Laverna Petersen

LaVerna Duncan Petersen passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, with family by her side at the San Rafael Rehab Center in Ferron.

She was born July 8, 1927, to Homer and Fawn McDonald Duncan in Clawson, Utah. LaVerna was the second child and first daughter born to Homer and Fawn. Homer Dean was the older brother, then LaVerna, Laretta, Ina and Carolyn.

The family lived in Clawson for a number of years, where she attended Ferron Elementary School and South Emery High School. The family moved to Molen between her sophomore and junior year and lived in “the McDonald House.” She was active in band, choir, business, drama and cheerleading and participated in county and regional competitions. She excelled in typing and worked at Hill Air Force Base as a typist.

Don and LaVerna became well acquainted at dances held weekly for departing service members. Don joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and was quickly deployed. He hitchhiked home from duty stations in Denver and California to court LaVerna. In July 1946, he came home on furlough. Like many couples in love during war time, they decided to marry, which they did July 12, 1946. They made their home in Molen until 1962 when they moved to Ferron. They have four children, John, Gayle, Ray and Kaye. LaVerna remained in her home until August 2023, when she went to the San Rafael Rehab Center.

Don, LaVerna and their children were sealed in the Manti Temple. They served a temple mission from 1990 until 1992. LaVerna was a member of the LDS church, serving in Primary and Relief Society. She loved singing in the choir. She was a proud member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and American Legion Auxiliary. An avid quilter for the church and her family. She was an enthusiastic fan of the Utah Jazz and you could hear her saying

“GAD” when her favorite players did not perform well.

Don preceded LaVerna in death on September 4, 2016, just a couple months after their 70th wedding anniversary.

She is survived by two of her sisters, 4 children, John (Christine) Petersen, Gayle Davido, Ray (Nancy) Petersen, Kaye (Wayne) Anderson; 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff at San Rafael Care and Rehab for the care and love they gave during her time in the center, along with the staff of Symbii for their exceptional care and concern for LaVerna and the family.

Funeral service, Saturday, March 15, 2025, 11:00 a.m., Ferron Blue Hills Ward (35 West 200 North) in Ferron, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment, Ferron City Cemetery. Arrangements are in the trusted care of Fausett Mortuaries where family and friends are always welcome and may share memories online at www.fausettmortuary.com.