MaryLou Pope Morley

Our beautiful, caring mother left this world on July 27, 2021.  She died peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her.  MaryLou was born on August 8, 1928, to Mary Icivinda Merritt and Vernon LeDuc Pope, the twelfth child of fourteen. MaryLou was born in Garden City, Utah, next to the cobalt blue of Bear Lake.  There, she danced and sang in the one room schoolhouse, picked and sold raspberries in the summertime, and learned to read, which became a lifelong passion.

At twelve years old, her family moved to Ogden, Utah, where she graduated from Ogden High School.  While scooping ice cream at Brown’s Ice Cream, she met the love of her life, Ralph Bruce Morley.  Their courtship was one of fairy tales.  After meeting the beautiful MaryLou, Bruce waited outside the shop to walk her home every night.  His relentless pursuit ended with a “yes!”  The young couple were married on September 28, 1948.  MaryLou and Bruce created a warm, loving environment in which to raise their four children: Karen Lou, Lance Bruce, MaryAnn, and Vince Pope.

Our mom was an exceptional homemaker. While walking home from school, we could smell bread baking; we knew it was coming from our house. Every night, yes, every night, she cooked amazing, nutritious meals for her family. Our home was immaculate, and her hands never stopped working.  She showed her love for us by giving us a loving place in which to grow.

Not unlike many young men who came home from the war, our father was plagued with shrapnel injuries and resulting illnesses. Our mother nursed him back to wellness more than once when doctors had given up.  Tirelessly, she changed bandages and baked his favorite lemon meringue pie.  He lived because of her and for her.  Their love was undeniable.

On June 14, 1968, Bruce died suddenly of a heart attack, leaving a young widow with four children.  In many ways, our mother died as well.  Everything she knew was broken.  However, in true Pope pioneering fashion, she persevered and created a new life for herself.  She challenged herself by learning to ski and sail, activities she loved. She bravely joined the business world by managing high end apartments in Utah and California.  In her later years, she worked as a tutor for adolescents trying to find their way.  Young people loved mom because she never lost her “swag.”  She was always stylish, being immaculately dressed and coiffed.  To say she was sassy is mild.  She was wickedly funny and spoke intelligently on every subject.

MaryLou is survived by her children: Karen (Dwayne) Jeppson; Lance (Jan) Morley; MaryAnn (Bard) Ferrin; and Cheryl (Vince) Morley.  She is preceded in death by her son, Vince and her son-in-law, Bard.  Mom leaves behind many adoring grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Her life will be celebrated privately by her family.  We would like to thank the staff at Whisper Cove Assisted Living.  Their love and tender care of MaryLou made her last year exceptional.

In honor of our mother, love freely, laugh loudly, and save just a little piece of your dessert for breakfast the next morning to drink with your coffee.