Leonard M. Tayon Jr. returned to his Father in Heaven on Saturday, May 19, 2018. Leonard was born in Granite City, Illinois, on Dec. 22, 1954, to Leonard M. Tayon Sr. and Clara V. Weise. He was the fourth child of six. He moved to Utah when his dad was transferred to Tooele Army Depot. He married his beautiful high school sweetheart, Janet Paskett, in July 1973. They have four supportive and loving children: Michelle and Paul Callister, Scott and Katie, Christopher and Cassie, and Cynthia and Jeff Williams. They have 12 fantastic and fun grandchildren. 

Leonard became an EMT in 1980 and soon after became a volunteer firefighter with the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Dept. Leonard and Butch Barton started the Fire Prevention Programs for the schools in 1983.

In 1992, Leonard was involved in an industrial accident at US Magnesium. He was burned over 52 percent of his body. He had endured many surgeries over the years, including a cornea transplant to restore his sight. Please consider organ donation. He returned to work at US Magnesium after his recovery and worked at the Magnesium facility for 45 years. He loved people and enjoyed life. He held many callings in the LDS Church. Leonard served as bishop of the Grantsville Third Ward from 1995 to 2000. His pure joy was serving in the Boy Scout Program.

Leonard and Janet enjoyed volunteering at the U of U Camp Nah Nah Mah, a camp for burn survivor children ages for 4 to 12 every summer. Leonard was also a counselor for the adolescent river trip where children ages 12 to 18 run the Green River. Leonard and Janet were members of the SOAR program (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery). They were able to talk with patients at the Intermountain Burn Center offering information and encouragement. His greatest achievement is his posterity.

Preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Clara Tayon, brother Martin Tayon, mother- and father-in-law Albert and Abbie Paskett, sister-in-law Linda Paskett, and daughter-in-law Jessica Clark Tayon.

There will be a visitation on Monday, May 28, from 6–8 p.m. at the Grantsville West Stake Center, 115 E. Cherry Street. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Tuesday, May 29, at 11 a.m. with a visitation starting at 10 a.m. Graveside services will directly follow at the Grantsville City Cemetery, 370 W. Main Street. In lieu of flowers please donate to the University of Utah Burn Camp. Please send a check to U of U Burn Camp Programs, in memory of Leonard Tayon. 50 N. Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132.

Our mother, Vaudys Francis D. Fulmer Buzianis, began her Spiritual Journey on Friday, May 18, 2018, with her loving family beside her.

Mom was born to Charlotte Marie Wilken Day and Frances Marion Day on Dec. 3, 1931, in a humble home in Fillmore, Utah. She was the youngest of six children. She is survived by one older half-brother, Keith O. Koffard (Sylvia) of Corpus Christi, Texas. The remaining four children are deceased: Clair LuRay Koffard (Glenna) of Tooele; VonNell Day Stewart (Verl), Roween Day Duncan (Farren), and Marie Day Shurtz (Cecil).

In March 1952, mom met and married Donald E. Fulmer. To this union, four girls were born: Shawna Fulmer Wiseman (Tom) of Rouge River, Ore.;  Sherie (Neal) Symonds of Tooele; Lynn (Rick) Scott of Monroe, WA.; and Barbie (Mike) Egnor of Big Cabin, OK. Don and Vaudys Fulmer later divorced.

In January 1983 mom married George Buzianis, brother to Pete Buzianis (Joyce) of Middle Canyon, Tooele. To this marriage mom brought her four girls and George brought his son, George Jay Buzianis of Paia, Hawaii; one step-daughter, Renee Newitt of Seattle, WA.; and step- son Bill Muhller (Lynette) of Layton, Utah. Together they had many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

At mom’s request, in lieu of a traditional funeral, she chose cremation with a private family burial. A celebration of life will be held at the Benchmark Village Club House in Tooele on Thursday, May 24, at 1 p.m. 

We express our appreciation to Intermountain Hospice and Dennis who lovingly cared for our Mom. Arrangements in care of Dalton-Hoopes Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 435-884-3031.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at daltonhoopes.com.

Maria Natividad Mata, age 88, passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018, at the Family Tree Assisted Living Facility in West Point, Utah. She was born on Feb. 6, 1930, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Jose Faustine and Maria Ramona Sandoval. 

Maria grew up in Grand Junction and Montrose, Colorado. After World War II, she met and fell in love with Antonio Mata. In 1952 while heading to California for a new job with Kaiser Steel, they stopped in Tooele, Utah, to visit friends. Being a war veteran, Antonio was immediately hired at Tooele Army Depot and Tooele became their home. Maria was also employed by the depot performing various warehouse duties, which included being a forklift operator. 

Upon retirement in 1972, Maria and Antonio returned to Montrose and Maria lived there until 2004. Maria then moved to Sun City, Arizona, until 2006. She then moved to her home in Clinton, Utah. 

Maria enjoyed a full life having worked at fulfilling jobs after retirement, which included being a bus monitor in Montrose, Colorado, and teacher’s aide in Clinton, Utah. Through her hard work in everything she touched, Maria was consistently recognized for her outstanding achievements. She was a devout Christian and faithfully dedicated to the Catholic religion and to her family. She served the community as Lay Minister Lector of St. Mary Catholic Church in the Diocese of Pueblo. 

Preceding Maria in death was her husband Antonio in 2002; sons Rudy in 2009 and Joseph Dean in 2006; and daughters Gloria Antionette in 1965 and Betty Ann Clementine in 1956. Her faith kept her strong to overcome the pain in losing these members of her family. 

Maria is survived by her brothers Gene Mata and Alex Sandoval; daughter-in-laws Anita Mata and Tina Mata; son Anthony in Bullhead City, Arizona; son John and his wife Ruth in Rio Rancho, New Mexico; son Richard and his wife Laurie in Clearfield, Utah; and daughter Esther Richison in Greer, South Carolina.   

Maria was a loving mother dedicated to her children. She was also blessed with 19 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Her hobbies included camping, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. She dearly missed her pet dogs Fefe and Liberty on their passing.

Funeral Mass was held at St. Marguerite Catholic Church, 15 S. 7th St., Tooele, Utah, on Tuesday, May 22 at 12 p.m. A visitation was held prior at Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main St., Tooele, from 10-11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Tooele City Cemetery.

11/10/1955 – 5/17/2018

“Juice” has “Gone Fishin”

Our father, son, grandfather, brother, mentor and friend left this world on Thursday, May 17, 2018. He was a man of many traits, qualities and vices. You loved him or hated him, but you always respected him. He influenced so many individuals over the years and many owe this stern and “straight to the point” man sincere gratitude. When he entered a room, his dynamic presence made you feel as if you needed to stand at attention. At times, he struggled to show his emotions, but when you looked into those baby blue eyes, you knew how he felt. 

Jeff was a man who people sought for advice because he would point you in the right direction. We will remember and cherish all the memories, which molded us into who we are today. He was most content when he was in the mountains. He looked forward to being the Camp Chef, “sittin” pilot on those rugged road hunts, “watchin” a little red and white bobber (hours upon hours), “bettin” and “runnin” the ponies, or attending his kids’ sporting events. 

If there is life after death, God help us, because he and Anamal are back on the saddle again. A “Celebration of Life” open house will be held on Saturday, May 26, at Deer Hollow Condos Oaks Court Clubhouse, 535 Oak Lane, Tooele, Utah, from 1–4 p.m.

Emma LaRona Lee Steele passed away Friday, May 18, 2018, surrounded by what she loved most in this world, her family. She truly did not want to leave the ones she loved.

LaRona was born Dec. 23, 1930, to Willard and Pearl Lee in Tooele. She loved her life growing up in Tooele and being part of the greatest generation. She was a proud member of the Tooele High graduating class of 1949 and continued many of those friendships throughout her life. “Forever and Forever in Tooele.”

While working as a soda jerk at Tate’s Confectionery, she met the love of her life, Francis Steele. They married on Nov. 7, 1952. After a long wait, they were later blessed with two daughters, whom they adored: Lisa and Michelle. 

Throughout her life, LaRona was active in the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Auxiliary, serving as State Commander. She worked at Tooele Army Depot, The Hillcrest Café, and as a Lunch Lady at Central Elementary for 21 years. After retirement, she and Francis loved traveling, especially cruising with Vern and Bonnie Lee.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings and their spouses: Milton and Ruth Lee, Ray and Norma Lee, Buela and Harry Edwards, and Earl and LaVell Lee. She is survived by her sweetheart and husband Francis, two daughters and their husbands: Lisa and Mike Chriss, and Michelle and Dale Nielson; grandchildren and their spouses: Lindsay and Michael Crane, Taylor and Dausha Chriss, Hanna Nielson, and Sam Nielson; great-grandson Christopher Crane, with one more on the way; and her brother and his wife, Vern and Bonnie Lee.

LaRona found joy in many things including her home, her beautiful flower garden, and most especially her family. She loved people and was kind to everyone.

A remembrance of her life will be held Thursday, May 24, 2018, at 11 a.m. A visitation will be held that same day from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main St., Tooele, Utah.

Bradley Kenneth Larson, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 17, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. Brad was born on Sept. 14, 1954, to Leo Lloyd Larson and Jacquelene (Jones) Larson. He grew up in Vernon and Lofgren, Utah. Brad attended high school in Eureka, Utah, and graduated from Wagner High School, Clark Air Force Base, Philippines in 1973. 

Brad married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Laray (Dean) Larson, on June 22, 1974. They were later joined by daughter Tammy Rae on their fifth wedding anniversary and son Kelly Kenneth near their ninth Christmas together as a family. Brad dedicated his entire life to the love of his family as well as friends. 

Brad is survived by his wife and partner in life Laray; daughter Tammy Rae (Marc) Mclean and son Kelly Kenneth (Schye) Larson; father, Leo Lloyd Larson; brothers Jimmy Lee Larson and William Elmer Larson; stepfather Carl Edward Fields; and many beloved family and friends. 

The family would like to extend a special thanks to those who expressed their care and concern during his illness. With a very special recognition to Dr. Echo Mathews for the numerous times she went above and beyond for Brad and the family.

A celebration remembering Brad will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3105 Mary Way, Winnemucca, Nevada, on Saturday June 2, 2018, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers please take time for a loved one or tell a funny joke to someone. Brad would have wanted that. Visit http://bradley-kenneth-larson.forevermissed.com/ or https://wonderfullife.com/of/bradley-kenneth-larson/ for full obituary.

Deedie Reed, born on Feb. 17, 1935, passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Deedie was a loving wife of 56 years, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. She loved her family with all of her heart. She will be missed by all that knew her. Private services will be held.

Edith Jane Hewett passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. She was born April 28, 1948, in Tooele, Utah, to Gerald Warburton and Lola Florine. She attended Tooele High School and married Ron Hewett on Jan. 12, 1968, in Tooele, Utah. He preceded her in death. She had worked for McDonalds and Walmart.

Jane’s greatest achievements were raising her four children and going to the LDS Temple. She enjoyed camping, fishing, genealogy, sewing, and spending time with family. She was surrounded by family and friends in her last hours, and passed peacefully in her home. She is well loved and will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Kathy Butler, Jim (Nancy) Hewett, Brandy (Jaron) Rydalch and Rebecca (James) Condit. Other survivors include: Stephanie Taylor, Andrew Butler, Marshall Hewett, Garrett Hewett, Casey DeMello, Gregory Willis, Victoria Burnham, Christopher Hewett, Courtney Hewett, ShaLee Condit, Tyler Condit, Jesse Condit, Kendra Skoglund, Nick Rydalch, Bree Rydalch, and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 30 at 11 a.m. at the Carr Fork Ward, 2032 Churchwood Dr. Tooele, Utah. A viewing will be held Tuesday, May 29 from 6-8 p.m. at the church and prior to services from 9:30–10:45 a.m. Interment Tooele City Cemetery.

Jerry Montoya, 80, of Yuma, Arizona, passed away Saturday, May 19, 2018. He was born in Ault, Colorado, on June 27, 1937, to Vincent and Rebecca (Anaya) Montoya.

He retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years on Oct. 1, 1973, as a Chief Petty Officer. He was a Deputy Sheriff for Juab County while living in Eureka, Utah. His second career was spent as a police officer at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. While in this position, he graduated on June 4, 1982, from Weber State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement. He also served as the Hispanic Program Manager. Upon his second retirement, he worked as a bagger for 14 years at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he made many good friends.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Grace (Hankins) Montoya; five children, LeAnn Bray, Gaye (Bert) Jensen, Cecil (Teresa) Montoya, Russell (Angelica) Montoya, and Jeri (Joey) Barrow; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Anna Gillespie, Carolyn Hardman, Kathy (Thomas) Young; and one brother, Robert Montoya.

A viewing will be held at Sunset Vista Mortuary on Wednesday, May 23 from 5–7:30 p.m. The funeral mass will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 24 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

A special thank you to Hospice of Yuma and his private nurse, Karen, who cared for him during his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Yuma at www.hospiceofyuma.com.

Patricia Jessie (Driscoll), 83, of Stansbury Park, Utah, passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2018. Born Aug. 9,1934, in Brookline, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Charles Burr Bridgham and Jean Smith Bridgham. 

She is survived by her husband Peter F. Driscoll and five children: Karen Brooks, Patricia Melgaard, George Kane, Robert Kane and Charles Kane. She is also survived by her husband Peter F. Driscoll’s children: Joanne Austin, Peter Driscoll, James Rust; and her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

Patricia Jessie graduated with a business degree from the University of Massachusetts, and then later in her life, continued her studies at UMass with a BA. Patricia Jessie has a lifetime of accomplishments, and has had a passion for the arts and literature. She loved her photography and gardening, especially photographing her roses. With a heavy heart we say good-bye to a beautiful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed by many. May your light always shine over us. 

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018, in Stansbury. The location has yet to be announced. Location information will be provided to Tate Mortuary in Tooele. It will also be placed on Patricia Jessie’s Facebook page.

Les Fonger passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2018, at his home in Tooele. Services are pending with Tate Mortuary. For further information, please call 435-882-0676.

On May 27, 2018, we unexpectedly lost an amazing friend, husband, father and grandfather to a heart attack. Michael Roy Waltke was born in Beatrice, Nebraska, on Aug. 31, 1955, to Carl and Kathleen Waltke. He was the first of three children and was later joined by his sister, Deborah, and brother, Mitchell. After graduating from Beatrice High School in 1973, Michael started a family and moved to Grantsville, Utah. Michael had four children: Angela Pawlik, Amber Hoggard, Dustin Waltke and Lacey Waltke. Michael’s family was very important to him and nothing made him more proud than his grandchildren: Tevyn Spackman, Paige Pawlik, Carson Beckstead, Gage Carrillo, Corbyn Beckstead, Chase Carrillo, Isaac Cabrera and Miguel Cabrera. He was married to his best friend and love of his life, Melody Waltke, for 16 years. Michael brought a kindness and love to this world that will be sorely missed. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Waltke, and his four-legged friend, Skeeter. 

A viewing for friends and family will be held May 30 from 4-6 p.m. at Dalton-Hoopes Funeral Home, 50 W. Main Street, Grantsville, Utah, to be followed by a celebration of life at 7 p.m. at Legends, 677 S. 200 West, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Online condolences and memories may be shared at daltonhoopes.com.

A very special man, father, brother, husband, and grandfather was called back to our Father in Heaven on May 26, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wonderful parents, Earl E. Crosby Sr. and Helen Crosby. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughter Jenny Tenney (Matt); grandchildren Morgan, Aubrie, and Carson Tenney; his son, Nicholas Crosby (Alison); grandchildren Olivia and Sophia Crosby; stepson Josh Nelson (Janice); grandchildren Kylie, Megyn, and Camdin Nelson; stepdaughter Kristy Didericksen (Dano); grandchildren McKenzie, McCoy, Ty, and Tate Didericksen; his sister Sara Crosby-Lemmon (Wayne); niece Stacey Hainke and great-nephew Tyson; nephew Steve (JR) Stevens, spouse Amanda, great-niece Mercedez and great-nephew Trae Stevens; as well as many cousins and extended family who are very dear to us.

Earl was a person you could always count on for anything — a man of many talents. He truly loved filling up his tool bag and helping anyone who was in need. He really loved the outdoors — camping and cooking with family and friends and going for day long rides in the side-by-side. Another love of his life was working in the garage and restoring old vehicles. There was always
something in the garage or on the wish list. Earl was a hard-working man, a great provider, and loved teaching and passing on his skills. You couldn’t find a better friend and a true confidant. His greatest love was his children and his grandchildren. He was so very proud of all of them and loved sharing pictures and stories of their accomplishments with friends.

Our sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who have been by our side during this difficult time. We love you all so very much.

Earl, the world has been a better place because of you and you are loved very much. Thank you for our treasured memories and please watch over us, protect and comfort us.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 1, 2018, at from 3-5 p.m. at the LDS Chapel at 550 E. Durfee Street in Grantsville. A graveside service and interment will follow at the Grantsville City Cemetery. Services entrusted with Didericksen Memorial, 435-277-0050.

Cynthia P. Lovdahl, 71, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, May 21, 2018, at her home in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Cindy, as she was known to friends and family, was born in Tooele, Utah. She was the third of four children born to Edward and Lena Brown. She grew up in Grantsville, Utah, and moved to Fairbanks in 1969. 

She worked as an office manager for Earthmovers for 16 years. She was known for her gardening skills and her beautiful flowers and lawn. She won multiple awards for best neighborhood lawn. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting and laughing with her family. She was also a competitive game player and would beat you at any card game you played. She will be dearly missed by everyone who loved her.

Cindy is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 40 years, Conrad Lovdahl.

She is survived by daughters, Lori Lovdahl, Tami (Pete) Hubbard, Kari Lovdahl, Allison (David) Rogers, Viki Lovdahl, Shelly Lovdahl and Heather (Stuart) Young; son, Troy (Jen) Lovdahl; 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; sister, Sue (Chas) Johnson; brothers, Steve (Sue) Brown and Roger Brown; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A funeral was held at 1 p.m. May 26 at Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home, 415 Illinois St. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the First Presbyterian Church memorial fund or to a charity of your choice.

Our dear mother, Nana, sister and friend passed away peacefully on May 25, 2018, surrounded by her family. She was born Sept. 20, 1926, in Clarkston, Utah, in her great-grandparents’ home. Her parents were Leila Myler and William Lee Thompson.

Colleen grew up in Garland, Utah, where she would ice skate on the frozen canals and walk to school on the fences when the snow was 5 feet high — something she always repeated to us about how easy we had it.

She attended Bear River High School. She was Queen at Beet and Wheat Days, which was a big honor back then. She won many ribbons in track. She met her sweetheart, Darrell, in high school. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on Sept. 9, 1947, on Colleen’s parents’ anniversary.

They were married for 55 years. They moved to Grantsville in 1950, where they made their home with their five children. Colleen was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Relief Society Presidency three times and the Primary Presidency several times. She was a favorite primary teacher by many children. She was the neighborhood Mom and Grandma. Everyone was always welcome in her home. She had popsicles and candy available for all the grandkids and neighbor kids. She was known for her smile and the kindness that she showed to everyone. She had a Christ-like love for all people. She accepted and loved people unconditionally. She would make a total stranger her lifetime friend. She touched many lives throughout the years.

Colleen was known for her beautiful voice and her love of music. She sang with a trio at the Sociable in Grantsville every year for 35 years. They also sang at funerals and church programs. They were well known all over the county. One of her favorite things was reading and singing to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They all loved to go to Nana’s house.

Colleen had a green thumb. She was known to grow beautiful roses and dahlias that were the size of dinner plates. She spent hours in her yard.

She could grow things that nobody else in Grantsville could grow. She has a beautiful white cut leaf weeping birch that she fussed over. It is 50 years old. There are only a handful in Tooele County.

She is survived by her five children, James (Val), Debbie (Steve) Dana, Jeff, Michael (Gail) and Michelle (Korlin) Tanner; 13 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, her baby brother, her sister Karen, her brother LaRall and her husband Darrell.

We would like to thank the Bountiful Life Care Center and the Rocky Mountain Care Center in Tooele for their kind and loving care they gave our mother for over three years. She was the favorite resident who brought sunshine and happiness to all that knew her there. We would like to thank Mountain West Medical Center for their tender care the last four days of her life.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 1, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Chapel at 415 W. Apple Street in Grantsville. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Grantsville City Cemetery. Services entrusted with Didericksen Memorial, 435-277-0050.

Pete went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 24, 2018, after a long illness. 

He married Kathy Ledbetter in 1958, and they spent 60 years building their lives based on their strong faith in the Bible. They raised three children to also love and serve the word of God. 

Pete was adored by his many grandchildren and over 25 “little Darlins.” Pete loved hunting, fishing, basketball and spending time with his family. He was self-proclaimed as the best cook he ever met, and was proud of being the shortest six-footer around. Pete left us with lots of laughter and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Memorial services will be held June 9 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Tooele. 

Our family would like to thank the staff at Canyon Homecare and Hospice for helping to keep Pete comfortable in his last days.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mountain America Credit Union, account name: Pete Martinez. 

“The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8

Les Frank Fonger was born Sept. 18, 1971. Les unexpectedly passed away at age 46 on Sunday, May 27, 2018, in Tooele, Utah. We lost our husband, son, brother, friend and father. 

He is survived by his wife M’liss Fonger; two daughters, Katlyne Fonger and Alexis Clausen; mother and stepfather Vickie and Dick Rolfe; brother Ron Fonger; sisters, Tammy Jones (Earl) and Cissy Morton (Sam); and numerous nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Fonger and brother, Kenneth Fonger.   

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 2 at 1 p.m. at Tooele City Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to join us in a celebration of life following services at 161 S. 4th St., Tooele, Utah.

Our dad, Richard H. Dillard, returned to our Heavenly Father on Friday, June 1, 2018. He was born Oct. 12, 1932, in Tooele, Utah, to Horace Calvin and Florence Lindholm Dillard. He graduated from Tooele High School in 1950, attended the University of Utah and Utah State University, and served in the United States Air Force. 

He married Nancy June Castagno. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. She preceded him in death. He married Georgia Cowan. They divorced. He worked for the United States Government and retired after 33 years of civil service. His happiest days were spent in the saddle on the mountains he so loved.

Richard is survived by his five children: Marie (Glade) Nelson, Becky (Rod) Hammond, Suzie (Jerry) Hansen, Carolyn (Mike) McCoy and John (Cleo) Dillard; 17 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include his sisters, JoAnne Stonebraker, Saralyn Borrowman and Ella Gardner. 

Preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Dorothy Stringfield, Norma Morgaridge and Jerry Dillard. 

Services will be held at Tate Mortuary, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. A visitation will be held from 9:30-10:45 a.m., and services will begin at 11 a.m.

Our beloved father, Joseph Evan Stephens, returned to the waiting arms of our Heavenly Father on Monday, June 4, 2018. Dad passed peacefully away in the early morning hours surrounded by family. He was born in the family home in Tooele to goodly parents, Joseph Matthew Stephens and Martha Wilcox Stephens, on May 26, 1923, and had just celebrated his 95th birthday. 

He attended Tooele schools and is remembered as excelling in athletic and academics. Dad was the last of the “Stephens Boys,” a recognition of great honor. He entered the U.S. Navy in December 1941 during his senior year and served with great pride during World War II aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. Dad, like several of the senior boys, was recognized at graduation with a flag on his empty chair. He met LaRae Anderson, a beautiful, blue-eyed girl from Grantsville, and married her on Aug. 1, 1944. Mother was the great love of his life and they were married for 68 happy years. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in February 1964. Dad is father to two children, Teresa (Harry) Shinton and James (Shauna) Stephens; grandfather to seven, and great grandfather to 23, all whom loved him fiercely.

Following his honorable release from the Navy, he enrolled at the University of Utah, graduating with a degree in biology. He began a three-decades long career in education in the Tooele County School District, starting as a sixth-grade teacher at Deseret Chemical and Central elementary schools. While at Deseret, he also filled the position of part-time kitchen help, custodian, maintenance man and principal. He later served as principal of both Harris and East elementary schools and retired in 1986 as the school district Assistant Superintendent. He loved the youth and always had an innate ability to relate to them. He was devoted to their education. Several elementary schools, the Tooele High School auditorium and Grantsville High School were constructed under his leadership.

After retirement, he enjoyed his beautiful yard and garden, which was the envy of all who passed by. Mother and Dad spent their winters in Yuma, Arizona, and made many lasting friendships.

Dad is preceded in death by his beloved wife, LaRae; his parents; brothers, John and Jim; his two sisters, Josephine McNichols and Lucy Ellington Williams; and his grandson Todd Stephens. The heavens were rocking with their joyous reunion!

Funeral services will be held at the LDS chapel, 1025 W. Utah Ave., on June 8, 2018, at 12 p.m. following a viewing at the church from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Graveside services and burial will follow at the Tooele City Cemetery. Earthly mission accomplished Dad. Well done.

Roger William Blake, age 66, passed away quietly on Thursday, May 31, 2018, with family by his side, after a valiant battle with heart failure.  

Roger was born in Salt Lake City on March 19, 1952, to DeLaun Blake and Willhelmena Waldorf Blake. He grew up in Bennion on the family dairy farm. He graduated from Kearns High School in 1970, then served a mission for the LDS church in the Manitoba-Minnesota Mission. He played football at Ricks College where he met his wife, Leeann Merrill. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on Sept. 17, 1976. They had five children and raised them in Erda, Utah. He taught them the value of hard work by establishing and running a successful sod farm, and what he proudly referred to as “the largest trucking company in central Erda!”

His favorite hobbies included hunting, camping, four-wheeling, motorcycle riding, shooting and exploring, all with his family. He developed a pond and park on his property where he could fish with his grandkids. He loved teaching them how to cast and fish.

He served in many church callings for the LDS church: Bishropic, Sunday School and working with youth. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He spent much of his time traveling to attend events his grandchildren were in. 

He loved farming, and through his hard work ethic, built a successful sod and trucking business from the ground up. Roger was always willing to serve and help others in whatever capacity he could. One of Roger’s greatest traits was laughing and joking with anyone and had a way of quickly making lifelong friends. Roger enjoyed life. Through his eyes even the simple and ordinary were extraordinary and cherished.

He is survived by his wife, Leeann, and his five children: Jessica (Chance) Stewart, Annalyn (Eric) Clay, Merrill (Jane) Blake, Randall Blake and Ryan (Liza) Blake; his sister Vida Michael (Paul) Frieden; brother Dee (Allison) Blake; his self-adopted sister Chris Connelly; and nine grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Andrew Blake Clay.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the new Erda Stake Center on 1050 W. Erda Way, in Erda, with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. There will also be a viewing there on Friday, June 8, from 6-8 p.m. Interment will be at the Memorial Estates Cemetery on 6500 S. Redwood Road.