Dora Jane Peterson Bresee

Richfield, Utah - Dora Jane Peterson Bresee, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024, at the age of 79. 

Dora Jane was born in Salina on January 15, 1945, to Clifton Vee and Theda Jane Peterson. She lived with her family in Loa and had fond memories growing up in Wayne County, including attending dances, working at her grandfather's movie theater in Bicknell, family reunions, and camping trips. She also loved sewing, cooking, ice skating, playing games, and treasure hunting. She graduated from Wayne High School with the class of 1963. She met her sweetheart and the love of her life, Duane Douglas Bresee, at Snow College and they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti LDS Temple on July 30, 1965. Together they lived in Murray and Logan, but settled in Richfield in 1969, where they raised 6 children together. 

She also pursued her education with dedication, earning an Associate's degree from Snow College and later a Bachelor's degree with a dual major in Elementary and Special Education in 1995. She had an impact on many lives teaching as a special education teacher in Sevier School District.

Dora Jane found joy in numerous pursuits. She was a talented musician. She played piano and was 1st chair flautist at Snow College. She loved spending time at her cabin, traveling anywhere and everywhere, sewing, cooking, and hunting "special rocks". She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served selflessly in many organizations and callings including Primary, Young Women's, Relief Society, as a choir director, and as a missionary in Scotland and the Philippines.

Dora Jane loved her family deeply and maintained a life-long love affair with her sweetheart. They always kissed each other goodnight and were together in everything for over 59 years. Together, they raised a family that brought her immense joy and pride. 

Dora Jane is survived by her beloved husband, Duane, her children: Shelly (Blaine) Burnett of Eden, Utah; Darren (Michelle) Bresee of Herriman; Melissa (Tony) Tolbert of Delta; Heather (Cody) Christensen of Santaquin; April (Wesley) Kirschner of Richfield; and Brooke (Chad) Johnson of Central Valley; 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings, C. Kay (Gaylene) Peterson, Thomas (GaeLynn) Peterson, all of Loa; Jeffrey (JaNell) Peterson, of Lyman. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Cliff and Theda and her brother, Terry Lynn Peterson.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 18, 2024, at 12:00 Noon in the Richfield East LDS Stake Center, 805 North 500 East in Richfield. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Thursday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the East Stake Center Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 prior to the services. 

Livestreaming of the services will be available at springerturner.com about 15 minutes prior to the service, underneath Dora Jane's obituary.

Burial will be in the Richfield Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.