Marie Williams passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018. A full obituary will appear in next week’s Tooele Transcript Bulletin. For further information, please contact Tate Mortuary at 435-882-0676.

Mary LaVon Wilson (LaVon) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 24, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. LaVon was 93 years old.

LaVon was born July 18, 1924, to Marion and Rosa Leonard, and was the fourth of seven children. LaVon attended South High School and the University of Utah. She married the love of her life, Joseph Eugene Wilson, in September 1946. LaVon had two daughters, Konnie Kae and Julie Jo.

LaVon worked at Tooele Army Depot for 25 years, serving as the adjutant at headquarters. LaVon loved her job and, up to her passing, told wonderful stories about her work and the people she worked with. LaVon left her job when her husband became ill. Even though she loved her job, she loved her husband more.

After her beloved husband died in 1984, she was offered a job at the Salt Lake International Airport helping passengers and visitors. Later, LaVon was asked to work for the Salt Lake City Visitors’ Authority and held this important position during the 2002 Winter Olympics. During this time, she became acquainted with Mitt Romney and often spoke of how exciting her work was.

LaVon greatly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 2015, she went to London with her daughter, Konnie; granddaughter, Hollie; her husband, Tony; and grandson Dawson. When she was 90, she visited Disneyland and rode every ride, including the roller coasters.

LaVon was blessed by being healthy and fully aware until just a few days before her passing.

LaVon was preceded in death by her daughter, Julie Jo; her husband, Joe; and all of her siblings.

LaVon is survived by her daughter, Konnie Kae Susich (Lake Tahoe, Nevada); son-in-law, John Thomas Susich (Henderson, Nevada); grandchildren, John Joseph Susich (Jackie) and Hollie Marie Delaney (Tony) (Henderson, Nevada); and great-grandchildren, Dawson, Madelyn and Hunter.

LaVon is also survived by many members of her extended family and her special and treasured friends, Lee and Michelle Garbett.

A celebration of life will be held Feb. 17 at the LDS Fourth Ward building located at 192 W. 200 South, Tooele. Services will commence at 11 a.m. LaVon will be laid to rest next to her husband, Joe, and her daughter, Julie, at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Rick Bysecker left this world on the morning of Feb. 9, 2018, after succumbing to complications from an unexpected heart attack three days before. Rick was born on May 17, 1953, and was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who strived every day to be better than he was the day before.

Rick served an LDS mission and, when he came home, met his future wife, Sally Lou Pelzman. They were married and sealed in the LDS Temple on June 6, 1980.

Sally passed away on July 10, 2007, and Rick never stopped mourning for her. They are now reunited in heaven, watching over all of us and guiding us through this hard time.

Rick is survived by his two children, Bartholomew Frank and Timothy William, and seven grandchildren: Elliott, Blake, Trinity, Tommy, Timothy Lou, RayAnne and Salena.

There will be a celebration of Rick’s life on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 3-6 p.m. at the LDS Church building on 200 W. and 200 South, Tooele. All friends and family, past and present, are welcome to join us and reminisce.

Robert A. “Bob” Shields, 68, passed away Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, at his home in Moab, Utah.

Bob was born Sept. 16, 1949, in Tooele, Utah, to Sam and Delma Anderson Shields. He grew up in Tooele and graduated from Tooele High School and attended SSU in Cedar City, Utah.

He married Claudia Parker on July 7, 1990 in Elko, Nevada.

Bob worked in the Salt Lake area, later working for the Utah State Liquor Department as manager of the Tooele and Moab stores for 28 years. He retired in 2012. Being a history and book lover, and after reading every book in the Moab Library, he took a part-time job for four more years. Bob loved to joke around and was very quick on the comeback. His mother said he would tell her jokes when he was very young and say, “Get it, Mom?” She did, but she wasn’t sure he did.

Bob is survived by his wife, Claudia; her sons, Sean, Jeff and Adam Cox; his sister, Nancy Shields Kobler of Santa Rosa, California; and his nephew, David Ekenstam of Tooele.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Sam; his sister, Jessie Ekenstam; and stepson, Jacob Cox. Many thanks go to Claudia for caring for Bob during his 24 years of  heart problems.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 6-8 p.m. at Spanish Valley Mortuary in Moab. A service will also be held Friday, Feb. 16 at 12 p.m., at Tate Mortuary in Tooele, Utah, followed by burial at Tooele City Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com

Betty Elaine Iverson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the young age of 90 on Feb. 8, 2018, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

She was born Aug. 25, 1927, to Delbert C. Hammond and Marcella Kirk Hammond in Tooele, Utah, where she lived nearly all of her life.

She married DeVon Iverson on Sept. 15, 1945. Their marriage was later solemnized for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.

They had three children: Tommy Iverson (West Jordan), Pat (Mike) Ruiz (Tooele) and Scott Iverson (Tooele); a special daughter-in-law, Marsha (Bruce) Keemer (Sandy); seven grandchildren: Lisa (Rick) DeSimon (Tooele), Kimberly (Kevin) Connelly (Tooele), Sandy (Brian) Christensen (Willard), Brian (Marcie) Iverson (Provo), Brett Iverson (West Jordan), Ashlee Iverson (Tooele) and Tyler Iverson (Tooele); 17 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her parents; older brother, Dean; her husband, DeVon; and great-grand children (twins), Chloe and Kennedy Connelly.

Her greatest joys in life were being there for her family and doing things for others. She loved to entertain, decorate her home for every occasion, and working in her yard was a great delight for her. She loved having her grandchildren visit and was happiest when they came to see her. She would cook up a feast for them, whether they were hungry or not. She loved to cook. She had a knack for baking that she shared with everyone.

She grew up in Tooele, and extended her arms of friendship to many. Those friends and classmates became her friends for life. She made many friends when she worked at the Tooele Valley Hospital, which she loved to invite to her home. Once a friend of Betty’s, always a friend! She loved her new family and friends at Carrington Court Assisted Living, which she called her home for the last three years. She was always making them laugh with her rhymes and humor. Betty will always be remembered for her kindness and generosity of always lending a helping hand.

Betty will be greatly missed by those who had the honor and pleasure of knowing her, whether it be family or friend.

A viewing will be held on Feb. 15 from 10-11 a.m. at the Skyline Ward Chapel, 1100 E. Skyline Drive, Tooele, with graveside services following immediately after. Interment will be in the Tooele City Cemetery.

Marie Larsen Williams, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at Beehive Home on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, at the age of 92. She was born Feb. 5, 1926, to Glen S. and Blanche H. Larsen in Huntington, Utah.

She was raised in Castle Dale, Utah. She was active in high school, where she was drum majorette (twirling batons), played tennis (the only one to beat her was her future spouse), and valedictorian in 1944. She went to Carbon College (CEU) for two years and then received her Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics Education with honors from Utah State University in 1948.

She taught home economics at Juab High School for one year, and then married Bert C. Williams on June 3, 1949, in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to Logan where she taught 5th grade until Bert graduated. Marie and Bert were then hired to teach in Tooele. She taught at Tooele High School from 1950-55 and quit to raise their family. She began teaching full time again in 1972 at Tooele Junior High, teaching home economics until she retired in 1987.

They raised two daughters and one son and provided them with a nearly perfect childhood. Marie was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including Relief Society President and Jr. Sunday School President. Her favorite calling was teaching cultural arts in both the stake and ward. She and Bert served a mission to Manchester, England, serving primarily in Wigan and Liverpool. They were later able to help with temple tours in Preston, England. They also served for 11 year in the Jordan River Temple and then ventured weekly on the bus to the Salt Lake Temple.

In their retirement years, Bert and Marie enjoyed many special vacations with friends and family, visiting six continents and enjoying church and temple tours. They attended 49 temples and visited five more. Marie was able to attend one and visit four more temples. They enjoyed camping with family and the Olympus Seagulls in their motor home. They attended high school tournaments of football, basketball and wrestling, and Marie could be found crocheting and “yelling” at the referees (much to her husband’s dismay).

Marie’s talents were many: crocheting, sewing, cooking, cake decorating and entertaining large parties. She enjoyed attending theatre productions throughout the state. Marie also enjoyed her clubs: Civic League (GFWC) for 65 years and Beaux Arts for 60 years. She served as president and in other offices throughout the years. She was the representative for Club Woman of the Year with GFCW in 2000. She loved being with these ladies monthly. Marie loved getting her hair done weekly for over 50 years.

She is survived and will be missed by her children, Colette of Tooele; Donald (Lisa) of Marysville, Washington; and Halceyn (Wayne) Forbert of Saratoga Springs, Utah; grandchildren, Andrew (Anna) Williams, Alexandria (Jake) Kent, Christian (Amy) Williams, and Dalton Klinger; and six great grandchildren.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three sisters, and a son-in-law.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. at the Tooele 3rd Ward Building on 150 W. Utah Avenue with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. A viewing will also be held Friday, Feb. 16 from 6-8 p.m. at Tate Mortuary 110 S. Main Street, Tooele.  Burial will be at the Tooele City Cemetery.

Marie’s family expresses their appreciation to all family, friends, ward family, doctors, nurses, Home Instead, Beehive Home, and Canyon Hospice for the care provided to her over the past few months and years.

Phyllis King was born in Macomb, Illinois, on June 8, 1928, to Maurice and Welcome Kistner.

Phyllis and her first husband, Robert Opendike, came to Utah in 1949 as part of the Dairy Queen opening in the state. They were co-owners of Kistner Dairy Queen in Salt Lake. She and her husband later moved to Tooele to open the local Dairy Queen on Main Street.

After her second husband, Renaldo Cerroni, died in 1989, Phyllis married an old friend, Don King, from Illinois, and relocated there. Upon his death in 2001, she returned to Tooele to spend her remaining years here. She will be buried next to her second husband, Renaldo Cerroni.

Phyllis was a Lady Elk and a lifeguard at the Tooele pool. She loved playing bridge and was an excellent and avid golfer. Her best friends were Donna Chriss and Jean and Ivan Draper. She loved and became very close to her hospice ladies and she will be missed.

Phyllis is survived by her older sister, Bette Settle; niece, Deborah Settle; younger sister, Dixie Dalton; nephew, Jon Dalton; niece, Melanie (Joe) Lagerstrom; nephew, Carey Dalton; great nephew, Eric Lagerstrom; and great niece, Elise Lagerstrom.

She was preceded in death by her parents Maurice and Welcome Kistner, and her husbands.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, Feb. 20 at Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main St., Tooele, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by graveside service at Tooele City Cemetery.

Jane Venzes Medina, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018. She was born Jan. 20, 1940, to Ernesto and Tavita Romero.

Jane grew up in Taos, New Mexico, the oldest of 12 children. She moved with her family to Tooele in 1967 and called it home ever since. She loved reading and enjoyed her years working at the Tooele Public Library, and the friends she made there.

After her career there, Jane also enjoyed her work at Tooele Army Depot and Detroit Diesel. She has been a member of Saint Marguerite’s parish since moving to Tooele and enjoyed being active in church activities and functions over the years. She was a source of strength and leaves behind a legacy of love for her family.

Jane is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Richard; her 4 children, Michael (Kathy) Medina of Tooele, Utah; Stephanie (Scott) Fudge of Vacaville, California; Steven Medina of Tooele, Utah; and Richard Medina, Jr. of Buckeye, Arizona; 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and several of her siblings.

A funeral mass will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at St. Marguerite Catholic Church, 15 S. 7th Street, Tooele, Utah. Interment Tooele City Cemetery.

Louis Emerson Frese passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, after a long battle with lung cancer, with his wife, Virginia, by his side. Louis was born in Salt Lake City on Feb. 21, 1969, to his loving parents, James Frese and Evangeline Rebecca Vasquez Frese. He left this life surrounded by love and care. Louis was truly a wonderful person.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at 12 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah, where viewings will be held on Friday, Feb. 16, from 6-8 p.m. and again prior to services from 11-11:45 a.m. Visit mcdougalfuneralhomes.com for full obituary.

Louis E. Frese

In lieu of flowers, donations have been requested for the family. You can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/louiscancerfund. Or you may make donations directly to Louis’s wife, Virginia.

Melvin Mair, age 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, surrounded by family. Melvin was born on April 9, 1928, in Heber City, Utah, to Daniel and Ellen Pearl Hamilton Mair. He was the ninth of 10 children.

Melvin married the love of his life, Margaret Matson, on June 20, 1948, in Tooele, Utah, where they lived the majority of their life together. He served honorably in the Marine Corps. He then spent the majority of his working life at Tooele Army Depot as a painter and West Elementary as a custodian.

Melvin was an active member of the LDS church and held many positions that he faithfully fulfilled. He loved fishing and spent countless hours roaming the shores of the many lakes of Utah. He also loved gardening and took great pride in the fruits and vegetables he produced.

He is survived by his wife and five wonderful children: Deborah M. Rydalch (John), Dennis M. Mair (Sandy), Steven R. Mair (Kathy), Robert A. Mair (Maida), and Christopher J. Mair. Melvin and Margaret have 18 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren who love them very much.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

We will celebrate Melvin’s life at a funeral service at noon, Feb. 21, 2018, at the Stockton LDS meeting house. A viewing will be held two hours prior to the service. Interment will be at Tooele City Cemetery.

We will miss you, your endless supply of stories, and your example of hard work, dedication, and commitment to life and your family. Until we are together again …

Janice Marvlen (Booth) Peasnall, 77, joined her best friend and eternal partner, Vern, on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. She passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends in the Tooele Beehive Home. Janice was born May 30, 1940, in Tooele to James J. and Alice (Fox) Booth. She married Vern Clark Peasnall on Dec. 17, 1956, and later solemnized their marriage in the Salt Lake City Temple on May 27, 1975.

Janice retired from the Tooele Valley Nursing home after 40 years of outstanding service. She thoroughly enjoyed her 10 years of service at the Salt Lake Temple. She had a strong testimony of the gospel and served in many different church callings. Her favorite was working with the young women.  Janice loved camping, fishing, crocheting, cross-stitching, sewing, making quilts and spending time with her family.

Janice is survived by son, Doug (Denise) of Tooele, Utah; son, Brent (Tess) of Tooele, Utah; daughter, Lori (Brad) Mowry of West Point, Utah; nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vern; parents, James and Alice; and two siblings, Charles and Dennis.

The family would like to thank the Beehive home staff for their outstanding and loving care during her time spent there. They treated her like family and even called her Mom. Also, the family would like to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice for its outstanding care and service.

A memorial service will be held, Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at 12 p.m. at the Tooele Stake Center located at 253 S. 200 East, Tooele. Friends may visit the family from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at Tooele City Cemetery.

Deborah Nicole “Nikki” Tate Royle, passed away in her home on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, surrounded by her family. Nikki was born on Aug. 4, 1980, to Neal Gary Tate and Deborah Joan Smith Anderson. Nikki married Todd Royle and together they raised four beautiful girls: Madison, Angelina, Shylun, and Tatem. Nikki loved to spend time with them hiking, camping at Lava Hot Springs, going to Lagoon, and most of all, spending time at Lake Powell. Lake Powell was her favorite place in the whole world.

Nikki is survived by her parents, Deborah Joan Smith Anderson, and Neal and Barbara Tate; her children; siblings, Dustin and Rachel Tate, Whitney and Ross Day, Janae, Jocelyn, Julian Barbury, Jerica Ralston, and Tyler Bice; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A special thanks to the Huntsman Cancer Institute and to Community Nursing Services. Her life celebration will be held at Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main, Tooele, on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate monetary donations to help cover the costs of the services.

Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, was a very sad day, as Sharon’s battle with multiple myeloma, and her other illnesses, overcame her and she passed peacefully surrounded by her close family. She fought hard like she always did.

Sharon was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and sister! Sharon will be forever remembered by her beloved husband, daughter, grandchildren and siblings. Sharon will also be forever remembered by her extended family and dear friends. She will be sorely missed by her cherished best friend, Hermione the Dog/Human.

Although Mom was blessed to never need to work outside of the home, she still worked extremely hard to remain close to her family, friends and the Lord. She enjoyed Del Norte High School, and was well loved by both the staff and students there according to her best friend, Peggy. She was very creative and successful in her art and writing abilities, which she pursued up until her final days. Many of her talents will be carried on through her children and grandchildren.

Sharon had a love for beautiful gardens, for all animals and the elderly. She loved to watch movies that were made in the older era, as well as many current crime and mystery series. She truly enjoyed comedy shows with her husband mostly because she was in love with her Henry’s laughter! She was a great cook and loved to try new and unusual recipes. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She was a devout Christian. Her faith in God provided her with the strength and courage to face and overcome many adversities throughout her life, including her final battles with cancer.

Family, friends and acquaintances of our beloved mother are respectfully invited to attend her funeral and service on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main St., Tooele, Utah. All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

Janis Kirk Allen of Tooele, Utah, passed away Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, following a valiant battle against cancer.

Janis was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Jan. 22, 1955, to Floyd and Klea Kirk.

Janis grew up in Tooele where she attended local schools and served as senior class secretary for Tooele High School’s class of 1973.

Shortly after graduation, Janis married Steve Allen and they raised two children, Jayme and Kirk. They divorced after 38 years.

After working in security at Tooele Army Depot, Janis pursued her professional career. She positively influenced the lives of others while serving in executive assistant positions at U.S. West Communications, the University of Puget Sound, Tooele County Health Department, and most recently for the owner of Miller Motorsports Park. Along her career path, she attended the University of Phoenix.

Janis’s gracious heart, kind words, and sparkling personality will be forever remembered by her countless friends that she made while living and working in Tooele, Sandy, Stansbury Park, St. George; Aurora, Colorado; and Puyallup, Washington.

She recently married Harold Knocke and they have lived in Tooele for the past year.

In addition to her husband, Harold and former husband, Steve, the following survive Janis: children, Kirk Allen (Sandy, Utah), Jayme Aumann (Bella Vista, Arkansas), Sara Knocke (Tooele) and Suzanne Knocke (Ward, Arkansas); grandchildren, Lily Aumann, Daniel Aumann, and Wyatt Sheehan; brother, Steve Kirk and sister, Kayleen Rowberry.

In accordance with Janis’s wishes, her family and friends will host a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 4 p.m. at the Tooele Elks Lodge, 61 N. Main Street (directly west of the post office). All are invited.

“Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.” We all love you, Janis.

Lincoln J. Powers, age 19, passed away on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, in Salt Lake City, Utah, from injuries sustained in a tragic car accident.

Lincoln was born Dec. 14, 1998, in Salt Lake City, to parents Jason and Tameisa Powers. He graduated from Tooele High School in 2017, where he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, soccer and track.

Lincoln was always on the move, from the time he took his first steps when just 7 ½ months old. He lit up every room he came into with his bright smile and warm, welcoming, commanding presence. Lincoln had a way of lifting others; people were naturally drawn to him. His kind and open nature led all who met him to immediately feel he was their best friend. For all that, he was at his loving best when with his family, and was a sweet and generous brother and son. Lincoln was also a person of faith, and he did all he could to share his faith in the Lord to bless the lives of others. He was a joy-filled, happy, cheerful young man, who will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Lincoln is survived by his parents, Jason and Alison (stepmother) and Tameisa Powers; his brother, Trae (Bryndi); sisters, Kennedy and Jocelyn; and grandmother, Janice Powers. His grandfather, Jerry Powers, and grandmother, Tammy Tripplett, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. at the Whitaker Ward, 752 N. 520 East in Tooele. The family will receive friends on Friday, Feb. 23 from 6-8 p.m. at Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main, Tooele, and briefly from 9-9:45 a.m. on Saturday at the Whitaker Ward.

Interment will be at Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 W. 4100 South, West Valley City, on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m.

A celebration of life will be held for Tami R. Nelson on Friday, March 2, 2018, from 6-9 p.m. at the Elk’s Lodge, 61 N. Main St., Tooele. All friends and family are welcome.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing, and celebrate the life of, M. Kent Fairbanks, 75, who slipped peacefully from this life on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, while surrounded by those who loved him, at his home following a fairly long bout with cancer. Kent was born in Bingham Canyon, Utah, to Max Tanner Fairbanks and Lucile Gunderson Fairbanks, on Nov. 4, 1942.

On March 18, 1966, Kent married the love of his life, his eternal companion, Mary Alice Barber, in the St. George Temple. He is survived by Mary Alice and their five daughters: Pamela (Bryant Brown), Shannon (Merlin Jensen), Andrea (Jeff Wanlass), Christi, and Janell (Jon Ruff), and their 18 grandchildren.

Shortly after his marriage to Mary Alice, Kent graduated from the University of Utah in 1968. His professional life was diverse and varied and he spent most of it engaged in pursuits he loved. He began at Dun and Bradstreet and eventually left there to start his own business, Kent’s Countertops. After several years in sales, he went to work for his alma mater as a carpenter where he would eventually retire. Always wanting to be active and busy, coupled with his love of cars and racing, Kent came out of retirement for one of his dream jobs as a corner worker at Miller Motorsports Park.

His other passions and hobbies included motorcycle riding, golfing, skiing and riding his side by side RZR with Mary Alice.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kent spent his life in devoted service to the Lord and His Kingdom and held a variety of callings including Executive Secretary, Seventy, High Counselor, Bishop, Bishop’s Counselor, Temple Ordinance Worker, Ward Mission Leader, and Missionary. In fact, he served two full-time missions: from 1961 to 1963 he served in the Western Canada Mission, then from 2009 to 2011, he served in the Greece Athens Mission with his favorite missionary companion, Mary Alice.

He is dearly loved and will be sorely missed, until we are all reunited in the eternities.

The family wants to thank Elevation Hospice for its caring service and Jackie who gave Kent wonderful care.

Funeral will be held Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. at the Stake Center in Stansbury Park, 417 Benson Road. A viewing will be held from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to the service.

On Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, our beloved Ben Maxwell Johnson, age 39, son, brother and friend, passed away. Ben had many people who loved him and cared for him deeply.

Ben loved music and laughter. Music was one of his forms of communication. He was also a prankster and many people were victims of his pranks. Ben had a spark of genius in him. When he was younger, he would tear things apart to learn how they worked. He could fix things professional people could not.

Ben loved fireworks. He also liked inventing things. He liked going to the 49th Street Galleria. He liked riding out of the canyons on his bike, wading in the streams of North and South Willow canyons, sleigh riding in the snow, and fishing trips. Ben loved Bar-S bologna sandwiches. If we didn’t have them, we were out of groceries, no matter how much food we bought. Ben loved playing tickle monster, the farmer, and do not laugh games. His laugh was so contagious. Ben liked playing video games and became very good at them. In the beginning, he could only play a short time on two quarters. Soon a quarter would last all afternoon as he chocked up points.

Ben also loved being in the Sunshine Group with his sister Crystal where they would sing and entertain. Ben also loved to draw and play guitars with his friends, Nick Smith and Kory Chavez. Ben had many hurdles to overcome in his lifetime. He had many health problems and worked in constant pain the last five years. Ben has been very close to his sister Crystal. They were confidantes, the best of friends and they relied heavily on each other growing up. Ben will be missed by many.

Ben is survived by his father, Kimball Johnson, Grantsville; his mother, Linda Lane, Arizona; his sister, Crystal Stearns; brother in law, Mike Stearns; nephew, Trevor Stearns; and sister, Angie, all of Grantsville.

Ben was preceded in death by his grandparents, Max and Erna Johnson; and Marlene Caldwell.

Ben’s “Come as you are celebration” will be held Sunday, March 4 from 1-3 p.m. at the All-Star Bowling Center, 1111 N. 200 West, Tooele, Utah.

John Henry Adams passed away peacefully early in the morning of Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, a few weeks shy of his 95th birthday, in West Linn, Oregon. John was born on April 7, 1923, in Tooele, Utah, to John Thomas and Emma Elizabeth Charles Adams.

John, also known as “Jack” and “Brud,” often spoke about growing up in the idyllic town of Tooele.

John’s first job was as a paperboy for the Tooele Transcript Bulletin, a publication to which he subscribed up until his death. John was very involved with school activities, including band, debate and football. John and his best friend Newell Aldous, won the BYU State Invitational in doubles tennis. Outside of school, John, Newell and Reed Stewart formed a singing trio, as well as a trumpet trio. He put together the “Jack Adams Band,” playing for dances in the area.

After World War II broke out, John joined the Army Air Corp and became a B-24 pilot, receiving his wings in 1942. He and his crew completed 40 bombing missions in the South Pacific. John received the Distinguished Flying Cross, as well as one ribbon, three battle Stars, and the American Theatre ribbon.

In 1945, John returned to Utah and his studies at the University of Utah. John performed in musical theatre performances and was very involved in the Sigma Chi fraternity, holding the position of Consul (President) of the fraternity in 1949.

While attending the “U,” John met Gayle Platt. They were married at her home on April 4, 1952, by Gayle’s father. They would go on to have a total of five children. The family was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on Oct. 1, 1970.  John was a dedicated father, attending every baseball, football, and softball game he could. John always made his wife and children the priority of his life.

In 1950, John began his long career working for the International Harvest Company.  While working with I.H., he transferred to Wyoming, Colorado, California, Oregon, Utah, and finally back to California, to the city of Walnut Creek, in the fall of 1970. While moving so many times was difficult, John and Gayle built beautiful homes and lasting friendships each place they lived. John retired from International Harvester in 1982.  Two months later he began a new career in employment recruiting. He continued in this profession well into his 80s.

John served with full devotion in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a Sunday School teacher, Stake Missionary, Stake Young Men’s Counselor, a temple worker in the Oakland Temple, and Ward Clerk, long enough to serve under four bishops.

John began running two miles a day in the mid 1970s, a passion that also continued well into his 80s. He was a well-known fixture in the neighborhood with his white hat, handkerchief and wooden stick. He ran in the Alameda “Run for the Parks” 5K many times, and the San Francisco “Bay To Breakers” race for more than 20 years.

John was well known for his generosity, sense of humor and wit. John was a true Gentleman, in every sense of that word. He embodied the phrase, “the more I give to thee, the more I have.”  He was very well known for making calls and sending notes on birthdays and many other special occasions.

John is survived by his children, John of Lehi, Utah; Carah Markstaller (Matt) of West Linn, Oregon; and Kelly Holbrook (Scott) of Highland Village, Texas. His grandchildren are: Ian (Sarah), Ammon, Aaron, Alexandra, Rachel, Jennifer and Hannah.

He was preceded in death by his parents John Thomas and Emma Elizabeth; twin sons, John Thomas and Edward Orson; his three sisters, June Bishop, Mira Graehl and Emma Lou Ficklin; as well as his sweetheart of 62 years, Gayle Platt Adams.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 2, 2018, at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. The family will be greeting friends and relatives from 12-12:45 p.m., with the service beginning at 1 p.m.  Burial will follow at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers we ask that you visit www.legion.org.veteransbenefits/utah and consider making a donation.

Carol O’Driscoll passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018. A full obituary will appear in next week’s Tooele Transcript Bulletin. For more information, contact Tate Mortuary at 435-882-0676.