Mary Louella Eldredge Zurcher slipped peacefully to the other side October 2, 2001 after a short battle with cancer. She was at home in the care of her family at the time and had been constantly surrounded by those who loved her for many days. Although she was 86, people were always surprised by that fact because of her youthful appearance and zest for life. She was active in service, learning and leadership up to the time she became ill. She was currently a camp captain of the Daughter of the Utah Pioneers in Draper, Relief Society teacher in the Draper Second Ward, member of a neighborhood book club, the organizer of many family gatherings, and a good friend to all she knew. Last summer she went to Lake Powell and jumped in the water from the houseboat to swim with all her grandchildren. They were so amazed! They all knew her as the Grandma who read to them and played games with them. One ten year old granddaughter on the eve of Mary's visit to that family remarked, "Let the games begin!" She was such a vibrant, positive force in all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's lives. By example she taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who knew her. She will be so missed. We are grateful for our years of association with her and our knowledge that we will be with her again in the next life.
She was born December 3, 1914, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the first of nine children born to Mabel Emery and Lawrence Dunster Eldredge. Mary graduated from East High School and then attended the new South High School as a postgraduate. After completing her education, she worked for S.H. Kress and Co., a five-and-dime store, as a head cashier. While working there, Mary met Clarence Emery Zurcher, and they were married in 1938. Clarence always joked that he "met a million dollar baby in a five and ten cent store." Their marriage was later solemnized for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in August 1957.
In 1952, Clarence and Mary and their four children moved to Boise, Idaho where Clarence had grown up. There they worked hand-in-hand to establish Zurcher Merchandise Company, a wholesale toy and novelty company. This family business has evolved into a party and wedding store with five stores in Utah and Idaho. Clarence died in 1992 and Mary returned to Utah in 1997 to be closer to her children and brothers and sisters. She chose to make Draper her home.
Mary has been active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all her life, having served willingly and faithfully in many callings in the church including Stake Relief Society President. She also served in her various Wards as President of Primary, Relief Society, and Young Women. She loved her family and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She is survived by two sons: Dr. Willard (Cheryl) Zurcher of Holladay, Utah; and Robert (Julie) Zurcher of Alpine, Utah; two daughters: Mary Lee (Richard) Utley of Sandy, Utah; and Norma (Fielding) Hale of Oakley, Idaho; 23 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by five brothers: Emery (Audrey) Eldredge, Harold Eldredge, David Eldredge, Claude (Molly) Eldredge, Doug (Elaine) Eldredge; two sisters: Edith Hanks and Mabel (Henry) Stringham and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence Zurcher, her granddaughter Mary Nicole Zurcher, her parents Mabel and Lawrence Eldredge, and her brother Willard
Eldredge.
Mary's funeral was held on Friday, October 5th in Draper, Utah. Interment at Holladay Memorial Park next to her husband and granddaughter.