Mary Steck
January 23, 1942 - December 31, 2016
STECK, Mary Joanne Koeven, age 74, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away December 31, 2016. She was born in Montpelier, Idaho, on January 23, 1942, to Rachel Hannah Kunz and Isaac Koeven, and raised in Logan, Utah, until age 14 when her mother passed away.
She went to live with her sister, Sheila, in Southern California, where she graduated from California High School in Whittier. She retired from Bank of America and the State of Utah.
Mary married at 21 and divorced 10 years later – she was a strong, beautiful single mother. Mary's accomplishments were many: She was an extremely talented artist, a beloved mother, aunt, grandmother, church leader and friend who loved to visit with people. She enjoyed music, but books were her life. She also loved writing and illustrating children's books.
A lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Mary was passionate about her callings – especially as the Relief Society president and as a visiting teaching coordinator. From a young age, she had an af nity for the elderly and loved taking them under her wing and serving them.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Rachel; two beloved sisters, Kaye Boehme and Theone Miles; and three brothers, Amos, Phillip and Joseph Koeven. She is survived by her sister, Sheila Meservy; daughter, Stacy Steck (Nathan Olson); son, Ethan Steck (Erin); and adopted daughter, Maurine Lee – her caregiver for the past 3 years.
Mary has six beloved grandchildren: Jennifer Merkley (adopted); Claire Halperin; Cameron, Gavin and Jonah Steck; and Berkley Steck. She has countless nieces, nephews and cousins – and adores them all. Mary was passionate about family and family history. Because of her, family reunions are held every year, and future generations will remember the stories she told.
The family will receive friends at a visitation from 6-8 PM, Wednesday, January 4 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Please use the complimentary valet service provided on the north side of the Parlor. A second visitation will be held from 10-11 AM on January 5 prior to the funeral at 11 AM at the LDS Nibley Park building (formerly the Fairmont Building) at 2465 South 800 East. Bishop Randy Hunter will of ciate. Burial will take place in Logan City Cemetery near her beloved mother. There will be a graveside service in Logan after the funeral.
In honor of Mary, please read a good book.
In Loving Memory
Dear Stacy and Ethan, I am very sorry that I could not attend the graveside service in Logan. I wanted to but we were snowed in up here in Cub River. We even had to miss our temple assignments on Wed. and Thurs. I extend my love and sympathy to both of you and hope that you will be comforted that death is not the end. I love Mary, she was so good to send Christmas presents to me and all of my children after Bill passed away. In fact I am still using the little jewelry box she gave me years ago. I remember the fun times when you came to visit; the Easter you came and we rolled eggs down Y Hill. Stacy sent a lot of nice photos she had taken; one in particular was my clothes line in the back yard with probably 25 pair of Levis on it. She wrote cute sayings on each photo. They are still a treasure. As I remember , one of you got bitten by our dog and you went to the Dr. but cannot remember if you had to have shots. At any rate the dog was put down. Here's about my family. All of my children got degrees in the Ag field except Cynthia and she is a teacher. Can't figure how they loved it so much . Would love to hear from you both! Sincerely, Ruth Ann
Ruth Ann Jenson Gregory
Preston, Id
Mary is my Dad's cousin. As I recall, I first met her when I was 10 or 11 years old around the time of Dad's funeral. Thereafter, she made the trek from CA to ID about once a year to visit us and other relatives. I knew her to be a cheerful, loving family-oriented person. More recently, she encouraged and supported my wife and I as we cared for children with disabilities who had relatively short lives. My life has been blessed through this dear lady. I am sure she is having a happy reunion with her cousin and his grand-children who are now beyond the veil. May Stacy, Ethan and all of Mary's loved ones know that we share in your sadness for being separated for a time from one of God's faithful daughters. Justin Jenson
Justin Jenson
Wellsville, Ut
Stacey or Ethan: I brought home a folder of pictures that I took way back in the 80s. There are some of your family. Are you interested in having the negatives? If so please text message me at 801.592.3302.
Vickie Knecht
Provo, UT