Obituary: CASPER, MARREEN

Marreen Overman Casper1944 ~ 2013St. George, UTMarreen Overman Casper 69, our beautiful wife, mother, and grandmother passed away Saturday September 14, 2013 in Knoxville TN. She is the oldest child of the late Norwood Kenneth and Marr Tryphena Overman, born February 24, 1944 in Los Angeles CA. She was raised by a single mother and learned early on the importance of strengthening family. She spent most of her growing years in Logan UT, but moved to Idaho Falls in her junior year where she graduated from high school. She attended and graduated from Ricks Jr. College with an associate degree in Education. In 1990 at the age of 45 she graduated summa cum laude from the University of Utah with a degree in Political Science.Marreen was sealed to her eternal companion Ron Casper 49 years ago on June 5, 1964 in the Idaho Falls temple. Together they have raised five independent children.Marreen spent the early years of her life as a wife and mother doing the soccer mom thing: Little league baseball, tennis, football, soccer, and dance. She served in PTA on the local, regional, and state levels, and 12 years as a room mother. During her service on the Legislative Action Committee she learned how to lobby the state legislature on behalf of children and developed an interest and passion for politics. Her passion for politics has led to a wonderful career in the federal government. Marreen worked in the campaigns and in the offices of Congresswoman Enid Greene, Senator Bob Bennett, and Senator Orrin Hatch. She also served in offices and leadership of several service Community Organizations.In her private life she surrounded herself with dear friends, who brought the support of many families together. They loved each other and they loved their families.Marreen loved and lived the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has a firm belief in her Heavenly Father and in his son Jesus Christ. Marreen was called to serve in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission. In her service she loved what she did, she felt strongly that it was something that she could do and should do. She loved the young missionaries and felt privileged to share their holy calling.Marreen wanted three things out of life. A Family, a strong testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ, and to serve a mission with Ron. She left this earth life surrounded by all three.She is survived by her husband Ron Casper, and her 5 children Bill (Becky) Casper of Parker TX, Ron (Lisa) Casper of West Jordan UT, Jared (Juli) Casper of Orem UT, Marnie (Steve) Cottrell of Lucas TX, and Jeni (Chris) Olsen of Goodyear AZ; also 22 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, who were the apple of her eye.Her Siblings Karen (Dennis) Manhart of Grace ID, Ken Overman of Boise ID, Rich Overman of Salt Lake City UT, and Bob Overman of Salt Lake City UT also survive her. Funeral services will begin on Saturday, September 21st at the LDS Church located at 1610 North Dixie Downs Road, St. George, Utah beginning at 12:15 pm with a viewing prior to services starting at 10:45 am. Interment will follow at the Tonaquint Park Cemetery. There will also be a viewing on Friday, September 20th at Heideman Hughes Mortuary, 1037 E. 700 S., St. George, UT 84790, from 6:30-8 pm.In lieu of flowers please donate to a missionary fund of your choice.