St George Utah - Mary Louise Lyons Mortensen, 95, passed away on June 12, 2024.

Mary Louise was born February 11, 1929, in Lethbridge, Alberta Canada. She was born the 3rd of 13 children of George Edwards Lyons and Ilene Betts Lyons.

Mary Louise attended Ricks College Idaho where she met her husband, Ronald W. Mortensen. They married June 6, 1950, in the Cardston, Alberta Canada Temple. Together they had four children: Rayde Warren (Patti), Dallas Ilene (Richard), Ronald George (Tammy), and Kerry Lee (Susan).

Mary Louise is the proud grandmother of 15 fabulous grandchildren and 31 marvelous great grandchildren and counting.

Mary Louise was well educated, earning degrees from Ricks College Idaho and University of Utah, including a master's degree and two specialist degrees. She held teaching positions at Church College of Hawaii (BYU-H) and Georgia College. In public education, she held numerous positions including Teacher, Librarian, Principal, and retired as an Assistant Superintendent at the age of 67.

Following the death of her husband in 1994, Mary Louise moved to St. George, Utah, for the remainder of her life. She married Cyril Van Orden and later married Tom Lovell. Mary loved to travel and cruise the world as long as she was able.

Mary Louise was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mary served the Church in many areas including Relief Society President, Teacher, as well as using her talents playing the piano and organ. After retirement, she served two missions in American Samoa and then Richmond, Virginia. She also served as an organist at the St. George Temple.

Mary Louise's final years were spent in the care and comfort of the staff at the Spring Gardens Assisted Living Center. She enjoyed regular visits from family and friends.

Mary Louise will be interred in the Blackfoot, Idaho family plot.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer. Date and location to be announced.