Marvin J. Hansen

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On January 22, 2016 as the sun was rising over the white-tipped Bookcliff Mountains and the rooster began to crow, Marvin J. Hansen, with his sweetheart by his side, peacefully took his last ride and returned to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. Marvin was born on June 21, 1935 to Ben and Eliza Hansen in Elmo, Utah. He married his cowgirl, sweetheart, and soulmate, Reba Valeen Allred on September 17, 1955 in Cleveland, Utah. As eternal lovebirds, their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple on October 23, 1996. They were never apart whether it be high on a mountain top riding horses or side-by-side in the temple.
Marvin and Reba met on the old-time rodeo circuit, and there was never a dull moment during the 60 years they were married. Reba says her older brothers brought Marvin home to her as a suitor. Marvin and Reba were inseparable. Their grit and dedication allowed Marvin to thrive in the cattle business although it wasn’t always easy in the valley. Beyond the ranch world Marvin and Reba also worked for the Emery County School District driving school buses for 30 years. Blessed with the entrepreneur spirit, they also ran Hansen’s Grocery during the 80’s–the only little place in Elmo to stop in and grab a snack and have a good conversation.
Marvin’s greatest loves were God, his family, horses, and cattle. Known for having nine lives, he survived and overcame many challenges, always coming out on top. He was always the man in charge; he was the boss. Being the tough cowboy that he was, he entered and left this world on his terms. Determined to fight to the end, he made it to the same home he was born in before passing away-the same room, in fact.
Marvin raised some of the most beautiful cattle in the Castle Valley. Caring for his animals with incredible passion and intuition, livestock was one of his top priorities. Once his father passed, he and his brothers became fulltime operators of Big Ben Ranch. Together, they ran 1500 head of sheep throughout southeastern Utah. He was very proud of his parents and his Mormon pioneer heritage.
Along with his hard work ethic, Marvin and Reba enjoyed life to its fullest. They spent their summers running cattle in some of Utah’s most scenic areas: Gentry Mountain, Sunnyside, Spring Canyon; but the place where he felt closest to God was on Conover’s summer range riding Bishop Mountain. Here he found his solace and peace.
Finally free from the pain and chains of his mortal body, Marvin is already reunited with his favorite horse, Old Dan, and riding with his dad. We will miss you deeply, your endless stories of adventure, and good ole common sense knowledge: Happy trails until we meet again to our cowboy.
Marvin is survived by the love of his life, Reba, four daughters: MarLayne (Jesse) Gordon, Maretta (Denny) McKendrick, Betty (Ray) Sisneros, Benita Hansen, an assortment of grandchildren: Brooks Gordon, Becky (Stanton) Huntington, Audrey (Brock) Winn, Luke (Ashlee) Johnson, Kamie (Jason) Bell, Clover (Luke) Dunn, Jeanna (Brady) Larsen, Stephanie (Zac) Gasser, Kenneth (Missy) Labrum, Jessica (Caleb) Teerlink, Candice Wilcox; two brothers: Ben Arvel (Georgena) Hansen, Glenn (Coleen) Hansen; one sister: Verda (Mark) Minchey; and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers: Vern Oliver, Darold, and Aaron.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the Elmo Ward House. Viewings will be held at the same location both on Tuesday, Jan. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Elmo City Cemetery entrusted to the care of Fausett Mortuary. Family and friends may sign the guest book and share memories of Marvin at www.fausettmortuary.com.