Myrle Dean Bown

Myrle Dean Rasmussen Bown passed away on Friday May 20th in Nephi Utah at the age of 88.  Myrle Dean was born on January 7th, 1934 in Fillmore, Utah to Lawrence and Veta Rasmussen.  She grew up and was raised on the Rasmussen Family farm in Flowell, Utah where she learned the value of honest hard work and acquired many of the life skills that served her well throughout her life.  She attended local schools and was a proud graduate of Millard High School.  She continued her education and graduated from LDS business college in Salt Lake City, Utah, and years later from Snow College in Ephraim Utah.
Myrle Dean met her sweetheart Bruce “Butter” Bown while she was working a summer job in the Grand Canyon.  She and Bruce were married in January of 1955 in the Manti Temple.  They began their life together living and working on the Bown Family farm south of Manti.  Myrle Dean worked at Carlisle sewing plant in the business office when they first married, and later in life worked for a few years in the business office for Central Utah Mental Health in Ephraim.
Bruce and Myrle Dean had 5 children.  Scott, Brad, Deena, Glade and Sue Ann. Myrle Dean was primarily a homemaker and a wonderful role model for her kids.  She always kept herself busy taking care of her family and home.  She worked diligently to ensure that her family had all they needed and that her kids had a happy childhood. Many hours were spent running kids to music lessons, swimming lessons, ball games, and church functions that helped her kids to learn the values she believed important and acquire the skills that they would need in their adult lives.
Myrle Dean served in many areas in her church and community.  She served as Primary President, Relief Society President, and as a Young Women President along with many other callings in the church.  She spent many years working with her own boys and others in the Cub Scout program. She also spent time serving in the community on the Old Folks committee and helping at the school with the Bookmobile.  Myrle Dean and Bruce loved music, especially country and western.  For many years Thursday nights were reserved for square dancing where Bruce was a caller.  They made many friends throughout the years while square dancing and enjoyed spending time together as well as with these fun-loving friends.  In later years they looked forward to spending a few winter months in Quartzite, Arizona where they again made many more lasting friendships. Mom was often a quiet but important partner for Bruce while he was busy singing at a music jam or calling a square dance. She was proud of him and loved him dearly.
Myrle Dean was injured in an automobile accident in April of 2000 that changed her life and the lives of her family drastically.  She spent the remainder of her days bound to a wheelchair and endured many surgeries and health problems along the way.  Despite her many struggles, she kept a positive attitude about it all.  She found other ways to spend her time continuing to serve her family and friends by cooking, sewing quilts, or making jewelry.
In 2018, Myrle Dean and Bruce realized that their health conditions had declined to the point that that they no longer could care for each other on the family farm.  They agreed with their kids that they would move to Nephi to live in an Assisted Living Facility.  Though not the ideal situation, Myrle Dean made the best of it and still found ways to serve those around her.  She made many friends and kept herself busy making necklaces, earrings, and bolo ties for most everyone she met. She enjoyed doing puzzles and liked to get others involved with her working on them.
Myrle Dean leaves behind a legacy of love to her family and friends.  She was a great example of perseverance and doing your best to stay strong and positive.
Myrle Dean was preceded in death by her husband, William Bruce Bown, her parents Lawrence and Veta Rasmussen, and Sister Georgia Birch.
She is survived by her 5 children, Scott Bown (Kristine) North Logan, Brad Bown (Lori) Manti, Deena Hunt (Todd) Santaquin, Glade Bown (Lori) Manti, and Sue Ann Whitlock (Dale) Nephi, 25 Grandchildren and 44 Great grandchildren. Total posterity is at 99 and still growing.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Manti 9th Ward, 300 South Main.  Viewings will be held on Monday, May 30 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and prior to services from 9:00-10:30 a.m.  Interment will be in the Manti City Cemetery.  Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.  Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com