Fern Egbert Van Orden

1925 ~ 2022

Fern Egbert Van Orden, age 97, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2022. She was born May 25, 1925 in Afton, Wyoming to Archibald Duncan and Christina Nyman Egbert. She spent many happy years growing up in Smithfield, Utah where she met her eternal companion Dale Olson Van Orden. After Dad graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis and was commissioned a Naval Officer, he and mother were married on May 10, 1944 in the Logan Temple by her father. Thus, the adventure of our valiant, stalwart parents began as mother kept the home fires burning while Dad served during World War II and beyond including the Aleutian Islands and South Pacific Operations. Mother was an expert in cheerfully packing and moving every two years including Ithaca and New York, New York; Corvallis, Oregon; San Diego, California; Annapolis, Maryland; Sasebo, Japan; Augusta, Maine; and Libertyville, Illinois. Wherever stationed, Dad and Mom were needed in helping to build the Kingdom of God. Mother served faithfully in every auxiliary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including serving as a Relief Society President for over 23 years. Once Dad retired, our parents made Salt Lake City their home. While in Utah, they both were Salt Lake Temple ordinance workers and mother was secretary to Elder Rex C. Reeves of the Quorum of the Seventy. Family, ministering, missionary and temple work were our parents’ focus. After Mother retired, they served a Church mission to New Zealand as temple workers.

We honor our dear mother and father for their devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your love, examples of faith and sacrifices for God and country. Love you forever.

Survived by children: Richard (Vicki) Van Orden, LaVonna Jean Snow Van Orden, Diane (Richard) Moon, Debra (David) Stauffer, 16 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Jan Egbert and Brenda Van Orden Sorenson. Preceded in death by her husband, Dale; son, Ralph; parents and siblings: Shirley (Parley) Winn, Hortence (Vince) Larsen, Venna (Hal) Pitcher, Archie O. (MaryAnn) Egbert and Larre Egbert.

We express our sincere gratitude to Barton Creek Senior Living and South Davis Hospice for their tender care of Mother. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Church Missionary Fund.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Centerville North Stake Center located at 1461 North Main Street, Centerville, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the same location. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Dr. in Salt Lake City (Millcreek), Utah.

For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the "Watch Services" link above. A free Zoom account is required and you must be logged in to your Zoom account to view.



Guestbook/Condolences

Dear family: So sorry to hear of Aunt Fern's passing. What a great lady she was. I think of her and Uncle Dale being together again and I am just so happy for both of them. What a great sweet reunion they are having. Know that we love you and pray that you will find peace and comfort at this time. We will make a donation to the missionary fund. Love you all... David and Julie Van Order Rich


- David and Julie Rich, Afton, Wyoming

What a legacy to leave behind. You were so blessed to have such an amazing mother. May you speak of her often and have your memories of her bring you more joy.


- Terri and Paul Jensen

We remember Fern with much love. she and her family took us under her wings in the Chain O’Lakes ward what a wonderful example of service she was. We send our condolences and love to her family. Sincerely Mary and Nick Ryan


- Nick and Mary Ryan

Our family had a special friendship with Fern. We remember her easy smile, warm personality and beautiful spirit. She was intelligent and possessed a fun sense of humor. We will always treasure our memory of Fern, a woman with a legacy of service, compassion and kindness. We love you Fern.

Mike Gardner and Patti Williams


- Patti Williams and Mike Gardner

Your mom was such a sweet lady and no matter what happens, we miss our mom's.
I know I think of mine more now than when she was here. Can't you just picture the reunion your mom is having with your dad, and all those who have gone before. She certainly endured to the end as did all of you endured with her to the end. We love our families but especially our mothers. I loved how much you praised and adored your mom in the obituary. Prayers coming your way. I will make a donation to the missionary fund in honor of your mom!
Love you all,
Kris


- Kris Van Orden Rappleye

Fern, you are such a dear, dear person. I will always be grateful I got to know you and spend time at your home. You touched my life. See you later! Love you!
Marie


- marie garrabrants

We had a lot of good times together at the Institute of Religion. She was a good friend. I knew she had moved but I didn't know where. I extend condolences to the family.


- Margery Anderson Neves