OBITS: The Spectrum 8 Jul 2005; St. George, Washington 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: St. George The Spectrum http://www.thespectrum.com J. Ray Baker 1919-2005 Jesse Ray Baker, 86, passed away July 4, 2005, in St. George, Utah. Ray was born May 29, 1919, in Beaver, Utah to William Jesse Baker and Edna Hutchings. His growing years were spent in Minersville, Utah. His penchant for leadership became apparent at an early age, as he was elected Senior Class President of Milford High School. In 1937 Ray moved to Bakersfield, California, where he attended Bakersfield Junior College. He later became a CPA. In 1941, Ray married Barbara Bunting. The couple had seven children; they later divorced. During WW II Ray enlisted in the Army where he served as an aerial photographer. Upon being honorably discharged from the Army in 1946, he returned to Bakersfield and later became a partner in a jewelry store in Wasco, California. He also owned a successful insurance company. He served as a city councilman and as President of the Wasco Rotary Club. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Branch President. Ray moved to Escondido, California in 1956, where he funded the J. Ray Baker Realty Company in 1960. He married Ellen Sonksen in 1962; she preceded him in death. He was very involved in community activities in Escondido and served as President of the Board of Realtors, President of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in bringing the San Diego Wild Animal Park to fruition. He arduously worked with local, state and national leaders to have a section of I-15 built through Escondido. Ray owned homes in Needles, California and Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Following his retirement, Ray moved to St. George, Utah. In 1992, Ray married Lois Scott Sneed. The couple golfed, traveled and danced, and had many enjoyable times with family and friends. They spent summers in Beaver, Utah at "Bakers' Acres." During his retirement, Ray spearheaded the efforts of the Sons of Utah Pioneers to refurbish headstones at the Beaver City Cemetery. Ray was especially proud of his pioneer heritage and strong ties to Utah. Ray is survived by his wife, Lois Baker of St. George, Utah; brothers, Lee Baker of Salt Lake City, Utah and Alfred (Maisel) Baker of Provo, Utah; sister Helen Wilson of Fresno, California; six daughters and one son: Jane (Tom) Hogan of Milwaukie, Oregon; Becky (Larry) Loveridge of Kennewick, Washington; Barry (Lee) Baker of Escondido, California; Carolynn Baker of Galt, California; Diane (Earl) Fore of Rio Linda, California; Pamela (Tom) Sortomme of Ephrata, Washington; and Peggy Jackson of Escondido, California. He is also survived by step-children Jill (Royce) Jones of St. George, Utah; Greg Anderson of Baltimore, Maryland and Fred (Susan) Sonksen of Santa Clara, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 9, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. at the Bloomington 7th Ward Mulberry Chapel. Visitation is Friday, July 8, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, one hour prior to the services. Internment will follow in the Beaver City Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary (435) 673-4221. The family wishes to thank the staff of Legacy House Assisted Living for the care and compassion shown Ray during the last several months. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, 3301 East 2920 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84109. Originally published July 8, 2005 Mark Robert Dotson MILFORD - On July 6, 2005 our dad went home to be with Jesus. Mark Robert Dotson, born May 14, 1924 to Rachel Giles & Joseph Lawrence Dotson in Minersville, Utah left this earth with a smile on his face praising our Lord Jesus Christ whom he loved unconditionally. He loved his entire family in that same unconditional manner. He married Betty Lou Jones October 26, 1941 in Eureka Nevada and from that union two children were born, Larry & Kita, and they were later divorced. He then married his life's sweetheart Betty Lou Barnes on September 1, 1956. Mark was a World War II veteran who served with much distinction and decoration. He also enjoyed hunting and camping with his family. He is survived by His wife Betty Lou (Barnes) Dotson. One daughter, Kita (Steve) Smith; six sons: Larry Dotson, Ron (Yvonne) Meachum, Mark David (Cathy), John (Patti), Israel (Gennelle), and Matthew (Jacqueline); eighteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, three children, one grandchild, and many other friends. He is the beloved brother of Peggy Ruesch and Cleo Young. He had a passion for mining and loved to go prospecting for treasure. His treasure has been found in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. Funeral services will be held on July 8, 2005 at 12:00PM at the Milford City Offices. There will be a viewing from 10:30AM to 11:30AM that day at the same location. Interment will be in the Milford Cemetery with full military honors under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent to beaver@southernutahmortuary.com. Originally published July 8, 2005 William 'Larry' Fuller Our loving Husband, Father and Son William Lawrence Fuller passed away July 7, 2005 in St. George, Utah, after a long valiant battle with cancer. He was born March 15, 1937 in Dott, West Virginia. "Larry" spent his working life in retail and was currently on a medical leave from the WalMart Distribution Center, where he had been employed for the last 12 years. "Larry" was initiated into the Masonic Fraternity April 16, 1998, St. George Lodge #33. He then joined the Order of Eastern Star, Silver Reef Chapter #26 on January 23, 1999. He was currently the Grand Representative of Arizona in Utah. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Fuller, St. George, UT, Daughter, Veronica "Roney" Fuller of Las Vegas, NV and Mother Francis Fuller, Woodbridge, VA and by his "furry children", Lady Bug, Sassy and Buffy. He was preceded in death by his Father, Lacy V. Fuller. Viewing will be at Heideman Mortuary 170 South Mall Drive, St. George, Friday, July 8, 2005, 7-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 9, 2005 with a viewing one-hour prior. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. George Masonic Lodge #33's Building Fund, 2311 E. 90 South, St. George, UT 84790. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Te and his wonderful staff and Odyssey Hospice and their wonderful staff for their support and care. Originally published July 8, 2005 Carol 'Jean' Hall HURRICANE - Carol "Jean" Hall was called home on July 3, 2005. She was born January 13, 1950. She was born and raised in Alaska. Jean raised her children in California and made Utah her home in 1994. She had a love of the outdoors where she enjoyed camping and fishing. Her crafting, especially plastic canvas, was her way of making joy for her grandchildren at Christmas. She is survived by her daughters, Donna Hall-Peterson (Kenny), Lorie Hall and Terry Coburn (William); and brothers, Alan Thompson (Carole) and David Sherman (Lisa). We love and will miss our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 9, 2005, 11 a.m., Hurricane Valley Mortuary, 140 N. Main, Hurricane, Utah. Interment will be in the Hurricane City Cemetery under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary (435) 673-4221. Condolences may be sent through the Metcalf website at www.metcalfmortuary.com. Originally published July 8, 2005 Claudia Easton Tuckey MILFORD - Claudia Easton Tuckey, 77, passed away at the Milford Valley Memorial Hospital July 5, 2005. She was born November 20, 1927 in Milford, Utah to Lorenzo Pratt & Katherine Jones Walker Easton. She married Harold E. Tuckey November 16, 1964 in Tonapah, Nevada. She is survived by her husband Harold of Milford, one son Jimmy Morgan of Pocatello, Idaho. She has 2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She raised her niece JoLynn Luthi of Milford. She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, LeRoy, Margaret, Marian, Wilford, Esther, Lawrence, Earl, Raymond, Ethel and John. No services will be held as she wanted to be cremated. Services are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Originally published July 8, 2005 Barbara Jolley Wood Barbara Jolley Wood returned to her heavenly home on July the 3rd 2005. She leaves behind her sweetheart Keith, her children; Margo (Brigham), GayLynn, Kathy (Douglas), Janice and Ryan. Also seventeen grandchildren and 26 Great-Grandchildren. Her sisters; Donna (Duane) Catton, Renaie (Ross) Green, Elizabeth Street & Lela Ann Street. She was welcomed home by her parents, brothers, sisters, and friends. She will be greatly missed. A gathering will be held in her honor at the LDS 5th ward chapel 100 S. 400 E. July 8th at 11:30. Lunch to follow. Originally published July 8, 2005