Our righteous father, Dr. Jay Allen Peterson returned to Heaven, Monday, June 3, 2019, just two days after his wife Cleora Thayn Peterson made her journey back to Heaven Saturday, June 1, 2019. Next month Jay and Cleora would have celebrated their 90th birthdays and 67th wedding anniversary.
Jay was born July 3, 1929, in Lewistown, PA to Lynn and Mary Peterson. Jay is preceded in death by his parents, his sister June Hollingsworth, sister-in-law Elaine Snyder, brothers-in-law Ronald Thayn and Almon Butterfield. Survived by brothers-in-law Marvin Hollingsworth, Paul Snyder, and Paul (Dottie) Thayn, and sisters-in-law Marnell Butterfield and Idyll Thayn.
Jay was a senior in high school when his family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the age of 20, he served in the Northern States Mission for 2 years. After his retirement, Jay and Cleora served multiple Family History missions as senior missionaries.
Jay earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry at Utah State University, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University. He worked for the United States Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services, and was stationed in Orem, Utah for 21 years, then transferred to Nogales, AZ, where he inspected cattle, horses, and pet birds being imported from Mexico into the U.S. for 16 years. Jay retired from federal service in 1994 and moved to West Valley City, UT.
Jay was interested in family history research and sharing information with distant relatives. He was an avid reader of all kinds of publications, especially historical books, he enjoyed attending the theater, camping, picnics, and rides up the canyon. Jay was a great example to his family of financial planning, and integrity.
Jay was always an excellent provider to his family, he is survived by his son Kent (Sonja) Peterson, Renae (David) Allred, Stacey Bauer, Mark (Michelle) Peterson, and Jared (Terry) Peterson, 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and many grand pups and cats.
Two viewings will be held to honor the lives of Cleora and Jay Peterson. The first one will be held on Friday, June 7, 2019, from 6:30 - 8 PM, at the Valley View Funeral Home, located at 4335 West, 4100 South, West Valley City, UT 84120.
The second will be on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at 10:00 - 10:45 AM at the LDS meetinghouse located at 5000 West Pavant Ave, West Valley City, UT, 84120, with a funeral to start immediately after the viewing at 11 AM.
Interment will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2019, at 2 PM in the Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 West, 4100 South, West Valley City, UT 84120.
The children of Jay would like to thank the staff of Summit Senior Living, Harmony Hospice, Hunter 15th Ward, all those who visited our parents, said prayers on their behalf, and for all the comforting messages received.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. Thanks.
