Marian Louise Richards Boyer, age 84, passed quietly from this life, at her home, September 25, 1997, in the care of her loving family, after a courageous battle with a lingering malignancy. Her final days were filled with many visits and expressions of love and concern from her family and friends.
She was born in Salt Lake City, December 31, 1912, the third daughter of LeGrand and Ina Jane Ashton Richards. As an infant, she accompanied her parents to Holland, where her father presided over the Netherlands Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1913 to 1916, learning Dutch as her first language. Returning to the US, she grew up in Salt Lake City, attending LDS High School. After living briefly in Glendale, California, she attended the University of Utah, where she met a handsome law student, Harold (Hal) Reynolds Boyer. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple, December 19, 1931. As a young girl, Mrs. Boyer contracted rheumatic fever, requiring a long convalescence. During this time, she became proficient in sewing and knitting. She later mastered the various homemaking skills which she generously shared and patiently taught to others throughout her life. Through her talents and with unbounded optimism, she blessed the lives of many. She found joy in sharing and her generosity seemed limitless. Shortly before passing, she declared, "I have loved life! I have loved doing for others!" An active member of the LDS Church, Mrs. Boyer served in many positions of responsibility in the Monument Park area of Salt Lake City, while supporting her husband in his church callings and profession. They served together as directors of the Hill Cumorah Visitors' Center from 1985-86. Her greatest contribution in church service was in the women's Relief Society, in which she served as ward and stake president, as a member of the General Board and as a counselor to Barbara Smith in the general presidency. In this important role, she was able to share her homemaking talents and bless the lives of women around the world. One of the lasting gifts of their term of service is the Monument to Women at the Nauvoo Visitors Center. The beloved matriarch of a large posterity, Marian's greatest joy in life centered in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She leaves to them a legacy of selfless service, compassion, undaunted optimism and love for life.Mrs. Boyer is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sisters, Jane Richards and Nona Richards Dyer, and a brother, LeGrand A. Richards. She is survived by five children and their spouses; Mrs. O. Don (Barbara) Ostler; Mrs. J. Fielding (Carolyn) Nelson; Mr. H. Roger (Sara) Boyer; Mrs. Peter (Janet) Lassig; and Dr. Richard S. (Lori) Boyer, all of Salt Lake City; 37 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Mercedes R. Kiepe, Bountiful, Utah; Norinne R. Callister, Salt Lake City; and her brothers, G. LaMont Richards and Alden R. Richards, Salt Lake City.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 29, 1997, 12 p.m. at the Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 S. Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City. Family and friends may call on Sunday, September 28, 1997, 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., or from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the services at the stake center. Interment, Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her name to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, 15 N. 2030 E., Room 2160, SLC, UT 84112.
The family expresses its deep appreciation to the caring nurses of CNS Community Hospice.
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