Marion Walter Littlefield

Marion returned to his heavenly home in the afternoon of April 3, 2025, surrounded by family. Marion had a hard fight with heart and kidney failure. He was born on May 14, 1943, in San Bernardino, California, to Ira W. Littlefield and Agnes J. Ott. He moved from California to Tropic when he was three years old.

As a boy living in Tropic, Marion and his friends would hike the local hills, Isinglass and the Sliding Hill, looking for shark’s teeth. Occasionally, he and his friends would play war games, and Marion (dad) always had to be the Major in command; hence the nickname “Mage;” which has stuck ever since. Marion loved basketball and other sports growing up, but basketball was his favorite. He played in the old Tropic church house, well into his 40s. From his dad, Ira, he learned how to fish and hunt. Spending time in the hills was a way for him to escape reality. That outlook on life was passed on to his kids, grandkids, and those who knew him best.

As a young man, he spent a lot of time at Willow Bottoms. He later spent the 4th of July holiday at the Barkers. Given that Mitch’s birthday is on July 2nd, he rarely enjoyed a birthday at home as he and Marion (dad) were fishing. Piute Reservoir was another one of Marion’s favorite fishing holes. During the summertime, you would often find him either on the bank or out on his boat at Piute or Otter Creek.  Marion’s favorite lakes in the later years of his life were Blind Lake and Fish Creek, up on the Boulder Mountain.

In 1962, he served a 2 ½ year mission in Argentina. Marion loved the people there. Shortly after his return from his mission in April 1965, he met his sweetheart, Catherine Rae Henderson, at her senior ball. They officially started dating after her graduation, and on July 4, 1965, he asked her to marry him. On August 21, 1965, Marion and Catherine were married in the Manti Temple for time and all eternity.

They had five beautiful children. Lynette, otherwise known as Nettie, was the oldest, born in 1966, followed by Sharlene, more commonly known as Shard, born in 1967. Then came Tracy in 1969. Three girls before Marion finally had a boy, Austin, born in 1971. Finally, in 1973, Mitch was born. Each of Marion and Catherine’s children graduated from Bryce Valley High School, the same as their parents, carrying on the Mustang legacy. Like most children, they all went on to have their own families, giving Marion and Catherine many grandkids, and even a few great grandkids.

Marion loved the outdoors. Whether it was hunting, fishing, riding his 4-wheeler, hiking, you name it, he enjoyed the outdoors. As he grew older, photography became his passion. When he began his photography venture, he purchased a camera with the money he received after selling his old time red and white, Ford pick-up truck – the “Rusty Bumper.” He later collected worms (nightcrawlers) from the field by his house so he could sell them to earn money for a new lens for his camera. With this camera and lens, and probably other equipment, Marion began capturing beautiful scenery; everything from the crimson peaks of Bryce Canyon to the wildlife, the plants, even so much as sporting events, and so many family get-togethers. Many of his photos are hanging up in Ruby’s Inn as he began to sell them. They are also in the hallways of the Garfield County courthouse. He had a way with the camera, where he could capture the most majestic moments.

Marion loved his sweetheart Catherine. Even though he didn’t show his emotions often, you knew he loved her; and she loved him. 

The family would like to express its gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Garfield Memorial Hospital and St. George Regional Hospital. Also, the hospice nurses who showed so much love and compassion for Marion and the family. Additionally, the amazing Tropic EMTs who visited the home for one reason or another. The family will be forever grateful for their sacrifice and willingness to serve their fellow man and community.

Marion was preceded in death by his parents, Ira W. Littlefield and Agnes J. Ott; siblings Helen Beatty, Rose Marie Bailey, and Edwin Littlefield; brothers-in-law James Beatty, McKay Bailey, and Robert Gates; grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and many close friends.

He is survived by his loving eternal companion, Catherine Rae Henderson; his sister, Lynda Littlefield Gates; his children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, who carry on his legacy with love and admiration.