JOSEPH AND AMY URSENBACH

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and another news item: 

 

MARY MARIE MERRIAM URSENBACH

 

Mary Marie Ursenbach

May 4, 1931 — April 15, 2025

Mount Pleasant

With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved Mary Marie Merriam Ursenbach on April 15, 2025, in the comfort of her home in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. A devoted wife, nurturing mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, loving sister, and loyal friend—Mary’s legacy is one of compassion, strength, and a life joyfully and generously lived.

Born on May 4, 1931, in Manti, Utah, Mary was the daughter of Edgar and Vonda Merriam. She married the love of her life, Earl Jay Ursenbach, on August 15, 1953, in Orem, Utah. Together, they built not only a home, but a life of purpose, service, and community.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her children: Kathy (Alan) Rowe, Robyn (Bob) Norman, and Christian Ursenbach; her grandchildren: Nackole Norman, Tex Norman, Kortny (Edwyn) York, and Tyson Rowe; and great-grandchildren: Caden (Jake) Snow, Javon Norman, Jocile Norman, Keiston Norman, and Paxton Norman. She is also survived by her dear sisters Vonda Rae Poulsen, Diana Clark, and JoLynn Lund, along with her honorary sisters Suzanne Winters and Sandy Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband; her parents; siblings Drew Merriam, Anna May Thomas, Connie Hansen, Louise Kump, Wayne Merriam and Burdell Merriam; and her beloved grandson, Wade Rowe.

Mary lived a life marked by dedication and tireless service. Side by side with her husband, she helped operate their family-owned funeral home and provided essential ambulance service for the North Sanpete area—offering comfort and care in the most difficult moments of others' lives.

Her boundless energy extended far beyond her professional roles. Mary was the heart and soul of every community she touched. A proud member of several senior groups in Mt. Pleasant, Moroni, and Fairview, she also joyfully participated in the Red Hat Society, the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Her home was always open—especially for a game of cards, where laughter echoed and friendships deepened.

Mary had an abiding love for nature and adventure. She found joy in the mountains, in long walks, hikes, shopping trips, and travel. And in true Mary fashion, she never passed up a good plate of French fries—her simple, guilty pleasure that always brought a smile to her face.

Animals found a champion in her as well; Mary was known for rescuing and caring for both cats and dogs with the same tenderness she showed all living things.

Her spirit of service knew no bounds. She was one of the most beloved and impactful 4-H leaders in the community, shaping the lives of generations with her wisdom and encouragement. Whether offering rides to appointments, lending a helping hand around the house, or simply being present with a listening ear, Mary’s kindness was as constant as it was selfless.

Mary’s legacy is one of service, joy, and deep, enduring love. She leaves behind a tapestry of memories that will continue to inspire and comfort all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday April 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Rasmussen Mortuary (96 N 100 W) Mount Pleasant, UT. Viewing on Tuesday from 9:45-11:00 a.m. at Rasmussen Mortuary prior to funeral. Interment in the Mount Pleasant City Cemetery.

A special thanks to IHC Hospice, Dr. Eileen Jackson and her son Chris for his loving care, during Mary’s declining years. Contributions can be made to the Mt. Pleasant City Library in Mary's name.

To Watch Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 10:45 a.m. MST prior to services.

1963 Beautification Plea

 

In this 1963 picture you can see the old service station that stood east of old Dry Cleaners at 107 west main.  You can also see in the distance the Ursenbach Funeral Home and   Eldon Beck's Appliance Repair to the west. 

1859--1959 Mt. Pleasant Centennial

Home of Peter Larsen (Falk) and wife Maria Gustava Erickson ~ Researched and compiled by Tudy Barentsen Standlee

Joseph Ursenbach Held Up at Point of a Gun

Planning for Skiing and Recreation Area ~~~~October 3, 1947

Jr. Literary Club at Johanna Hafen's 1963

Help Sought to Locate List of Veteran's Grave for Markers ~ 1964 (news article from the Johanna Madsen Hafen Collection

Past Mt. Pleasant Fourth Ward Relief Society Presidents ~ Picture taken in the 1960s

Cemetery Photos ~ August 2, 2011

Peter and I took our four wheeler out to the cemetery and took a few pictures in the north east quadrant of the old cemetery.  The photo above is Annie Somebody.  She was only a baby when she died.  Her headstone is badly deteriorating.  Many of the headstones are deteriorating.  Some have so much calcium buildup that they are hard to read.  Hopefully, someone will find one of their ancestors here.

Alma and Ruth Allred

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Jos. Con Brotherson and Vay A. Brotherson

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Emma H. Burr

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P. Eugene Rolph and Vienna B. Rolph

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Elizabeth Graham Millar and William Millar

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Etta A. Rolph Nielsen and  George Albert Petersen

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Amy Burr and  Joseph Ursenbach

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Frank E. Roberts

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Cecelia A.E.H. and George M. Olsen

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Nine North Ward Relief Society Presidents Meet for Picture ~ 1950s?

Ladies Give $250.00 to Hospital ~ Men Match It ~ 1947

Neil's Get Well Card - From City Lunch Bunch

Back in 1985, Peter's Dad, Neil Hafen had heart surgery.  A quadruple bypass and valve replacement.  He had been a regular patron of the City Lunch Cafe which at the time was owned and operated by Shauna Willcox Brotherson.  After his surgery he received this card.  It was amongst the many memorabilia that Neil's wife Alice Hafen kept.  It has the signatures of many who have now passed on.  But reading each signature brings happy memories to mind.  Ern Brothersen, LuDean Parish, Anita Micklesen, Ras Jorgensen, Reed Orton, Andy Johansen, David Beck, LaMar Olsen, Ted Burnside, Stanton Seely, Tony Poulsen, Eddie Seely, George Porter, Orvil DeMoss, Gail Zabriskie, Burkley White, C.R. Seely, Dan Daniels, Donald Anderson, Eldon Nielsen, Alten Brothersen, Earl J. Ursenbach, Ferg Rosenlund, Jerry Shepherd, Kent Dyches, Don Jeffries, Lester Parnell, Jay H. Larsen, DeWayne Harrison, Michael Christensen, Carl Barentsen, Steve Poulsen, Scott Anderson, Tony Draper, Newel Shepherd, Coach B.. Lody ?, and Shauna (Brothersen).

Neil lived another five years after his surgery.  His surgeon was Dr. Robert Nelson, now one of the L.D.S. General Authorities.

Mt. Pleasant Centenarians (as of 1959 when booklet was published)

Taken from a booklet published in 1959 "Mt. Pleasant in Picture 1859-1959, and sponsored by the local Daughters of Utah Pioneers

Ladies Contribute to Hospital Fund