June 21, 1991 — Dec. 28, 2017

Derek Spray, 26, of St. George, Utah, born in Provo, Utah, on June 21, 1991, son of Kyle Spray and Rachel Nelson.

Even though Derek was only here for a short time he impacted so many lives. His soul was like no other, and he had a heart of gold. Anyone who knew Derek knew he was the most kind, loving, and goofy person around. He had no fear in this world. He loved spending time with his friends and with his family. He enjoyed so many things, such as; dirt biking, snowboarding, wake boarding, cliff jumping, playing video games, and watching the Steelers play football. He also had an obsession with reptiles and was known to love candy.

Although we know we will be with him again, the void we feel in our hearts will forever be present. He was lucky enough to share his life with a large family that loved him very much: his father, Kyle Spray; mother, Rachel Nelson; step-father; Darren Nelson. His brothers, sisters, and nieces include: step-brother, Cody Nelson (wife, Lindsay Nelson, niece, Mia Nelson); sister, Kylee Spray; brother, Brody Spray, (wife Sharly, niece Rome Spray, who has completely stolen Derek’s heart); step-brother, Shade Nelson; sister, Madi Spray; step-brother, Diezel Nelson; and brother, Jake Spray. Derek was also supported and loved by numerous grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Memorial service

• Memorial services will be held Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 W. St. George Blvd. St. George.
• Interment will be in the Santa Clara City Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.   

July 21, 1943 — Jan. 1, 2018

Elliot William Jocelyn, age 74, passed away on Jan. 1, 2018. He was born on July 21, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, to William Earl Jocelyn and Catherine Elliot Jocelyn.

Elliot graduated high school in El Monte, California, and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Central America. After serving he married Janeen Semmens on April 6, 1966, in the Los Angeles LDS Temple.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in New Jersey and Germany. After returning from Germany he moved from New Jersey back to California with Janeen and son Brian. A second son, Toby, was born in California. They decided to move to Utah to be with Janeen’s family. Elliot began work for Mountain Bell and a third son, David, was born. They settled in the Hurricane Valley and raised their family there. Two more sons, Nathaniel and Adam, joined the family.

Elliot served in many LDS church callings and served in the community in many ways. He was known as the telephone guy, and eventually he worked for AT&T and then as an owner of the Wiring Connection. He enjoyed traveling with many close friends and helping his mother and family with many things. He loved speaking Spanish with anyone that would listen and loved missionary work.

He knew how to make people laugh and always enjoyed joking around. After retirement he served in the St. George temple baptistery and always dreamed of serving another mission in a foreign country. Big El will always be remembered for his smile and the famous nicknames that he gave to friends and family.

He is survived by his beautiful wife, Janeen; five sons: Brian (Shirlyn), Toby (Rosanne), David, Nathaniel (Amanda) and Adam (Samantha); 15 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; sister, Carolyn Whiteside; and brothers, George Jocelyn and Donald Jocelyn. He is preceded in death by his father, William; mother, Catherine; step-father, Theron “Dutch” Shultice; and brother, Raymond Jocelyn.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Hurricane 2nd Ward Chapel, 155 E. 1050 North, Hurricane, Utah.
• Visitations will be held Friday from 7-8 p.m. at the Metcalf Hurricane Valley Mortuary, 140 N. Main St., Hurricane, and Saturday at 10 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral service.
• Interment will be at the Hurricane City Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.   

Feb. 5, 1928 — Dec. 29, 2017

Joy Hunt Hardy, age 89, passed away Friday, Dec. 29, 2017. She was born in St. George to Max and Beulah Anderson Hunt. Joy was a twin in a family of 12. She was married 28 years to Sheldon Hardy of Mesquite, Nevada, where she raised her eight children. She later divorced.

To support her family, she worked at various jobs then went back to school and earned a medical assistant degree, but her heart was always at home being a homemaker. She loved working in the yard tending to her fruit trees. Her favorite day was washday. She was known for her delicious homemade bread and cooking. She had many talents and tied many beautiful quilts.

Joy was a loving mother and grandmother to all, when you came to her home you were welcomed with a smile and a meal.

Joy was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she had a strong testimony and loved the gospel dearly. Joy had many callings in the church, but her favorite was teaching the children and youth. She loved Scouting and prepared many, many hobo dinners. Joy gave 100 percent in all she did. She will be greatly missed.

Joy is survived by six siblings, and her eight children including Blaine & Rita Hardy, Ginger Miller, Mark & Debbie Hardy, Kenny & Jackie Hardy, Clay Hardy, John & Robin Hunt, Bill & Amy Hirschi, and Val & Lisa Hardy. Also included are 38 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren, and 28 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, six siblings, one infant daughter, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Ivins LDS Chapel, 25 W. Center St., Ivins.
• A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services.
• Interment will take place at the Santa Clara Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.

May 29, 1928 — Jan. 1, 2018

Archie Montes passed away Jan. 1, 2018, at the wonderful age of 89. He was born May 29, 1928, in the small mountain town of Jacebanes, Spain.

As a young man, Archie worked construction in France and throughout Canada where he met and married his wife, Elfriede.

From Canada, he went to California then Utah and eventually moved to St. George in 1977 where he worked as a contractor for over 30 years.

Archie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elfriede Montes; daughter Rebecca (Todd) Collins; daughter Sarah Montes (Lantz Litchfield); grandchildren Robert Morrill and Jenny Mullins and their spouses.

Funeral services

• A celebration of Archie’s life will be held Saturday, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m., with a visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George.
• Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.

April 25, 1929 — Jan. 4, 2018

DeLue Hebdon Lang passed away Jan. 4, 2018, at 88 years; she was born to Truman Deward Hebdon and Lula Mae Hunt on April 25, 1929, in St. George, Utah.

DeLue met Jeter E. Lang and they were married in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 20, 1948. Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George Temple. They made their home in St. George and raised their family, Charles (Marjean) Lang, Jetta (Daniel) Christian, Baby Adam (deceased), Jeff (Jamie) Lang, Zara McMullin, David (Alleen deceased) Lang, Smith (Hamby) Lang, Clarissa (Monte deceased) Larsen, Glen Lang, Vern (Edyth) Lang, and Mark (Kimberly) Lang. She is survived by 10 of her 11 children, her sisters Iris Henderson, Kay Wynn, Nelda Randall, Linda Stoddart, Gloria Ritter and Brother Truman Hebdon.

She worked as a St. George telephone switchboard operator until the switchboard was upgraded to dial. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, teaching nursery and primary. She loved to sing and sang in the Ward Choir until her voice started to fail her. She was an active member of the VFW Auxiliary and sang at the military graveside services while her husband was VFW Commander for 23 years. She was always baking bread every week and sharing her fresh-baked bread often. She always went to the temple on Monday mornings as long as her health allowed her to attend.

She has 46 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister, two brothers, a daughter-in-law, son-in-law and three grandchildren.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be Thursday, Jan. 11, 11 a.m., at the St. George Stake Center, 591 W. 500 N., St. George, Utah. Friends may call Wednesday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary and again Thursday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services at the Stake Center.
• Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the Enterprise Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.

Feb. 17, 1934 — Jan. 3, 2018

Phillip Mac Jorgensen passed away Jan. 3, 2018, in St. George, Utah, at age 83 after complications from a fall.

He was born Feb. 17, 1934, in Castle Dale, Utah, to Ernest Floyd and Inez McNeil Jorgensen. He spent his younger years working on the family farm, caring for and herding sheep. During World War II, he and his brother Bill established their own business raising rabbits and chickens and selling eggs. In his early teens, he and his friends formed a scout group they called the “Hawk Patrol,” and they had many adventures. One of the most memorable was marching in the Days of 47 Pioneer Parade in Salt Lake City on July 24, 1947. He was an ardent fan of basketball and played on the South Emery High School team for all four of his high school years. Great memories were created when his brother Jim brought a jeep home when he ended his military duty. Phil and his group of friends would pile in the jeep for many fun outings.

Math was his forte in high school, and he went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Brigham Young University. Phil and his schoolmate Valynn Anderson were the only two of the Castle Dale friends group to study at BYU. When Valynn needed a date for a social affair, Phil was the lucky suitor. As a result, they married on Nov. 10, 1955, in the Manti Temple. After graduating from college, Phil’s first job was at North American Aviation in Los Angeles, California, as a computer programmer at a time when computer technology was new and cutting edge. He missed being close to family, and so relocated to Hercules Powder Company in Magna, Utah, also as a programmer.

After 30-plus years working for Hercules, he retired. While waiting for Valynn to retire from school teaching, he delivered car parts for Ken Garff, driving all over northern Utah and southern Idaho. They retired to St. George in 1996. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many capacities from Boy Scout leader to Ward and Stake Clerk. His most recent callings were working at the recommend desk in the St. George Temple and conducting meetings at the Beehive Home.

Phil’s family was his pride and joy, and he loved spending time with them. He is survived by his wife Valynn, their three children Jeff (Jerrilyn), Susan (Kraig), and Eric (Tami), 10 grandchildren (Rhiannon, Diedra, Devin, Kemarie, Margaret, Andrew, Aleisha, Rhett, Jens and Wynn), and nine great-grandchildren (Shydra, Reed, Gage, Stockton, Oaklee, Max, Beckam, Kate and Sammie).

The family would like to thank the staff of the second floor and the ICU at the hospital in St. George.

Funeral services

• There will be an open house Sunday, Jan. 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Southgate building, 1068 W. Chandler Drive.
• Graveside services will be held in Castle Dale on Monday, Jan. 8, at noon.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Pine View Mortuary, 435-986-4222.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Pine View Mortuary online.

Sept. 30, 1968 — Jan. 2, 2018

Stephen Samuel Hales, 49 years old, died Jan. 2, 2018, in Roosevelt, Utah.

He was born Sept. 30, 1968, at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. He is the third child, second son, of Samuel R. and Patricia C. Hales.

He is survived by his parents, three brothers: Gary Russel of Roosevelt, Kevin William of St George, Utah, and Ryan John of Snoqualmie, Washington; two sisters: Vicky Lynn Kunz of Riverton, Utah, and Lisa Hales of Salt Lake Ciy, Utah; and Judy Wilkins, his former wife, of St George, Utah.

The family moved to Salt Lake City when he was 18 months old. He lived in Orem, Utah, where he attended grade school and junior high and one year of high school. The family then moved to St George for an employment opportunity for Samuel where he finished high school.

He went to work at Andrus Trucking in Mesquite, Nevada, as a truck mechanic. The company later moved to St George. He also worked with his brother Kevin in construction, doing soffit and facia and siding on homes and businesses in St George and surrounding areas. He strived to make all of his work a work of art and to make it as close to perfect as possible, often going back to fix things just a little bit better. He built an incredible shed on the back of his and Judy’s lot that has inspired awe from friends and family members

Stephen was a happy and contented baby with a sunny and cheerful disposition. He was a healthy and content child. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He attended Primary, Sunday School and Young Men’s. He was able to baptize his sister, Lisa, when she turned eight.

He met Judy Wilkin and they married in 2014 in St George. Judy was working as an operating room nurse at the Intermountain Healthcare hospital. She went back to school to obtain her registered nurse degree. Her graduation day was a double happy day as she and Stephen were married on that day, May 2, 2014. Judy inspired Stephen to return to school and also obtain his R.N. degree. This was in December 2015. He worked in St George and for a short time in Roosevelt.

Stephen was a very kind and patient person, especially with children, and would spend countless hours playing with and entertaining young ones, and was loved by everyone who knew him. He was a favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews. They all had pet nicknames for him, some had several. Among these were: Gunka Deesh, Uncle Co Co, Teb Torbs, Strevenator. They all had a special meaning to those involved.

His kind nature included a love and affinity for animals. They all seemed to trust him and gravitate to him upon first seeing him. This included all the animals he ever lived with. He enjoyed a parakeet and a dachshund dog with his family and later being with Judy’s cats and dog Oliver, better known as Ollie. He befriended a wild goose near Andrus that would come honking and running when he saw Stephen He would allow him to pick him up and would tuck his head under Stephen’s chin, much to his family’s delight.

He had a lot of natural athletic talent and was a very fast runner. He loved to mountain bike and has ridden all of the trails in the area. He also loved to skateboard and rode his bike to work and home much of the time. He often took pictures of wildlife going and coming. He had a keen mind and always sought learning. He loved to read and was drawn to American history, geography and many other subjects. He loved to play games that included guessing the capital cities of the states and the capital cities of as many countries as were available.

His interest in learning helped to lead to a trip to Europe with his cousin David for a month where they visited most of the countries.

Stephen was a quiet person and was best in small groups, rather than large groups. He was a very deep thinker and loved to debate government and political issues, having a very complete knowledge of the subjects. He also loved studying astronomy and the other sciences. He actively sought new knowledge with a keen interest in books. He devoured the encyclopedia and for a time read National Geographic magazines.

There are many more things that could be said about this amazing man but the bottom line of his life is that he would do anything for anyone, especially his family. All of his siblings have been the recipients of much help from him many times and he has given great care and service and lots of hard work to his parents. He would literally give the shirt off of his back to anyone, never judgmental and always kind.

You would be very fortunate to have Steve for a friend, no one could have a better ally because he was loyal through and through.

Funeral services

• A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m., at the Bloomington Hills LDS 2nd Ward Chapel, 750 East Ft. Pierce Drive North, St. George, Utah.
• A viewing will be held Saturday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., followed by graveside services at 3 p.m. at Tonaquint Cemetery, St. George, Utah.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.

May 31, 1922 — Jan. 5, 2018

Deveen Cluff Pulsipher, 95, passed away Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. She was born on May 31, 1922, to George Leo and Clara Sheffer Cluff in Cedarview, Utah. She married Brent L. Pulsipher, Sept. 2, 1953. They were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 17, 1961.

Deveen was a talented artist and seamstress and could do any craft she set her mind to. She could not sit without her hands being busy making beautiful gifts and treasures for family and friends. She loved telling stories of her family’s adventures while growing up. She loved her family and learning what others endured to make it possible that she had the teachings of the gospel.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the St. George LDS Temple along with her husband, Brent for five years.

Deveen is survived by a daughter, Janice; stepchildren: Brent Lee (Donna), Connie Jean (Thomas), Ronald (Linda); younger sister, Lerleen Lund; younger brother, Gerald L. (Florence) Cluff; 25 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren with two more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Brent; daughters: Normadean Cammeron and Rondalyn (Garn) Ingram; son, Bruce; step-daughter, Linda (Gary) Wilmott; brothers: George Vance, Clarence, Orson LeRoy and Ira K; sisters: Vella and Delsa; her parents, and many aunts and uncles.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hurricane LDS 4th Ward Chapel, 658 W. 1500 South, Hurricane.
• A visitation will be held Saturday, prior to services, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. at the church.
• Interment will be in the Panaca Cemetery, Panaca, Nevada.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.   

Feb. 13, 1926 — Jan. 6, 2018

Maxine Holt Greene, age 91, returned home to her Heavenly Father, on Jan. 6, 2018, after a brief fight with pneumonia. Maxine was sure to have been greeted there by the love of her life, her husband, Roy Alwin Greene. What a sweet reunion after 25 years apart.

Maxine was born Feb. 13, 1926, to Joseph and Mary Estella Holt in Enterprise. She was one of 11 children. After graduating from high school, Maxine attended college classes at Brigham Young University, then returned home to teach at Enterprise High School.

In 1959, while working at Safeway, she met her sweetheart and they were married on Aug. 2, 1959, then sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1962. They were blessed with three children. After raising her children she worked at First Security Bank until her retirement.

Maxine gave of her time, efforts and heart to all of her family and friends. She will be remembered and missed for her generosity and unconditional love. There was always a place at her table and in her heart for everyone. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities over the years. Maxine volunteered and loved working at the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers in St. George.

Maxine is survived by her children: Rae (Dan) Catlin, Steve (Kelly) Greene, and Tom (Becky) Greene, nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her sister, Laverde Roberds.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m. at the Bloomington Hills 1st Ward Chapel, 1130 E. Brigham Road, St. George.
• A visitation will be held prior to services, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the church.
• Graveside services will be held Saturday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m. (weather permitting) at the Holt Family Cemetery, Enterprise.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.   

Oct. 3, 1935 — Jan. 1, 2018

Our loving mother, Barbara Lavon Bigelow Swanson, at the age of 82, passed away at her home on Jan. 1, 2018, from the effects of cancer. She was surrounded by her children.

Barbara was born Oct. 3, 1935, to William Levon and Sylvia Lavern (Hunt) Bigelow in Price, Utah. She was the second of five daughters. In 1940, the family moved from Green River, Utah, to Ely, Nevada, where Barbara gained not only an education, but also a lifelong friend, Wanda Cummings.

Barbara was a gifted pianist with a flair for ragtime and big band music. By the age of 16, she was a member of the musician’s union in Nevada and was playing with local dance bands. Friends and family have said that anytime Barbara began playing the piano, you couldn’t help but want to get up and start dancing, or at least start tapping your toe to the catchy rhythms. In school, Barbara played the alto saxophone, and after graduation decided to learn to play the accordion, which she did. She played beautifully.

Barbara graduated from White Pine High School in Ely in 1953. She and her family then moved back to Green River where she met and later married Leland “Lee” Sherman Swanson on Aug. 27, 1954. After raising their three children in Green River, and then Moab, Utah, Lee and Barbara eventually moved their family to St. George, Utah, in 1971.

Barbara had a talent for making any guest feel welcome in her home. She was the perfect hostess. An avid reader, Barbara could often be found absorbed in a good book, and there would always be a book lying on the table near her favorite chair. Barbara also enjoyed geology and nature. She hiked often in the beautiful St. George hills several times a week for years.

Barbara is survived by her children, all of whom currently live in Utah; Gale (Susan) Swanson of St. George; Vonae (Scott) Thorell of West Jordan; and Sonja Swanson of St. George. Barbara is also survived by two beloved sisters, Billie Mae (David) Olney of Sandy; Betty (Layne) Harward of Farmington; and by a step-daughter-in-law, Eileen (Mike) Swanson of Missouri. Barbara leaves behind her cherished nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. She also leaves behind several dear nieces and nephews.

Funeral services

• A viewing will be held on Thursday, Jan. 11, from 3-4:30 p.m. at Pine View Mortuary, 566 N. Mall Drive, St. George.
• Funeral services will be in Green River on Saturday, Jan. 13, at noon in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 95 N. Clark St, Green River. A viewing will be held at the church from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Interment will be in the Elgin Cemetery in Green River.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Pine View Mortuary, 435-986-4222.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Pine View Mortuary online.

Aug. 26, 1953 — Jan. 5, 2018

Our mother, grandmother and friend, Gladys was born to John and Marie Greene on Aug. 26, 1953, in Maine. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 5, 2018, in St. George.

Gladys left us to return home to God, as well as Dale, the love of her life to whom she was married for 36 years, and her daughter, Wendy.

She was a light and a joy to anyone who entered her life. She was the one person who taught so many of us that love and family was not just blood. She welcomed anyone into her home and anyone who needed a friend or a helping hand into her life. She had a love for traveling and quilting and a huge love for anything on stage in a theater.

There was not a time that she would miss a night out with the girls or going out just to read for a while, taking quilting trips or playing bingo for hours in Mesquite, Nevada. Her dear friend Jackie Diemer was and is a huge part of the happiness Gladys had up to her last day.

Gladys had a love of many things and for many people. She was always very proud to talk about her son, Tyler, and her granddaughter, Hailey. She loved spending time with family and friends from Salt Lake City to St. George, and she would often talk about family and memories she had as a child in Canada. She will be dearly missed by so many, but will be kept alive by the legacy she leaves behind.

Gladys is preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; husband, Dale; and daughter, Wendy. She is survived by her son, Tyler; granddaughter, Hailey; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and adopted family.

Funeral services

• A viewing will be held in St. George on Thursday, Jan. 11, from 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary located at 288 W. St George Blvd.
• A viewing will be held in Murray, Utah, on Friday, Jan. 12, from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary located at 4760 S. State St.
• Graveside services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m. at the Murray City Cemetery, 5490 S. Vine St.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.   

April 19, 1961 — Jan. 7, 2018

Deloris Matheson, 56, passed away Jan. 7, 2018, in St. George.

She was born April 19, 1961, to Vanna Paice Farr and Cleon J. Matheson in Cedar City.

Deloris was an avid reader. She was very creative and loved to color to calm her nerves.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey David Drake, Cedar City; brothers: Brent Matheson, Washington City, Roger (Marcy) Matheson, Henderson, Nevada; and sister, Jean (Larry) Reber, Mesquite, Nevada.

Funeral services

• Graveside services will be held Friday, Jan. 12, at 12:30 p.m. at the St. George City Cemetery, 700 E. Tabernacle St., St. George.
• A visitation will be held, prior to services, from 11 a.m. to noon at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.   

Nov. 16, 1924 — Jan. 8, 2018

Morris “Roger” Pickett, 93, joined his sweetheart Lucille on Jan. 8, 2018. He was born Nov. 16, 1924, in St. George, Utah, to Ellis J. and Ruth Morris Pickett.

Roger was the fourth of five children. He grew up in St. George with the Red Hill as his playground. We all grew up hearing the stories about his pet hawk that he took to school for show and tell, and his pet owl, his homing pigeons, his snakes, (at one time he had 16 … four of which were rattlers!), his pet squirrel and of course his favorite dog, Waddy. He was active in 4-H and always loved nature and the outdoors.

At age 16, Roger and his Explorer Scout Troop built the cave on the Red Hill by the Sugar Loaf. It was a Boy Scout project. There was already a cave there, but it was open on the top. They had to frame it in to pour concrete for a roof, then they built the front walls. The floor was very uneven, so Roger helped drill holes and the scout leaders tamped down some dynamite and lit the fuses to level the floor. They enclosed the cave and built a fireplace in the back. It was a lot of work! When it was all finished they had a big party. Over 200 people in the community attended. That became the place where they had all their Scout meetings. Many people today are familiar with that cave and wonder how it came to be.

He served in the army during World War II. Later, Roger also served in the Korean War with the Southern Utah 213th Armored Field Artillery. Their battalion was awarded a Presidential Citation for aggressive and courageous action in the face of an unexpected enemy attack. After eight hours of fighting they were responsible for breaking up the attack, inflicting hundreds of casualties and finally capturing a total of 831 prisoners without losing a single man in their battalion. It is referred to as the Miracle at Kapyong.

On May 21, 1947, he married his best friend and sweetheart, Lucille Pickett. They had three children, Sherri, Michael and Julie. The family spent their early years living in St. George, then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1962. Roger and Lucille raised not only their three children but welcomed over 30 foster children into their home.

Dad was always looking out for and taking care of others. Doing things for his neighbors and friends. He could literally fix anything. We never had to call a repairman for anything. He was hardworking, creative and he loved to cook. After he and Lucille retired to St. George you could often find them in the kitchen together and later on he would spend hours cooking meals and treats that he would take to his widowed sister and his two widowed sisters-in-law as well as his kids.

He loved working with his hands. He never complained. If you ever asked him how he was feeling he would quickly reply with a smile, “With my fingers.”

Roger worked as a senior scientist for E.G.&G. in Las Vegas for over 26 years.

He loved spending time with his family. In 1973, Roger and Lucille began building their summer home in Pine Valley. Like most aspects of their marriage, they enjoyed working side by side during the construction of their home. The Pine Valley home became a favorite gathering spot for family activities. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren have wonderful memories of these special times and of many other adventures with grandpa. After retiring, Roger and Lucille returned home to St. George where Roger spent his remaining years serving his family and friends as well as caring for his beloved wife until her passing in 2005.

Roger was preceded in death by his sweetheart Lucille, his parents, his brothers Charlie and Evan, and his sisters Norma Covington and Marie Poehlmann.

He is survived by his children: Sherri (Robert) Hamilton of Diamond Valley, Michael (LuAnn) Pickett of Pine Valley and Julie (Jeff) Stewart of Washington, 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services

Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 1095 E. St. James Lane, St. George.

• There will be a visitation prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Burial will take place in the St. George City Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.

Oct. 12, 1925 — Jan. 6, 2018

Elsie Marie Bennett Christensen died Jan. 6, 2018, in St. George, Utah. She was born Oct. 12, 1925, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Verner Alfred and Mildred Ethlyn Lytle Bennett. Elsie married Ivan William Christensen March 21, 1942, in Fallon, Nevada. Ivan died Nov. 30, 2005, in St. George.

Ivan and Elsie had six wonderful children: David William (Lynn) Christensen, Ukiah, California; Kenneth Raymond (Valerie) Christensen, West Jordan, Utah; Sheila Ann (Jerry) McCall, St. George; Chris Jay (Marjie) Christensen, Reno, Nevada; Linda Sue (John) Fosse, Tucson, Arizona; Lorrie Lee (Scott) Burton, Woodbury, Michigan; 25 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

All Elsie wanted in life was to get married to a good man and have a family. You can tell from the number of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that Elsie enjoyed the past 92 years, almost all of the time.

Elsie and Ivan were married for 63 years. They went on two church missions; the first was to the Utah Salt Lake City Mission, serving in St. George for 18 months from 1977-78, they then served in the Coventry England Mission for 18 months from 1984-85.

“I want to say thank you to all my wonderful children and grandchildren, who took such good care of their Father and Mother when they needed help in our old age. To all my dear loved ones, we will be waiting for you.” Elsie

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 12, 2 p.m. at the Spilsbury Mortuary Chapel, 110 S. Bluff, St. George, Utah.
• Friends may call Friday prior to services from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Burial will follow in the St. George City Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.

Sept. 17, 1957 — Jan. 3, 2018

Larry Warren Hanson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, age 60, passed away Jan. 3, 2018, at Dixie Regional Medical Center following a massive stroke complicated by many health problems.

Larry was born in Murray on Sept. 17, 1957, to Harold Warren “Pete” and Alma Jean Marlin Hanson. They moved to Riverton in 1969 where he lived until he married Gaylene Backer on Jan. 20, 1979, in American Fork.

Larry graduated from Bingham High School in 1976 where he was in the National Honor Society. He also participated in wrestling, Adagio Dance Club, Industrial Arts Club and the Vocational Industrial Club of America.

Larry was a general contractor for many years, founding his own construction company, HRC Construction. He also worked as a building inspector for Washington County and St. George and as a zoning administrator for Sevier County.

He loved building homes, especially for and with his family. They built homes in South Jordan, Draper, Hurricane, Bloomington, Monroe and finally Diamond Valley. This last dream home will be finished by his wife, son, grandsons, son-in-law and brothers.

When he wasn’t working he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and being outdoors.

He will be deeply missed by many who relied on him for his wisdom and knowledge.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, mother and oldest sister, Dorothy. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Gaylene Backer Hanson; his children: Phillip Warren Hanson (Elisanette) of Washington City and Jennifer Lynn (Matt) Nydegger of Pleasant Grove; his grandchildren who loved him dearly: Tyler Warren Hanson, Alexander Ryan Hanson, Kathryn Nydegger, Matthew Kiril Nydegger (Ki), Luke Warren Nydegger and Elise Nydegger; and siblings: Sandi Quiroz, Paul (Carol) Hanson, Allen (Diane) Hanson, Wendi (Todd) Lark and Michael (Laura) Hanson.

Funeral services

• Memorial services will be held Saturday, Jan. 20, at 11 a.m., with an open house from 9:30 to 10:30 that morning at the Diamond Valley LDS Chapel located at 1784 West Diamond Valley Drive.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.

Dec. 26, 1934 — Jan. 10, 2018

Reed Thompson Ricks, 83, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, in St. George, Utah.

He was born Dec. 26, 1934, to Joseph Allen and Idella Thompson Ricks in Logan, Utah. He grew up in Benson, Utah.

Reed married Velma Mae Fisher on Oct. 22, 1954, in the Logan LDS Temple. Together they raised six children in Murray, Utah, where he had a long career in sales. He served in many church callings, including bishop, Sunday school teacher, ordinance worker in both the Jordan River and St. George LDS temples.

After the death of his wife, he moved to St. George to be closer to his family, where he remained active in his community and church.

Reed is survived by his children: Debra Anderson, Jeffry (Linda), Sherrie (Gregory) Gherkins, Tracie (Craig) Dunn, Ryan (Julie), Mitchell (Heidi); 24 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Velma, his siblings: Lorraine, Norman, Max and Farrell; and son-in-law, Randall Anderson.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m., at the Morningside LDS 7th Ward Chapel, 879 S. River Road, St. George, Utah.
• A visitation will be held prior to services from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.
• Interment will be in Mountain View Memorial Estate in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.

June 5, 1918 — Jan. 6, 2018

After a long and full life, Francis Loyd Frye left this earthly existence from his home in Brawley, California, on Jan. 6, 2018, at the age of 99.

He was born in Davidson, Oklahoma, on June 5, 1918, the first of four children born to Winnie G. and Joseph H. Frye. He was raised in Frederick, Oklahoma, and graduated from high school in 1936. Shortly thereafter, he and two friends desired to “see the world” and with only $20 in his pocket, came to California.

Francis settled in Ventura, attended junior college there and proudly graduated after two years. While there he was in the school orchestra and marched with the school band in the Rose Parade as a trumpet player. He also learned to fly in Oxnard, California, and eventually became a civilian flight instructor with Bassett and Phelps Flight School. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the flight school was moved inland, away from the West Coast, for fear of being bombed by the enemy. It was at this time that he was relocated to St. George, Utah, where he met Edna Rae Gardner. After a year courtship, they were married on Sept. 4, 1943.

The young couple made their first home in Ely, Nevada, as Francis continued as flight supervisor covering Ely and Ogden, Utah. As the war ended and the need for pilots decreased, Francis chose to pursue dentistry as his future occupation, but due to circumstances beyond his control, the option of mortuary school arose. He attended The School of Mortuary Science in Los Angeles and upon graduating, took his state boards and became a licensed embalmer and funeral director in California, Arizona and Utah. After working five years at a mortuary in Utah, the Fryes purchased Hoopes Funeral Home and moved to Brawley on July 1, 1953. He and his wife continued serving the community of Brawley and the Imperial Valley as the local funeral home for 65 years.

Mr. Frye was very active in the community. He was a member of the Brawley Chamber of Commerce, the Elks Lodge #1420 (Past Exalted Ruler 1959-1960/Past District Deputy 1963-1964), the Brawley Rotary Club (past President 1960), Masonic Lodge #402 F&AM, Eastern Star-Alamo Chapter (Worthy Patron 1962 & 1972). He was a member of the Stockmen’s Club, the Rustlers and the Imperial Valley Pioneers Museum.

He was the recipient of the Branding Iron Award in 2009 for his leadership skills and devotion to the city of Brawley.

Brawley residents have been touched by kindness and caring from Mr. Frye and his wife. His compassion and professionalism always linked hand in hand. He loved his association with people.

Mr. Frye was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his family has been strengthened by his faith. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Edna Rae, and three daughters, Shannon (Kenneth R. Smith), Sydney (Michael S. Presley), and Sheila (Jay Kruger). Also surviving are 15 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the Frye family has requested donations be made to the Rotary Foundation (Brawley Rotary Club), P.O. Box 1442, Brawley, CA 92227 or CHEMPI (California Hawaii Elks Major Project In.), 5450 East Lamona Ave., Fresno, CA 93727-2224.

Funeral services

• Friends may gather from 6-9 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, to visit with family at Frye Chapel.
• Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 490 West D Street.
• There will be a viewing Monday, Jan. 22, from 5-7 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff, St. George, Utah.
• Burial will be Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. in the family plot in Pine Valley, Utah.

Friends and family are invited to sign Francis’ online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.

April 24, 1995 — Jan. 9, 2018

Hailey Mayes, age 22, passed away on Jan. 9, 2018. She was born April 24, 1995, in Provo to Jeffrey Brian and Terrah Anderson Mayes.

Hailey was raised in Clearfield, Utah, where she attended grade and high school. She went on to begin college at Weber State University. There she enjoyed being a photographer for their paper, The Signpost, taking photos for their basketball team which can still be seen during their basketball season annually.

She decided to put her college career on hold and move to St. George to be close to her mother and siblings. There she enrolled in the DXATC, Emergency Medical Technician training course, and eventually became certified as an Advanced EMT. She was passionate about this field and the camaraderie and acceptance she found with fellow students, instructors and coworkers.

Hailey worked at Red Rock Canyon School, where she was both a staff member and a medical technician. She loved her coworkers and spending time learning of their many cultures and traditions, as many were from Hawaii – a place that she had hoped to move to one day. Hailey was passionate about her students there and loved them deeply and was always positive and excited to go to work because it was a very fulfilling job.

Hailey loved spending her time hiking on the St. George area trails, exercising at the gym and striving to have a healthy lifestyle. She was also an avid Utah Jazz fan, and treasured the time spent at games with her Dad.

Hailey was an incredible person. Everyone who met her could not help but be an instant friend. When they saw her beautiful smile, that literally lit up a room, they felt her warmth and love. Hailey never judged others and found goodness in everyone. Hailey was very close to her brother and two sisters and particularly loved just hanging out.

There are not enough words to describe just how deeply Hailey will be missed. She touched the lives of everyone.

She is survived by her mother Terrah Anderson of St. George, Utah, and her father Brian Mayes of Layton, Utah; sisters Katelyn Mayes, 26 of Provo, Utah, Kelsie Mayes, 17 of St. George, Utah; brother Tyler Mayes, 15 of St. George, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hailey Mayes’s GoFundMe page.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, at 1 p.m. in the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George.
• Visitations will be held at Spilsbury Mortuary, first on Tuesday, Jan. 16th from 5-7 p.m. and second on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., prior to services.
• Interment will be in the Washington City Cemetery, Washington, Utah.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.

Feb. 22, 1936 — Jan. 13, 2018

Larry Marlow Stratton was released from the burdens of his physical body in the early morning hours of Jan. 13, 2018. Marlow, as he was affectionately called, passed away only a few weeks short of his 82nd birthday.

Marlow was born on Feb. 22, 1936, in Hurricane, Utah, to Tom and Leona Morrill Stratton where he joined the family with his two older siblings. Leona later passed away during childbirth when Marlow was 5 years old. When Marlow was 8 years old, his dad married Fern Slack. In Tom and Fern’s union Marlow gained more sisters and brothers whom he loved dearly.

Marlow grew up in Hurricane with his siblings, where he learned to work hard in the orchards. Marlow later moved to Virgin, Utah. He met and married Geraldine Brinkerhoff and together they had four children. Although they later divorced, Marlow always spoke fondly of Geraldine and had a deep love for his children and grandchildren.

Marlow worked primarily in the construction industry as an operator for Stratton Brothers (Interstate Rock), with a few brief stints at other companies with a similar occupation. He had great stories to tell of his time spent working out of town on the Arizona Strip and the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.

Every spring, Marlow would start to get the itch to plant his tomato garden. He loved tomatoes and always planted at least one round too early and lost them to frost. But, he persevered and always ended the season with a prolific batch of tomatoes which he enjoyed sharing with his friends.

Marlow spent many days making sure he had enough firewood to make it through the winter. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed spending time on the mesas and the mountains surrounding southern Utah. He always joked that we needed to go and poach a deer – but don’t worry, he wasn’t serious – and he never took anyone up on their offer to help him make good on the statement.

Marlow also had a great love for collecting. He spent a lot of time in his retirement going to yard sales and thrift stores where he loved to find eccentric things (and flirt with the ladies). He filled his home with treasures that brought him a lot of joy.

Marlow had such a big heart and a large, eclectic group of friends who visited him often. He enjoyed riding his decorated four-wheeler all around Virgin where he would stop and visit with his friends and go to his daughter’s home for coffee and company.

Marlow is survived by his four children, 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren: Kerry (Debi) Stratton [Tiffany, Cody, Aaron], Connie (Scott) Wittwer [Ashlee, Kimberlee, Trenton, Trey], Lezlie (Ken) Fiori [Marisa, Kaitlyn, Nicholas], and Lonnie Stratton. He is also survived by his siblings: Arden (Allene) Stratton, Clara (Trusten) Hart, Mary (Max) Covington, Cheryl Pulliam, Gerald (Yvette) Stratton, and Becky (Mike) Wheeler. He was preceded in death by his mother, Leona Morrill Stratton, his father, Tom Stratton, the mother he knew, Fern Slack Stratton, his baby sister, Leona, and his brothers, Thell Stratton and Ward Stratton.

Funeral service

• Family and friends may join us at the Hurricane Valley Spilsbury Mortuary at 25 N. 2000 West in Hurricane, Utah, on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 10-11:00 a.m.
• The farewell service will be held following the visitation at Spilsbury Mortuary in Hurricane at 11 a.m. Please feel free to share a story of your memories with Marlow.
• After the service, the interment will be at the Virgin Cemetery for Marlow’s burial.
• Subsequent to the interment, a luncheon will be held in Marlow’s honor at the Virgin church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.

June 13, 1930 — Jan. 11, 2018

Ruby Louise Thomas, 87, died Jan. 11, 2018, suddenly at her home.

She was born June 13, 1930, in Los Angeles, California, to Walter William Harpst Sr. and Mary Louise Salas. She was the youngest of three children, and she loved being daddy’s little girl. Ruby was raised and went to school in Los Angeles. She graduated from Freemont High School in 1948. At that time, she was baptized and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ruby went on to attend Ricks Collage in Rexburg, Idaho, where she became Female Athlete of the Year. Ruby returned to Southern California where she married Marvin LeRoy Jacobson in 1951, they had three sons and were later divorced.

Ruby continued raising her three boys as a single mother. She enjoyed riding dirt bikes, camping, going to the car races and taking her boys to the beach. Ruby worked as a secretary for Pacific Telephone, Aerojet General, American Savings and Loan and the Lowell Joint School District, and she was also the California State Employees Association Union Chapter 294 president.

Ruby moved her family to Orange County, Calif., and that is where she met Bryan Edward Thomas at a church dance. They were married Sept. 1, 1978, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Los Angeles Temple, and with this marriage they became a family with six children.

Ruby wanted to move to Southern Utah, so when they both retired they moved to Hurricane, Utah, where they have lived for more than 20 years. She loved living in such a beautiful place, and served in many callings in the church. She really enjoyed serving as a temple worker in the St. George and Los Angeles temples.

Their home was always a welcome place where she loved entertaining and having people over. Ruby loved her many pets, and they were right with her all the time and brought her so much joy to her life. She met many new friends and continued to keep in touch with her old ones, and with her loving husband by her side they laughed and loved together. With many friends, a wonderful family and the most amazing husband and father, her life was complete.

Ruby is survived by her husband Bryan, their six children, Reid Jacobson, Brent (Joyce) Jacobson, Craig (Shelly) Jacobson, Michelle (Peter) Waterstreet, Boyd (Uini) Thomas, Brad (Shawna) Thomas, 13 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a sister.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Walter William Harpst II and a great-grandchild, Kynadee Brooke Porter.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m., in the Hurricane 4th Ward LDS Chapel, 658 W. 1500 South, Hurricane, Utah.
• There will be a viewing prior to services from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.
• Burial will take place in the Hurricane City Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.