Marian Stevens Sodja

MARIAN STEVENS SODJA 1918 - 2014 Our dearly loved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, sister and friend, Marian S. Sodja returned to her Heavenly Father and her eternal companion Ernie on May 5, 2014 due to causes incident to age. Marian was born July 15, 1918 in Holden, Utah to Marion R. Stevens and Martha Ashby Stevens. She grew up on the family farm in Holden where she learned to ride horses and could often be found climbing trees in the apple orchard. She attended Millard High School in Fillmore, Utah where she excelled in business oriented classes. She won several contests for her shorthand skills and received a scholarship to attend BYU. Marian met her husband Ernie in 1940 while he was attending the University of Utah. They were married a year later in Salt Lake City. Marian and Ernie had three children, Paul, Sandra, and Marty. The family lived in Tooele, Utah for a few years then moved to Hunter (West Valley) Utah, where they lived for 55 years. Marian and Ernie were married for over 70 years, and were sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in October 2009. This was a major highlight in Marian's life. Marian had many interesting jobs as a secretary throughout her life. She was employed by the Art Department at BYU, the State Tax Commission, and Hill Air Force Base. In 1958 she went to work for Hercules Inc. where she held various secretarial positions, the last being the Executive Secretary for the General Manager. She retired in 1980. Marian loved to travel. She and Ernie vacationed in Europe, went on cruises, visited Hawaii several times, and enjoyed many trips in their trailer to Island Park, Idaho and Yellowstone. On these trips they made many lifelong friendships. Mom was a perfectionist. Her dress and demeanor depicted someone that put a lot of thought and time into her appearance. She loved beautiful clothes and jewelry and perfectly styled hair. Mom would never forget anything because everything was always hand written on her calendar or in a notebook. She taught her family a lot about being organized. She was a classy lady who will truly be missed. Survived by son, Marty (Jacque) Sodja; daughter in law, Kay Sodja; 6 grandchildren, Steven (Kris) Sodja; Terri (Rick) Sanders; Julie (Doug) Moore; Mark (Lynette) Sodja; Lindsay (Justyn) Boudreau; Haylee (Chris) Long; 15 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson; and her sister, Zina Holbrook. Preceded in death by her husband, Ernie; son, Paul J.; daughter, Sandra J.; sisters, Afton Clark; Lenore Harker; Freda Smyth; and brother, Oscar Stevens. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 12, 2014, 12:00 noon at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road. A viewing will be held 10:45-11:45 am prior to funeral services. Interment: Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South. The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Mom's other family, the caring and truly wonderful staff at Carrington Court Assisted Living, with a very special thank you to Mom's special angel Vickie. Place of Birth:Holden, UtahPlace of Death:South Jordan, UtahHobbies:Outdoors, horses, family, travelingOccupation:Secretarial Work