Mildred Dyer

Mildred Louise Richards Dyer, age 90, passed away at her daughter's homeOctober 1, 2013 from an age related illness.
She was born February 1, 1923 to Guy S. Richards and Roxy Adams Richards in St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated valedictorian from American Fork High School and attended the University of Utah in pre-med. While at the U, she had many suitors but one she met just 2 weeks into her program won her heart. She was sealed for time and for all eternity to her sweetheart, Robert Melvin Dyer on June 9, 1944 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised 8 children and lived a life of love and devotion to each other and their family. After 63 years of marriage, Robert graduated from this life in 2007; they are now together again to continue their great adventure.
Mildred was an accomplished musician and mastered many instruments but especially the piano and organ. She performed with concert level skill on the U of U piano team, and accompanied literally thousands of soloists, instrumentalists and choirs over many decades. She taught piano lessons to hundreds of students until in her 80’s and instilled in these students and her children a love for music that will transcend this life. Her love and gift of music has blessed generations and is part of her legacy.
Mildred’s first love has always been her family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. A very busy and devoted mother of a large family, she made time to fulfill many callings in the LDS Church, often but not always in music. As a young mother, she served as Relief Society President with responsibility to minister to and train over 500 other young mothers, many from foreign lands immediately following WWII. She also served for years in the Primary while raising her own young children. In later years she loved serving with her husband as a temple worker. Mildred was indeed an influential part of “the greatest generation.”
Preceded in death by her eternal companion, Robert Melvin Dyer, her parents, brothers Joseph and Guy Richards and sister Shirley Garrett. Mildred is survived by her children Patricia (Richard) Bennett, Deanna (John) Hartvigsen, Judith (Brian) Barker, Louise (David) Elliott, Susan Petersen, Linda (John) Elieson, Robert Melvin Dyer, Jr. and Richard Collins (Erin) Dyer, son-in-law Glenn Petersen, daughter-in-law, Dede Dyer, 55 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Lucille Garrett and Donna (LouDell) Nielsen, brother-in-law Louis Garrett and numerous nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Summit Health Care, Jaleen Roylance and Karen Gailey for their loving care.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, Oct 7 at 11:00 am at the Sandy Cottonwood Creek Stake Center, 1535 E Creek Rd (7995 S). Friends and family may call Sunday evening from 6-8 pm at the Holladay-Cottonwood Memorial Mortuary, 4670 S Highland Drive and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment Holladay Memorial Park. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.holladaycottonwoodmortuary.com