Verl Chidester Ogden

1912 - 2016

"I Believe in Miracles"
Richfield, Utah-Verl Chidester Ogden, age 104, of Richfield, Utah, passed away on November 17, 2016 of causes incident to age at his home in Richfield. He was born on June 1, 1912, on a farm south of Richfield, the son of Leonard William and Almina Chidester Ogden.
Verl grew up in Richfield and attended Richfield schools. During his high school years, among other responsibilities, he delivered milk from his family's dairy door-to-door before school. Following high school, he attended and graduated from Snow College, where he and Esther first met. He served in the Swiss German Mission during the troubled years of and between 1934 and 1936 as Hitler was consolidating power. Following his mission, he and Esther were married in the Manti Temple on April 8, 1937. They made their home in Richfield where he farmed and they raised their family. During his farming career he served on the board of directors of the Richfield Canal Company and as a board member for the Soil Conservation Service.
Verl enjoyed singing, and, in his earlier years, performed in quartets and in a number of civic productions. He and Esther also enjoyed square dancing.
Verl's church service included Elders Quorum president, scoutmaster, bishop's counselor, High Priests group leader, ward choir director, high councilor, and bishop of the Richfield First Ward from 1965 through 1970. Following his retirement, he and Esther served together in the Mississippi Jackson Mission from 1979 through 1981, proselyting and strengthening the leadership of three small branches in northern Louisiana. Following their mission, they served for a number of years as stake missionaries and in the Richfield Family History Center. They also volunteered at Ashman School, assisting second and third graders with their reading.
Verl's life was characterized by faith, frugality, hard work, integrity, fierce independence, and quiet generosity. During the last decade of her life, Esther suffered a series of strokes, and, as her health declined, Verl insisted on being her care giver. It seemed, time after time, that it was his faith and iron will that restored her vigor and extended her life. She passed away on May 16th, 2012, fifteen days shy of her 100th birthday.
He is survived by sons: Robert Verl (Roxana), Lynn Verl (Laurel), and Wayne Lloyd (Carren); daughters: Lola Speckart (Philip), Joyce Petrucci (Brad); and daughter-in-law, Alveda Cheryl Ogden; 27 grandchildren, and 62 great-grandchildren, as well as nephews, nieces, in-laws, and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Esther Madsen Ogden; brothers: Leonard Ray (Bernice) and Carl Foy (Marie); sister, Grace LeBaron; son, Bart Leonard; great-grandson, Austin Ogden; and, to the best of our knowledge, all of the Richfield High School class of 1930.
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, November 26, at 1:00 p.m. in the Richfield 4th Ward, 159 North 400 West. Friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Magleby Mortuary, 50 South 100 West, or Saturday at the ward chapel from 11:00. a.m. 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com