Mary Lou Butcher Koldewyn

Mary Lou Butcher Koldewyn, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on June 7, 2025, from kidney cancer at her home in Tremonton, Utah. She was born on October 11, 1949, in Ogden, Utah, to Donald Eugene and Marjorie Marsh Butcher.

Mary Lou grew up in the Ogden area, the eldest of five children, and often helped care for her younger siblings while her mother worked. Summers spent with her cousins on the Proffit Ranch in Evanston, Wyoming, were among her cherished childhood memories. She graduated from Bonneville High School in 1967, where she met her high school sweetheart, Lee Koldewyn, in seminary.

Known for her independent spirit and a lifelong "lead foot," Mary Lou proudly worked to buy her candy apple red 1969 Chevelle Super Sport, a car she loved to drag race. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she later sacrificed by selling her beloved Chevelle and cashing out her retirement savings to fund her LDS Mission to Texas South. After her mission, she attended Weber State College of Beauty.

Mary Lou and Lee eloped to Las Vegas on December 11, 1973, during the energy crisis, a memorable day marked by dimmed lights. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Ogden Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 11, 1974. They built their life together in Layton, Utah. They had four children together. In 2001, Mary Lou and Lee embarked on an 8-year adventure in Germany, exploring countless flea markets and enchanting Christmas markets. Mary Lou retired as a civilian from the Air Force.

A talented crafter, Mary Lou was an expert in crochet and book-folding, creating beautiful pieces with her hands. She was renowned as the ultimate gift-giver, always finding the perfect something for everyone.

Mary Lou is survived by her devoted husband, Lee Koldewyn; her children, Andrea Koldewyn Parker (Jack Davis), Katie Koldewyn Bailey (Trevor), and Kenneth Koldewyn (Scott Lowe); her six cherished grandchildren, Nate, Max, Tessa, Paige, Brody, and Miles; her loving mother, Marjorie Butcher; and her four siblings. She was preceded in death by her firstborn son, Nathan Koldewyn, who passed away at 10 days old, and her father, Donald Eugene Butcher.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.