Arnell Swenson Atwood

1935 ~ 2022

Service:

April 9, 2022
11:00 AM
Graveside Service, Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah

Arnell Swenson Atwood passed away on January 8, 2022 in American Fork, Utah. Arnell was born to William Louis Swenson and Zelda Jensine Eggleston in her grandmother’s home in Grover, WY on June 22, 1935. She was one of seven siblings, six girls and one boy, who died shortly after birth.

As a child Arnell developed a strong work ethic on her parents’ Star Valley farm, getting up early every morning to milk the cows and tend to other responsibilities. She graduated from Weber High in Ogden in 1954 and then put herself through college, receiving a degree in Secondary Education in 1959 from Utah State University.

Arnell married Jay Larry Atwood on June 9, 1960 in the Logan Temple where they were sealed for time and all eternity. Early in their marriage, Arnell taught at Ogden’s Central Jr High, until she was expecting their first child. Then she devoted herself to her family, passing on her love for cooking and baking, supporting each child in their endeavors, and bringing a cheerful attitude with a bit of laughter and fun teasing to each day.

When Jay retired as Chief Financial Officer of Franklin Quest (now Franklin Covey), Arnell and Jay served as missionaries at the LDS Business College (now Ensign College), the LDS Family History Library and the Jordan River Temple.

Although Arnell dealt with various health issues for much of her adult life, she never let it slow her down. Family members knew that if they even mentioned a favorite food or treat, odds were that Arnell would jump up to see about preparing it. Kids and grandkids alike knew special treats were in store when visiting Grandma Atwood, with favorites being homemade butter mints, caramels and fudge. Arnell had a deep desire to visit places from her family history, so in 2002 and 2003, she, Jay, and her sister Laura traveled to Sweden. This trip was a highlight of her lifetime that she would speak of for years, remembering time spent with special cousins visiting places like the home where her grandfather was born.

Arnell lived a long, happy life always lovingly cared for by Jay, and though her family has supported her each step of the way since his passing in August of 2021, she has felt his absence deeply. She is now back in his loving care.

Arnell is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Millen Atwood (Ana Edith), Matthew Atwood (Sharlene), Merrill Atwood (Gina) and Kathleen Atwood (Michael Atwood’s wife). Her sisters Nellene, Jessie, Chris, and Laura. Her grandchildren and their spouses: Jonathan (Elizabeth), Ryan, William, Ariana (Andrew), Corey, Emily, Ellyse, Hazel, Hannah, Joseph, Elsie. And great-grandchildren: Millen, Theodore, Ellieanna, and Eleanor.
Arnell was preceded in death by her parents, William Louis Swenson and Zelda Jensine Eggleston, her sister Elvira Erikson, her brother Earl, and her youngest son Michael Atwood.

A private burial will take place at the families request. A graveside service where Arnell's life will be celebrated will be held on Saturday, April 9 at 11:00 AM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E.Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy.