A wonderful life extremely well lived. Charlene Palmer Cheney passed away October 5, 2018. She was born February 8, 1928 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Heber Charles and Ethel Mary Vernon Palmer. They moved to Vernal when mom was two. She grew up in Maeser, Utah. She had three brothers.
Her mother was determined that mom not be a farmer so she didn't work on the farm, but enjoyed a wonderful life surrounded by many cousins and friends. They had one of the first phones in the area and it was often used after church as they lived across the street. Mom learned to roller skate on the sidewalk around the church. It was one of the few paved areas in her youth.
Mom went to the AC (Utah State Agricultural College) with 7 of her Vernal gal friends.
After World War II mom dated Jesse Lewis Cheney. They were married January 31, 1948 which was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Lew and Charlene were always in love and inseparable.
Mom served as Primary president and in eight different Relief Society presidencies. She was the homemaking counselor 7 times. Her home was full of wonderful projects. Mom was a gifted artist and loved gardening and keeping a beautiful yard. Mom was an excellent cook and seamstress. Each of the grandchildren were given a quilt that she lovingly sewed for them.
First and foremost, mom was mom. She showed unconditional love and support to us growing up. Perhaps the only thing she did better was grandma. She loved her grandkids. We have great memories of grandkids' sleepovers at her house, parties for every holiday, especially Christmas Eve with Santa, and many summer barbeques on the back patio.
Mom and dad loved to entertain at their home and at her cabin in Midway. Everyone was always welcome and food was plentiful. Mom and dad had a large group of friends and had gatherings most weekends with the Bishopric, study, bridge, and dance groups. They loved visiting with family and friends.
For decades mom and dad were among a small group that set up tables and chairs and cooked the meals for funerals. Mom joked that she was going to make her own funeral potatoes and have them ready in her freezer.
She is survived by her son J C (Jodi) Cheney, son-in-law Craig E. Peterson, eleven grandchildren and spouses, and nine great grandchildren, brother Blaine Palmer (Shari), and sister-in-law Carol Palmer. She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Diana C. Peterson, and her brothers Dwayne and Francis.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 9 at 1:00 p.m. at the Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Viewing will be held one hour prior. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity or give someone a hug and a compliment.
