Hal and Ruth Peterson

Hal and Ruth Peterson
Monroe, Utah

    A TRUE LOVE STORY.  Hal and Ruth Peterson were more than just husband and wife. They were soul mates, truly inseparable for 73 years.  Their love was deep and unbreakable, a testament to what a true eternal companionship is.  Their earthly journey ended when they both died of natural causes within 48 hours of each other.  Ruth passed away on May 8, 2023, followed by Hal on May 10, 2023. They could not live one without the other. As they were joined in life, they now are joined in death. 
    Hal Wendell Peterson was born in Richfield on December 6, 1926, and Ruth Lundgreen was born in Monroe on October 4, 1930.  They met in their teenage years, and became fast friends. After Hal returned from serving our country overseas in the Army-Air Force, they continued their relationship and were married in the Manti temple on September 6, 1949.  Hal graduated from Utah State Agriculture College, later known as Utah State University, after which he began his career working for the Utah Fish & Game. Hal and Ruth were blessed with 5 wonderful sons: Steven, Kelly, Daniel, David, and Mark.  Together, they raised their five boys and instilled in them the values of unconditional love, respect, and a strong faith in God. Their family continued to grow as their sons found their eternal companions: Valorie, Nannette, Lynnette, Bobbie Jo, and Jannet.  Soon followed by 25 grandchildren and 68 great-grandchildren. Nothing brought Hal and Ruth greater joy in this life than the cherished relationships they had with their posterity. Their children, and grandchildren will forever treasure the memories made with their grandparents, camping, hunting, and the many unforgettable family reunions.
    Hal and Ruth’s great love extended beyond their family.  As active and dedicated members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints they have spent their lives serving faithfully in numerous church callings. Among them, Hal served as bishop twice and Ruth served as both ward and stake relief society president. 
    They also had the great privilege of serving together on two missions: first in the Australia, Brisbane Mission with the special assignment to serve on the island of Papua, New Guinea.  Then six years later in the Illinois, Peoria Mission in Nauvoo.  The lives they touched during their time as missionaries reflect the kind and compassionate people that they both are. 
    Deeply important to Hal and Ruth was their time spent serving in the Manti temple. Over a space of 20 years they served as temple workers and temple coordinators. Hal was a sealer for many of those years and was honored to be able to perform the marriages for many of his grandchildren in the temple. 
    Their unwavering love for each other and their faith in God will remain an inspiration to their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew them.  They will be missed but never forgotten. We all look forward to that glorious day when we will meet again in Heavenly Father’s kingdom. 
    The family would like to thank the dedicated doctors, nurses, physician assistants, hospice workers, friends, and ward family members who helped or assisted Hal and Ruth these last difficult months.  They have been earthly angels and we love and appreciate them so much. 
    Celebration of Life for Hal and Ruth will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Monroe 4th Ward. Friends may call Friday evening from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield. Burial will be in the Richfield Cemetery with military honors by the Sevier Valley American Legion Post #37 and Air Force Honor Guard.  Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com