Peggy Eathel Owen

Peggy Eathel Owen (born Tuel) returned to her heavenly home on August 26, where she was reunited with her beloved husband, Lloyd, and her sons, Terry and Kevin, who preceded her in death. She passed away peacefully at home in Berthoud, Colorado, where she had been living with her daughter and son-in-law, Chaille and Randy Huff, for the past four years.

Peggy was born on March 10, 1935 in Jerome, Idaho, to Orville Prentice and Zola Tuel. While attending BYU, where she studied Biology, she met and married the love of her life, Lloyd V. Owen. Peggy’s amazing smile and vivacity, coupled with her wicked sense of humor, left Lloyd little choice but to drive his convertible around the block as many times as necessary to get that first date. His sweet and charming demeanor, amazing ukulele skills, and smooth moves on the dance floor quickly won her heart.

They embarked on life’s journey, marrying in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 31, 1953. Hand in hand, as intrepid young pioneers in Alaska, they raised their three boys and three girls in an environment filled with love, faith, fun, laughter, and adventure. They were extraordinary role models for their legacy of 72 children, spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Both Peggy and Lloyd were devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their service together as Mission President and Mission Mother of the Utah North Salt Lake City Mission gave them the opportunity to do the missionary work they so loved. Serving as Presidents of the Provo Missionary Training Center was also a cherished chapter in their lives. Their deep faith and powerful testimonies were a shining example to the thousands of missionaries they guided and inspired. Hand in hand, once again united in service, they presided as Temple President and Matron in Anchorage, Alaska. Peggy set a remarkable example of what living a Christlike life looks like. Her faith, radiant personality, and wisdom gave undeniable gravitas to her influence. She was a natural-born teacher who truly practiced what she preached.

The devotion Peggy showed to the Gospel was matched only by her love and devotion to her husband, family, and dear friends. Her second son, Terry, facing long-term health challenges, moved back home as a young adult. Peggy’s role as mother and caretaker continued until his passing almost twelve years to the day before her own. She never saw this as a burden. Caring for her family and being surrounded by them was one of the greatest joys of her life.

Thousands of batches of cookies, breads, and cakes came out of her oven, often made with the help of eager little hands. Even on her deathbed, barely conscious, she overheard talk of cookies and volunteered to bake some. Peggy’s dazzling smile, always dressed up with her signature bright lipstick, was the perfect way to start the day. Ever devoted, Peggy rose at 5 a.m. each morning to make a hot breakfast (cold cereal was never an option) for her family, Saturday being the only exception. Her contagious laugh and quick wit made her home a place people wanted to visit and linger. She often joked she was running a hotel. Sleepovers with Grandma and Grandpa were highly sought after by the grandkids, and always included special treats: root beer floats, a Rainbow from Pace’s, snuggles on her lap, lipstick stains on your cheeks, and the lingering smell of rose perfume.

If her life could be summed up in just a few words, they would be: love, faith, service and family. She will be greatly missed, but we rejoice in the knowledge that she and Lloyd are once again hand in hand, reunited in the presence of Heavenly Father.

Peggy is survived by her younger brother, Dean (Aurora) Tuel; her loving children, Rick (Virginia) Owen, Chaille (Randy) Huff, Stacy (Sébastien) Ragueneau, and Melanie (Paul) Day; as well as a multitude of beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 5th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 550 Spartan Ave, Berthoud, Colorado. The viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A virtual broadcast is planned and will be available via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/97627112159 at 11:00 a.m. MST. Additional copies of this information can also be obtained by visiting www.viegutfuneralhome.com. Final graveside services will be held at the family plot in Bountiful, Utah at a later date.