Gwen Ballard Stevenson Pehrson Skabelund
LOGAN, UTAH: Gwen Ballard Stevenson Pehrson Skabelund,
81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September
10, 2003 in her home.
Gwen was born October 15, 1921 to Henry and Almeda
Ballard. Growing up in Benson, Utah, Gwen lived on a
wonderful farm with a loving family. She was the
middle child of seven brothers and sisters. She was
educated in cache county schools and was a student
body officer at North Cache High School.
Gwen was sealed to Winward Dean Stevenson on Sept. 6,
1940 in the Logan LDS Temple. Dean was a commissioned
officer in the army. He was killed in 1944 during
World War II in a jeep truck collision, leaving Gwen
alone to care for an infant daughter, Kaye. On April
12, 1945 Gwen married Fridtjof Anton (Tony) Pehrson a
widower with two sons in the Salt Lake Temple. To this
union a daughter Marilyn was born. Combining families,
Gwen and Tony worked together side by side for over 45
years serving the public with their talents in the
floral business.
Gwen was a gifted designer and
created many memories through her talents. One of her
favorite responsibilities was designing the flowers
for the Logan Temple open-house and re-dedication.
Gwen and Tony were recognized throughout the western
states through their floral associations. Tony passed
away in 1989. On Jan. 20, 1992, Gwen married Lynn A.
Skabelund. For the past 11 years they have enjoyed
life. Together, they served an LDS mission at Temple
Square in Salt Lake City.
Gwen was a multi-talented person and gave freely of
her time and talents. She leaves behind a great legacy
of genealogy and histories of many family members and
extended family members. Gwen was a marvelous
musician. She loved the organ and accompanied many
vocalist throughout the area. She has spent her life
in the service of others, her family, and her Heavenly
Father.
Gwen has served in many capacities in her
church and community. Gwen had a great love for the
out of doors. Lynn and Gwen loved riding in the car.
They have explored every back road in Cache Valley.
Gwen loved her home and enjoyed working in her yard.
Her greatest love however was her family. She has been
the greatest mother and grandmother anyone could have.
Thank you mom. We love you dearly. You will sorely be
missed.
Gwen is survived by her husband Lynn and two
daughters, Kaye Stevenson Groll (Ferris) Logan and
Marilyn Pehrson Broadbent (Curtis) Logan, step
children, Ray Pehrson, Logan; John Pehrson, Shingle
Springs, CA; Craig Skabelund, Logan; Linda Sadler,
Cove; Carol Kemp, Logan; a brother, Kenneth Ballard,
Benson; sisters, LaRae Falslev, Benson and LaRue
Neeley, Smithfield. 15 grandchildren 25
great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 12:00 pm in
the Allen Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center. Friends may
call at the mortuary Friday evening from 6:00 - 8:00
pm and on Saturday from 10:30 - 11:45 am. Interment
will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Online
condolences may be sent to the family at
www.allenhallmortuary.com.