August 7, 1926 — January 29, 2017

Vernon Woodbury, age 90, was welcomed back home and into the loving arms of family on the evening of Jan. 29, 2017. Vernon was born Aug. 7, 1926, to Grant and Bertha Wheeler Woodbury in Hurricane, Utah.

Vernon spent his youth roaming the countryside of Hurricane, Utah, working alongside his father Grant, raising horses, cattle and dry farming. When he turned 18 he enlisted in the Marines to serve his country during World War II from 1944-1946. With the end of the war, he was honorably discharged. He then decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in Minnesota. Once he returned home he started driving truck across the country, where he met Bernice in California. They were married in the St. George LDS Temple on April 23, 1955. They later divorced. He then married Corinne Hansen on May 7, 1994, and they were later sealed in the St. George LDS Temple.

His love for life and others could always be seen in his daily actions. He was able to move his family to the great state of Texas where he attended Steven F Austin University. Graduating with his degree in agriculture he found himself taking on a career working as an Agricultural Extension Specialist. He also worked with the youth in 4-H and in the scouting programs. However, one of his favorite callings in the church was working with the children, especially the little ones in nursery and sunbeams. He was also able to fulfill his love of gardening by serving as the Stake and Ward Gardening Specialist. He had the greenest thumb around. He could make anything grow here in St. George.

He retired early from the extension service and decided to start his own business helping farmers increase the yield of their crops. He had the opportunity to go to Antigua and help the people there with gardening skills and absolutely fell in love with them and would always talk of finding a way to go back. Up to the time that he passed, he was always trying to find a way to get back out there and help farmers with their crops. If you knew him, you would know that this was his life’s passion.

Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, both his first and second wife, and 2 great-grandchildren. He is survived by a brother, Grant, and also by his children, Chris (Katherine) of Hurricane, Utah, Janice (Steve) of Cedar City, Utah, Mark (Gail) of St George, Utah, Karen (Brian) of Selmer, Tennessee, 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Southern Utah Veterans Home and their staff for the loving and dedicated care they have shown to our father this past year.

Funeral services

• Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m. in the Picturesque LDS Ward Chapel, 820 N. Valley View Drive, St George, Utah.
• Visitations will be held prior to the services from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at the church.
• Interment will be in the St George City Cemetery.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, Utah, (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign Vernon’s guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

May 16, 1917 — January 31, 2017

Born in Virgin, Utah, May 16, 1917, and after a long memorable life of 99 years, Nelda Whitehead passed away at her home of natural causes on Jan. 31, 2017. She lived with her parents, Henry Cornelius and Emma Bradshaw, in Virgin with her two sisters and six brothers, enjoying the simple pleasures of a small town, a one-room school house, and as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Upon completing the 8th grade, she moved to Mesa, Arizona, with her brother to attend school, living with relatives. Returning to St. George to finish high school, she lived across the street from a Whitehead family with four sons. One of them was a young man named Howard. She began Dixie College but left school when she was recommended for a bookkeeping position at Pickett Lumber. Meticulous at her job, she began her life of service and generosity by buying her sister her first bicycle and doll and her mother her first refrigerator.

With two of her friends, after studying history, they formed the ABC Powers (Alsop, Burgess, and Cornelius) and socialized with several young men calling themselves The Company. Her sights were set on Howard, and after he accepted a teaching position in Manti, Utah, she asked him if he was really going without her. They were married in the St. George Utah LDS Temple on Aug. 27, 1940, and moved to Manti. After a year they moved to Salt Lake City where her husband taught at the University of Utah. He was then accepted at the University Of Southern California School Of Dentistry and they settled in Los Angeles. Since it was World War II, all students were in the Army while attending school. Fellow classmates became lifelong friends and bridge became a part of the next 40 years, playing each month with dentists and their wives. 

California was home for 65 years where they raised their family of four girls and two boys. One interruption came when the Korean War required the family to move to El Paso, Texas, for two years. A favorite family memory is the Sunday dinners after church with many servicemen joining them. Besides being a full-time homemaker, she enjoyed working with her hands making porcelain dolls and ceramics. Sewing and seeing that her girls were skilled in this area was important to her. She was on the board of California Utah Women, enjoyed square dancing, making pinecone wreaths with her son and selling them to department stores, which included Neiman Marcus. Her culinary gifts produced zucchini pie (tasted just like apple pie, fooling grandchildren). She loved flowers, with many blooming around her home along with her vegetable gardens.

She was the driving force behind family traditions that included 25 years of vacations at Lake Powell, Valentine cookies delivered to friends along with a jerk valentine, triple treat cookies, and slumber parties on the floor in her home on Christmas night. Marathon Rook games are top of the list with grandchildren and each was thrilled when they could rarely beat Grandma and Grandpa with a 200 sweep. During the year, we would blow out eggs and stuff the shells with confetti. On Dec. 31, we would take them to the Stake New Year’s Eve dance where they were popular with most, well some, recipients. 

She traveled to Rome when her daughter won a national Singer Sewing Contest, went to Canada, Hawaii, Bolivia, and just plain enjoyed being home. Her life was filled with service to others and she had a special fellowshipping gift for making people feel welcome. Besides serving in many callings in the church, she spent 12 years with her husband as ordinance workers in the Los Angeles LDS Temple.

Howard, her husband for 72 years, preceded her in death. She is survived by her children; Elaine (Bruce) Miller, Linda Johnston, Kathleen (Quentin) Goodman, Gordon (Grace) Whitehead, Wendy (Kenny) Farr, and David (Cara) Whitehead. She was intricately and actively involved in each of the lives of her 34 grandchildren and 79 great-grandchildren. We express our gratitude to Sheri Howard, her devoted caregiver for six years and Canyon Hospice.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, at Southgate LDS First Ward Chapel, 1068 W. Chandler Drive, St. George, Utah, at 2 p.m. 
• Family and friends may attend viewings on Friday, Feb. 3, from 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., and prior to the funeral service 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the church. 
• Interment will be at the St. George City Cemetery. 

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.  For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit our website www.metcalfmortuary.com.   

March 18, 1957 — February 4, 2017

LaVon Grant Cox, 59, passed away Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, in St, George, Utah. He was born, March 18, 1957, in Buena Ventura, Mexico, to Grant Wilbur and Lola Lang Cox.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. at Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.
• A visitation will be held prior to services from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.
• Interment will be at the St. George City Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.  For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit our websitewww.metcalfmortuary.com.

October 10, 1925 — February 2, 2017

Ira Edward Whitlock, 91, passed away on Feb. 2, 2017, at his home in St. George, Utah. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Alyce “Ricki” Whitlock; his brothers, Jerry Whitlock and Gene Whitlock; his sister, Virginia Kimzey; his children, Jeanne Gunter, Joyce Fields, Reed Whitlock, and Jamie Whitlock; 17 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Ira was born in Worland, Wyoming, on Oct. 10, 1925, to Andrew Whitlock and Ludina Anderson Whitlock. As a child growing up in the depression, Ira sold newspapers and sang in bars for spare change which instilled in him the work ethic he was known for throughout his life. In school, he excelled in athletics and academics, especially mathematics. He graduated high school in 1943 with numerous awards and honors. After graduation, he attended one semester at the University of Wyoming then enlisted in the Army Air Corp as a bombardier. During his training in El Paso, Texas, a young, hot Mexican tamale caught his eye. He and Ricki married June 6, 1946, in Worland, Wyoming.

Although he started his career in banking, he was quickly drawn to politics and moved to Washington, D.C., and worked for the Senate Parliamentarian. Then in 1950 he joined the staff of Sen. Lester Hunt (D) of Wyoming as a legislative assistant. After the Senator’s death in 1954, Ira and his family moved back to Worland where he returned to banking. But politics grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and pulled him back to Washington, D.C. in 1959 to work for Sen. Gale McGee (D) of Wyoming as a legislative assistant. Throughout his career in politics, Ira raised his family in Alexandria as he served as the Congressional Liaison Officer for the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, from which he retired in 1989.

After retirement, Ira and Ricki served an LDS mission to Tonga 1989-1990. After their mission, they swore off humidity forever and moved to St. George, Utah, where they have lived for the past 26 years. During his time in St. George, Ira was an active member of the community and the Democratic Party, wrote for the St. George Spectrum, and taught American government at the Institute for Continued Learning at Dixie State University for 18 years. Over his life, he served as a bishop, high councilor, temple worker in the Washington D.C. and St. George LDS temples, as well as many other auxiliary and leadership roles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ira was extremely good at counting ribs, collecting spare change, a clear holdover from this bar-singing days, and comparing the price of gas, toilet paper, and Pepsi across the country. He enjoyed a good melody, a good hamburger and a good laugh. He loved traveling and the open road and, with Ricki, visited more than 30 countries over the course of their life together. He could not dance, garden, or fix anything, and he was the only man in St. George whose printer never worked. His Esperanto name is “Man with Ten Thumbs.” His personal heroes were Sen. Lester Hunt, Lou Gehrig, David O. McKay and John F. Kennedy. He will be remembered for his love of baseball, the Washington Redskins, westerns, the beach, and pie, both hot and cold. His family was his greatest legacy. So, Dad, we say to you, “hasta la cha-cha” and “cuanto mon gusta.”

Funeral services

• There will be a viewing Monday, Feb. 6, from 5-7 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff, St. George, Utah.
• Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Chapel on 550 E. 700 South in St. George.
• Burial will follow at the Tonaquint Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Institute for Continued Learning at Dixie State University.

The Whitlock family would also like to express gratitude to Ashley Yardley and Nichole Lamb of Dixie Hospice for their compassionate care.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign his guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

October 29, 1963 — February 2, 2017

Tony Lowell Frei passed away on Feb. 2, 2017. He was born on Oct. 29, 1963, in St. George, Utah, to Lowell Howard and Ginger Nichols Frei. Tony married Rebecca Dunton on March 10, 1990, in St. George Utah. Tony and Rebecca had one daughter. They later divorced but remained good friends. 

Tony spent a lot of his time on Kolob Mountain with his grandparents, Howard and Ora Nell Frei. He loved to fish, arrowhead hunt and spend time with his daughter, Rachel. Tony loved music and attended several concerts when he was younger. Tony was a collector. He had collections of arrowheads, sports cards, figurines and coins that he kept close. It was the small things in life that Tony cherished the most. A little went a long way with him. Tony loved his family. He expressed gratitude for his family and the people that came into his life that he later considered family. Tony was thrilled when he became a grandfather and loved spending time with his granddaughter, Rylee. She held a special place in his heart. 

Tony is survived by his daughter, Rachel Frei of St. George, Utah; granddaughter, Rylee Frei of Escalante, Utah; father, Lowell Frei of St. George, Utah; mother, Ginger Frei of St. George Utah; step-mother, Julie Frei of St. George, Utah. He is also survived by sisters; Shannon Frei Lowe (Jason) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Lindsey Frei Hunter (Greg), Sydnee Frei and brother, Mitch Frei (Kristen) all of St. George, Utah. 

Tony was proceeded in death by his grandparents, Howard and Ora Nell Frei; aunt, India Frei; and cousin, Lonnie Frei.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m. at the Spilsbury Mortuary Chapel, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 
• There will be a viewing held prior to services from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.   

Tony’s family would express a special thank you to Dennis Shunn for opening his home and showing love and concern for Tony these past several months.    

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, (435) 673-2454.  Family and friends are invited to sign Tony’s guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

November 5, 1960 — February 4, 2017

Michael David Tousa, passed away Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at his home in St. George, after a 16-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Dallas, Texas, to Jerry and Mary Lynn Stucki Tousa.

Mike was born and raised in Dallas, where he attended Burnett Elementary School, Cary Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School. He loved playing sports with his brothers, neighbors and schoolmates. Aside from the many athletic teams he played for, some of his favorite games took place right in the front yard, back yard and driveway of his home where he grew up.

Once he graduated from high school, he moved to St. George, Utah, where he attended Dixie College, while living with his maternal grandparents. He loved them and loved lending a hand to help with chores around their house. It wasn’t uncommon for him to see someone in need and offer to give a helping hand. 

After graduation from Dixie College, he finished his Bachelor Degree in Education at Southern Utah State College in Cedar City. Shortly after graduation he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he found employment in the golf industry. He met his wife, Fran Tegano, which led to the next chapter in his life, his daughter, Tierra Marie Tousa. She became the love of his life. He became very protective of his beautiful daughter. She is and will always be daddy’s little girl.

Shortly after Tierra was born, he focused on his golf career. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of golf with anyone interested. Golf was his hobby and he built a career around something he loved. He met a lot of interesting people through this line of work and enjoyed getting to work with and spend time with some high-profile people and golfers.

He is survived by his daughter, Tierra Marie Tousa, in Las Vegas, Nevada; his parents, Jerry and Mary Lynn Tousa, in St. George, Utah; his sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl and James Hastings and children, in Dallas, Texas; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeffrey and Lisa Tousa and children, in Charlotte, North Carolina; Frank and Julie Tousa and children, in Las Vegas, Nevada; and Scott and Amanda Tousa and children, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Merrill and Maggie Stucki, his paternal grandparents, Frank and Mary Lee Tousa, and a niece, Zoe Hastings.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 11, at the St. George East LDS Stake Center, 453 S. 300 East, St. George, Utah.
• The viewing will be from 9-10:30 a.m., with the service starting at 11 a.m.
• Interment will take place at the Tonaquint Cemetery.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah, (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign Michael’s guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

April 30, 1925 — February 5, 2017

Donna Estella Birrell Bishop, age 91, passed away Feb. 5, 2017, in St. George, Utah. She was born April 30, 1925, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Peter and Estella Carlson Birrell.

She grew up in Salt Lake City where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Bishop. They were inseparable from that day forward. Both attended West High School, and in 1942 Kenneth and Donna were married in Salt Lake City.

Together they raised three daughters. Donna was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who never forgot a birthday or special occasion right up to her last days.

Donna is survived by her daughters Claudia Nemelka (Duane), Pamela Vaughn (Jim) and Judy Cazier (Ray); grandchildren Kenny, Scott, Brooke, Randy, Heather, Hilarie, Ashlie, Zach and Alex; 20 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Donna was preceded in death by parents, Peter and Estella; husband, Kenneth; brothers Wallace, Peter Jr. and James; sisters Margaret and Janet; sons-in-law Duane Nemelka and Francis Smit.

We wish to thank the staff at the St. George Retreat at SunBrook for their loving devotion to our mother’s care and a special thank you to Applegate Hospice for their assistance in her final days.

Funeral services

• A family gathering to honor her will held set at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Pine View Mortuary 435-986-4222. Please visit their website for full obituary and funeral service listing.

May 30, 1936 — December 28, 2016

Juanita May Orris Becker passed away Dec. 28, 2016, in St. George, Utah. She was born May 30, 1936, in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania to Wilbur Woodrow and Phoebe Elmira Weaver Orris.

Juanita was a longtime member of the Dixie Watercolor Society. After high school, she began her professional career with the Harrisburg-Patriot News in Pennsylvania. In 1976, she accepted the position of art director with Wilton Armetale. She held that position for 10 years.

After moving to Utah, Juanita learned to paint the beautiful red rock scenes through several workshops by well-known artists and also took art classes at Dixie State College. Juanita was a multitalented artist as she was the designer of unique and stunning jewelry in Sterling Silver and 14-karat gold with natural stones.

She is well renowned for her watercolors, which can be found in galleries in Utah and private collections across the U.S.

She is survived by her children, James Becker and Laurie Santin; grandchildren, Andrew Becker, Austin Becker and Chris Santin; and sister, Catherine Estep.

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Phoebe Orris, and husband, Donald George Becker.

Funeral services

• Saturday, Feb. 11, around noon. Friends are invited to Juanita’s celebration of life at her home, 2444 E. 160 South, St. George.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Pine View Mortuary: Telephone 435-986-4222 | Website pineviewmortuary.com for full obituary and funeral service listing.

April 26, 1955 — January 16, 2017

Carlos F. Garcia, 61, passed away in his sleep on Jan. 16, 2017, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He was born April 26, 1955, in Bisbee, Arizona, to Arturo and Amparo Garcia. Carlos was known for always smiling, joking and pulling pranks on co-workers.

After a six-year courtship, he married his love, Vickie Reinig Beacham, April 24, 2001, in Franklin, Tennessee. He and Vickie lived many places including Arizona, Arkansas, Tennessee, Utah, Georgia and Oklahoma due to his work.

Carlos’ passion was fishing, and he patiently taught many children to fish. He also loved hunting for meteorites. He spent countless hours helping people in need and served as a project manager with Habitat for Humanity in Southern Utah for two-plus years.

He was known to friends, family and his grandchildren as “TATA”. Carlos was proud of painting logos on the infield grass and crash walls at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for multiple years. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed and always cherished.

He is survived by his wife, Vickie Garcia; sons Juan and Larry Garcia; daughter Theresa Garcia; bonus children Shanna, Kade (TaLu); grandchildren Matthew, Devon, Parker, Jace, Kadynce, Kymber, and Gage; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services

• Funeral will be held in Bisbee, Arizona, in St. Patrick’s Church on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help with the mounting medical bills and funeral costs at: https://dm2.gofund.me/carlos-garcia-memorial-service

July 2, 1931 — February 8, 2017

Marvin Angus Jones, 85, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, and ever-loving friend passed away in his sweetheart’s home, Feb. 8, 2017, in St. George, Utah.

Marv entered the world in a big way, literally over 12 lbs. He was born July 2, 1931, in St. George, Utah, to Angus Marion and Lucy McAllister Jones. He was raised in Gunlock and the oldest of six children: Kasi, Stan, Mac, Bob and Dean.

Marv was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he enjoyed being a weekly temple worker in the baptistery.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean War. He was very involved in the St. George Community; helping in 4-H horsemanship, coach for women’s Frostop softball team, St. George Lion’s Club and bouncer. He was one of the founding members of Sportsman for Fish & Wildlife. He was a master at Dutch oven cooking and loved catering for family reunions and parties, everyone loved his famous cowboy beans & beer biscuits.

Marv was an avid outdoorsman; fishing in Enterprise and Kolob, deer hunting, 4-wheeling, gathering wood, pine-nut picking, and chasing wild mustangs on motorcycles. He was always up for a cattle drive with the Hafen boys in Clover Valley, Nevada. He was a pro Pine Valley Rules poker player. The Lion’s Dixie round-up was always a favorite of his. Marv always said that he grew up in the best of times. His knowledge and love for Southern Utah led to many endless story telling moments. His larger than life laugh was priceless.

Marvin met Colleen Theobald while attending Dixie College. They married in the St. George Utah LDS Temple, Feb. 3, 1950, and were blessed with four children: Terri, Tammy, Leslie and Randy. He was a tender caregiver to mom during her 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

He was so happy when he met Bonnie Mower in October 2012. They had many fun adventures together and married Nov. 15, 2016, surrounded by family and friends.

Marv leaves behind his wife, Bonnie; daughters: Terri (Ken) Lister, Tammy (Brad) Spencer, Leslie (Kevin) Bowler and son, Randy Marvin (Juli) Jones; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many combined step-children and grandchildren. He was an Uncle Marv to many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Angus and Lucy, and wife, Colleen. We are very sure there are rodeos in heaven and dad will be in the bleachers.

Marv was simply “Marvelous”.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m. at the St. George LDS East Stake Center located at 449 S. 300 East.
• Visitations will be held Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., and Saturday, prior to services, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center.
• Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.  For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit our websitewww.metcalfmortuary.com.

September 1, 1938 — February 10, 2017

Richard “Dick” W. Herzfeld, 78, passed Feb. 10, 2017, in St. George, Utah. He was born Sept. 1, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Rudy and Florence Herzfeld. He married Elizabeth L. Doherty in Milwaukee in September 1966.

Dick Herzfeld had lived in Wisconsin and Massachusetts until his arrival in St. George in 2007. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1962 with most of his service spent in Europe. Dick studied electrical engineering and journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee after graduating from Marquette University High School.

His work experiences include grocery clerk, picture frame construction, radar & microwave maintenance, survey crews, lab technician, IBM Customer Engineer, programmer, systems analyst, data processing manager, director of marketing communications, contributing editor, realtor and entrepreneur having started three businesses. Dick was the founder and owner along with his wife, Betty, of the public relations firm TechComm, Associates, that specialized in industrial companies in the United States and abroad for over 30 years. An avid photographer, he enjoyed traveling and capturing his experiences on film. He spent much of his time working with computers and volunteering at the St. George Senior Center and his parish. He was a member of the Milwaukee Press Club and the St. George ROMEOs.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; children: Erich D. Merollo of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and CSM Katrina M. Herzfeld and her husband, MSG(R) John McCreary, Jr., of Fort Stewart, Georgia; grandson, Robert J. McCreary; sisters, Holly O’Connor (Vince) of Fort Meyers, Florida, and Peggy Mayer of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services

• Memorial services will take place Thursday, Feb. 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the Rosary followed by Mass at 10 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church, 259 W. 200 North, St. George, Utah.
• Interment will be at a later date in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit their website www.metcalfmortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Rocky Mountain Chapter, ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease) under the Dick Herzfeld Memorial Fund.

The family wishes to thank their family and friends for all their generous support and love.

November 23, 1924 — February 11, 2017

LaVerne Elbert Evans, 92, passed away Feb. 11, 2017, peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones. He was the widower of Mildred Jean Evans (Denton). They were married Jan. 31, 1947. They were sealed in the St George LDS Temple in 1954.

Born in Anaconda, Montana, on Nov. 23, 1924, he was the son of Ivan Alphonso Evans and May Barrett. He was raised in South Gate, California. He was employed at Lever Brothers Company, as an oil refiner, for 35 years.

Verne was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved serving in the temple, working with the youth and being a home teacher. He was an avid reader of the scriptures and the writings of the prophets. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hiking and biking. He took his sons with him everywhere he went, along with anybody else who wanted to tag along. He was the rock of our family. He will be remembered for his wisdom and endless patience, he was a quiet man, but when he spoke, we all listened. He will also be remembered for his witty sense of humor and funny stories, his love and devotion to his family, and his dedication to the church.

He is survived by his children: Connie Putnam of St George, Utah; Edward Paul (Kelly) Evans of Dolores, Colorado; David (Julie) Evans of Syracuse, Utah; and Mark Evans of Salt Lake City, Utah; 16 grandchildren who adore him and 49 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Beverly Lucille Mazzanti of Jackson, California, and Genevieve Berry of Spanish Fork, Utah.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. in the Sunset LDS Stake Center, 82 N. Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah. Friends may call prior to services from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center.
• Interment will be Saturday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 2328 N. Sierra Hwy, Newhall, California.

Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, St George, Utah. (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign his guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

October 16, 1946 — February 14, 2017

Gayle Louise Aguiar, 70, lost her battle with cancer on Feb. 14, 2017.  She was born in Provo, Utah, on Oct. 16, 1946, to William Isaac and Anna Pearl Griffiths. She married Larry Aguiar in 1971 but later divorced.

Gayle grew up in Provo and Orem, Utah. She attended Stevens-Henager Business College and had a career in clerical and secretarial work. She loved to sew, crochet, spend time with her grandkids and do jigsaw puzzles.

She is survived by her daughter, Robin (Kib) Mickelson, of St. George; three grandchildren, two sisters and one brother. She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and a sister.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Sterling Court, Intermountain Cancer Center, and Dixie Hospice for the amazing care they gave.

Funeral services

• Graveside services will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m. at Tonaquint Cemetery, St. George, Utah.
• A visitation will be held Saturday, prior to services, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit our website www.metcalfmortuary.com.

March 24, 1961 — February 15, 2017

Jonathan David Kotarski, passed away suddenly Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017. He was born on March 24, 1961, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, to Gene Wallace Kotarski and Winnifred Ann Slizewski. His family moved to St. George, Utah, when he was a year old.

He married his high school sweetheart, Sherrie Carter on May 17, 1978. Together they lived, laughed, and loved and created many memories with their three children. They enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping and just visiting together. Jon was passionate about his work in the construction industry. He loved spending every day “playing with the big boy toys in the big sandbox.” He was grateful for his employment with Desert Hills Construction. He loved the guys he worked with and said that “It was never a chore to go to work.”

He was always willing to help anyone who needed assistance. Whether it be a late-night jumpstart, fixing a leak, building a deck, or creating a shed from scratch, he was the man to call. He would regularly drop everything to help out a friend or stranger in need. He was full of light and laughter and brought joy to all those around him. This trait drew him to join the local Elks lodge where he served in many different positions including Exalted Ruler, which allowed him the opportunity to work with many great charities.

He is survived by his wife, Sherrie Carter Kotarski, his children, Cindy (Kevin) Romney, Jimmy Kotarski, Shelby (John) Davidson, and his two grandchildren Savannah and Wyatt Romney; sisters, Sue (Mike) Gallagher, Debi (Jerry) Wheeler, and Dawn (Terry) Byers; brother, Jeff (Trish) Kotarski; and many nieces, nephews, and adopted children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Winnie.

Funeral services

• A viewing will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 6-8 p.m. in the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah.
• A final viewing will be held Sunday, Feb. 19 at 9 a.m. with funeral services to follow at 10 a.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, St. George (435) 673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign his online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com .

July 6, 1931 — February 16, 2017

Our dear, dear sweet Rhea, loved and admired by every person that she ever met, passed away on Feb. 16, 2017, a victim of dementia. Family and friends were in attendance, prior to her demise.

Rhea was born July 6, 1931, she was the 10th and youngest child of Bonnie Buff and Emmett Vandervort in Best, Texas. She is preceded in death by brothers: John, Bryl, Charles and Joe; sisters: Vaneta, Mary, Patricia and Bonny. She was one of those unusual humans who was loved by everyone that she came in contact with.

Rhea’s early childhood was in Los Angeles, California, where she attended Catholic Girls High School, graduating with honors. She went on to secretarial school and then earned an Executive Secretary position at a forms manufacturing company called Business Systems. It was there that she met and married James “Jack” Nelson. Their marriage lasted only nine years, until his death in 1977.

Rhea was a member of the Bloomington Country Club, becoming its first female board member. After being widowed for six years, she met J. Calvin Dunn and they were married in 1986. Together they formed a thoroughbred horse racing venture called “CalRhea Farms.” Rhea’s favorite pastime was traveling and seeing the world. Together with husband Cal, they took 34 cruises, seeing most of the world.

Funeral services

• At Rhea’s request, services will not be held.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.  For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit our websitewww.metcalfmortuary.com.

November 27, 1961 — February 14, 2017

One of God’s choicest spirits was called home Feb. 14, 2017, while timber sledding in the Flat Top area near Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Jesse B. Christensen entered this world Nov. 27, 1961, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Evonne Busselberg Sharpe and Barrie Dee Christensen.

Jesse spent his youth in the Denver area, Las Vegas and St. George, Utah. Jesse attended Dixie High School in St. George, Utah, and graduated from Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. Following his graduation, Jesse served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Africa. It was while serving his mission that he first realized his musical talent as he preached the gospel by song on the streets of South Africa. Jesse was currently serving as a first counselor in the bishopric in the Steamboat Springs LDS ward.

Jesse married his soulmate, Leslie Hunt, on April 21, 1998, and they were sealed for eternity on May 10, 2014. Written on the wall of their home is the quote “Every once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale,” and what a fairytale their love is. Leslie and Jesse have a rare, unique kind of love that is unmatchable. 

Jesse is a musician, an artist, an adventurer and larger than life. Jesse leant his style and originality to everything he touched, whether he was gold leafing a temple somewhere in the world, customizing a family’s home or, together with his son Colter, bringing smiles to many with his music.

Jesse is a man who knew how to love his family, his crew, his friends and life to the fullest. He spread laughter, joy and goodness daily. Jesse lived every day in gratitude and never carried the burden of bitterness.

Jesse has a loving relationship with his Savior and is well acquainted with Him. He lived the Savior’s admonition to serve and love one another in everything he did. Jesse’s son Brady with special needs helped him learn to walk in the Savior’s way more perfectly.

Families are forever and so are friendships. If you had the privilege of crossing paths with Jesse, count yourself blessed for he saw greatness in everyone. Jesse is truly one of a kind and will be missed and forever loved by all who knew him.

Heaven just received the most amazing singing cowboy; his life flows on in endless song.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Leslie; six children: Brady Christensen, Erin Best (Kyle), Michael Mangold, Joshua Mangold, Mailis Mangold and Colter Christensen; three adopted sons: Stanley, Thomas and Bowen Johnson; three grandchildren: Kolten Best, KyLee Best and Mason Mangold.

He is also survived by his parents; stepfather Jack Sharpe; stepmother Anna Madsen; brothers: Kelly Christensen (Shelli), Chad Christensen (Sheena) and Ryan Stephens (Anji); sisters: Marsie Christensen, DeeAnna Christensen, Dawn Christensen, Leslie Christensen Bosch (Steve Foster), Stephanie Stephens, Aimee Stephens Bonham (Jason) and Lori Stephens Bolerjack (Brian); former wife and Brady and Erin’s mother, Lindy Luben Bradbury; Leslie’s parents, Kathryn Hunt and Darwin Hunt; Hunt family brothers- and sisters-in-law; many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends; his Infinity Finishes paint crew and the Schaefer catalog family.

Jesse was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Else Tegtmeier Busselberg and Wells Morris and Etha Bleak Christensen; stepgrandfather Edwin Bohi; brother-in-law LeRoy Taylor; and sister-in-law Ruth Murdock Hunt.

Funeral services

All are invited to celebrate Jesse’s magnificent life. 

• His funeral services will be held Monday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m. in the Steamboat Springs LDS Ward Building, 1155 Central Park Drive. 
• There will be a viewing preceding the funeral from 9:30-10:45 a.m. and a viewing the evening before at the same location from 5-7 p.m.
•  A visitation on Friday, Feb. 24, from 1-2:30 p.m. will be held in the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff, St. George, Utah.
• Graveside service and interment at 3 p.m. in the Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.

The family wishes to thank all who were involved in Jesse’s rescue efforts and recovery, including Routt and Garfield County Search and Rescue. 

Happy Trails, Cowboy!

Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, Saint George, UT. (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign his guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

June 27, 1940 — February 4, 2017

Heaven just got a little brighter. Our beloved Kenneth Lyle Sommerfeld peacefully finished his earthly journey on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, while in the arms of his sweetheart, Beverly Sommerfeld.

Kenneth Sommerfeld was born on June 27, 1940, in Vernal, Colorado, to Ernest and Leila Sommerfeld. He graduated from Yuma County High School on May 27, 1958. Ken served in the United States Navy as an airplane mechanic from Dec. 16, 1959, until June 9, 1964. Ken met the love of his life, Beverly Miller. They married, combining two families to make a family of eight children on July 27, 1973. Ken became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Jan. 26, 1974. Ken and Bev were sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple Nov. 25, 1975. They lived in several places including Littleton, Colorad;, Seattle, Washington; Millcreek, Utah; St. George, Utah; and most recently Cedar City, Utah.

He owned several businesses throughout his life: Century Lighting, The Scroll Bookstore, Salt Lake Lamp & Supply and Red Rock Marketing. Ken and Bev faithfully served two LDS senior missions: at the LDS Bishop’s Storehouse in St. George from July 2010 until July 2011 and at Temple Square, Family History Center, March 2014 through Feb. 2015. He loved sharing the truths received in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He spent quality time with the children in is life (including great-grandchildren) until the very end. He took the time listening to them, sharing a joke, words of wisdom and counseling when needed. Growing up as a farm boy in Colorado he had many lessons to teach. He had an enormous capacity to love all. He showed the value of a good day’s work by example, working full time to provide for his sweetheart until the end of his days. His Motto: “It is better to be kind than to be right.” Thank you for giving us this beautiful legacy. We will all strive to live as you have taught us.

Ken is survived by his wife, Beverly Sommerfeld (lives in Cedar City); brothers, Darrell and Keith Sommerfeld; children: Kelly Corson, Konie(Kenny)Baldwin, Gary(Polly)Sommerfeld, Kirk(Judy)Sommerfeld, Kirby(Stacey)Sommerfeld, Jon Sommerfeld, Kris Sommerfeld and Joy Allaire; 25 grandchildren & 17 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services

• Please join us in celebrating his wonderful life at an Open House on Sunday, Feb. 26,  at the Jolley residence 1136 S. 4425 West, Cedar City, Utah, 84720 (Westview Estates) 5-7 p.m.

April 11, 1929 — February 17, 2017

Leroy “Roy” Waldo Fitzell Jr. beloved husband, father, papa, friend, teacher and consummate dancing artist returned to his heavenly home on Feb. 17, 2017. He was 87 years old.

Roy was born April 11, 1929, in San Diego, California to Leroy Waldo Fitzell Sr. & Mary Eleanor Ord. He married Sandra Jean Hunt in Van Nuys, California on Dec. 28, 1968. They were later sealed for time and eternity in the Los Angeles California LDS temple.

He grew up in southern California where at the age of eight he began training as a dancer in all idioms. This would be his lifelong career. At 14 he performed in his first film, “Babes on Swing Street” followed by “The Loves of Carmen” starring Rita Hayworth. He continued to make theatrical and film appearances all before graduating from Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, California.

In 1949 he answered the call to serve an LDS mission in Uruguay for 2 and a half years. During that time, he performed in many South American theaters and became known as “The Dancing Missionary”. After his mission, he continued his prolific professional career in television, film, and theater in southern California. Later he pursued a distinguished career as a professor of dance at UC Irvine, and then after moving to St. George, UT, at SUU and Dixie State.

Roy and his wife, Sandra, served an LDS mission together to Madrid, Spain from 2006-2008.

Roy had a remarkable work ethic inside and outside the home and was still performing this past Dec. as Drosselmeyer in “The Nutcracker”. He was a true artist who not only performed but composed music, painted, and saw beauty in everything, including the landscapes of southern Utah.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Gilbert Ord Fitzell, and his sister, Mary Eleanor Hunter. He is survived by his wife, Sandra; sons, Kurt (Cathy) Fitzell of Spokane, Washington; Matthew (Jenny) Fitzell of St. George; daughter, Ellen (Chris) Roberts of Aliso Viejo, California; son, Andrew (Lioba) Fitzell of Dusseldorf, Germany, and nine grandchildren.

Funeral services

• A Celebration of the Life of Roy Fitzell will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m. in the Bloomington LDS Chapel, 3381 Mulberry Drive in St. George, Utah.
• The family will have a private burial service preceding at the Santa Clara City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to The Roy Fitzell Memorial Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/3ec8gfs?r=75666

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.  For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit our website www.metcalfmortuary.com.   

June 24, 1943 — February 18, 2017

Robert Hamilton Bulloch, an adventurous soul, passed away peacefully on Feb. 18, 2017, from vascular dementia. “Bob” was born on June 24, 1943, to Robert Woodrow Bulloch and Lucy Hamilton. Though his time was cut short, Bob lived a full life and will be greatly missed by many.

Bob was born and raised in Cedar City with sisters, Bonnie and Helen. During his childhood, he spent summers with cousins and herded sheep on Kanarra Mountain. It was there that he developed a deep love for the outdoors. Bob grew up during simpler times when kids listened to Johnny Cash and Gunsmoke on the radio and worked on cars after school. During his youth, he made friendships that lasted a lifetime, and on Feb. 6, 1965, he married a local girl, Beverly Shamo, in the Cedar City Rock Church. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Bob and Bev were married for 52 years and raised two children, Michael and Ember.

Soon after their marriage, the Bullochs moved to Seattle, Washington, where Bob received training and experience as a dental technician. He was naturally artistic and possessed a tremendous work ethic, which helped him become highly skilled at his craft. Bob opened a dental lab in Washington and took great pride in his profession and workmanship. After living in the Seattle area for nine years, the family returned to St. George, where Bob built another successful business, Color Country Dental Lab, which he owned and operated until his retirement.

When he wasn’t working hard to support his family, Bob enjoyed building rifles, loading bullets, and tying flies. He was an excellent bench rest marksman, earning top awards in state and national competitions. He loved deer hunting near Indian Peaks, calling coyotes on the Arizona strip, fly fishing the Green River, spending time on the point of Kanarra Mountain, and gathering pine nuts wherever he could find them. Bob loved Dutch oven potatoes, venison & eggs, making jerky, and sleeping under the stars. He cherished the southern Utah landscape, where he spent numerous days tramping about with his lifelong friend, Doug McKnight. Bob was a member of the LDS church and served in many positions, including Bishop of the St. George 3^rd Ward. He valued his callings and influenced many through leadership and service.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents: Robert and Lucy. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; sisters: Bonnie Holyoak (Robert) and Helen Wolff (Mike); children: Mike (Angie Eckman) of Eden, Utah and Ember (Eric Mitchell) of St. George. Bob was proud of his children and cherished time spent with his seven grandchildren: Jessica (Michael Roberts), Jenessa (Justin Morgan), Tanner, Hunter, Brittani, Austin, and Cameron and three great-grandchildren:  Xiola, Brandon, and Elise. Some of his favorite memories include family trips to Lake Powell and road trips with Beverly in the Airstream. Bob often quoted from his favorite book, The Hobbit, saying, “Adventures make you late for supper.” As he embarks on a new adventure, we hope Bob is routinely late for supper.

The family is grateful for the unwavering loyalty and support of good friends and neighbors. They especially thank caregivers of The Retreat at Sunbrook and Applegate Hospice, who nurtured Bob during his most difficult days.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m. at the St. George LDS 3^rd Ward Chapel located at 200 West 500 North.
• Visitations will be held Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and on Saturday, prior to services, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.
• Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.  For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit our website www.metcalfmortuary.com.

January 19, 1919 — February 17, 2017

Clarence “Click” Emil Petersen, age 98, passed away peacefully on Feb. 17, 2017, in Ivins, Utah. He was born on Jan. 19, 1919 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Mads Emil and Gladys Croxford Petersen. He married Donna Howick on July 2, 1940, in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Click loved his family, hunting, fishing and golfing. He left a legacy to his children of integrity and hard work. He served in the US Army during WWII. Click and his brother, Don, owned and operated Western Auto Wrecking. After 38 years, he retired and sold the business to his son, Gary, so he could visit his Bayhorse Ranch in Challis, Idaho and golf in St. George, Utah. Click eventually moved to Mesquite, Nevada before moving into the Ivins Veterans Home, where he passed away.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Petersen, Mesquite, Nevada; children, Gary Lynn (Linda Flowers) Petersen, Ivins, Utah; daughter, Linda Lee Erickson, Mesquite, Nevada; 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and a brother, Frank (Janice) Petersen, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

The family would like to thank the staff of the Ivins Veterans Home for their care and tender ministering to Click.

Funeral services

• Graveside services will be held Friday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. in the Ivins City Cemetery, Ivins, Utah.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign his guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.