Mary Louise Hartzog Neal

Mary Louise Hartzog Neal, (72) passed away February 19, 2014, in Logan Utah. She resided at Logan Legacy House Assisted Living at the time of her death. Mary did not leave this life easy, as she suffered immensely the pains of Breast Cancer. She was a powerful example of bearing one’s burdens without complaint and being grateful for the blessing of Life. David T. Hartzog and Ada Louise Carrol Hartzog welcomed Mary, their first daughter into their family on May 19, 1941. Mary was born and raised in Clayton, Alabama. Growing up on the family farm in Alabama held many a fond memory for Mary. She often shared stories of picking cotton and hoeing peanuts. A smile was always planted on her face as she told of her racing her family to see who could pick the most cotton and sometimes she could almost beat her dad or older brothers. The value of hard work was taught, learned and valued at an early age for Mary. Mary met her sweetheart John A. Neal when he was serving an LDS Mission in the Southern States and he became acquainted with her family while serving in Alabama. Mary and John dated and fell in love after his mission while they were both attending BYU in Provo Utah. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan, Utah temple on June 16, 1961. John’s hometown of Malad, Idaho became home to the newlyweds. Malad and Holbrook (Buist) would be their home over the next 23 years. Five children were born to Mary and John, 3 girls and 2 boys. Mary was a loving, devoted mother and wife. Her homemaking and nurturing skills could not be topped. She provided a comfortable, cozy, clean, loving environment for her children and husband. Using her sewing skills to create most of the clothes her family wore and her gardening and cooking skills to keep them healthy and well-fed. Mary worked hard on the farm she and John owned in Buist, she spent many hours driving a large tractor in the fields. The farm was sold and in 1984 and Mary and John Moved to MaCammon Idaho where they lived until John’s death in 2000. Mary then moved to Fielding, Utah to be close to her children that all resided close by. Mary was Educated at Bakerhill High School in Ala. And was Salutatorian of her class. She then attended BYU Provo and studied Home Economics for One and a half years. At the age of 47, she attended Idaho State Votech in Pocatello Idaho where she received her Secretarial Certificate with a 4.0 grade. Mary was a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was happy to serve in the calling she was given. At the young age of 11, Mary was the branch pianist in Alabama. Later in Life, she played the organ and piano in Holbrook ward and she said these music callings were her favorite. Primary President, counselor in Relief Society, visiting teacher, work director of Homemaking, and being in the ward choir were all callings Mary, fulfilled with determination to do her best. Mary enjoyed many activities and hobbies, including sewing and handwork, singing, playing the piano, genealogy, painting, writing poems, talks and journal entries. She has left her family with volumes of sound advice and words to live by. With her family, Mary enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, and traveling, especially to Alabama to visit her family. Mary is survived by her five children Vonda (Larry) Bowen, Robbie (Mike) Miller, John Lowell (Jeanie) Neal, Louisa (Alan) Joy, David (Tabitha) Neal. There are Thirty-three grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and a lot more on the way this year. Mary is also survived by her siblings Julian, Nancy, Elizabeth, and Virginia.

Mary was proceeded in death by her beloved husband John A. Neal, Her Parents David and Ada Hartzog, a Son-in-law Peter Miler, Jerry Hartzog a brother, her parent –in-laws Archie and Letha Neal, and several nieces and nephews The Children of Mary would like to thank Legacy House of Logan’s staff and nurses along with Intermountain Hospice Doctor and Nurses and Chaplain Dan, for the Loving way they cared for Mom in the ten months she was in their care. Thanks for going above and beyond the call of duty to show interest in mom and help her through difficult times. Funeral Services for Mary will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 22, 2014, at the Fielding Utah Church House 4375 W.15600 North Fielding. Prior to the funeral, a reception will be held at 10:00 AM also at the Fielding Church.