Allen Matthew Swan, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully at home on Jan. 9, 2016. Born on Oct. 27, 1927, in Tooele, Utah, Allen was the first of three sons of Cynthia Speirs and Clifford LeRoy Swan. He enjoyed a happy childhood, attending Tooele High School, where he served as student body president and excelled on the basketball and football teams.

Allen lived a life of service to his three loves: family, church, and his legal profession. In 1952, Allen married Verla Mae Johnson, of Ashton, Idaho, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Together for 64 years, they reared four beloved children, were members of a long standing dinner group, spent wonderful times together at their Ashton summer home, served as companions on three missions, and have been loving grandparents to their eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. For the past several months, Verla has taken care of Allen’s every need. Allen graduated with a J.D. from the University of Utah in 1953, distinguished by his service on the staff of the Utah Law Review and a clerkship for the Hon. J. Allan Crockett of the Utah Supreme Court. His legal career of over 39 years included a general litigation, business, and courtroom practice. He was accomplished in both written and oral advocacy for a wide range of clients. He devoted the final 15 years of his career to the firm of Kirton McConkie, his work focusing on representation of Intermountain Health Care and the LDS Church. Allen answered with enthusiasm a lifetime of callings from the LDS Church. These opportunities included missionary service as a young man in the British Isles. Later, Allen and Verla served three missions together: president of the Australia Adelaide Mission, director of the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center, and missionaries to the Inner City Mission in Salt Lake City. Allen served in the Stake Presidency of the Valley View Salt Lake Stake, and as regional representative of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in assignments covering Utah, Washington and Southern California. Later, he served as a beloved bishop of the Valley View 8th Ward. His lifelong study of church history and doctrine served him well in many other teaching and leadership capacities. Throughout these years of service, Allen made time to enjoy life with his family and foster many friendships. He enjoyed Sunday after-dinner board games, and having family and friends join him in his outdoor adventures and travels: sightseeing historical parks, fishing Idaho streams, golfing, or supporting his U of U football and basketball teams. He loved music, good books, American history and dessert. Allen is survived by his wife, Verla; children Kent (Emily), Wayne (Cynthia), Annette and Cynthia Andrews; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Karl (Kay) Swan and sister-in-law, Jan Thomas Swan. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Janet L. Swan and brother Robert. A viewing will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, SLC, on Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Valley View 8th Ward located at 4395 S. Albright Drive (2145 East), Holladay, Utah. Viewing at 9:30 a.m. prior to memorial. Interment at Wasatch Lawn. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the LDS Church Missionary Fund.

Deborah Lynn Golding Beier died on Jan. 11, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer. Debbie was born in Safford, Arizona, on Sept. 12, 1957, the daughter of Laurie E. Golding and Ellie Lane Golding. Deb lived in Arizona while young, but the family migrated northward, eventually settling in Cottage Grove, Oregon. From her youth Debbie was active in church, 4H, and was an excellent student, winning a Kimball scholarship to Brigham Young University. Her second year at BYU, she met Michael A. Beier. They were married in 1976 at the Manti Temple. They had four children, Rachel, Michael, Elisabeth and Joseph, and have seven grandchildren. With her family mostly raised, Debbie finished her schooling, receiving a BS and master of science degree in geology. Debbie taught geology and astronomy classes at three universities, and later became a senior scientist with the Dugway Data Services Team for the Science and Technology Corps. Debbie was preceded in death by her son Michael L. Beier. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at the Stansbury Park Utah Stake Center, 417 Benson Road, Stansbury Park, Utah 84074-9050. Interment immediately follows at the Stansbury Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Perpetual Education Fund, www.lds.org/topics/pef-self-reliance/donate?lang=eng.

Audrey James Riley, born Jan. 2, 1929, was the first of three children born to William Nathanial and Catherine Florence Brown James. Audrey passed on Jan. 11, 2016, of natural causes. She married Harold Nixon Riley on Nov. 1, 1946. Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, father, mother and brother, Alma Don James. She’s survived by her brother William Arvil James and several nieces and nephews. Audrey spent many years tending John and Andrew Kelly, the sons of Blaine and Anne Kelly, in their youth. This was something that brought her happiness. Audrey has been a resident of Tooele since 1950. She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended the Tooele 13th Ward. Audrey was known for her beautiful knitting and crocheting, winning many awards. She used her talent to teach others through the 4-H program and church youth groups. Audrey gave time and love to her many nieces and nephews. She is loved and will be missed. Funeral services for Audrey will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Tooele South Stake Center, Relief Society Room, 1025 Southwest Drive, Tooele. Friends may visit the family from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Interment, Tooele Cemetery. Please, no donations or flowers. Thank you.

Tauna Lynn Nielsen, 58, was reunited with her eternal family suddenly on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016. She was born Jan. 17, 1957, to Don and Karla Dastrup in Fillmore, Utah. She was raised and planted deep family roots in Holden, Utah, with her six brothers and two sisters. She loved being from a small town. She was involved in the community and various school groups. She was a member of 4H, and through her love of animals, was a rodeo queen for two years. With a scholarship, she left home to attend college at Weber State. During this time, she met Grant E. Nielsen. They fell in love and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti temple on April 21, 1978. They together built their own family with two sons and two daughters and later eight grandchildren. She loved being a mother and more so a grandma. She was happiest building memories with her family and loved ones. She loved to read, bake, garden, going overboard for the holidays and, most of all, going to Disneyland with her family. She believed in the magic of innocence and lived with a full heart. She is survived by her husband Sexy Buns; children Summer (Jenna), Morgan (Chelsi) and Alexis (Chandler); grandchildren Kathryn, Aurora, Julia, Noah, Charlotte, Phoebe, Dakota and Keenan; her sisters Kristine (Steve) and Nanette (Dave) and her brothers Matt (Amanda), Morris and Rodney. She was preceded in death by her son Joshua; her parents Don and Karla and brothers Scott, Richard and Greg. There will be a memorial service at 417 Benson Road, Stansbury Park, on Friday, Jan. 15 from 6-8 p.m. The viewing will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16 at the ward house in Holden, Utah, followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. and ending with the graveside dedication at the Holden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, there is a fund set up at Mountain America for Tauna Nielsen, account no. 10289172.

I am JoAnn Williams Bement. I was born on a beautiful sunny Mother’s Day on May 10, 1933; the second child of Jospehine and Bud Williams. I had the pleasure of being a sister to three very special siblings, Ellis (deceased), Marlene (deceased) and the youngest, Francis (Frankie). I was blessed to have two special children, Christine (deceased) from my first marriage and Kenzie from my second marriage to Connie Bement. I have two amazing grandchildren, Austin and Kylee. Austin is married to Whitney and they have my great-grandson, Knox Wolverton. Kylee is married to Tyler White. I left this world with grace, peace and dignity on Jan. 12, 2016. I had a life filled with many challenges, but much joy. The above was written by JoAnn and we as her family want to thank her many friends who have faithfully stood by her through the good and tough times. She loved you all so very much. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the staff of both the Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center and Integrity Home Health and Hospice for the love and caring they showed to her while in their care. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Sunshine Terrace Foundation in JoAnn’s name. There will be a viewing at the Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main Street, Tooele, on Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be held on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at 2 p.m. with a viewing that day at 1 p.m. JoAnn will be buried in the Tooele City Cemetery following the ceremony.

Pauline Nichols Walters, of Grantsville, passed away Jan. 17, 2016. Services are pending under the direction of Didericksen Memorial. A full obituary will be in the Thursday edition of the Transcript Bulletin.

Joe D. Gonzales, 87 years old, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and great friend to many, passed away peacefully at the VA Hospital on Jan. 17, 2016. He was born Dec. 7, 1928, to Leopold and Mary Sanchez Gonzales in Antonito, Colorado. He married Patricia Johnson. Their children are Diane Davies, Daniel Gonzales, Debbie Davis and Aimee Gonzales. Viewing/rosary will be on Friday, Jan. 22 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. Both are at St. Marguerite’s Catholic Church, Tooele, Utah. Complete obituary to follow in Thursday’s paper. Contact Tate Mortuary for more information, 435-882-0676.

Pauline Nichols Walters passed away quietly at home and into Heaven on Jan. 17, 2016. She was born March 11, 1921 to Limuel J. and Bernice (Barnes) Nichols in Winona, Missouri. Preceded in death by husband Bradford T. Walters; parents; brothers Gene and Junior; daughter Louise (Larry) Wittenburg; son Bradford (Clara) Walters Jr. and granddaughter Penny Walters. Survived by son Ronald (Margaret) Walters; daughter Clara (Brad) Walters; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; brother Ivan and sisters Joyce and Esther Nichols. Talk to you later, Mom. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23 at the First Baptist Church (235 W. Main, Grantsville) with a viewing one hour prior at the same location. Interment will follow at Grantsville City Cemetery. Services entrusted with Didericksen Memorial, 435-277-0050.

Joe D. Gonzales, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and great friend to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 at the V.A. Hospital on Jan. 17, 2016. He was born Dec. 7, 1928, to Leopold and Mary Sanchez Gonzales in Las Tusas, New Mexico. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, was a fourth-degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and a member of St. Marguerite’s Catholic Church. He worked as a bartender and was a heavy-duty mechanic at the Tooele Army Depot. He was also a member of the VFW and has volunteered his time to organize and attend the funerals of deceased veterans for 54 years. He estimates that he has attended more than 300 funerals. He enjoyed camping, fishing, shooting pool, going to Wendover and a cruise to Alaska. He also loved playing cards and dominoes. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by sisters Pat Vialpando and Frances Coesens (Richard); brother Dennis Gonzales (Joyce); his wife, Patricia Johnson Gonzales, children Diane (Paul) Davies, Daniel Gonzales, Debbie Gonzales (Allen) Davis and Aimee Gonzales (Shane Leonelli); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, brothers Leo and Juby and sisters Rosemary and Theresa. Viewing will be on Friday, Jan. 22 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, January 23 at 10 a.m., with a viewing one hour prior. Both will be at St. Marguerite’s Catholic Church in Tooele, Utah. Interment at Tooele City Cemetery immediately following the services, with a luncheon afterward.

Omni Larry Gillette, 88, passed away Jan. 20, 2016, at home with his loving wife, Mary, by his side. His goal of celebrating 70 years of marriage was cut short by a valiant battle against cancer. Larry was born on June 4, 1927, in Tooele, Utah, to Samuel L. and Zelpha J. Gillette. Larry married Mary Alice Flygare the day after Thanksgiving 1949 while on leave between duty stations with the U.S. Navy. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Larry joined the Navy on Memorial Day 1945 at the age of 17. After attending the Navy ROTC program at the University of Utah, he graduated in June 1949 and received a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy where he served for seven years, including action in the Korean War. While in the Navy, Dad traveled the world and gained a lifelong love for the ocean and sailing ships as attested by the many beautiful scale-model replicas of famous sailing vessels which he spent countless hours re-creating and displaying. After his Naval service, Larry headed back to the University of Utah for a second degree, this time as a mechanical engineer. He used his engineering degree to enter the aerospace industry. During his long career as a test engineer he worked on many famous projects, including the X-15 rocket plane, surveyor that landed on the moon and countless satellites that were launched from rockets or from the space shuttle. Larry was a lifelong and devoted member of the LDS Church and loved serving as bishop of the Palos Verdes California East Ward, in several other bishoprics, High Councils, and as scoutmaster to many young men. He was awarded the Silver Beaver by the BSA. He was happy to serve wherever he was called. After retiring, Larry and Mary served a mission to the New York Rochester Mission where they made many friends and helped change lives. Larry was a great husband and father and with Mary, spent a lifetime devoted to their large family. He was famous in the family for his never-ending repertoire of amazing true stories from his boyhood and time in the Navy and he was a great storyteller, with just a pinch of embellishments for good measure. Larry is survived by his wife Mary; three amazing siblings and their spouses JoAnn (Mac), David (Doris) and Kathy (Mike); eight grateful children John (Debbie), Richard (Cheri), Julie (Matt), Robert (Heather), Wendy (Grant), Jeff (Jill), Scott (Kristin) and Carolyn (Brian); 39 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to give special thanks to all of the staff at IHC Hospice Services and Beehive Senior Care who spent so many hours over the past year caring for our father through his long bout with cancer. We would also like to show deep gratitude for his ward and stake leaders, ward Relief Society and home teachers, and the members of the Hidden Oaks Ward and neighbors who went far beyond the call of duty to support Larry and Mary over the past many months. Thank you all! Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Hidden Oaks Ward Chapel, 11755 S. 2000 East in Sandy. Visitations will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 South) in Sandy and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.

Harvey E. Wright passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at his home. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. A full obituary will appear in Tuesday’s edition of the Transcript Bulletin. For further information contact Tate Mortuary 435-882-0676.

Keith was 24 years old. He passed away Jan. 26, 2016, in a tragic work-related accident in American Fork, Utah. Keith was born Sept. 20, 1991, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He lived in Rush Valley, Utah. Keith graduated from Dugway High School. He worked as a farmhand, a roofer, a roustabout in the oil fields and as a concrete carpenter in construction. He was known as The Boy, OZ, Beastlor, and Fingers to the people who love him. He was an Eagle Scout. He loved the outdoors riding ATVs, fishing, camping, boating, rock hounding, shooting and blowing things up!! He loved to create hip-hop rap music with with all of his best friends. He was always tinkering with things to figure out how they worked or to make them better. He loved with all of his heart. We loved him with all of our hearts and he will be missed dearly. Survived by his father Anthony Joel Osbahr, mother Angie Ann Osbahr and sister Crystal Marie Osbahr. Service will be held at Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main Street in Tooele, Utah, on Feb. 5 at noon. All are welcome.

Harvey Emmett Wright was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and humble, hardworking servant of the Lord. He passed away peacefully in his home in Tooele, Utah, at the age of 86 after a 15-year battle with cancer. He often referred to Tooele as “God’s Country.” He grew up in Tooele in Huck Finn fashion, trapping coyotes, tanning the skins of coyotes, hunting, fishing, exploring and camping. As a youth, he worked at Caldwell Drugstore stocking shelves, at the bowling alley setting up pins for five cents a lane, and at the Tooele Smelter Zinc plant after high school. As an adult he worked with the youth baseball program, as Boy Scout cub master, and served three terms on the Tooele City Council between 1966 to 1984. Prior to serving on the Council, he was assigned to the City Charter Committee and was instrumental in changing Tooele City from a city manager format to mayor and city council format. Harvey also served in many church callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He began working for Jacobsen Construction in 1952 as a carpenter and advanced to a foreman, superintendent, project manager, and vice president of operations. His first project was building storage igloos on the Tooele Army Depot. He built several testing facilities at the Dugway Proving Grounds. He was involved in the building of the Dugway High School gymnasium, the Dave Johnson Power Plant located east of Glen Rock, Wyoming, the LDS Church Underground Parking Garage, the Royal Hotel in Provo, the Holiday Telephone Building, the Temple View Theater, the various remodels of ZCMI, the University of Utah Special Events Center (Jon M. Huntsman Special Events Center), the Central Utah Jordan Water Treatment Plant Renovation, the addition to the Hotel Utah (Joseph Smith Building), the Orem Utah Water Treatment Plant, the Salt Lake City International Airport concourses A and B, the Salt Lake City/County Building renovation and seismic retrofit and the DMAD dam project on the Sevier River to name a few. During the exterior restoration of the Salt Lake Temple, he received an assignment from President Gordon B. Hinckley to locate the cornerstone that had been hidden during the construction of the temple. Harvey and President Hinckley referred to it as the Record Stone. After much study, prayer and hard innovative work, he was successful in locating the stone and retrieving the artifacts. The crowning jewel in Harvey’s lifetime of building was directing the construction of the LDS Conference Center, completed in April 2000. The family’s favorite story of that project was about President Gordon B. Hinckley telling Harvey that he wanted the building complete and ready for the 2000 April Conference. Harvey said, “That date is unrealistic. Winters are hard here and construction will be slow, and we don’t even have any drawings yet.” President Hinckley replied, “Harvey, you worry about the construction, and I’ll take care of the weather.” The request was met by the April 2000 conference following two very mild winters and despite Salt Lake City’s historic tornado ripping through the building site. Harvey had a great love and desire to serve. After the construction of the Conference Center was completed, he served as a service missionary twice working with the building mangers of the Conference Center to develop a full set of building drawings for the building for any future need and training church officials on the building’s operations. Harvey also instructed them in how to gain access to some difficult areas that needed frequent observation. Harvey was a master of his work, sought perfection by recognizing the importance of tending to the details, and was a great teacher of the trade. He took difficult challenges and turned them into something that all who worked with him could understand. He was honored by his peers in the construction industry for his lifelong service when the Associated General Contractors of America awarded him the Eric Ryburg Award in 2004. He was named Superintendent of the Year by this same organization in 1980, and was also presented with the rare and prestigious Service to the Industry Award in 1998. His humor was highly developed and he taught many lessons with it. He was known as a strong, creative master of his work. His children were the recipients of learning the skills of the construction trade as they assisted Harvey in the building of their own family homes and other family building projects. His sons worked by his side on several major Jacobsen Construction projects. He loved the Savior Jesus Christ and loved his family dearly.  He was always there to provide help and guidance. Among his other great loves were hunting and fishing, homemade strawberry ice cream and BYU sports! Harvey was born July 4, 1929, in American Fork, Utah, to Emmett William Wright and Catherine Adeline “Addie” Hunter. He was the firstborn of three children. Harvey married his high school sweetheart Connie Mae Edwards on June 2, 1948. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on March 15, 1950. They are the parents of three children. Harvey is survived by his wife Connie and their three children and their spouses: John and Karma Wright of Stansbury Park, Utah, Terry and Dori Wright of Pine Canyon, Utah, and Cathy and Brian Jarvis of Orem, Utah. He is also survived by ten grandchildren (Austin Wright, Adam Wright, Lincoln Wright, Jasmine Wright, Erin Wells, Tori Hill, Hana Lucas-Wright, Jesi Thomas, Michael Jarvis, Michelle Jarvis). Harvey and Connie have 16 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephew who will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents Emmett and Adeline, his sister Beth Vowles and his brother Richard Wright. We are grateful to the Utah Cancer Specialists who cared for him, especially oncologists Dr. Scott Samuelson and Dr. Bruce Bolonesi. We are also grateful to the many friends and family that have shown their kindness and offered their help during his illness. A viewing will be held at Tate Mortuary (110 S Main St., Tooele, UT) on Friday, Feb. 5 from 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. prior to funeral services. Funeral services will be held on Feb. 6, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at the Tooele South Stake Center located at 1025 Southwest Drive  (approximately 1000 S. 650 West), Tooele, UT. If you wish, you may make a donation to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in lieu of flowers.

Our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away on Friday at the age of 64. Born in Roy, Utah on Feb. 22, 1951, to Ivan and Nadine Anderson, Shanen is the third child but the only girl with three brothers and we all know she was the favorite. Shanen had four daughters from two marriages. She loved her family deeply, especially her grandchildren. They were very dear to her heart. Shanen was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed her many callings throughout her lifetime. Primary was always her favorite and the kids all loved her. Mom had a distinct laugh and was always happy she was a survivor of many hardships, including cancer, and always came out smiling and laughing and making the best of any situation. Anyone who knew her will never look at a pig and not think of her — she had quite the collection. Mom worked for Les Olson Company for 17 years, where she made lifelong friendships. Shanen is preceded in death by her mother Nadine Johnson Anderson. She is survived by her four daughters Canela (Phil) Oldroyd of Altamont, Catrina (Dave) Martin of Hurricane, Kindra (Jimmy) Valerio of Tooele, Casandra (Justin) McNeely of Delta, and her 10 grandchildren Kyle, Ken, Josh, Keenan, Kayden, Niko, Dominic, Saige, Gracie and Cash. Special thanks to the sweet nurses from Harmony and Home Instead. There was  a viewing on Monday, Feb. 1, from 6-8 p.m. and the services were Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Chapel at 3900 S. 4000 West in West Valley City, Utah, with a viewing one hour prior to services from 9:45-10:30 a.m. She will be buried next to her mother at Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 W. 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah.

Johnny returned to his heavenly home on Jan. 30, 2016, from a massive heart attack. He was loved, honored and respected by all those who knew him. The first thing most people were impressed with is what a kind heart he had. He had a wonderful way of loving everyone that he knew. He touched each of our lives with his example of Christlike love, patience, kindness and integrity. He was born (Oct. 12, 1951) and raised in Tooele, Utah. He graduated from Tooele High School, lettering all four years in swimming and went to state. He attended Southern Utah University then served a wonderful mission to the Cook Islands. He gave eight years of service in the Army National Guard. He loved and played baseball, then coached a first-place winning county rec. team. Some of his passions were hunting, hiking, muscle cars, politics and patriotism. But his first love was always his family and friends, with a special place in his heart for his Primary children. No words can express how greatly he is loved and how intensely he will be missed by all those privileged to know him. But we are comforted by the knowledge that there was great joy in heaven when he was welcomed home by his father and mother, Donald Bryan Pitt and Ruth Shields Pitt; many grandparents, aunts and uncles who preceded him. Those of us left to carry on until we are able to be with him again include his wife Mary W. Pitt; children Bryan Pitt (Rhonda), Richelle Morrison (Matt), Devan Pitt, Alia Pitt and Trent Bello, Todd Bello, Trevor Bello and Tim Bello; siblings Craig Pitt (Dolene), Alan Pitt, Barry Pitt (Michelle) and Peggy Pitt (Larry) and many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. A viewing will be held Wednesday, Feb. 3 at the LDS Overlake 4th Ward building (220 W. 2200 North, Tooele) from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Thursday, Feb. 4. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and the funeral will be at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Tooele City Cemetery (361 S. 100 East, Tooele). Services entrusted with Didericksen Memorial, 435-277-0050.

Michael “Mike” Dale Hepner, 52, passed away peacefully at his home in Tooele, Utah, on Jan. 23, 2016, in the loving care of his “ex-wife” of 19 years. Mike was born July 22, 1963, to Bill and Diane Hepner in Vallejo, California, and later moved to Utah with his family. He had two loving big sisters, Connie Tapp, who lies in Vallejo, California, and Donna Cornell. Mike met his wife Jessica (Christensen) Hepner and daughter Cortney Christensen in 1991. He welcomed his son, Christopher Hepner, to the world in 1993. Mike loved muscle cars. He ran a body shop on Broadway with his father for many years.

Mike was a very charming and outgoing person. He had the greatest sarcastic sense of humor that made people love to be around him. Mike was a loving father and friend and made such an impact on so many people’s lives.

Mike enjoyed fishing, camping, and concerts. He loved being with friends and family, working on his ’69 GTO Judge and being with his beloved dog and partner in crime Cyrus J. Wonderwog, who followed Mike to heaven two days later. Mike is met in heaven by his loving parents Bill and Diane Hepner. On Jan. 30, Mike welcomed his sister Donna Cornell to heaven. Mike will be badly missed by his family and friends, but he will always be in our hearts. His family would like to thank the many people who loved and cared for him in his battle with congestive heart failure, especially his caring hospice nurses. Funeral services will be held at New Life Christian Fellowship Church to be announced at a later date.

After five years with inflammatory breast cancer, three years with liver metastasizes, and three months on hospice, Joyce J. Hodges finally goes on to meet her late husband Louis Ogle Hodges III. It was with an unshakeable determination and just the right amount of stubbornness that Mom addressed her illness, and it was with this same tenacity that allowed her to achieve such an extraordinary life. From F2 pit crew to running multiple award-winning custom furniture stores in southern California; operating a 300-acre sheep ranch in northern California to maintaining a 35-year marriage and raising two daughters; Mom pulled it all off with wit and intelligence. She never met an iced tea with lemon and extra ice that she didn’t adore, or a book by Steven Erikson that she didn’t devour. Her generosity and kindness will be missed by all those who had the privilege to call her mother, grandmother and friend. She is survived by daughters Suzanne Hodges and April Hodges (Dan Bateman), grandson Chase Hodges-Heilmann, granddaughter Lou Hodges and brother Ross Renner. Her girls were with her every step of her final journey. A gathering to remember, grieve and appreciate Joyce, will be held on March 11 between 5-8 p.m. at the Utah Cultural Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to one of her favorite Utah charities, Adopt a Native Elder (www.anelder.org).

Liz Medina passed away Feb. 1, 2016, at the age of 71, surrounded by her family at Promise Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, after she so bravely battled to recover from multiple unsuccessful surgeries and other complications. She was born March 28, 1944, to Eugene Watkins and Naomi Jolley in Lincoln, Nebraska. In 1980, Liz married Gene Medina after he chased her until she caught him. They were then married for 35 wonderful years. Liz raised three boys from a previous marriage, Charlie, Darrell and Robert Finch and helped raise two of Gene’s boys, Tony and Matt Medina. She lost her middle boy, Darrell, to a drowning accident in 1980. Liz is survived by her four boys and their wives, Charlie (Heidi), Robert (Stephanie), Tony (Sheila) and Matt (Debbie); her two sisters Sherrie (Tommie) Wilson and Mary (Ray) Page and many grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.

She was baptized Catholic in 2002 and was a member of Saint Marguerite’s Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Watkins, her mother, Naomi Jolley, her brother, Sam Watkins (Vietnam), and her son, Darrell Finch. The family would like to express their gratitude and say many thanks to the doctors, nurses, physical therapists and cleaning people from Landmark Hospital and Promise Hospital for their expert, professional and respectful ways in which they gently cared for our very dear Liz as they administered and cared for her for almost seven months. They were her heroes. Special thanks to Father Sam, her priest, Father JJ (Our Lady of Lourdes Church) and her long time friend and hair dresser, Anna Keeler, you made her more beautiful then she already was … you were special to her, thank you. Funeral services will be held at Saint Marguerite’s Church at 700 East and Vine Street in Tooele, Utah. No viewing will be available, but friends may offer condolences to family from 10-11 a.m. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Feb. 5, 2016. Burial ceremony will be after Mass at the Tooele Cemetery.

Gloria Eileen Blackwell “Go-Go” passed away Feb. 1, 2016, in Pueblo, Colorado. She was born Aug. 5, 1925, to Bert May and Margaret Brown. She married Elbert Blackwell on July 11, 1942. He was the love of her life. They had many great years together camping and RVing. She was known as Grandma Gloria by her many great friends and caretakers at University Park Care Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert Blackwell; her parents, Burt and Margaret May and brothers Donald May, Terry May and Daryl May. She is survived by her son, Larry (Marilynn) Blackwell of St. Louis, Missouri; daughters, Janice (Larry) Goulet and Diane (John) Smith, Pueblo, Colorado; sister, Mildred Cochran of Illinois and Shirley Buckingham of Missouri; sisters-in-law, Betty May and Hazel May; 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren who loved their grandma Go-Go and many nieces and nephews who loved their aunty Go-Go. She will be truly missed by all. There will be no service, per her request. Cremation will take place by Romero Funeral Home.

John J. “Jack” Welsh, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at the age of 95. He was born April 30, 1920, in Manhattan, New York, to Peter and Kathleen “Kate” Welsh. He married Marie R. MacArthur in Vallejo, California, on Sept. 10, 1950. Marie preceded him in death, but not before they had 64 wonderful years and three children together. Jack enlisted into the U.S. Army just prior to WWII and served his country for 5 1/2 years, during which he obtained the rank of captain. Afterward, he remained in Vallejo, California, met his loving wife and worked at Benicia Arsenal as a civil engineer. He was also very involved in the operation of the Benicia Arsenal Federal Credit Union as chairman of the board. When Benicia closed in 1961, Jack was transferred to the Tooele Ordnance Depot as Director of Services. At that time, he and Phil Miller, then credit union president, relocated the Benicia Arsenal Credit Union to the Tooele Ordnance Depot, where he was involved with the credit union for more than 50 years. He was inducted into the Credit Union Hall of Fame on March 15, 2003. He retired from the Tooele Ordnance Depot in 1981 and continued as a consultant for various subcontractors until 1985, at which time he retired for good. Jack served as a Tooele City Councilman, and held a position on the board of directors of both the Tooele Hospital and the Tooele Nursing Home. He held a seat on the Tooele Planning and Zoning Commission. He also was very active in the Catholic Church. He served 20 years alternating as area chairman or area vice chairman on the state diocese and development drive and one term as the state chairman. Jack could always be found working as a volunteer at various community events such as the Tooele Arts Festival and St. Marguerite’s Fall Festival. Jack and Marie loved to spend their summers in Clearlake, California, with the kids, grandkids and friends who all visited as often as they could. Boating was a big part of all of our lives. He is survived by three children: Mark Welsh, Suzanne (Tom) Rainwater and Bob (Jackie) Welsh, who all loved him dearly; seven grandchildren: Stephanie Welsh, Tiffany (Jed Matthews) Rainwater, Joe (Lindsey) Rainwater and Jonathan Rainwater, Michael, Alec and Rafe Welsh and four beautiful great-grandchildren. A special thank you to Home Instead, Right At Home and Harmony for making it possible for Dad to remain at home as he transitioned into the last stage of his life. A visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 11 from 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, Feb. 12 at 11 a.m., with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. All will be held at Saint Marguerite Catholic Church, 15 South 7th Street, Tooele, Utah, with interment at Tooele City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Services entrusted with Didericksen Memorial, 435-277-0050. Jack led an extraordinary life. He always approached it with joy, humor and optimism. We have so many fond memories, too many to mention, that we’ll hold close to our hearts. He is once again with our mother and we know both are now watching over us. Know that you will be dearly missed Dad. You and Mom will be forever in our hearts! May Perpetual Light Shine Upon You.