Ann Marie Wilson

Ann Marie Wilson was born on July 7, 1925, in Rajndol, Yugoslavia. She was the second youngest of four children born to Frances (Milhec) and Louis Arko. Ann’s father immigrated to the United States to find work and a few years later Ann’s mother embarked on the long journey with her four young children to join him in Utah. Their trip started on foot, then they took a bus to Ljubljana in present-day Slovenia, rode a train to Paris, and then boarded the SS Ile de France bound for the United States. Ann arrived at Ellis Island in May 1930 at the age of 5. From New York City, the family traveled to Utah by bus and train, finally reuniting with Ann’s father. Sadly, he passed away shortly after his family’s arrival. Ann grew up on a farm in Murray, Utah with her siblings Mary, Stanley, and Louis. She graduated from Murray High School in 1943.

Ann married Harry Lloyd Wilson on May 2, 1946. They lived in multiple places in Utah and Idaho before permanently settling in Ogden, Utah, in 1956. Together they welcomed five children: Susanne, Scott, Sharilee, Connie, and Mike. Family was the most important thing to Ann and loved them dearly. She was known for including all 41 of her children and grandchildren by name in her nightly prayers and remembering each and every one of their birthdays.

A life-long and devout Catholic, Ann was proud to be a charter member of St. James the Just Catholic Church in Ogden.

Ann had many hobbies, including sewing, bowling, bingo, and playing slot machines. She was a fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Utah Jazz and through the years had a variety of dogs and birds as pets. She and her neighbors enjoyed a daily get together that they referred to as their “coffee break.” Their children knew not to interrupt coffee break because that was the ladies’ time to enjoy coffee, a treat, and some neighborhood socializing. 

For every holiday, Ann prepared the same menu, which became legendary. She was well known for her popcorn balls, fudge, Reese’s cookies, teriyaki chicken, baked beans, macaroni salad, lemon pie, “nuts and bolts” (a snack mix like Chex mix), and an icy beverage known simply as “The Recipe.” The recipe for The Recipe remains a carefully guarded family secret to this day. If Ann dared to leave an item out of the rotation for a gathering, family members would note its absence. Ann had a sweet tooth, and she always enjoyed the many treats her daughter-in-law Sue would make for her.

Ann worked at Murray Drug, Driver Drug, Sherwood Drug, and Sprouse Reitz.

After a long and beautiful life of 99 years, she passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, in Ogden, Utah. 

Ann is survived by her son, Scott Wilson and his wife Sue; her daughter, Shar; her son, Mike; as well as 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; her daughters, Susanne and Connie; her son-in-law, Dale Code; one grandchild; her parents Frances and Louis; and her siblings Mary, Stanley, and Louis.

Ann’s family would like to thank the many staff members at the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home and Inspiration Hospice, as well as volunteers from St. James the Just and Holy Family Catholic churches for extending such compassionate care to Ann.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. James the Just Catholic Church, 495 Harrison Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. and on Friday from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. at the church. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd.