On a calm Sunday afternoon, Marie returned to her Heavenly Father. The youngest daughter of Earla Buchanan Lund and Lloyd L. Lund, she fought a courageous seven-month battle against pancreatic cancer.
From the time of her diagnosis until she passed, Marie never allowed the cancer to have power or dominance over her. Her spirit glowed and her smile never wavered; even sad moments and tears couldn't prevail and never brought her down.
Marie was married and sealed to her sweetheart, Larry L. Harding, in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple on September 26, 2015. They were fond of riding motorcycles together, and spending time outside; but probably a favorite pastime was sitting at home with her family watching a favorite movie (of which there are quite a few).
Her three children have been her pride and her joy in life. Bryce Hess, her oldest, pursued an artistic career, graduating with a Bachelor in Digital Film and Video Production. Paige Hess, her oldest daughter, works at the prestigious Mayo Clinic as a Registered Nurse, loving her work and the opportunity to help those in need. Jessica Hess, her youngest daughter, graduated from Salt Lake Community College and works for the Marriott Hotel; and also volunteers her time at the local karate studio where Marie, her and Bryce spend a lot of time.
Marie is survived by her husband, Larry, her mother Earla, her siblings Philip (Debra) Lund, Diane (Joe) Barker, Ron Lund, Patricia (Brian) Watson, and her children Bryce, Paige and Jessica Hess.
As a child and young adult, she loved spending time with her father and siblings up in the mountains around Manti and Ephraim, Utah. Some of her fondest memories were cruising the trails looking for nothing in particular, just loving the company and the ride. In the years to follow, camping on the mountain enjoying a great campfire, surrounded by family and a good tub of fire-popped popcorn never failed to put a smile on her face. She always found solace and comfort in those mountains.
Marie had many loves and hobbies, not limited to camping, gardening, sewing, karate, riding her Harley Davidson, reading a good book, watching a movie, active participation in her Church and religious beliefs, her family and friends, and her love of her Heavenly Father and Brother Jesus Christ.
Her mother, Earla, was someone she loved to learn from, and most of her passions and hobbies stemmed from what she observed and learned from her. Marie's home was also built on discipline, love, respect, and honest communication; things instilled in her by her parents, family and friends.
In the professional world Marie made a career at Ultradent Products, working in the Regulatory Department and associating directly with the President, Vice Presidents, and other major departments within the company. Her and her family wishes to send out a special thank you to Ultradent, her regulatory family, and all those who helped her through her battle with cancer. Your love, support, and efforts made on her behalf are without measure.
Other professional endeavors included working with her sister, Patricia Watson, at Trophy Upholstery; spending a few years working for the newspaper companies at Media One; and early on in her life involved in different areas of child development.
Two of her greatest loves, though, were her motorcycle and her time at the Westwind Kenpo Karate studio in Riverton. These two things were one in the same to her, as her Harley Gang was the same as those she rubbed shoulders with in the studio. She rode for almost 10 years, taking trips all over the country with her friends and family, loving every minute of it. She was at home on her Harley.
In the karate studio she was an accomplished Black Belt, working towards a First Degree. It was in that studio that she developed some of her deepest friendships, and discovered who she was and what she could do, not only as an individual, but also as a daughter of God, a member of a group, a mother, sister, daughter and friend. For her, that was a place of love, laughter, sacrifice, reward, and Gospel principles.
Marie was a devout and true convert to the Gospel of Jesus of Christ. Over her years of service she has worked with the young women, ward councils, and many different primary groups. She always loved the children, and being with them and associating with them brought her incredible joy. Those kids always brought a smile to her face.
Her family wishes to thank all those who have had a part in her life, and especially in the last few months those who have visited her, sent her flowers and gifts, called or messaged her to share your love, or have expressed kindness and love through thoughts and prayers. And we wish to extend a special thank you to Anna and Kyle from IHC Hospice for the comfort, respect, and loving care you showed to her and her family. Marie loves you all, and your efforts have meant the world.
Marie's Viewing will be held on Friday, July 29, at Larkin Mortuary-Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South, from 6-8pm, with Funeral Services on Saturday, July 30, at the Western Springs 2nd Ward 12877 South 4570 West in Riverton. A short viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30am, with the Service beginning at 11:00am. Graveside services to follow.
