OBITS: Deseret News 28 Nov 2005; Salt Lake City, Salt Lake co., Utah text formatted by W. David Samuelsen for The USGenWeb Archives Project *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ut/utfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: Deseret News http://www.desnews.com Barlow, Thomas Hillam Thomas Hillam Barlow 1966 ~ 2005 Our beloved son, brother, and uncle passed away peacefully at home with his mother at his bedside November 25, 2005. Born March 29, 1966 in Murray, Utah the son of Richard Wintle Barlow and Norma Overgaard Barlow. He graduated from Brighton High School and served in the U.S. Army, earning an Electronic Techno-logy Degree. He was an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was able to go to the Jordan River LDS Temple to take out his endowments September 24, 1997 despite being a quadriplegic since August 5, 1988. After being paralyzed, he went to college, where he became a graphic designer. He enjoyed being able to design many wonderful things, including wedding invitations, business cards, and screen savers on his computer, which he called his "right hand." He also made the Sunday programs for his ward, the singles' ward, and Wentworth ward each week with wonderful spiritual messages that everyone loved to read. He served as a stake missionary, changed later to a ward missionary, for the past six years with his mother as his companion. He shared his testimony with many people, especially the youth, and helped them to get ready for their missions. His greatest joy was sharing the Gospel with others. His greatest desire was for his family to know that he wanted them to be an eternal family. He loved the scriptures and read them daily. He was eternally grateful to his Savior, Jesus Christ and to his Heavenly Father. He is survived by his mother; and his five siblings and their spouses, Bryan and Karen Turner, Ronald and Elizabeth Duncan, Richard and Jennett Apgood, James and Nelissa Barlow, and Kenneth and Melora Corbin; 14 nieces and nephews, and five great-ne-phews, whom he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his father, and his beloved grandparents, whom he couldn't wait to see. The family would like to thank the members of the Willow Creek 7th Ward for all of the love, prayers, and support we have received throughout the years. We would also like to thank his wonderful nurses and helpers, Jill, Angel, Shane, Yany, and Blake, as well as, his doctors, Dr. Colleen Lowe, Dr. Lorraine Szczesny, Dr. Michael Strong, Drs. Jeffrey and Evan Rosenbluth, the staff on 5 North Medical at University Hospital, and Heritage Home Care. Funeral services will be held Wed-nesday, November 30, 2005, 12 noon at the Willow Creek 7th Ward chapel, 2115 East Creek Road (8200 So). Friends may call at the ward building Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Internment, Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Humanitarian Aid or Missionary Fund for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Published in the Deseret News on 11/28/2005. Behunin, George Harold George Harold Behunin 1912 ~ 2005 George Harold Behunin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away at 93 years of age Wednesday, November 23, 2005 in Salt Lake City, Utah. George was born March 12, 1912 in Roosevelt, Duchesne, Utah and was the son of George Albert Behunin and Mary Biddlecom Behunin. George married Velda Hartle June 24, 1935 and they were later sealed in the Manti Temple June 9, 1942. They were the parents of 10 children. George was a missionary at heart. No person could brush shoulders with George without hearing about his unfailing faith in God and his church. George and Velda served 13 full-time and stake missions. George worked as a foreman in the coal mines in Carbon County, Utah and later retired from the Salt Lake City School District as a building engineer. All who knew George were familiar with his incredible ability to tell a story, his devotion and faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his entertaining sense of humor, and his valiant spirit. It was George's goal to live to be 150. He always said that if he lived to be 100, the odds were in his favor. "After all," he often added in his typical wit, "there aren't too many who die between 100 and 150!" At the beginning of 2005, George made a resolution to stick to a very strict schedule: "If I eat when I'm hungry and drink when I'm dry, and I stick with this schedule, I'll live 'till I die!" George truly did "live" until he died. He farmed his entire back yard, on a quarter of an acre lot through October of this year. He shared his harvest of fruits and vegetables with family and friends. George will be most remembered for his story telling. He had a gift for weaving a moral into every story. He loved to memorize poetry, and was an avid reader of the scriptures. He accepted the challenge to read the Book of Mormon before the end of 2005 and finished it one month after starting. George was preceded in death by his wife, Velda Hartle Behunin; his brothers, Eldon, Clyde, Ivanhoe, Joe, Willey, and Henry; and his sister, Jessie. He is survived by his three sisters, Nina Goodrich, Jenny Jorgenson Simms, and Marjorie Biggs. He is also survived by his 10 children and their spouses Mr. and Mrs. Max Behunin (Sally) of West Valley, Utah, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Tucker (Jessie) of Duchesne, Utah, Mr. and Mrs. George Frank Behunin (Joan) of Bountiful, Utah, Mr. and Mrs. John Behunin (Linda) of West Valley, Utah, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Stipe (Marilyn) of Missoula, Montana, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Behunin (Judy) of Orem, Utah, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Harper (Clarnell) of American Fork, Utah, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Behunin (Chris) of West Jordan, Utah, Mr. and Mrs. Craig Sudbury (LeeAnn) of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Mr. and Mrs. Rex Behunin (Jana) of West Valley, Utah. George was the proud grandfather of 60 grandchildren, 116 great-grandchildren, and 11 great great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held in the LeGrand Ward building at 1078 South McClelland Street (1040 East) in Salt Lake City, Utah Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 12:30 p.m. Friends may meet with the family at Myers Mortuary, 250 North Fairfield Road in Layton, Utah Tuesday, November 29 from 7-9 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral service at the LeGrand Ward meetinghouse. Interment will be at the Wasatch Lawn Cemetery at 3401 South Highland Drive in Salt Lake City, Utah. Published in the Deseret News on 11/28/2005. Burdette, Matthew William Matthew William Burdette 11/28/1969~5/18/2005 Happy 36th Birthday to our dear son and brother. We have all missed and loved you very much. We know you have moved on to a more peaceful life and we look forward to being with you again someday. Love, Mom, Dad, your sister and brothers Published in the Deseret News on 11/28/2005. Burdette, Matthew William Matthew W. Burdette In Memoriam Happy Birthday! Even though you're gone, you are still in our hearts and we love, miss, and think about you everyday! Love always, Mary, Josh, and Mikelle Published in the Deseret News on 11/28/2005. Chambers, Flora Tanner Flora Tanner Chambers 1921 ~ 2005 Flora Annie Tanner Chambers was born in Grouse Creek, Utah to Allen Raymond Tanner and Sarah Grace Wakefield Tanner June 11, 1921. In the same graceful way that she lived her life, she left us on November 22, 2005, the victim of multiple injuries she incurred in an automobile accident the previous day. It is significant that part of her last day was spent serving other people as a Volunteer at the McKay-Dee Surgical Center as she had done for a number of years. From the time she was a small girl, Flora was devoted to her family and to her church. She served in many church positions throughout her life, including a calling to the Northern California Mission in 1962. She was a loving daughter, a caring sister, and a beloved aunt to her brother's children. Her compassion extended beyond family and she was quick to put aside her own wants to minister to the needs of others. She and Don Chambers were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1970. In 1978, they were called to serve as temple workers at the Washington, D.C. Temple. That was the beginning of 12 years of continuous temple missions. After eight years in Washington they were reassigned to the Los Angeles Temple and then the St. George Temple. When they returned to Ogden she continued to be active in temple work. Flora is survived by one brother, Lewis (Evelyn), whom she has faithfully visited and given comfort to during his ongoing illness; the eight children of her three brothers; and her sister-in-law, Gaylia Tanner. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Wayne Tanner and Harvey Tanner; her sister, Alta Clucas; and brother-in-law, Bill Clucas. Flora is also survived by four of the five children she acquired through her marriage to Don, David (Cheryl) Chambers, Loretta (Vern) Rice, Rhonda (Denny) Osborn, Norma (Scott) Jensen, and Sharon Chambers, the spouse of a deceased son, Jack Chambers. Other survivors are numerous Chambers grandchildren and great-grandchil-dren. Flora also leaves many dear friends whose lives have been enriched by their association with her and who will be comforted by knowing that she is at rest and in the place where she was meant to be. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at the McKay-Dee Critical Care Unit for their excellent care and compassionate service to Flora for the short time she was there. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2005, 11 a.m. at the Ogden LDS 3rd Ward, 15th Street and Washington Blvd, with Bishop Stuart Reid, conducting. Friends and family may call one hour prior to services at the church. Interment, Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Funeral directors, Lindquist's Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Email condolences to the family at llm@lindquistmortuary.com Published in the Deseret News from 11/27/2005 - 11/28/2005. Dawes, Howard Marvin Howard Marvin Dawes "Grandpa" 1929 ~ 2005 Our dear husband, father, brother, friend, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away November 25, 2005 at the age of 76. He was born April 14, 1929 to Murel Bridges and Curtis Wesley Dawes in Garfield, Utah. He married Shirley Ann Peterson November 30, 1951; later solemnized in Salt Lake Temple. After the death of his sweetheart, Shirley, he later married and was sealed to his friend, Bun Parry, who he has loved and enjoyed the last few years of his life. Attended Murray High School, then joined the Navy in 1945 and served his country during World War II. Howard retired after 30 years at Hercules as the electrical maintenance supervisor. He was an active and faithful member of the LDS Church and held many callings. He was devoted to his family and was always there to support them. He was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to his Utes. He was also an avid bowler and coached his sons and grandsons in baseball more than 20 years. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Shirley; and two brothers. Survived by his wife, Bun; children, Les (Patti), Evelyn (Ray) Beckstead, Kent (Barbara), Janice (Davis) Richards, Craig (Andrea), Greg (Tonja), and Kelly (Katrina); 22 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; five stepchildren; 41 step-grandchildren; two brothers; and three sisters. Thanks, Dad, for all the good times, life lessons, and the good example you've been for us. We love you! Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2005, 12 noon at the Granger 6th Ward, 3274 Hillsdale Drive. The family will receive friends at a viewing Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, and one hour prior to the services at the Ward. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park. Published in the Deseret News from 11/27/2005 - 11/28/2005. Harman, George Emery George Emery Harman 1922 ~ 2005 Our dear husband, father, and grandfather, George Emery Harman, passed away at the age of 83, November 26, 2005 at his home in South Jordan, Utah. He was the second child of John D. and Vera E. Harman. George was born October 2, 1922 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He served on a submarine in the Navy during World War II. He married the "Love of his Life" Joyce Emery Harman September 23, 1947. They were married for 58 years. He worked for the Salt Lake County Highway Department until he retired. George was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. George is survived by wife, Joyce; and their five children, Dave (Laura) Harman, Valerie Harman, Rex (Sandy) Harman, Joel Harman, Robert (Terry) Harman; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Irene Murdock. Preceded in death by his parents; one son, John Harman; and one granddaughter. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2005, 1 p.m., 1007 W. South Jordan Parkwy (10600 So). Where friends and family may call Monday, November 28, 2005 from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service Tuesday. Interment, South Jordan City Cemetery. Published in the Deseret News from 11/27/2005 - 11/28/2005. Johnson II, Calvin J. In Loving Memory of Our Son and Brother Calvin J. Johnson II 11/6/66 ~ 11/29/93 What makes us smile? Remembering your laughter, the tears, the good times, the bad times, the memories and always your smile. There will always be a place in our hearts that will be forever empty and hurts, that even time won't heal. But all we need to do is smile and there you are. You still fill our hearts with love and really what else is there? Dad, Mom, Cally, Cheryl, Misty, Vicki and Jeri. Published in the Deseret News from 11/28/2005 - 11/29/2005. Kofford, Paul Myrel Paul M. Kofford 11/28/38~2/9/2005 Happy Birthday Daddy! Each day the pain of our loss becomes a bit easier, but missing you will go on for ever. Life just isn't the same without you. We miss you so very much! Love your family Published in the Deseret News on 11/28/2005. Kragh, Borge Borge Kragh 1910 ~ 2005 Friends of Borge Kragh, 95, are invited to gather at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 3, for his memorial service at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, 175 South 700 East, Salt Lake City. At his request, Borge's remains will be scattered in Mt. Tabor's rose garden following the service. Borge was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 30, 1910. As a young schoolboy, he sang for several years in an elite and prestigious children's choir, an experience that kindled his lifelong interested in music. Borge graduated from high school (where he learned to speak four languages in addition to Danish) in Copenhagen, 1925. He was a graduate lab technician at the University of Copenhagen from 1930 till 1933; later he worked as a bookkeeper. He married Gunhild Jorgensen, a professional opera sing-er, January 15, 1939, and their son, Allan, was born the following year. The family lived under the Nazi occupation of Denmark from 1941 to 1945. Borge and Gunhild joined Danes nationwide in resisting the occupation by sheltering Jewish citizens from the Nazis. In all, the couple delivered some 80 Jews to safety in Sweden. Just as the Allies and liberation were approaching, the Nazis arrested Borge for his activities. Telling him they would have killed him were they not in such a rush to leave Denmark, Borge's captors instead pulled out his teeth. Borge later remarked that they took all but his back teeth, "They weren't dentists, after all!" When liberation finally came, Borge worried that the Soviet Union, with the eastern half of Europe already in its grip, would soon set its sights on Denmark. He applied for visas for his family to move to the United States. In May 1948, the Kragh family arrived in Salt Lake City, where Gunhild had relatives. The Kraghs soon joined Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, and the entire family sang in the congregational choir for many years. Borge found work at Morrison-Merrill Lumber Company in 1951. He labored a number of years in the lumberyard, but eventually was promoted to a management position. In 1975 he retired from Boise Cascade, which had acquired Morrison-Merrill. Borge and Gunhild chose to live out their retirement years at Wasatch Manor. After his retirement, Borge pursued his love of music by joining the Salt Lake City Oratorical Society, with whom he performed Handel's Messiah every Christmas for 39 years. He continued singing with the Society even after losing his eyesight, as he knew all the words and music by heart. Gunhild Kragh preceded Borge in death August 9, 1991. Despite his dimming vision and increasing frailty, Borge did not become homebound but continued to travel alone to Denmark to visit family. Borge enjoyed joining monthly luncheons of Older Adults Knowing Strength (OAKS) at Mt. Tabor and also made occasional visits to his former workplace. He continued to participate in worship and fellowship at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church until his death November 9, 2005, following a fall at his home. He is survived by a son, Allan O. Kragh, of Los Angeles; two grandchildren, Cheri and Michael; a sister, Inger, in Denmark; and by many whose lives he touched during his 95 years of life, work, and music. Published in the Deseret News on 11/28/2005. Kuehner, Bonnie Marie Murphy Bonnie Marie Murphy Kuehner Beloved Wife and Loving Mother Bonnie Marie Murphy Kuehner, age 80, passed away November 27, 2005 of natural causes in a local nursing center. She was born March 9, 1925 in Columbus, Franklin, Ohio to James Melvin Murphy and Emma Rose Long. She married Calvin Charles Kuehner, August 18, 1947, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Columbus, Ohio. Sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple June 19, 1970. They resided in the following cities, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, Peoria, Illinois, Detroit, Michigan, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, St. Charles, Illinois, Palos Hills, Illinois, Greenville, North Carolina, Lombard, Illinois, Murray, Utah. Bonnie attend-ed the Nursing program, Palos Hills Community College, Palos Hills, Illinois. She was employed by Montgomery Ward, Columbus, Ohio, Sales Clerk, Buckeye Steel Castings, Columbus, Ohio Personnel Department Radiology Department, Northern University of Health Sciences, Lombard, Illinois: Radiology Secretary. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in Relief Society, ward librarian, Primary teacher, Name Extraction Program. She enjoyed doing genealogy and family history. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Calvin C. Kuehner of Murray, Utah; children, Dr, Charles Kuehner, Chicago, Illinois, Mary T. Kuehner and Carol Ann Kuehner, both of Murray, Utah; nephews, Dennis Murphy, David Murphy; nieces, Doris Weger, Martha Weger, both of Columbus, Ohio, Susan Murphy, Florida. She was preceded in death by son, David Andrew Kuehner; father, James Melvin Murphy; mother, Emma Rose Long; brother, Herman Murphy; and sister, Margaret Weger. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2005, at 12 noon in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary Chapel, 1950 East 10600 South, with a viewing from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Interment Larkin Sunset Gardens. We would like to express sincere appreciation to the staff of CareSource for their gentle care and concern for Bonnie. We also wish to acknowledge the support and help given us by the Paul and Lynne Metcalf family, Murray, Utah. Published in the Deseret News on 11/28/2005. Loertscher, Connie L. Connie L. Loertscher 1954 ~ 2005 Connie, 51, passed away peacefully November 23, 2005 surrounded by her loved ones. She was born June 16, 1954 in Durango, CO to Bud and Kay Delano. She was an artistic person who touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She was always cheerful and loved sports. Survived by her parents, Bud and Kay Delano; brother, Stan (Joyce) Delano; sons, Jason (Melanie) and Clint (Adria) Loertscher; and their father, Dennis Loertscher; grandchildren, Sarah and Ethan Loertscher. A special thank you to Life Care Center of Bountiful and Harmony Hospice for their loving care and compassion. Family and friends may attend a private remembrance at a later date. Published in the Deseret News on 11/28/2005. McPhie, Arlene Arlene McPhie Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of. Matt vi 8 Vera Arlene Jensen Ferguson McPhie, our dearly loved mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away November 22, 2005 from complications related to pancreatic cancer. Her family and a dear friend surrounded her at the time of her passing. Arlene endured much this past 11 months but continually remained optimistic to the end. She truly fought a good fight. Arlene was born April 15, 1935 to Clyde E. and Vera Nielsen Jensen. Arlene married Lowell Gene Ferguson on April 3, 1958. They had three daughters, Elaine, Kathleen and Laureen. Gene and Arlene later divorced. On June 5, 1984, Arlene married Wallace G. 'Wally' McPhie in the Salt Lake Temple and added five children to her family. Arlene was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she held many positions. She also served as an ordinance worker at the Jordan River Temple with her husband, Wally. They loved to travel and planned many places to go prior to his death. Her hobbies included CNN News, reading, crocheting, cross-stitch, gardening, theatre, (especially ballet) and family activities. She had a great love for all animals. Arlene was a leader of her family, and not afraid to do what she believed was right. She loved the hard work her half acre of land challenged her with, as well as the years she spent raising her three daughters as a single mother. She has been a great example to many by living an honest and trustworthy life filled with integrity. Her parents; her husband, Wally; her brothers, C. Robert and Don C. Jensen; and her daughter, Laureen, preceded Arlene in death. She is survived by her daughters, Elaine (Hans) Ruitman, and Kathleen Ferguson; her sister, Lucile (Tom) Owen; stepchildren, David A. (Annette) McPhie, Pamela M. (David) Mulcock, Stephen A. (Karen) McPhie, Karen M. (Jeffrey) Hilton, James A. McPhie; 23 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Jean Jensen. A special thanks for the caring hands and hearts at Residence Care Source. In addition, Dr. Thomas Dietz, her Internist, Dr. Michael Sossenheimer, and Dr. Mark Ott, her surgeon, who always brought a smile to her face. Funeral services will be Wed, Nov. 30, 2005, 12 noon at the Cottonwood Ward chapel (1830 E. 6400 S, SLC). A viewing will be Tues, Nov. 29, 2005 at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State St, 6-8 p.m. and at the ward from 11-11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Internment, Larkin Sunset Gardens 10600 S 1700 E Sandy, Utah. www.Jenkins-Soffe.com Published in the Deseret News from 11/27/2005 - 11/29/2005. Moench, Peter Steed Peter Steed Moench "Master Musician" Peter Steed Moench was born the third of four children to joyful parents February 8, 1982. Twenty-three years later he came home from college for the Thanksgiving Holiday and went all the way home to his Father in Heaven, his too short life coming to a close November 24, 2005. Peter was reared in Salt Lake City, where he graduated from Skyline High School before pursuing his chosen career at the Indiana University School of Music. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree and was polishing his playing skills in the master's degree program in cello performance and as principal cellist in the University Orchestra. "Cel" in Latin means heaven, and the cello is the heavenly instrument that will forevermore bring us fond memories of Peter and a tear to our eyes. Peter had a love of classical music that connected him to past generations and a curiosity for the contemporary that made him equally at home spinning records on twin turntables. An avid reader and a deep thinker, he researched concepts of spirituality, history, politics, environment, and health, and conveyed firmly held convictions to all on his address list who opened their e-mail. He strongly valued the exchange of books and the give and take of ideas on how the world should be with his closest cousin, Marcus Egan. He expressed strong faith that good would ultimately triumph. Special times for Peter included his winning a blue ribbon at the Utah State Fair string competition, boogie boarding with cousins each summer at Oceanside, cheering on Team USA at the Atlanta and Athens Olympic Games, giving tiny nieces the delight of riding on his shoulders and teaching small students techniques of rich cello sound. A wonderfully wry sense of humor was his calling card. His passing leaves an empty chair in the Moench Family string quartet and a deep void in the hearts of his parents, Louis A. and Deborah Moench; his admired brother and sister-in-law, Matthew and Aubri; his much loved sisters, Rebecca and Sarah; his special Grammy Grace Steed; 10 aunts and uncles and their 10 spouses; and 33 cousins. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he is sealed to an eternal family that includes grandparents, Louis G. and Maevonne Rees Moench and Harold C. Steed, who have predeceased him and welcomed him to his celestial home. All who knew and loved Peter and his family are invited to a viewing at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 So. Highland Dr., Monday, Nov. 28, 6-8 p.m. and at Mount Olympus 10th Ward chapel, 3610 E. 3510 So., Tuesday, Nov. 29, one hour before 12 noon funeral services. Interment will be in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Peter's final life-affirming gift was organ and tissue donation. Your gift to Peter could be to better someone's life in whatever way you choose. Published in the Deseret News from 11/27/2005 - 11/29/2005. Stromness, Brent David "Louie" Brent David Stromness "Louie" Born August 5, 1956; left us November 26, 2005. Husband of Barbara Stromness; father to Nicholas, Nathan, Eric and Haley; son of Ruth (Hyrum Gentner) Stromness SLC; brother to Hayes (Carolyn) Stromness SLC, Nan (Bruce) Van Dyke California; five nephews and three grandnieces; and mother-in-law, Gerda Schleusener. Preceded in death by his father, Grant Stromness; and father in-law, Horst Schleu-sener. Graduated from Skyline High School in 1974. Worked for Purcell Tire. Enjoyed skiing, and spending time with his family. Passion as a Beirmeister with Kelly Mower. Join us to celebrate his life Tuesday November 29, 2005, 10 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 2500 East 3900 South, SLC, UT. 801-279-1412. In lieu of flowers donations to the Diabetes Association. Published in the Deseret News from 11/28/2005 - 11/29/2005. Wilkins, George Richard George Richard Wilkins 1926 ~ 2005 George Richard Wilkins, 79, died peacefully November 25, 2005 in the Hospice Room of the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salt Lake City, surrounded by members of his family. His death followed a decades-long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. George was born August 3, 1926 in Bluewater, New Mexico to Thomas Wilson and Nellie Bloomfield Wilkins. He was the first of 10 children. He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary. While a student at Brigham Young University, George married Marjorie Gundersen, daughter of Lamont B. and Madeline Gundersen, Oct. 12, 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple. George and Marjorie have four children, Richard G. Wilkins (Melany), Madeline (Carmen Freeman), Marianne (Michael Saltzgiver) and David G. Wilkins (Kristie). George and Marjorie have 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Marjorie preceded him in death August 10, 1997. George married Afton Lovell Pettegrew May 17, 2000 in the Jordan River Temple. Afton is the mother of six children and she has 17 grandchildren. During their time together, George and Afton enjoyed traveling. They journeyed to a UN Conference in Kenya and visited South Africa and Zambia. Last year, they toured China. Other trips included visits to Alaska and church history sites in the Eastern United States. George served three missions for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including one to the Southern States Mission in his youth and later missions to Columbia South Carolina (with Marjorie) and the Family History Center in Salt Lake City (with Afton). George holds an undergraduate degree from BYU and a Masters Degree from the University of Utah. He taught at various elementary schools in the Salt Lake City area from 1953 through 1963, when he was named principal of the Blaine Elementary School. He later served as principal of the Roosevelt, Robert Frost and Granger Elementary Schools prior to retiring from public education. George was an active member of the LDS Church. He was ordained a Patriarch by L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1978. He served as a sealer in the Jordan River Temple from 1980 until 2000. Family and friends will remember George's enthusiasm for "special projects." These included gardening, growing Concorde grapes and making juice and jelly, and delivering plates of Christmas candies. He took particular joy searching for geodes and agate rocks he would cut and polish into jewelry for family and friends. Viewing is Wednesday night November 30, 2005 from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah. Funeral services will be December 1, 2005, 11 a.m. at the Cottonwood Heights First Ward, 7075 South 2245 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends may call one hour prior to the funeral to greet family members. Internment will be at the Mountain View Memorial Estates, 3115 East 7800 South, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to remember George may consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Hospice Program at the Salt Lake VA Hospital. Published in the Deseret News from 11/27/2005 - 11/29/2005. Wright, Grayson S. Grayson S. Wright 1936 ~ 2005 Our dear husband, father and grandfather Grayson Smith Wright passed away at the age of 69, November 23, 2005 at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Grayson was born June 29, 1936 in Ogden, Utah, the second child of Edna and Wallace Adrian Wright. Family was of major importance to Grayson. His family began January 31, 1974, when he married Mary Ann Bullen in the Salt Lake Temple. In August of 1976 their daughter Abigail was born, and their son Jared Grayson followed a few years later. He cherished the time he was able to spend with his precious grandchildren; Kailey, Cassidy, Grayson and Lydia. Grayson lived a rich and enjoyable life. During his school years he excelled as an athlete. While participating in various clubs and organizations in high school and at the University of Utah, Grayson began many friendships that still continue today. At the age of 20, Grayson's fervent desire to serve a mission was fulfilled when he was called to the Finnish Mission. His love of Finland and sharing the gospel with others have never left him. Following his mission, Grayson finished his education at the University of Utah and became a licensed real estate agent with his father and brother, Wallace A. Wright Jr. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1961 with a BA in political science. After graduation, he enjoyed many adventures. He lived in Israel were he worked in Kibbutz Bur-Kai-e, and agriculture enterprise, and taught diving to children at the swimming pool. While traveling through Europe he watched the Berlin Wall being constructed. He trained with the Peace Corps. in Hawaii and the CIA in Washington DC. After returning to school for a teaching certificate, Grayson was able to fulfill his goal of becoming a schoolteacher. He taught US Government and History at Olympus High School, during the 1965-66 school year. While there he enjoyed working as assistant football coach. Following his marriage to Mary Ann they moved into their avenues home where he spent his life healing the broken, finding the lost, and helping those who no one else would. In 1987 Grayson was called to serve as bishop of the 27th Ward, Emigration Stake. As bishop he loved to fellowship the less active, give priesthood blessings and prepare young men to serve missions. He considered it a blessing to share the gospel with others, both in his home and elsewhere. He loved spending time with family and friends at Bear Lake, St. George and the family ranch in the Uintah Basin. Grayson is survived by his wife Mary Ann; and their two children, Abigail (Jeremy) Cox; Jared (Kalleen) Wright; four grandchildren; three brothers, Wallace (Karen), Kent (Betty), Gary (Ruth); two sisters, Colleen (Jonathan) Dibble, Carolyn (Kimball) Willey. Preceded in death by his parents. A viewing will be held Monday, November 28, 6-8 p.m. at the 27th Ward building, 149 P Street, and Tuesday, November 29, 10-10:45 a.m., at the 21st Ward building, Second Avenue & K Street where funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery. The family would like to thank CareSource Hospice, Dr. Michael Mangelson and Dr. Russell Maxwell. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund. Published in the Deseret News from 11/26/2005 - 11/28/2005.