Mona Lea Peterson

Mona Lea Peterson
Richfield, Utah

With profound sadness we announce that Mona Lea Baker Peterson passed away at home in her beloved hometown of Richfield, Utah on July 24, 2024.

Mona was born in Richfield to Gordon and Mary Holt Baker on December 4, 1937. Ever a plucky and adventurous girl, she spent her childhood climbing trees, adopting stray kittens, and constantly getting in and out of trouble. She loved roaming the quiet streets of her little town, but loved Main Street the best.

Main Street is where she celebrated her marriage to the love of her life, Douglas C. Peterson. After eloping to Las Vegas only to be told they were too young to be married, they went back to St. George and were married in the old court house before returning to Richfield. After their reception, Doug, a tall and strong young man, swept Mona up off her feet and put her, wedding dress and all, into a wheelbarrow. He pushed her down Main Street and a band of joyful friends and family followed them until they were cited by the Sheriff for disturbing the peace. They didn’t care about the fine; it was the best day of their life. Starting from humble beginnings, they built an incredible life together of over 58 years of loving and devoted marriage. Doug and Mona were later sealed together with their family in the Manti Temple.

Family was the real joy of Mona’s life. Together she and Doug had four children: Chet (Sue) Peterson, Mike (Susan) Peterson, Cyndi (Mike) Jorgensen, and Mindy (David) Sorensen. She had 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, with more on the way. The love she had for her children and grandchildren was immense. Nothing made her more happy than a visit or a phone call from her grandchildren. She and Doug tirelessly supported all of their grandchildren in their endeavors in school and beyond. They never missed a game, a concert, or a recital. 

Mona was a devotee of the arts, and was a talented painter and calligrapher. She exhibited her works in watercolor and oil paint all over the country, attended art retreats, and went to many tole painting conventions. She passed on her love of art to students at Richfield High School and South Sevier High School, and even at Knit- N-Craft in Richfield. She combined her innate talent with sheer tenacity and returned to school later in life, earning a bachelor’s degree in Art from Southern Utah University at the age of 55. Mona also had a knack for fashion, and she loved to look her best whether she was going to church or to the grocery store. She owned and operated Mode ‘O Day, a dress shop on Main Street, where she made countless friends and helped women feel beautiful and confident. 

Throughout her whole life Mona kept her adventurous spirit alive. She loved to travel, visiting many countries. One of her proudest accomplishments was visiting all 50 states. Everywhere she went she learned about the people that lived there and made them smile and laugh.

 Although she had many adventures around the world, Mona thought that Richfield was the center of the universe and always said “there’s no place like home.” She was proud that she had spent her entire life here, and just couldn’t imagine why anyone would want to live anywhere else. Being in Richfield in her beautiful Victorian home, taking care of her cats, and visiting with family and friends on her front porch brought her immense joy. Mona also loved going to club and socializing with her friends. She had a strong love and gratitude for her home, her country, her church, and for God. 

Learning about her family history was one of Mona’s favorite ways to spend her time. She loved and remembered those who came before her and always made sure their graves were decorated year-round. She honored her family by doing genealogy, creating scrapbooks about their lives, and discussing their stories with family. She was proud to be a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and spoke fondly of her pioneer ancestors, especially Jean Rio Baker and her son William George, who helped settle Richfield.

Mona’s natural curiosity, genuine kindness, and wry sense of humor had the effect of making everyone feel like they were her best friend. Her devotion to her family was endless and awe-inspiring. She carried an incredible amount of love in that little frame. She will be terribly missed, and Richfield will not be the same without her, but her family is at peace knowing that she is over the rainbow with her beloved husband and those who have gone before her.

Mona is preceded in death by her husband Doug, her parents, her siblings Sheldon Baker and Marlene Baker Savage, her two infant sisters Olivia and Linda Rae, and her grandson Karson Peterson.

Funeral services for Mona will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 12 Noon in the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield, with viewings on Friday from 6 to 8 pm and Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Interment will be in Richfield City Cemetery. For those attending the viewing and funeral, please wear bright, happy colors in honor of Mona’s life.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

Live streaming of the services can be found below the obituary