughout the day. She also played the Omnicord with or for anyone who would listen, and found joy as she entertained or taught others how to play this instrument.

Mom finally retired to care for her sister, Blanche, who lived with her the last 10 years of her life. She also lovingly cared for her husband, Bud, who passed away in July of 1991 of cancer.

Mom had a sense of humor as well as a sense of duty and Christlike example of service and love for everyone. She was a faithful member and provided many hours of service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Throughout her life, she held many callings from chorister to Relief Society President.  In 1996 she was called to serve a Spanish speaking mission to the TX San Antonio Mission, where she served with her best friend and neighbor, Joy Larsen, for 12 months.

Mom married Norman K. Harris in July 2007. They were together for 4 years before a traffic accident started the decline of Norm’s health. She cared for him until his death in January of 2012.

Mom loved to travel with family and friends, her adventures were most always memorable. Our mom had many talents.  She loved the beauty of the outdoors and was an avid fisher.  She painted each of her children a beautiful and cherished oil painting. Her cooking skills were legendary. She was an excellent seamstress, making dozens of baby blessing dresses and tuxedos, wedding dresses, suits and coats. Mom was the very happiest when surrounded by family.

Mom is survived by her 5 children Susan (Larry) Wright in St. George, John L. (Verna) in West Valley City, Mike (Shauna) in Taylorsville, Randy (Leslie) and Sheila (Randy) Buchei in Hurricane. Also, survived by Norm's children Myrna Harris, Jed (Debbie) Harris, Danny (Nikki) Harris, Kayla (David) DelaMare, Ryan (Sandi) Harris and several more Harris grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands and eleven siblings, Ethel Spiers, Rosaleen Lawrence, Leo Jensen, Chuck Jensen, Mildred Eskelsen, Orson Jensen, Martha Taylor, Blanche Taylor, Mary Dawn Huggins, Carl Jensen and Blaine Jensen. Also preceding her in death is a granddaughter Annie Rose Lemus and a step-daughter Kaleen Middlesworth. .

Her posterity includes 24 grandchildren, 77 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral Services are scheduled Monday, September 9, 2019 at 11:00an at the Jordan 6th Ward Chapel, 3650 W. 4400 S., West Valley City, UT, 84120. A viewing will be held Sunday, September 8, 2019 from 6:00-8:00pm at the same address and 9:30-10:45am the day of the funeral.

Interment at Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, UT, 84120, under the direction of McMillan Mortuary, 435-688-8880.

Evelyn's family is grateful for Janet, Tessa and Monique of Dixie Hospice who tenderly cared for their mother.