Marie Andrus Averett

Marie Andrus Averett, age 99, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, in Springville, Utah. A devoted mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, Marie’s nearly century‑long life was marked by faith, resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering love for her family.

Born on January 25, 1927, in Spanish Fork, Utah, Marie was the youngest of four children born to her loving parents, Ralph Henry Andrus and Susa Burch Andrus. She grew up in Spanish Fork surrounded by the strength and closeness of her siblings and graduated from Spanish Fork High School, a place that helped spark her lifelong love of learning.

After graduating in 1945, Marie contributed to the war effort as a true “Rosie the Riveter,” working at Hill Air Force Base removing rivets from airplanes. She later attended Brigham Young University, where fate stepped in—she met Bill Averett on a blind date and earned her bachelor’s degree. The two married on September 10, 1947, and shared 49 wonderful years together before Bill’s passing. Their partnership was one of devotion, humor, and deep commitment, forming the foundation of the family they built.

Marie dedicated 27 years to teaching, primarily kindergarten and first grade at Grant Elementary, where she was cherished for her warm presence, patient guidance, and unwavering belief in the power of learning. Her gentle influence shaped the lives of hundreds of young children.

A lifelong learner and adventurous spirit, Marie loved to read, explore, and travel—especially in the years following Bill’s passing. Independent and strong‑willed, she embraced every opportunity to broaden her understanding of the world. She also deeply valued the friendships she developed while playing bridge and traveling with her group from the Springville Senior Citizen’s Center, where she found joy, laughter, and companionship.

Marie was blessed with five children:

• Maria
• Abby Levanger (Kent)
• Andy Averett (Jessica)
• Cody Averett (Susan)
• Shane Averett (Kim)

She is the proud grandmother of 17 grandchildren and 12 great‑grandchildren, each of whom brought joy and meaning to her life.

Marie is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Maria; her parents; her sister, Alma Andrus Evans; and her brothers, Paul B. Andrus and Ralph H. Andrus II.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers from Aspen Senior Care and Utah Home Health and Hospice for the loving support and kindness shown to Marie in her final year.

An evening viewing will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Wheeler & Sundberg Funeral Homes, 211 East 200 South, Springville, Utah. Marie will be interred at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Springville Senior Citizen’s Center, an organization Marie loved and benefited from greatly. Contributions may be made at: springvilleseniorcenter.org/donation

Those who knew Marie will forever remember her as strong‑willed, intelligent, loyal, and deeply devoted to her family. Her legacy of love, learning, and resilience will live on through the generations she nurtured and the countless students she inspired.

See you in the valley, mom. We love you.

An evening viewing will be held Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Wheeler & Sundberg Funeral Homes, 211 East 200 South, Springville, Utah. Graveside service will be held Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 South 400 East, Springville, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the springvilleseniorcenter.org/donation

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.