In the early hours of April 26th, the world became a little less bright. Mary Darlene Mugleston, a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away.

See 9 photos

Mary Darlene was born in Omaha, Nebraska on July 20, 1932, daughter of John and Margaret (Cole) Furster. At the age of 16, she moved to Salt Lake City with her family. She married Lawrence Ray Mugleston on May 21, 1950. Together they had two sons, Larry and Kim, and one daughter, Diane.

Her family meant the world to her. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved spending time with them; from camping trips, to nights in the cemetery telling ghost stories, to teaching them the art of couponing, she made sure they were never bored.

She had a passion for life. She loved it all, gardening, Bingo, reading biographies (especially those of The Royal Family), cats, Bingo, playing cards with her family, trips to Wendover and Las Vegas to play Bingo, celebrating holidays with the family, hosting parties, and did we mention she like playing Bingo?

She was an entrepreneur at heart. When her children were young, she operated a day care out of her home. In the early 70’s, she bought and ran a Winchell’s Donut franchise in Salt Lake City. She was known for her extravagant yard sales, as well as selling her Easter baskets and produce from the busy streets.

Her passion for life is evident in her fight (and victory) with the many close calls she had over the years. She survived despite the odds: major floods during her childhood in Nebraska, almost being hit by a bolt of lightning, a torn aorta, four life-threatening strokes, and COVID-19. Although she fought hard, the 5th stroke ended her courageous journey.

Her kindness and generosity was unmatched and will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

“Always late, but worth the wait.”

She is survived by her son, Kim (Diane) Murgleston, daughter, Diane (Phillip) Stireman, grandchildren: Jeff (Angela) Stone, Greg Stone, Jennifer Stone, Brad (Ann) Stone, Brenda (Chip) Acosta, Valerie Mugleston, Stephanie (John) Fairbanks, Lindsey Stireman, great-grandchildren: Austin and Nathan Phibbs, Lydia Stone, Haley, Reese, and Julie Stone, Autumn Stireman, Lily Fairbanks (with Penny Fairbanks on her way), and brother John (Beverly) Furster.

Preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Ray Mugleston, son Larry Jr., parents, brother, Ernie Furster, and grandson Shane Mugleston.

A viewing will be held on Monday, May 3rd from 6pm-8pm at Broomhead Funeral Home in Riverton, Utah (12600 South 2200 West) and Tuesday, May 4th from 10am-11am prior to the funeral services starting at 11am in the same building. Due to COVID-19 there will be limited seating. Masks and social distancing will be required. We encourage friends and family to join in the live funeral service via Zoom stream (instructions for how to view the stream can be found at www.broomheadfuneralhome.com on the obituary page).