Vivian Raye Evans (Ploeger)

Our Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend Vivian Raye Evans passed away peacefully at home of natural causes on December 10, 2021, at age 92 surrounded by family and loved ones. Vivian was welcomed into the family as the second of three daughters to William Howard Evans and Rachel Gunn Evans on March 1, 1929. Her father lovingly chose “Raye” as her middle name because he so wanted a boy. Vivian is preceded in death by her parents and sisters Esther and Joyce.

Vivian is survived by her children Dave (Renee), Albert (Diana), Sue (Jay) Colemere, Debra (Ed) Withers, 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren (2 on the way) and 9 great great grandchildren (2 on the way).

Vivian’s childhood was one of adventure and curiosity. Her family home was on Lucy Avenue in Salt Lake City, a stone’s throw from Derk’s Field (now Smith’s Ballpark). She was a member of “The Knothole Gang”, a group of children who watched the Salt Lake Bees baseball games through a popped-out knothole in the fence.

Vivian graduated from South High School. She met Henry Albert Ploeger at a ward dance and during their courtship they would regularly take the cable car to Saltair to attend dances there. Vivian married Henry on April 24, 1953. They were married 29 years.

Vivian could always be found cheering on her children and grandchildren at their extracurricular activities and sporting events and she happily traveled the country to support them.

One of her many goals was to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and she achieved that goal when she was called to serve in the Washington, D.C. South Mission in October of 1987 at the age 55. Aside from her family this was her greatest joy.

Vivian was a life long member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She served as a Primary teacher for many years and was also a Cub Scout Den Mother in the Kearns 12th Ward for over 6 years while her sons Dave and Albert were Cub Scouts. To her delight, she was called as an Ordinance Worker in the Salt Lake Temple and the Jordan River Temple, where she assisted with sealings for over 15 years.

Vivian was a woman of great strength, courage and determination. She accomplished so much in her life and did so with much compassion and grace. She will be missed beyond words.

A viewing will be held Tuesday December 28, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. at the Jordan Meadows Ward, 1510 W. Parliament Ave. (3840 S.), West Valley City, Utah (masks required). Graveside services will be held Wednesday December 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City, Utah.