Salt Lake City, Utah – Ethel Christine Valgardson Stephenson passed away on December 18, 2022, at the close of a wonderful day with family gathered. She was blessed with a peaceful release.

She was born on July 27, 1925, in Taber, Alberta, Canada to William and May Johnson Valgardson, both children of Icelandic converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who had emigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah in the 1860's. She is the eighth of ten children.

In 1945, she enrolled at Utah State University and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

During the summer of 1948, Ethel won the Miss Southern Alberta pageant and went on to win second runner up in the Miss Canada pageant.

Ethel met Robert L Stephenson, of Nephi, Utah, at Utah State University where they courted and then married in the Cardston, Alberta Temple on November 16, 1949. After being married for seven months and with their first child on the way, Ethel supported her husband in their decision for him to serve two years as a full time missionary in the Northwestern States. She spent that time with her parents in Canada. Upon his return, they made their home in Spokane, Washington for nine years.

In 1961, they moved to Salt Lake City, where they lived for 35 years. She was a wonderful full-time mother. In 1974, they invited a young man from the Navajo Nation, Virgil Manning, to join the family for his nineth though twelfth years of school.

She served in many church callings, especially enjoying the two missions she was able to serve with her husband, Robert. They were called to preside over the Cumorah Mission in upstate New York from 1969 to 1972. They, with their family of seven children, lived there for three years, working with the young Elders and Sisters in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the cradle of the restoration. They were also involved with the Hill Cumorah Pageant each summer. Their association with the members and missionaries has been a great blessing to their family.

In 1994, they were again called to serve a mission in the Palmyra, New York area. This time as the Historic Sites Director for two years. They had a wonderful experience and made many dear friends.

In 1998, they built a home in St. George, Utah. They loved their new neighbors, the beautiful surroundings, and the sunshine. They also enjoyed serving as Ordinance Workers in the St. George, Utah Temple. Twenty years later, in January 2018, Ethel's sweetheart, Robert, passed away quietly at home.

Ethel loved her family very much. She was always willing to serve anyone in any way. Her children loved how she would remind them to teach their children the ten commandments, to lock their doors, and other sage advice. She was known for saying a short silent prayer whenever a loved one left her home. Her nickname was "Honest Ethel", and it was true! She was very kind to everyone. Her mother-in-law would say, "I have never heard her say an unkind word to me or anyone else."

In her own words at the end of her life history, Ethel wrote, "I have a very strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I am so thankful for that. I know that if we follow the teachings of the leaders of the Church, we will have many blessings in our lives."

She is survived by her children, Sharon Mae (Kimball Rogers) of Mesa, Arizona; Catherine Ann (Paul Ehlert) of Salt Lake City, Utah; William Robert (Cindy Sharp) of Spring City, Utah; Pamela Jean (Stephen Chamberlain) of St. George, Utah; Mark Alan of St. George, Utah; Brent David (Kelly Kramer) of Salt Lake City, Utah; Scott Jay (Trisha Wanlass) of St. George, Utah. She has 36 grandchildren and 69 great grandchildren with several on the way. Preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings, grandson (Samuel Ehlert), daughter-in-law (Leah Winkler) and son-in-law (Spencer Hill).

She will be so missed, but there is comfort and peace knowing she is reunited with loved ones and that because of the Atonement of Christ we can all be together again.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in the East Ridge Ward Chapel, 912 South 1740 East, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and on Wednesday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.

Those who are unable to attend are invited to view the service from the following Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99576811920?pwd=SlNjQkt3dXp3eUlzYVhrYlF1SjNWUT09 .

EthelStephenson Funeral Service Program