Melva "Jean" Shoell Peterson was born on January 15, 1938 in American Fork, Utah to Leonard Giles and Hazel Lee Hunter Shoell. She passed her final test of mortality by quietly passing into the loving arms of her Savior escorted by her close family members who preceded her in death. There is no doubt that there were many happy reunions on the other side.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 64 years, Alma "Kent" Peterson; two sons: Lonne (Lorraine) Peterson, Layne (Diane) Peterson; 9 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings. She was the last of her generation and was greatly admired by all of her nieces and nephews.

As the distant youngest child, she had a wonderful life growing up on East Lane in American Fork. She spent ample time in the garden with her father who always had an immaculate garden and succulent produce, including luscious berries. It was at home that she learned the value of hard work. She even painted the whole exterior of her childhood home with a brush and a bucket of paint when she mentioned to her father how drab the house had become.

She attended schools in American Fork and graduated from American Fork High School in 1956. While in high school she worked after hours at Pleasant Grove Lumber where she cleaned the office where her father worked. She was also a cheerleader at AF High back when cheerleading outfits included ankle length skirts.

While attending a party hosted by one of her friends she caught the attention of a young man from crosstown rival Lehi High School. After a period of courtship, she was sealed to Kent Peterson on September 5, 1958 in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This began what can only be described as an incredible journey, side-by-side in love and tenderness. They built their first home in Lehi and never left that corner. Kent often reminded us that she was the "prettiest girl in American Fork" when he met her and that "she still is".

Soon they welcomed their first-born son as Lonne Kent was born. Jean was overjoyed that she had been blessed to have a son. A little over 15 months later, a second son joined the family when Layne Alma was born. Both sons were given middle names honoring the family legacy they were born into.

Jean was an awesome mother, spouse, and homemaker. Never a day went by that there was not a fully prepared hot meal awaiting Kent when he arrived home from work. She was a seamstress and enjoyed making special quilts for members of the family, sewing clothing. She was an old soul who found enjoyment, even at a young age, in spending hours, even days of non-stop quilting with the elderly ladies in Lehi. Some of her most cherished friendships came from these times.

She served in many callings in her local Church congregation. Some she particularly enjoyed were Homemaking Leader in the Relief Society, Extraction Worker, Family History Center Worker, Temple Ordinance Worker, and Addiction Recovery Program Missionary.

She had a love of genealogical research and a drive unequaled to assist others in identifying their long forgotten ancestors. The ladies with whom she spent years in this labor of love were some of her closest friends. She truly loved them and was always so happy when one or more of them would visit her to cheer her up.

The calling where she received the most personal growth and satisfaction was in the Addiction Recovery Program where she was able to serve with Kent for just over 8 years. The enjoyment of this calling was so great that they extended their original 18 month calling multiple times. In this calling, she felt that she was able to assist others to come to a knowledge of the Savior, Jesus Christ and to find hope in sometimes desperate circumstances through His love. Her example was a shining light and influenced the lives of countless others for good.

While Kent was about his many Church callings and running a very successful construction business, Jean quietly made sure that their sons always had a biased cheerleader on the sidelines urging them to do their best. She lovingly assisted wherever she was needed by her sons. She oversaw rabbit raising, snakes in buckets, tadpoles turning to frogs, hamsters running throughout the house, G.I. Joes all over the floor…and many other heartwarming blessings. She felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment when each of her sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout and received the award together. She would tell you she earned the rank of Eagle Scout twice.

Her joy as a spouse and mother was only overshadowed by her zeal for her next endeavor as a grandmother. Her home was a loving safe space, a shelter from the pain and suffering, the darkness and evil that many of these little ones experienced. In this role, she was a short order cook, a referee, a teacher, a confidante, a cheerleader, a protector, an Angel on Earth. Blessed are those fortunate enough to call her Grandma!

After wearing herself out in the service of others, her body and mind began to fail. In constant pain, she refused to give up. Her memories of long ago began to overshadow her ability to remember day to day activities. Through it all she persevered, always trying to do more than her body and mind would allow. Reluctantly, she was forced to give in to the physical limitations placed before her. She made every valiant effort to stay in her home, the safe place for others until the end.

She fought…with dogged determination to endure, until she was called home into the loving arms of her Savior. Melva "Jean" Shoell Peterson, daughter, sister, spouse, mother, grandmother, and friend...until we meet again…smile pretty beautiful lady…you have faithfully endured to the end.

In lieu of flowers the family asks you to say a kind word, do a kind deed, uplift someone around you, champion the underdog, give hope to the hopeless, or offer to help someone understand the healing power of Love and Faith.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, June 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM in the Lehi 9th Ward Chapel, 465 East 300 North.  Family and friends may call Sunday, June 19, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Wing Mortuary, 118 East Main, Lehi, Utah and on Monday morning at the church starting at 10:00 AM.  Interment, Lehi City Cemetery following the funeral service.

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