Veda Magdalene Peterson Schofield

Veda Magdalene Peterson Schofield passed away in the wee hours of the morning of September 24, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 91. Born April 26, 1935, she is the daughter of Ernest Lorenzo Peterson and Roxie D. Rickenbach. She grew up in Fairview, Utah.

Veda’s mother suffered a severe stroke when Veda was only 4 years old. Roxie was bedridden for 5 years, during which time Veda was permitted to leave school during the day to check on her mother. Her mother started to make a comeback—getting out of bed and even making bread one-handed, but she passed away when Veda was 12. Veda benefitted from older siblings and an attentive father.

Veda was a cheerleader for North Sanpete High School where she met her sweetheart and star athlete, Don “Penrod” Schofield. They were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti Utah Temple on January 8, 1954. Veda kept books for Safeway Food Stores in Salt Lake City, then later for Dan’s Foods in Cottonwood Heights, while Don had a long career as a bricklayer. They built their home in what is now Cottonwood Heights, Utah, where they raised five amazing children. Veda served as Ward Relief Society President, and Don coached the softball team. They loved Lawrence Welk and ballroom dancing, and many a visitor caught them dancing in their living room.

She and Don served their family and neighbors together in a thousand ways, from building brick fences and fireplaces to taking meals to the sick or needy. They were a fiery, spunky team as they argued politics or made you laugh at life. They were tough as nails, overcoming serious injuries and illnesses with courage and without complaint. Veda’s favorite service was preparing and serving funeral meals to families who lost loved ones. She served on the Ward funeral committee for over 50 years, sometimes officially, sometimes unofficially, sometimes as the official boss, sometimes as the unofficial boss. She took charge and got things done, always with a laugh and a smile.

Veda attended church the Sunday prior to her death, enjoying friends she loved. The next day she went for a power walk, over-did it, as usual, but her death two days later was a surprise. It was also a blessing. She had been patiently awaiting death so she could reunite with her deceased husband, children, parents, and family members. She often asked, “Why am I still here?”

Veda outlived three of her children and a son-in-law. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Don; sons, Steven (Becky) and Jim; her daughter Sandra (Cam); and her son-in-law, Matt (Raynalyn). She is survived by her daughters, Raynalyn (Matt) and Dawnette (Craig); son-in-law, Cam (Sandra); daughter-in-law, Becky (Steve); fourteen grandchildren and their spouses; and nineteen great-grandchildren.

A viewing/gathering will be held Thursday, October 1, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the LDS chapel located at 1355 E 7200 S, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. A second viewing will be held in the same location Friday, October 2, prior to the funeral from 10 AM to 10:45 AM. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11 AM. Interment will be in Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E College Street (4580 S), Millcreek, Utah