Marie Russon

Marie Haslem Russon passed away peacefully at Aspen Ridge of Utah Valley the evening of May 29, 2019. Marie has resided in Orem, Utah for most of her life and was 92 years old at the time of her passing.

Mom was born April 19, 1927 in Bennett, Utah in a log cabin built by her Dad on his farm. Her parents were John and Rebecca Haslem. Mom was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when she was eight, and has been a lifelong member of the Church. Mom comes from a legacy of family who are stable, hard working people in the community. Growing up as kids, Mom would tell us her family only had one day per week where they could play with friends for just a few hours. The rest of the time was spent doing chores and working on the farm. Mom and her siblings got to have one bath per week on Saturday. The boys would go down to the creek and fill up a number 3 washtub and bring it back to the cabin for baths. The girls bathed first, then the boys bathed last. My, how life has changed since then! After her growing up years, she left her home in Bennett, Utah to attend BYU. Mom told us that as she was saying goodbye, her Mother stood on the porch crying – that was over 70 years ago. We’re sure there was a sweet reunion between Mom and Grandma after she passed away.

Mom attended BYU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secretarial Practise in June 1949. After Dad’s mission, Mom married Wendell Russon on October 23, 1950 in the Salt Lake Temple, and they were later divorced. They had six children, two of which were still born. Mom was a check writer at Geneva Steel Company, and a secretary at Edgemont Elementary School and Geneva Elementary School in Orem, Utah. Before she retired, she worked at Beehive Clothing in Orem and developed some wonderful friendships there. Mom loved just being at home and missed this when she went into the hospital and at Aspen Ridge.

Mom served in many callings in the Church. She served as primary president, was on the Stake Relief Society Board, and loved doing genealogy work. Mom never sought the limelight, but was a humble lady who sought to live the Gospel she embraced. Mom was as consistent in life as the rising sun. You could always depend on her. Later in life, Mom lost her ability to walk, and used a walker during those difficult years. As siblings, we want to thank our sister Nancy for being Mom’s caregiver during that time. Nancy was a very special help to Mom.

As her children and grandchildren, we honor her for the legacy she leaves and for the wonderful life she lived. She will go to a great reward. Our hearts are full as we say our final goodbye to Mom – may God bless her until we meet again. Mom is survived by her brother Verl (Leah) Haslem, children - Nancy Christopher, Randy, Darwin (Sylvia), LuAnn Taniguchi (Stacy), 13 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are being taken care of by Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary of Orem. A viewing will be held on Tuesday June 4th between 6:00 & 8:00 pm at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary 495 South State, Orem, Utah. Then, another viewing will be held on Wednesday June 5th between 9:30 and 10:30 am with a funeral to follow at 11:00 am at the Park 4th Ward building 50 South 750 West Street, Orem, Utah 84058.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.