Ferron honors Peach Days grand marshals

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Eleanore Wolpert (Singleton) George has spent all of her life actively involved in the county and Ferron in particular. She spent her career in service to Emery County as the treasurer and continues to be active as much as her 93 year old body allows. As a tireless booster for multiple generations of home-town youth, Eleanore remains civically involved in American Legion and the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.
She recalls in the early days of Ferron, celebrations included 4th of July and Peach Days. One of the favorite events was the crowning of the “Goddess of Liberty.” Candidates were nominated and fans bought tickets for their favorite at the Ferron Merc and drugstore. As an 18 year-old, Eleanore was awarded the title previously held a generation before by her mother, Mae Singleton.
Other activities Eleanore recalled was the band playing throughout the county in the back of a wagon and the American Legion going town to town early in the morning firing off a cannon.
Bloodlines are a blur when it comes to Eleanore’s grandchildren and she is known as “Grandma” to everyone and treats children and adults alike, as her “grands”. She always has a kind word, never judges others and is always open-minded. Eleanore is what makes a Grandma a Grandma.
Ferron City will remember Eleanore as one of its heroes by honoring her as a co-Grand Marshal in the Peach Days Parade.
Karen Thomas was born and raised in Ferron, the daughter of Darrel and Edna Petersen. She has one sibling, the late Jim Petersen. Karen’s father owned and operated Ferron Drug for many years as the pharmacist, and later her brother Jim followed in his father’s footsteps. Karen worked at her father’s store during her high school years.
In 1955, Karen married Gale Thomas. They lived in Salt Lake for a few years before moving back home to Ferron so Gale could run the Ferron Merc grocery store. Gale built their home in Ferron, and Karen still resides in that home today. Gale and Karen are the parents of Julie Sitterud, Chris Pace, Lisa Behling and Jeff Thomas.
Karen was able to stay at home with her children until Gale’s death in 1966. His sudden passing was not only a tragedy to his family, but to the community as well. At the time of his passing, Gale was the Bishop of the Ferron Ward and ran the Ferron Merc. Karen became a 28 year old widow with four small children to raise.
After Gale’s passing, Karen went to work at a sewing plant until she obtained employment with the United States Postal Service. She loved her job at the Post Office and always went the extra mile with the service she rendered to the community. Having been plagued with rheumatoid arthritis for many years it was finally time to retire after 32 years of loyal service at the Post Office.
Over the years, Karen has been active in many church and community activities. For many years, she taught the youth the floor show dances for junior proms and Gold n’ Green Balls. She has a beautiful singing voice and has sung at many different functions. Karen has always had a love for music.
Karen is a person who has had many trials and setbacks in life, but she has never given up. She has always stayed positive and finds the inner strength to persevere and move forward. Karen is a great example of faith and goodness to her family and those around her.
Today, Karen enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loves Ferron and finds joy and contentment there. Karen is so thankful for good friends and neighbors who support her and love her.