October 8, 1926 — February 24, 2017

Roland Noal Austin, 90, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, in St, George, Utah. He was born Oct. 8, 1926, in Corning, California, to Harold and Vernie Loutzenhiser Austin.

Roland was a World War II veteran in the United States Navy. After the war, he worked as a lumberjack in Oregon.  He later went to A & E School and after graduation worked in the aircraft industry. He worked on the Surveyor Program sending the first satellite to the moon.

He retired from Hughes Aircraft. He built race cars (Sprint cars) as a hobby and also loved fishing off his Bass boat. Playing poker was another life-long love of his. We are sure there is a seat waiting for him at the big Poker table in the sky.

Roland and his wife of 55 years, Erna, moved to St. George, Utah. He loved it here. He was a good and honest man.

Roland is survived by his wife and her children: Hans C. McBride of Hermosa Beach, California, and Tricia (Abel) Ramirez of Tucson, Arizona; three grandchildren: Christopher, Lucas, and DeAnna, also of Tucson, Arizona.

Funeral services

• As per his wishes, there will be no services. His body was donated to the University of Utah Medical School in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The family would like to give thanks to the wonderful people at the Veterans Nursing Home in Ivins, Utah, and Alliance Hospice for the loving care he received during his last month on the earth.

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.

July 12, 1918 — February 22, 2017

Lauren Milton Roundy, 98, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather passed away, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at the Veterans Home in Ivins, Utah. He was known by his family and friends as “Milt”.

Milton was born July 12, 1918, in Alton, Utah to parents, Lauren S. and Viola Cutler Roundy. He grew up with his sister, Laura, and two brothers, Paul and Chester. As a youth and teenager, he worked herding sheep all over southern Utah. He loved hunting and fishing and pursued those activities as long as he was able.

He served in World War II in the Navy as an Aviation Metalsmith First Class and was stationed at the Naval Air Station at Kahului, Maui, Hawaii.

Upon discharge from the Navy, he attended Air Conditioning School in Chicago, Illinois. He moved to Reno, Nevada, after completing school, where he met Janice, at a church meeting. They had a whirlwind courtship and married on June 11, 1947, six weeks after they met. At the time of her passing, they had been married almost 67 years.

Milton worked through the years as an air conditioning and refrigeration repairman and completed his career working at the Naval Air Station in Fallon, Nevada.

After retirement, Milton and Janice, moved to St. George, Utah, so they would be close to the St. George LDS Temple where they served faithfully for over 20 years.

Milton and Janice were called on an LDS mission to San Diego, California, where they served in the mission office. Both served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many capacities throughout their lives, including singing in their ward and stake church choirs. Milton served as a ward or stake clerk in almost every ward or stake they lived in, sometimes several times. He also served as High Priest Group Leader. He was a true student of the scriptures. After he lost his ability to read due to macular degeneration, he would listen to the scriptures on tape and went through the Standard Works multiple times.

Milton was preceded in death by his wife, Janice, in 2014. He is survived by his six children: Jerry (Ellen), Bruce (Virginia), Debbie (Dan), Janny, Kathy, Tammy; 15 grandchildren, 14 living; 40 great-grandchildren, 39 living, and one great-great-granddaughter.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Monday, Feb. 27, 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 9-10:30 a.m.
• Interment will be at the Tonaquint 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.

November 15, 1960 — February 27, 2017

Danelle Leigh Dinning, 56, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, Mom, and mimi returned to her Heavenly Father surrounded by her loving family Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, in St. George, Utah. She was born Nov. 15, 1960, in Los Angeles, California, to Warren and Suzanne Miller Dinning.

Danelle graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education and she first taught in Duarte, California, influencing so many youths to better their lives, including her son, Chris. She moved to St. George, where she continued her passion for teaching. The influence she had upon her students was evident, as throughout the years they would stop and visit her. She showed unconditional love and support for her family, especially children. Danelle always had a smile on her face no matter what she was going through and supported her son and all her family in their extra-curricular activities. She also had many friends with whom she was able to share unconditional love and support.

She is survived by her brother, Chris; her sister, Julie Stoney and family; father, Warren Dinning; and her son, Chris Brinagh and family; along with a great number of extended family, who all lover her dearly. She is preceded in death by her beloved mother, and brother, and other relatives who now greet her with open arms.

We will always carry your memories in our hearts.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Friday, March 3, at 2 p.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.
• A visitation will be held Friday, prior to services, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.
• 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 website www.metcalfmortuary.com.

December 6, 1919 — February 27, 2017

Mary Michela Ponza Hopkins, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother for a posterity of about 100 lived almost a century. She died on Feb. 27, 2017, at age 97 in St George, Utah.

She was born Dec. 6, 1919, in Glenwood, California, on her uncle’s ranch. Soon her Italian immigrant parents established Ponza Ranch in Soquel. Giovanni Antonio Ponza and Maria Madalena Tolosano both came from San Michele Prazzo in northern Italy.

As a young woman, she moved to Redwood City, California, for work opportunities at a bakery which led to her meeting Joseph Eugene (Gene) Hopkins, her future husband. They married in 1940 in Capitola, California, with their service being performed by Gene’s brother, Bernard James Hopkins, a Catholic Priest. After a few years of young married life, Gene was drafted into WWII so Mary returned to Soquel for the years of his deployment. Their daughter was born the day Gene had left for the European Front.

As Mary records in her life history, Gene’s return was the most joyful day ever. They returned to Redwood City, added two sons to their family and prospered. Mary loved being a homemaker and worked at that prospect, making her home a place of respite, joy and delicious home cooked meals.

After a few years, Mary felt the need to find religious training for her young family and began learning about various faiths before being baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That decision was a tremendous game changer for the good. As members of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, she and Gene have traveled the world, serving as missionaries in the Philippine Islands and loving people of all cultures.

She leaves a legacy of love and faith, a simple yet deep faith that was shown in her compassion and charity to many over the years. One of her motto’s was: Men’s work is from Sun to Sun; Women’s work is never done.

She lived by this, always serving, seeking, and reaching out to others. Even in recent years when her memory was cloudy, she was gracious, kind and compassionate. Her expressions of love to others emulated the Saviors.

She and Gene have 18 grandchildren and 66 great-grandchildren who continue in the faith to which she led. We love her and anticipate meeting her in the Spirit World. She is survived by her husband of over 76 years, Gene Hopkins, and children: Jeanne (David) Macdonald, Joe (Sophia) Hopkins and Jon (Andria) Hopkins. We thank those at River Road Beehive Home for three years of kind service and friendship.

Funeral services

• Funeral Services will be held March 4 at 1 p.m. in the Foothills LDS Ward Chapel, 20179 E. 2450 South, St George, Utah.
• Visitation will be at noon prior at the same location.

Family and friends are invited to share condolences online at www.SerinityStG.com. Arrangements and memorial tree planting are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home.

The following is included at Gene’s request:

Alzheimer’s Request

Do not ask me to remember
Don’t try to make me understand
Let me rest and know you’re with me
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I’m confused beyond your concept
I’m sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you,
To be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me
Do not scold or curse or cry,
I can’t help the way I’m acting,
I can’t be different though I try.

Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone.
Please don’t fail to stand beside me,
Love me till my life is gone.

January 12, 1934 — February 27, 2017

Dian Douglas Gregory died Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, from the effects of a cerebral hemorrhage. She spent her final hours surrounded by loving family members and friends. Born Jan. 12, 1934, in Long Beach, California, to Helen Miles, St. George native, and Roscoe Douglas, of Payson, Utah.

Dian was blessed with natural grace and beauty, and her vibrant personality lit up every room she entered. Her grandchildren referred to her as “Funny” and every child was convinced of being grandma’s favorite.

Raised in a family that prized and collected antiques, Dian’s home was a showplace for historic paintings, flow blue china, early American furniture and exotic Oriental rugs. She had a penchant for decorating, but we never got too accustomed to the look — on the next visit, everything would be in a different place.

This stylish and sometimes silly woman has left us with a wealth of laughs and anecdotes to remember her by — her legacy lives on.

Dian is survived by her husband, Jack; sons, Douglas (Cheryl), Robert (Diana), John (Maria), and daughter Jacqueline (Todd) Wheeler; brother, Robert Douglas; sister, Janifer (Tom) Callahan; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a vast extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends. Preceded in death by parents and brother, Bill.

The family would like to thank the attentive staff at Dixie Regional Medical Center, and the gentle support of Spilsbury Mortuary.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Friday, March 3, at 2 p.m. in the St. George Main Street Chapel, 166 S. Main, St. George, UT.
• There will be a viewing Thursday, March 2, from 5-7 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff, and prior to services Friday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Chapel.
• Interment will take place in the Tonaquint Cemetery.

We love you Dian!

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

April 22, 1929 — February 21, 2017

Miles W. Urie, 87, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, of natural causes in St. George, Utah.

Miles was born April 22, 1929, in Cedar City, Utah, to George Wood Urie and Anna Carolyn Miles. He was the middle child of three; older brother, David D. Urie, and younger sister, Patricia Harrison. Miles married Dorothea Porter and was later divorced. He married Sara Ann Orton in Nov. 1991, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and they enjoyed 25 happy years together.

He was a 1947 graduate of Cedar City High School where he was the quarterback of the football team. He then attended BAC, currently known as Southern Utah University, for a time and played basketball there. During summers Miles drove a bus for the National Park Service making the circuit from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, through Zion and Bryce Canyon, which he remembered fondly. He attended and eventually graduated from the University of Utah in 1956. He remained a loyal fan and followed their sports exploits closely. During these years he also served honorably in the U.S. Army infantry in Korea. He was honorably discharged in August of 1953.

Miles was a tennis enthusiast and after moving to St. George played tennis several times a week at Green Valley. He participated in the Huntsman Senior Games for several years, even winning a medal in 2000. Miles was also a lover and appreciator of music. He enjoyed classical, more particularly, opera. He also loved the 40s big bands and jazz.

Miles had a varied and interesting professional life which took him from Salt Lake City to California and back. He used his engaging personality to sell and market clothing and building materials but ultimately marketing the services of substance abuse treatment facilities. He even worked as a counselor in that field for a time, helping those who struggled to put their lives in order and become productive again.

Miles is survived by his wife, Sara, his sister, Patricia Harrison of St. George, his children: Edmund Urie of California, Millicent Downs of Florida, Steven R. Urie of Mississippi, and a granddaughter, Chelsea Downs of Florida. Miles is also survived by Sara’s children: Rachel Hatch Auernig and Mitchel B. Hatch.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, David, and his son, Miles W. Urie, Jr.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Alliance Hospice for their tender care and guidance during Miles’ final weeks.

Funeral services

• A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held Saturday, March 4, at 2 p.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.

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.

July 16, 1951 — February 19, 2017

Paul Shepherd McKean, age 65, passed away Feb. 19, 2017, in Reno, Nevada. He was born July 16, 1951, in Asheville, North Carolina, to Theo and Leslie McKean. He grew up in St. George and Cedar City, Utah. He served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ohio and Kentucky. He served 20 years in the United States Air Force (1974-1994), receiving multiple decorations and achievements. He earned a Ph.D. and worked as a skilled psychotherapist for several years following his military career.

Paul has three brothers: Joseph M. McKean (Angela) of St. George, Utah, Matthew E. McKean (Julie) of Salt Lake City, Utah, and David T. McKean (Leah) of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Paul married Cerelina Veras in the Oakland, California, LDS Temple and raised four sons: Jesse P. McKean (Kathleen), Shaun R. McKean (Robyn), Kelly M. McKean (deceased) and J. Kade McKean. His grandchildren include: Michael I. McKean, Jesse M. McKean, Celeste C. McKean, Cooper B. McKean and Ryder S. McKean. His surviving children and grandchildren live in the greater St. George area. His wife, three of his four children, and his five grandchildren survived him in death. His father and one of his sons preceded him in death.

Paul loved God, his wife, family, extended family and countless friends. He was a man of strength, courage, selflessness and humility. He had genuine compassion and respect for everyone he met. He was a principled man who possessed resilience and a strong work ethic. He always found a way to improve the lives of others. His legacy will live on. We are all much better for having known Paul.

Funeral services

• Visitation will be Friday, March 3, at 10 a.m. at Pine View Mortuary, 566 N. Mall Drive, St. George, Utah.
• Graveside service and interment will be Friday, March 3, at 11 a.m. at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St George, Utah.

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

August 18, 1926 — February 25, 2017

James Warren Taylor, 90 years old, passed away of natural causes Feb. 25, 2017, at the Coral Canyon Beehive House. He was born Aug. 18, 1926, in Laketown, Utah, to Alley Vernon Johnson and Joseph Warren Taylor. He married Maxine Dabling Aug. 27, 1947, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

His early years were spent helping his father on the farm and enjoying the hills and Bear Lake near Laketown. He was called to duty in the Army Air Corp in 1944 where he trained as a B-29 turret gunner. After the war, he married his sweetheart, Maxine (Mickey). He graduated Weber College 1948, Utah State 1950 and received his commission as a 2nd lieutenant in the USAF in June 1950. Received his USAF flying wings in June of 1951.

James was in the Air Force for 27 years and a veteran of three wars, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Serving various tours of duty including working on his master’s degree at Texas A&M and then onto the Pentagon and State Department in Washington D.C. Overseas assignments included Clark AFB, Philippines, Tachikawa, Japan.

In 1967 pilots were needed in Vietnam and at 41 years of age with a wife and 3 children, James went from a desk job to the jungles of southeast Asia. He was assigned to fly C-123 agent orange missions with the “Ranch Hands” at Bien Hoa AFB in Vietnam.

He retired as a Lt. Colonel from the Air Force in 1969 and shortly after moved to Monument, Colorado, for 3 years then on to Eden, Utah, where he and his wife lived for 30 years while serving multiple missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one in Salt Lake at the LDS College, the other in Toronto, Canada.  After tiring of the cold and snow, James and his wife moved to Sky Mountain in Hurricane, Utah, in 2000 to enjoy sunshine, golf and great people. 

He is survived by his wife, Maxine of Hurricane, daughter Terresia Lyn Taylor of Hurricane, Utah, son Kevin Johnson Taylor (DeeAnn) of Hurricane, Utah, Jeffery James Taylor (Pamela) of Las Vegas, Nevada, sister, Elaine Hatch of Randolf, Utah, brother, Robert Marion Taylor (Ladell) of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, and many grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Jay, Vernon, Lawrence, Wallace; sister, Jean, and twin infant brothers, Elliott and Ellsworth. 

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 4, at 11 a.m. at the Hurricane LDS 11^th Ward Chapel, 452 N. 2600 West, Hurricane, UT.
• There will be a viewing Saturday prior to services from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Chapel.
• Interment will take place in the Hurricane City Cemetery.

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

April 29, 1936 — February 27, 2017

Myrle Thacker Jensen age 80, passed away on Feb. 27, 2017. She was born on April 29, 1936, in Roosevelt, Utah, to Claude Thacker and Hilda Grace Fullmer Thacker.

Myrle was an energetic compassionate loving person and always willing to give of her time. Myrle loved to be in the mountains and loved the majestic beauty of the Wasatch, Uinta, and Teton mountains. Myrle lived and grew up in Kamas, Utah, and graduated and attended South Summit High School and graduated in 1954. She was very active in high school events, particularly chorus. Myrle has a beautiful soprano voice and sang with two close friends who performed at many events, church meetings, marriages and funerals. 

Myrle’s great passion was learning new things and becoming a school teacher. She started at BYU with very little means and a scholarship from the Future Homemakers of America. To get by, she worked two jobs at 14 hours a day in the summers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, while continuing her musical interests. She graduated in 1958 with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and minor in Human Development and Family Relations.

Myrle met Carl Jensen of Ely, Nevada, at BYU and after Carl finished serving his country in the Army, they were married on Nov. 27, 1957, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Myrle was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in several positions in the Relief Society organization.

Myrle traveled and lived with her husband during the great migration of engineers that triumphed over the Cold War. They lived in Arizona, Illinois, Texas, Wyoming and she taught school in the states of Utah, Colorado and California. She also worked as an executive administrator for an energy logistics and distribution company and an administrative assistant for Farmers Home Administration. During this time, she became a strong advocate and proponent of equal pay for women and took the organizational lead of the formation of a new branch of the AFL-CIO in Utah. She was also a passionate conservative. 

She loved her family dearly and supported their endeavors and was proud of their accomplishments.

She is survived by her husband, Carl; son, Derrick of St. George; and daughters, Christine Milligan (Michael) Havre, Montana, Lynn Shrum (Glenn) St. George, Utah, and Jennifer Chapdelaine (Jim) of Apple Valley, California; grandchildren, Sarah, Deirdre, James, Loren and Abby and four great-grandchildren; her sister, Mary Lou Spaulding, and brothers; Chad, Dallas and Nile Thacker, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, sisters Claudia, Joyce, Ann, Fay and Linda and brother Don.

Funeral services

• A viewing will be held on Friday, March 3, from 5-7 p.m.
• Funeral services on Saturday, March 4 at 11 a.m. both held at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff, St. George, Utah.
• Graveside dedication at Tonaquint Cemetery immediately following.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign Myrle’s online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

January 31, 1933 — February 24, 2017

Joyce Gour, 84, passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, in St George, Utah.  She was born, Jan. 31, 1933, in Canada to Roy and Dolly Mott. She married the love of life Joseph Gour in Canada on February 25, 1950. They are now finally together again in heaven. She has missed him dearly ever since his passing away a few years ago.

Born and raised in Canada, then moved with her husband, daughter, and son to Southern California. She was a homemaker and stayed home to raise her family. Joyce and Joe later moved to Grants, New Mexico, in the early 1990s and owned and ran a motel. After selling the motel they settled in St. George, Utah, and bought properties to rent out. Joyce enjoyed gambling, collecting porcelain dolls and loved her Chihuahuas.

In memory of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her daughter; Brenda Ochard of St George, Utah; grandchildren Chanel, Jason and Kylah Gore of Washington, Utah; sister Francis Quenville of Canada; brother Gordon Mott of Canada; and extended family in Canada. She is reunited again with her husband Joseph Gour, son Christopher Gour, son-in-law Michael Orchard, her two siblings Joan Bertrand, Bob Mott and parents Roy and Dolly Mott.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Pine View Mortuary, telephone 435-986-4222. Please visit the mortuary website www.pineviewmortuary.com for full obituary and to sign the guest book.

February 7, 1939 — February 28, 2017

Frank “Clair” Langston, 78, beloved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, great-great grandpa and ever loving friend passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, in St. George, Utah. Clair lived a great and full life. He was born Feb. 7, 1939, in Hurricane, Utah, to Francis Ivan and Maud Langston. Clair was the fourth of six children, his siblings being Elaine, Nedra, Lynn, Keith, and Jean.

Clair spent his youth roaming the countryside of Hurricane, Utah. He worked alongside his father, Ivan, farming, peddling fruit from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Salt Lake, Utah, and then worked and owned the slaughter house with his family. Clair attended all his schooling in Hurricane and graduated high school in 1957.

Clair married Ada Marie Garner on Aug. 2, 1957, in Hurricane, Utah. They moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Clair started working for Southwest Gas. He worked there for 33 years. From this union, Clair and Ada had four children: Tina, Dallan, Terrance, and Shawna. Later Clair and Ada were divorced.

Clair met and then married Sheila Langston on Feb. 25, 1989, in Las Vegas, Nevada. With this union, Sheila brought three more children, Kristen, Stephen, and Shayne; and Brandy their dog. For 17 years, Clair was never seen without his puppy, Brandy, who we are sure was waiting for him in Heaven.

Clair loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling and especially camping with his family. He spent a lot of time exploring the Southwest with his wife Sheila. Clair used to be an avid bowler. His biggest pride and joy was his family. Clair spent many hours teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren about rocks and finding the best ones to polish.  He was a prankster and had the best sense of humor. His favorite names were Garber Slack and Leonard Fogglergreen. His favorite sayings were “I’ll decide!” “Talk at you later!” and “I’ll reform your raftergaft!”    

He is survived by his wife Sheila of Leeds, Utah; children Tina (Dee) Johnson, Dallan (Kim) Langston, Terrance (Brenda) Langston, Shawna (Jim) Fesler, Kristen (Eddie Ray) Tung Loong, Steven (Kevin) Finch, and Shayne (Kimberly) Finch. He has 19 grandkids, 47 great-grandkids, and 2 great-great-grandkids.

Funeral services and family requests

• There will be a Celebration of Clair’s life Saturday, March 11, at Leeds Park in Utah from 1-4 p.m.  
• Please write your favorite memory or story about Clair that you would like to share with his family and leave with his family, along with any pictures.    
• In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Operation Smile: www.operationsmile.org.

Arrangements have been made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Clair’s online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

October 14, 1931 — February 27, 2017

Janet Bohner Kirby, of Ivins, Utah, passed away on Feb. 27, 2017, at the Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah.

Janet Bohner was born on Oct. 14, 1931, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1949, and from the University of Nebraska in 1954. After a short stint as an airline stewardess, she moved to Loveland, Colorado, where she began her life-long career in teaching. In 1955, she married Robert Kirby, a fellow teacher who had recently returned stateside after service in the United States Air Force. The two remained married until Robert’s death in 2011.

Although Janet taught in Colorado and California, the majority of her career was spent in Kearney, Nebraska. She received her Master’s Degree in Education from Kearney State College in 1984.

Never one to demand the spotlight, Janet’s skill and compassion as a teacher was nonetheless recognized by her pupils. It was not uncommon for students to remain in contact with her for years, and even decades, after passing through her second-grade classroom. Well after Janet’s retirement in 1997, cards and letters from her students continued arriving, thanking her for being such a positive role model.

After retirement, Janet and Robert moved to Ivins, Utah. There, Janet split her time between volunteering, writing, painting, and exploring alarmingly remote back roads with her husband. In the less hair-raising of these pastimes, Janet was twice awarded by the Utah Writer’s Guild for her picture books.

Throughout her life, Janet provided an endless well of support for her family. She is survived by sons: Greg, Robert and William Kirby; and by granddaughters, Marissa and Rebecca Kirby; and grandsons, Zachery and Joshua Kirby.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Ivins Animal Shelter & Adoption Center: 474 N. 200 West, Ivins, Utah, 84738.

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.

October 4, 1918 — March 3, 2017

Our dear mother, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on March 3, 2017, to be reunited with her loving husband Verl D. Schemensky, son Karl, and grandson Shane, along with many friends and family who passed before her.

Mary Fay Allman was born on Oct. 4, 1918, to Albert and Almira Allman. She married Verl D. Schemensky on May 10, 1937. They had three children: Geniel (Arlyn), Karl (Linda), and Mary Ann (Ron). On May 10, 1954, they were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple and all three children were sealed to them.

Verl and Fay had seven grandchildren: Mark (Lori) Sperry, Danny (Lynette) Schemensky, Amy (Todd) Plotts, Billy Schemensky, Shawn Offret, Shane (Sherry) Offret, and Shantelle (Mark) Lund.

Thanks to Autumn Park Assisted Living, where she resided for the last seven months, where she made a lot of new friends, and also to Canyon Hospice for their care. A special thanks to Dr. Paul Gooch, who worked for many years to retain her eyesight.

Funeral services

• Graveside services will be held Tuesday, March 7, at 2 p.m. at the Washington City Cemetery, 300 N. 300 East, Washington, Utah.
• A visitation will be held prior to services, from 12-1:30 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd, St. George, Utah.

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.

February 2, 1941 — February 24, 2017

Lora Lee Smith was born Feb. 2, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, to Charles and Bernice Hill. She took her last breaths in this world on Feb. 24, 2017, in Miami, Florida, following a boating accident in the Florida Keys. It was fitting that Lora spent her final days in a place of such beauty and sunshine. The impression she left on most everyone she met was that she was a vibrant, beautiful woman.

Most of her youth was spent in Southern California, where she developed her love of the ocean and beaches. Lora attended high school at El Segundo High School and graduated in 1959. She did some professional modeling while in high school and was a beauty from the beginning. Just a few short months after graduation from high school she married K.L. Smith, in Inglewood on Sept. 12, 1959. Soon after, they started their own family. Steve was their first born in 1961, followed by Ron in 1963, Susan in 1967, and Darrell in 1972. Lora was a very busy mom. The family moved to John Day, Oregon, in 1969, and then to Hermiston, Oregon. They settled there on a couple of acres where the kids enjoyed room to roam and a little taste of country life.

From 1976-1985, Lora went to work in the Hermiston School District as an office aide. She was a bright spot in the day of any student having to be sent to the office. She met them all with her quick wit, brilliant green eyes, glowing smile, and loving attitude. Students left her presence feeling reassured and better about themselves. She was a definite blessing to them.

In 1985, she moved to Yakima, Washington. Here she decided to follow a dream and went to beauty school. She graduated in 1987 and later achieved her master esthetician license. This was a very proud moment for her. Settling into a new area, still with kids to raise, finishing school was no easy task. But Lora was determined to accomplish a goal once she set it. It is a trait that she has passed on to her children and grandchildren. She happily worked in a salon in Yakima until they moved again to St. George, Utah, in 1990. Here, she owned and operated a salon of her own. She spent many years as a representative of skin care and cosmetic companies in addition to taking care of clients at local spas. She had a gift of putting people at ease that was a bonus in her field.

After 42 years, Lora and K.L. parted but she stayed in the St George area. She continued to work and spent as much time as she could pursuing her love of travel. Many trips were made with friends that left Lora with incredible and lasting memories. She spent as much time as she could with her children and grandchildren always sharing her adventures with them. She was a very proud mother and grandmother. While she always had advice and encouraging words to share with them, more often than not, time with her was spent laughing. Lora truly enjoyed life and appreciated the beauty in it. She thought each and every one of her grandchildren to be the best there was.

Lora was a member of the Elks Lodge. She also loved animals. By volunteering at the Ivins Animal Shelter, and by pet sitting, she was able to continue to travel often while still getting her pet “fixes” in. She was always one who loved to learn and continued to take classes at Dixie State University just to study new things. Lora had a passion for painting and always liked an artistic challenge. She also loved to dance especially to country western music. She showed off her moves at her 75th birthday party in all her glory surrounded by friends and family. Lora exuded joy on such occasions and her adoration of life was contagious. She truly seemed ageless in such moments. Her smile, laughter, determination and spunk will be missed by the many that loved her.

Lora is survived by her children Steven Smith, his wife Caroline and their children Ryan, Katie, and Nola, son Ron, his wife Beth and children Nikki [with great-granddaughters Brooklyn and Maisy], Ashley [great-grandson Hunter], and Travis, daughter Susan Leuthauser , her husband Tom, and daughters Sabrina, Rachel and Kayla, and son Darrell, his wife RaeDawn, and sons Wyatt and Riley, and by her brothers Don Hill of St George and Ken Hill of Eugene, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles Franklin Hill and Anna Bernice Bagby.

Funeral services

• A celebration of Lora’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 13, at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St George, Utah.
• Private family interment will be held in May in Ogden, Utah.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673- 2454. Friends and family are invited to sign Lora’s online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

April 23, 1926 — March 3, 2017

Frances Peterson Anderson, 90 years of age, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 3, 2017, in St. George, Utah. She leaves behind her three children Lorna (John) Killebrew, Darrel (Marsha) Anderson, and Denise (Douglas) Laub, 15 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Francis was born on April 23, 1926, one of 10 children and the youngest surviving daughter of John Peterson and Katie Funk. She spent her early years on her family farm in Sterling, Utah, until she met the love of her life, Lorin James Anderson, and they eloped to Nevada on Nov. 26, 1942. They were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on Oct. 2, 1951.

Together they raised their children while living in many places including, Aurora, Utah; Sterling, Utah; Idaho, Salt Lake City, Utah; Henderson, Nevada; Big Lake, Canada; Washington, Utah; Veyo, Utah; Ephraim, Utah; and most recently Ivins, Utah. Frances and Lorin were seldom apart until he passed away on Aug. 25, 2009.

Some of her fondest memories included the time that she spent as a post mistress in rural Canada while she and her family worked to make a living on their ranch. She joined in the tractor work, the cattle drives, and even took in two student boarders to help make ends meet. She was a well-dressed lady who was not afraid to pull trailers and get her hands dirty working.

Frances was a skilled and precise seamstress who made dolls, crocheted afghans and quilted blankets for her children and grandchildren. She showed her love for them in all that she did, and she was particularly concerned with making sure her visiting friends and family were well fed. She always had a stash of treats to share.

Frances especially loved road trips and camping. During their retirement years, she and Lorin owned camp trailers that they would take and stay in during the summer. Her grandchildren particularly loved fishing and playing late night card games with her at Panguitch Lake.

Our cherished mother and grandmother has left us with a legacy of love, and she will be deeply missed.

Funeral services

• A graveside service was held in her honor on Tuesday, March 7, at 12 p.m. in Sterling, Utah.

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

September 19, 1933 — March 7, 2017

On March 7, 2017, at age 83, Veldon Eugene Lefler returned home to his Heavenly Father and reunited with his beautiful eternal companion Carline (Marsing) Lefler, to whom he was married for 62 years.

Veldon was born in Charleston, Utah, to Curtis and Edith Amber (North) Lefler on Sept. 19, 1933. He married his sweetheart, Carline, on March 5, 1953, in Duchesne, Utah. On Jan. 30, 1962, their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.

Shortly after their marriage, Veldon and Carline moved to Laredo, Texas, where Veldon was stationed with the United States Air Force. Veldon enlisted with the Air Force in Aug. 1951 and served in the Korean War until 1955. He was a member of the fire and aircraft rescue team, where his job was to secure F86 fighter planes and rescue the pilots from crashes. For his efforts, Veldon earned a Korean SV Medal, National Defense Ribbon, UN SV Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.

Veldon worked hard to support his family. He was employed with Dick Morrison Tire Company in Salt Lake City, Utah, for many years and later moved to the Uintah Basin and worked in law enforcement with Duchesne City and later Duchesne County, where he retired in 1994. After retirement, he moved to Washington, Utah. Veldon and Carline served LDS missions as directors of the extraction program in a mission area comprising the St. George Temple Visitors Center and Southern Utah historical sites. They also served in the LDS Bishop’s Storehouse for 13 years.

Veldon loved spending time outdoors with his family, especially hunting, camping and fishing. He also loved working with his hands, sculpting Anasazi pots and rock ruins, carving wooden walking sticks and Air Force planes, making dream catchers and quilting by hand.

Veldon is survived by his three children: Sharlene Imes, St. George, Utah; Ronald C. Lefler (Jaynee) Mt. Home, Utah; and Karen Doty (Chip), St. George, Utah. He had 10 grandchildren: Tonya (Allred) Stewart, Arthur Allred, April (Altenhoff) Taylor, Erica (Altenhoff) Bown, Jason Lefler, Autumn (Lefler) Winn, Rashelle (Doty) Muntifering, Stefanie (Doty) Plothow, and Christopher Doty. He also had 26 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Veldon is preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Lefler and Edith Amber North; wife, Carline Marsing; brothers, Tharol Lefler and Donnen Lefler; and grandson, Mike Allred.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at the Southern Utah Veterans Home for their care and compassion for Veldon.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 11.
• There will be a viewing Saturday prior to services from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Interment service will take place immediately following at Washington City Cemetery.

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 25, 1954 — March 8, 2017

Jennie Lynn Christiansen Stilson passed away peacefully at her home on March 8, 2017, with her family and loved ones surrounding her after a brief struggle with cancer. She was born on Oct. 25, 1954, in Mayfield, Utah, to Harold McNeil and Ruth Beck Christiansen. 

In her early years, she enjoyed spending time doing anything with family and friends. She loved outdoor activities and sporting events and anything else that her children were involved in. Jennie loved learning and graduated from Snow College. She shared this love of learning with her children and those around her. She was a voracious reader and even spent time as a school librarian. Jennie was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many church callings and capacities over the years and enjoyed sharing her testimony with those around her. Her greatest calling and joy in life was motherhood.

She married Blaine Stilson on June 30, 1973, in the Manti Utah LDS Temple where they were sealed for time and eternity. Jennie is survived by her husband, Blaine; her four children: Jason and Mindy Stilson of St. George; Brandon and Shanna Stilson of Santaquin; Chelsie and Sean Wasden of Nampa, Idaho; and Shan and Haleigh Stilson of St. George; her mother, Ruth Beck Christiansen of Mayfield, Utah; and 19 grandchildren. She is also survived by her two brothers and sister; Karl Christiansen, Randy Christiansen and Lana Hogan. She is preceded in death by her father, Harold Christiansen, and brothers, Mark and Howard Christiansen. 

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 11, at 1 p.m. at the LDS Morningside Stake Center, 879 S. River Road in St. George, Utah.  
• A viewing will be held on Friday, March 10, at Spilsbury Mortuary from 5-7 p.m. and again on Saturday, March 11, proceeding the funeral at the LDS Morningside Stake Center from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
• Interment will be at the St. George Cemetery under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary. 

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Jennie’s online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

July 27, 1951 — March 4, 2017

Chris Goris, at the age of 65, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2017. He was born July 27, 1951, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Chris Goris Sr. and Genele (Jeane) Smith.

Chris moved to Southern California in 1970, thereafter he joined the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War. During his time in the military he served as a Corpsman. Chris enjoyed his time in the Navy. He met many men he looked up to, who became his friends while aboard ship. Many were LDS and they conducted church services while on board. Chris later married his Chief’s daughter, Debbie Phelps, when they got back to Virginia, later divorced. Chris married Lucinda “Cyndi” Crump in 2006.

Chris and Debbie had one daughter, Melina. He also adopted Debbie’s son, Erik. They moved back to the Salt Lake Valley, where Chris continued his schooling at BYU, graduating with his Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Business. He had a special gift for finding a solution to problems.

Later, Chris moved back to Southern California and made a career change to what would become a lifelong profession into the Property Management field. He worked very hard at being fair while still making a profit for the business. Everyone who worked with him said he was a man of his word. He was a living example of his early teaching of what it meant to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Chris is survived by his wife, Lucinda; his mother, Jeane Rippon and his step-father, Joe Tiesi, of St. George, Utah.  He is preceded in death by his father, Chris Goris Sr., and his brother William Tracy Goris.  He leaves behind many wonderful friends, cousins, nieces, aunts and uncles.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 18, at 2 p.m. at the Green Valley LDS 4^th Ward Chapel, 124 N. Valley View Drive, St. George, Utah.
• A visitation will be held prior to services at 1 p.m.
• Interment will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the LDS Missionary Fund.

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.

September 3, 1946 — March 8, 2017

Gregory Lawton was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to John and Marie Lawton. Gregory married his eternal sweetheart, Phyllis Hinton, in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in May 1969. He passed away in his home in Hurricane, Utah, from heart failure, Wednesday, March 8, 2017.

He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1970. He loved to learn and took every opportunity to increase his knowledge and skill.

Gregg spent his life helping others: two years as a school teacher, 34 years as an adjudicator for the State of Utah Department of Workforce Services, 41 years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, 30 years at Dixie Care and Share/Hurricane Food Bank and 13 years as Hurricane Valley Heritage Park Foundation President. He also served in various church callings, some of which included 38+ years as ward clerk/stake auditor, 10 years as scout master/leader and 50 years as a dedicated home teacher. Most of all was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

Gregg died as he lived, in the service of others. He will be truly missed by all those who loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Hinton Lawton; their children: Gregory Scott Lawton (Ann), Lesa Marie Deadman (Robert), Clinton Anthony Lawton (Melissa), Lanna Lynnet Ray (Danny), John Carlon Lawton (Callie) and Loren William Lawton (Asenath); and 29 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Lawton; his brother and nephew, Jeffrery and Buddy Lawton; granddaughter Kathyerine “Kate” Anne Lawton; and in-laws Carlon and Verna Hinton.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Monday, March 13, at 11 a.m. in the Hurricane Stake Center chapel, 677 S. 700 West, Hurricane, Utah.
• There will be visitations held from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, and again from 9-10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 13, at the same location.
• Internment will take place at the Hurricane City Cemetery following the funeral.

Family and friends are invited to share condolences online at, www.SerenityStG.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home, St. George, Utah 435-986–2085.

December 23, 1921 — February 19, 2017

Cleone Beatty Ripley, 95, passed away in Cedar City, Utah, on Feb. 19, 2017, after suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease for nearly 20 years. Cleone was born Dec. 23, 1921, in Toquerville, Utah, to Reid Smith and Leona Naegle Beatty.

Being a bright student, she moved to Santa Monica to attend business school after graduating from Hurricane High School. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Harry L. Nurse Audit Company and later for the gas company. Mr. Nurse treated her like a daughter, and she often spoke of him with great affection. She kept the books for many prominent people in the movies. 

Cleone met Ashmun James Ripley, a recent WWII Army Air Corps vet, in Santa Monica at the famous Llo-Da-Mar bowling alley on Wilshire Boulevard where they both regularly ate and bowled. He always greeted her with “Hi, Red.”  She thought he was too fresh and way too young for her. His happy-go-lucky persistence paid off, and they married on July 2, 1949, in Tijuana, Mexico. Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Ripley’s lived in Santa Monica, California, where Jim owned a shirt laundry. After selling the laundry, they purchased a trailer and traveled around the country for five months. They lived in Calexico and Blythe, California, where Jim was in the Border Patrol and later settled in Chula Vista, California, where they raised their daughter and Jim worked as a U.S. Customs officer. They retired to southern Utah in 1978.

Cleone is survived by a daughter, Christina Brown; son-in-law Vik Brown; two grandchildren, Nikole Stark (Tony) and Cameron Brown (Chelsea); three great-granddaughters, Sophie Stark, Audrey Stark and Emerson Brown; and a sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Ken Englehart.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and two brothers, Dell R. Beatty and James T. Beatty.

Cleone was smart, kind, responsible and a wonderful mother. She has been missed by us all for many years.

Funeral services

Interment will be in the Toquerville City Cemetery, Toquerville, Utah.

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