OBITS: The Spectrum 16 Nov 2005; St. George, Washington co., Utah

text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for The USGenWeb Archives Project
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Source: St. George The Spectrum http://www.thespectrum.com

Cenia Barnett

Kanab   Cenia "Penny" Belle Sweet Barnett, age 73, died Sunday, November 13,
2005 in St. George, Utah. Born March 27, 1932 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Burt Sweet
and Sally Green Sweet. She married Clint Barnett who passed away in 1992.
Penny's greatest love was for her children, grandchildren, and great
grandchildren. She loved her life and enjoyed telling the amazing stories
about her life and all of her many adventures. She had such a persistence and
strength about her that is unforgettable.
She is survived by her children: Frank Hunt of California, Jenie Mailine of
Salt Lake City, Utah, Mark Hernandez of California, Mark Anthony Hernandez of
Arkansas, Belinda Sweet of California, Lisa Sweet of California, Tina Sweet of
Kanab, and Stephen Barnett of Kanab, 1 brother, 2 sisters, 30 grandchildren,
and 15 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 1 PM at the
Kanab South LDS Chapel.

Originally published November 16, 2005

John Hunter Gray

"Our Papa", John Hunter Gray, 79, returned home to his Heavenly Father on
November 14, 2005. Papa was born on January 20, 1926 in Salt Lake City, the
oldest of five children, to Donald Gray and Janet Clark Preston Hunter Gray.
He married his eternal sweetheart Barbara Morgan in the St. George Temple on
October 21, 1950.
Papa attended East High in Salt Lake City and graduated early so he could
enlist in WWII. He served in the Navy on an aircraft carrier. When he returned
home his parents had moved to Southern California where he met his future
wife, Barbara. He served a mission to England and upon his return married
Barbara in the St. George Temple. They drove across the desert from California
with their mothers and John's uncle. They arrived in St. George late and still
needed to get a marriage license. They were told the County Recorder was at
the show house, what she looked like and when the movie was out. They located
her and she took them to the Courthouse so they could get a marriage license.
She charged them an extra dollar for after hours. They were able to be married
the next day. They settled in Southern California. Papa worked for Flying
Tigers as an Aircraft Mechanic and then went to work for Northrop Aircraft as
a buyer for 35 years. After his retirement he returned to Northrop where he
worked on the Stealth Bomber for six years. He loved his job and was good at
what he did. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Redlands
University in 1981 and his Masters Degree from Redlands University in 1983.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He
served as a High Councilmen and a Counselor to the Bishop and many other
callings, but his favorites were Early Morning Seminary Teacher which he did
for almost 10 years and Gospel Doctrine Teacher, which he did for over 25
years. He also served a mission with Barbara to the Family History Center in
Mesa, AZ.
Papa loved his family. He worked hard and made many sacrifices for them. We
will miss him.
He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 55 years; children: Eileen (Rich)
Rathke of Hurricane; John Jr. (Cathy) Gray of Wasilla, AK; Donald (Renee) Gray
of Vacaville, CA; 12 grandchildren, Alison, Tony, Drew, John III, Josh,
Austin, Alex, Kelly, Justin and Elizabeth; five great grandchildren, Dillon,
Taylor, Ella, Bethany and Jaxan on the way.
Thanks to Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice for their support. A special
thanks to Heather and Lisa.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the
Hurricane Valley Mortuary, with a graveside service at 12:00 p.m. at the
Hurricane City Cemetery. Arrangements handled by Hurricane Valley Mortuary.

Originally published November 16, 2005

Ted Rex Mecham

St. George   On November 15, 2005, my loving husband finished his earthly
journey and crossed over into the everlasting arms of his Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ. He was born December 17, 1950 in Vernal, Utah to Dean Albert
Mecham and Katherine Marie (Allred) Mecham. He was the youngest of three
children.
Ted earned a diploma at Uintah High School in Vernal, Utah, and graduated with
the class of 1969. He went on to further his education and attended Utah
Technical College in Taylorsville, Utah, earning a degree in Welding
Technology and Mechanical Drawing.
God gave him many talents. He was an exceptional finish carpenter, a welder
and a steel worker. He worked for K & J Steel in St. George as a blue print
layout man. He also worked for Simpson Steel in Salt Lake City, Utah, and on
several classified projects for the government and the military. Ted loved
fishing, hunting, working on his cabin, and building a mini-train for his
property in Hurricane.
He is survived by his wonderful and loving wife, Troya (Smith), who made him
very happy and was always by his side during his battle with cancer; her
daughter, Nikki (Glen) Burr of Salt Lake City, Utah; a grandson, Joshuah, all
of whom he was very proud of and considered them his own children; brother,
Max Grant (Nancy) Mecham of Vernal, Utah; sister, Kay Deane (Richard) Santi of
Ivins, Utah.
Those who have crossed over before him are; his first wife, Paula Jean
Stringham; mother, Katherine Marie (Allred) Mecham; father, Dean Albert
Mecham.
Ted spoke well of all his extraordinary friends who showed their love and
concern during this difficult time. Ted's love, integrity and loyalty to all
of us is a great loss. He will surely be missed. From all of us   FAREWELL,
TED, my husband, our brother, our friend. May you rest in the House of the
Lord forever!
Funeral services will be Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at
Spilsbury Mortuary Chapel, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah. Friends may
call Saturday 9:00-10:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Santa Clara Cemetery,
Santa Clara, Utah.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff
St., St. George, UT (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to offer
their condolences at www.spilsburymortuary .com.

Originally published November 16, 2005

Frederick Everett Murray

Washington   Frederick Everett Murray, age 85, passed away Friday, November
11, 2005, on Veterans Day, at his home in Washington. He was born October 26,
1920, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a son of Edward E. and Mary Gertrude Seals
Murray. He married Leona Mary Kelly McCann on September 22, 1960, in Elko,
Nevada. She preceded him in death on July 4, 1990.
Fred served in the United States Navy from September of 1942 until his
discharge in October of 1945. He served aboard the Minesweeper YMS-293. His
boat made sweeps for mines on most of the major islands in the Pacific prior
to Marine and Army landings.
On occasion, his Minesweeper came close enough to the beach to receive small
arms fire from the defenders. On November 10, 1944, his boat was tied up at
Seeadler Harbor, Admiralty Islands, to the repair ship USS Mindanao, and the
Ammunition Ship Mt. Hood, anchored on the other side of the repair ship
exploded, killing 180 men, including three crewmen from Fred's boat. He
continued to serve on the Minesweeper YMS-293 in the Pacific until the end of
the war. Fred was extremely proud of serving his country during
World War II.
"Stand down sailor you
served well, with honor
and pure heart."
Fred was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers Local Union 354 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Fred retired as a Master
Electrician in 1983, and later moved to Washington, Utah.
Surviving family include his: stepson, Dan (Carolyn) McCann, of Murray, UT;
two grandchildren, Steven McCann, of Murray, UT, and Brian (Brenda) McCann,
and their two children, Quinn and Kylie, of Riverton, UT; and nephew, Kent
Murray, of Utah.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 19, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. at the
Spilsbury Mortuary Chapel, with a viewing from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., prior to
services, at the Mortuary. Interment will be at the Washington City Cemetery
with military honors provided by the American Legion Lester Keate Post 90.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff
St., St. George, UT, (435) 673-2454.
Friends and family are invited to offer their condolences at
www.spilsburymortuary.com.

Originally published November 16, 2005

RuAnna Swapp

Kanab   RuAnna Judd Swapp, age 89, died November 14, 2005, in Kanab, Utah.
Born October 24, 1916 in Fredonia, Arizona, to Henry Eli and Mary Evelette
Johnson Judd. Graduated from Fredonia High School. Married James Mark Swapp
November 23, 1934 in the St. George Temple. He died September 13, 1976.
Married Eldred "Ed" Swapp, October 1981 in Ely Nevada, he died May 7, 1992.
RuAnna loved crocheting, taught primary and Sunday School, was Jr. Sunday
School Coordinator, and Secretary of Primary for 25 years. She was one of the
original Geritol Gypsies who loved to travel.
She is survived by her children: Zina (Clyne) Brodrick of Palmdale,
California, Bain (Jesslen) Swapp of Kanab, Chyrel Swapp of Kanab, Janet Dixon
of Fredonia, and Hattie (Dave) Hicks Swapp of Fredonia, 23 grandchildren, 39
great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grand child. Preceded in death by all
11 of her brothers and sisters; Evelett, Henry, Dart, Ray, Melinda, Vernessa,
Eletha, Lois, Chyrel, Allen, and Zina.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 am, Friday, November 18, 2005 at the Kanab
Stake Center. Viewing from 9:45 to 10:45 am. Burial in the Kanab Cemetery
under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary.

Originally published November 16, 2005