Rooted in Granger: The Legacy of Udell and Thelma Bennion
The Legacy of Udell and Thelma Bennion — A Lifetime in Granger
Udell Bennion (1913–1992) and Mary Thelma Bawden Bennion (1912–2001) represent two of Granger’s earliest and most enduring pioneer lineages. Udell was the grandson of John Bennion, one of the first settlers “Over Jordan,” and son of Archie and Sadie Bennion. His wife, Thelma, was the granddaughter of John and Mary Gerber Bawden, early settlers of the Magna–Granger area, and daughter of William and Nellie Barker Bawden.
The couple’s lifelong roots ran deep in Granger soil. Udell was born on the very property where he and Thelma would later raise their family and spend their entire married life. Thelma, born in Magna, moved to Granger at the age of six, and the two first met as schoolchildren at Monroe School. They fondly recalled their first date — a field day trip to Liberty Park, riding together in the old school wagon.
They were married on May 31, 1933, in the Salt Lake Temple, during the height of the Great Depression. At the time, Udell was building their home and farming the surrounding land. Following their wedding, they were honored at a reception in the old Granger Ward building at 3500 South and 3200 West, where a community dance was held in their honor — a cherished memory from simpler times.
When they married, only a handful of homes stood between 3500 and 4100 South along 3200 West. The area was largely rural, with gravel roads and open farmland. Udell worked as a well driller and farmer, later spending more than 37 years at the Garfield Smelter. Thelma worked for Utah Poultry, helping support their young family during the difficult early years.
Together, they raised four children — Don U. Bennion, Kay (Mrs. Paul) Wixom, Dixie (Mrs. Don) Fenn, and LaVell (Mrs. Larry) Covington — many of whom remained close to home, continuing the Bennion family legacy on the original property. Don later became President of the Granger LDS Central Stake, extending the family’s long tradition of community and church leadership.
Over the decades, Udell served in the Sunday School and as a High Priests Group leader and secretary, while Thelma contributed her talents to church music programs and as secretary in the Primary, Mutual, and Relief Society. Both were active in civic life, serving in the Granger Lions and Lady Lions Clubs, each holding the office of president.
The Bennions enjoyed traveling in their later years, visiting the South Seas, the Caribbean, and Canada, but always returned home to Granger — the community their ancestors helped establish and that they helped strengthen through a lifetime of faith, work, and service.
They lived at 3897 South 3200 West
