Marion Vernon

Fern Vernon, 92, peacefully left this world surrounded by her family at her Provo, Utah home on March 17, 2016. She was born to James Ketchel and Vera Bushman Trunkey on November 28, 1923 in Twisp, Washington along with her twin Faye. She grew up in Provo-Orem where she kept busy with home economics. She was a member of the Tigerettes Club at Lincoln High School, where she was also student body secretary. She graduated from high school in May 1942 and went to work at the Utah County Courthouse. From her earnings, she bought a Singer sewing machine in September of 1942; this was the beginning of a lifelong love of sewing. She was an excellent seamstress and tailor, and made clothes for all her family throughout her life. She attended Utah State University, where she was a member of the Theta U Sorority. She then transferred to Brigham Young University and continued working at the courthouse. After waiting for Leo to come back from service during the war, they married on September 5, 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple with Harold B. Lee conducting the ceremony. Their courtship involved a good bit of time in Leo's green '38 Ford coupe named "Cuddles," who also went along on the honeymoon. After Leo's graduation from BYU, they began a lifetime of travel by moving to Iowa for Leo's graduate school. They lived in Madison, Wisconsin and Ames, Iowa for post-doctoral work then returned to Provo in 1954 where Leo taught at BYU. Fern graduated from BYU in 1958 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Instruction. A sabbatical in Sweden and nine years in Yellow Springs, Ohio intervened before they returned to Provo in 1970 to stay. She was active in Literary League, Catalyst, Silver Slipper, Cleofon, and Shakespeare Club. With some like-minded neighbors Fern and Leo were active in the Gas 'n Go Club for dining and fun. Fern loved many things, with babies being at the top of the list. She also loved her garden, and had a way with flowers and indoor plants; she had a Christmas cactus that is 4 decades old. Her love of flowers extended to the outdoors; she would spend many hours at the family cabin near Strawberry Reservoir picking and identifying flowers. People who enter her lovely home can see her plaque which reads "To garden is to believe in tomorrow." She loved watching BYU sports, especially when her grandkids would watch with her. She believed in the importance of good grammar, good hygiene (and the power of A&D ointment to cure anything), good etiquette, and good posture. She had no problem correcting her children in these areas. It was very important to her to always speak highly of others. She refused to engage in negative discussions about anyone. This was felt, and appreciated, by all those who had the privilege of associating with her. Fern is survived by her twin sister Faye Conder of American Fork, Utah; four children: Elise Pearlstine (Leonard), Martin Vernon (Sally), Jill Murphy (Jim), and Eric Vernon (Angie); and a daughter-in-law Helen Vernon (Richard). Her husband Leo and oldest son Richard went ahead to be there to greet her in the hereafter. She and Leo were blessed with five children, 26 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandkids and 3 great-greats. Fern's constant companion of the last few years was her Honey-cat who already misses her. The family wishes to express a warm thank you to Carma Karsten and Maple Creek Hospice, especially Charity and Heather. Fern continued building families right to the end and her family appreciates all her loving care-providers. There will be a viewing at the Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home at 495 South State Street in Orem on Thursday March 24 from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be Friday March 25th at 11:00 am at the Oak Hills 9th Ward Chapel at 1900 North 1500 East in Provo. Visitation prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Interment at the Orem City Cemetery.

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