Marcia Ellen Chase was born October 6, 1956 in Long Beach, California to Donald E. Chase and Sharon Bjorkman Chase. She lost her 3-year battle with ovarian cancer on August 14, 2020 at the age of 63.
Marcia grew up in the once-idyllic Garden Grove/Westminster area of Southern California, graduating from Pacifica High School. She attended Cypress College before transferring to her beloved Brigham Young University, graduating with a BS in medical dietetics in 1981. She worked as a registered dietitian in varying capacities for over 30 years, the last 17 with Intermountain Healthcare Dialysis Centers. She cherished the friendships she made there with fellow staff members and patients.
She married Wilford W. Whitaker in July 1987 in the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to Murray, Utah where she lived the remainder of her life. They were blessed with one remarkable daughter, Rachel Priscilla, who meant the world to them. Marcia had a strong testimony of her Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and served in numerous callings in her ward, including Primary president and Relief Society president. She also completed a church service mission at the Church History Museum from 2010-2014.
Marcia loved sports of all kinds both as a participant and spectator. From Bobby Sox softball as a grade schooler to bowling and tennis in high school and later as a member of the Sports Mall tennis team, Marcia loved athletics. She took up running in her thirties and participated in countless local races including one marathon and 3 half marathons. She ran year-round, every year, until cancer made it impossible. Marcia also loved rooting for her favorite teams: the L.A. Dodgers and BYU Cougars. Other interests included music, art, needlework, family history, RV camping, and kayaking.
Marcia is survived by her daughter Rachel (Joseph) Schutz and one precious granddaughter, Abbey, her sister Mindy (Ralf) Lorenzen and brother Kevin. Preceded in death by her husband Will, brother David and both parents.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 East Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT. A viewing will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Little Cottonwood 12th Ward, 6180 South Glen Oaks Street, Murray, UT. Please share a memory of Marcia with her family at larkincares.com.
Good picture of Marcia. To me she was as solid and good moral person as they come. I'm really happy to have enjoyed our time together for the last several years. She loved her country and was committed to the ideals that our founding fathers sacrificed so much to give us all...at their expense. No more needs to be said.
Dear Mindy and Kevin, my heart can’t handle the pain that has been place there with Marcia’s passing. Your family is an extension of my own. There are too many memories to even begin to make a list. I love you both so much.
Dear Rachel, you did not get enough time with your father and now with your mother. I’m so sorry. Your mom was one of my favorite people. You have my most sincere condolences.
Rachel,
I was heartbroken to hear of your moms passing. I remember babysitting you from the time you were a tiny baby to a young child. Where has the time gone?! You absolutely were your mom and dad’s whole world. You’re a lucky gal to have two beautiful angels to watch over you and your little family. I know as the years go by you will continue to keep her legacy alive with your daughter. Sending you love and prayers.
Rachel,
I was heartbroken to hear about your mom. Bless your heart for having both your parents pass. I remember babysitting you from the time you were a tiny baby to a young child. Where has the time gone?! I moved away from Utah for 15 years, but each time I would come home to visit and I’d go to church, your mom always made a special effort to say hello or acknowledge my visit, It always meant so much.
You absolutely were your mom and dad’s whole world. You’re a lucky gal to have two beautiful angels to watch over you and your little family. I know as the years go by you will continue to keep her legacy alive with your daughter. Sending you love and prayers.
Dear Kevin and Family...I am so sorry to see the passing of your sister Marcia. I have thought so much about your parents and my friendship with your dear mom. She was a giant help to me in a very bad time in my life, I was so blessed to have her as my neighbor in Sandy, we use to talk between our back fences in our yards. My heart felt thoughts and prayers go out to you and Mindy and Rachael. Rachel was was so young when I last saw her, and now she is a mother. Time passes to swiftly. Kevin, i would ask you to call me so that I might find out about your mom. We are back from St. George and living in Lehi. I hope you won,t mind doing this for me. Take care and may you be comforted at this difficult time. Sincerely, Marian Frost.....435-656-1246
I am sorry to say that as a cousin, I did not know Marsha very well. As I can see from the many messages that is my loss. I do know Kevin and Mindy, two awesome stand-up people, feel their loss, and can see that she was a special person to many friends and family members. My condolences to Rachel, Kevin and MIndy. As an aside, Sharon was one of my favorite people with a great sense of humor and more elephant jokes than anyone I knew when growing up. Good memories. Love you guys. Mark.