Our beloved mother and grandmother, Fern Hadley England passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024 at the age of 99. Fern was born in Ogden, Utah to Irvin James Hadley and Elizabeth Minerva Wells on October 29, 1924. She attended Ogden High School and worked at the Ogden Arsenal as a type clerk. At this time she met the love of her life, William Knight England. They were married in the LDS Salt Lake Temple on August 20, 1943, just before Bill served in World War II. Their life together became a thrilling adventure.
Following the war, Bill and his brother Gene built their trucking company founded by their father CR England. Fern did her part as an accountant for the growing business. Throughout her life she always took pride in seeing those big red trucks on the highways.
The focus of Fern’s entire life has been service. She cared for, nurtured, and loved her husband Bill for more than 70 years. Fern developed a detailed understanding of his disease. She monitored his vision, administered medication, sterilized needles and observed his blood sugar for many years. Fern was the mother of three daughters which gave her the opportunity to sew beautiful clothes for them as they grew up. She also had a real talent for cooking and baking. People loved her homemade rolls, fabulous pies and raisin-filled cookies. She was a wonderful grandmother who loved to rock babies, play golf and tennis, and spend time enjoying life with her grandkids. She was competitive and loved playing card games with family and friends.
Fern was arguably the most avid 99-year old sports fan. She loved the Utah Jazz and the Running Utes and rarely missed watching a game. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served faithfully the Relief Society and in other church organizations.
Fern is proceeded in death by her husband, Bill, both of her parents, and her sister Doris Seamons. She is survived by her sister Joann Griffin and her daughters, Sandra (Randy) Okland, Debbie (Mark) Nelson, and Robin (Robert) Cannon. Fern and Bill have sixteen grandchildren, forty seven great grandchildren and one great great grandaughter.
The family would like to acknowledge Fern’s dear friends and caregivers Paul Clayton, Joan Peterson and many others in her neighborhood and ward. We are especially grateful for Missy, Lea and Beverly for their tireless service and love.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, April 21, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, at 5-6:30pm. A private family graveside service will take place on Monday.
