OBITS: The Spectrum 18 Sep 2005; St. George, Washington co., Utah

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Source: St. George The Spectrum http://www.thespectrum.com

Chalmers Luverne Christie

Chalmers Luverne Christie, Hurricane, Utah, passed away Thursday, September
15, 2005 at the age of 86.

Chalmers was born in Warren, Ohio to George and Ethel Christie November 3,
1918. He married Elaine Kloss in the Mesa Temple on January 6, 1946. Elaine
passed away in 1985. Chalmers married Joan Porter for time and all eternity in
the Mesa Temple on July 28, 1989.

Chalmers was raised in San Jacinto, California and served in the infantry in
the Army Air Corp from 1941-1945. He owned a hardware store in Alamogordo, New
Mexico. Chalmers enjoyed acting and played a principle role in starting the
Riverside Little Theater, now known as the oldest community theater west of
the Mississippi. He enjoyed gardening, making cookies for his grandchildren,
wood carving, making furniture for his family, friends, and The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To his credit is a Newell post at the
Tabernacle, the gazebo at the Brigham Young home and numerous pieces of
furniture at the sights he served as a missionary. He loved his service in the
church and had a solid testimony of its teachings. Also very endearing in his
life were Joan's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; some of
whom only knew him as their grampa.

Chalmers is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister and his
first wife, Elaine Kloss.

He is survived by his current wife, Joan Porter-Christie, son, Scott (Esther)
Christie, grandchildren, Cammie (Bruce) Cooper, Natalie Christie, Autumn
Christie, Dana (Jeff) Kennedy, and Phillip Christie, great grandchildren,
Dillan and Tyler Kennedy and Joan's 5 children, 21 grandchildren, and 6 great
grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held in his honor, Monday, September 19, at 11 a.m.
in the Hurricane 11th Ward Chapel, 402 North 2600 West, Hurricane, Utah, under
the direction of Heideman Mortuary. Visitation will be one hour prior to the
service. The Christie family would like to give a special thanks to Southern
Utah Hospice, in particular, Annette, Ronette, Lisa, and Dr. Rignell for their
special care. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please make
donations to the humanitarian aid foundation through The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Originally published September 18, 2005

Hazel Leavitt Bracken Farnworth

FILLMORE - Hazel Leavitt Bracken Farnworth, age 89, passed away September 14,
2005, at her home in Fillmore, Utah. Hazel was born July 21, 1916 in Mesquite,
Nevada to Lemuel S. Leavitt and Susan Isabelle Burgess.

Hazel spent most of her youth in Southern Utah. Hazel was born into a family
of eleven children. On November 7, 1936 she married Hal Bracken of Central,
Utah at her sisters home in Veyo, later solemnized in the Manti Temple. They
lived in California for a few years before moving back to Utah. She was a
loving, caring wife and mother, and an extraordinary grandmother. She was an
active member of the LDS Church in which she held numerous callings.

She graduated from Dixie High School and Dixie College. After moving to
American Fork, Utah she was employed as an optometrist's assistant to Dr. Jack
Seitz and Dr. Olivia McHugh for over twenty years. After Hal had passed away,
she married George Farnworth and they made their home in Fillmore, Utah.

Hazel was preceded in death by: Hal Bracken, George Farnworth, daughter Cecile
Bracken, brothers: Glen, Jim, Leo, Ken Leavitt, and sisters: Belle (Vaughn)
Jones, Vilate (Arvel) Webb, Lila (Andrew) Seitz, Dorothy (Charles) Bledsoe,
Emily (Tone) Lytle. She is survived by sons: Bennett Hal, Merlyn, and Leo
Spencer Bracken, one sister: Verna (Ron) Cottam, six grandchildren: Jeffery,
Penny, Bennett Kurt, Kimberly, Kristopher, LeAnn, and eleven
great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 19, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at
Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A visitation will
be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the mortuary. Interment will
be at the Veyo 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 September 18, 2005

Randal Nephi Hitchens

SANTA CLARA, Utah - Randal Nephi Hitchens, age 70, passed away Saturday,
September 17, 2005, at his home in Santa Clara. He was born April 8, 1935, in
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware, to Randal Gibson and Erma May Megonigal
Hitchens.

Randy married Carol Bernadette Burke on January 6, 1954, in Raleigh, Wake,
North Carolina. From this union three children were born, Donna, Randal, and
Kelley. Carol passed away September 6, 2000, in San Jose, California. He then
married Darlene Mae Hatcher on March 8, 2001, in Meyers, El Dorado,
California, and they moved to Santa Clara, Utah, in July of that year. Their
marriage was later solemnized March 8, 2002, inthe Laie Temple, Hawaii.

Randy grew up in Wilmington and Claymont, New Castle, Delaware. With fourteen
years of education, he struck out into the world, serving in the U.S. Navy for
ten years andthe U.S. Army Reserves for sixteen years. He was employed at
NASA, Ames Research Center, at Moffett Field, California, for thirty years as
a facility manager. His loves in lifewere boating, bowling, fishing, flying,
and golfing. Randy was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities, including that of an ordinance
worker in the St. George Temple.

He is survived by his: wife, Darlene; one daughter, Donna Magnusson, of
Kirkland, WA; two sons, Wayne, of Coulterville, CA, and Kelley (Laura)
Hitchens, of Pleasanton, CA; two stepsons, Timothy Lee Dale, of Little Rock,
AR, and Randal Scott Stephenson, of Lucerne Valley, CA; eight grandchildren;
two great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; six sisters, Beverly (Robert)
Talley, of Claymont, DE, June (Robert) McConnell, of Huntington Beach, CA,
Sarah (Neal) Sparks, of Orem, UT, Helenmarie (Donald) Jester, of Newark, DE,
Betty Jane Hotaling, of Rohnert Park, CA, and Alice Hitchens, of Pennsville,
NJ. Randy was preceded in death by his: first wife, Carol; parents; brother,
Allen Joel Hitchens; and stepdaughter, Jolene Mae Dale. At Randy's request,
there will not be any services. 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. Click on the dove. Obituaries are also available at
our website. Click on the rose.

Originally published September 18, 2005

Richard Ross Mickelson

St. George - Richard Ross Mickelson, 84, passed away peacefully in his home
September 15, 2005 in St. George, Utah. He was born March 19, 1921 in
Middleton, Utah to Edward Meeks and Delcina Prince Mickelson.

Ross grew up in Middleton, Utah and attended schools in Washington. He served
in the U.S. Navy for four years on the USS Garrard and the USS Donner in the
Armed Guard. He married Virginia Eyre Hunt on November 16, 1947 in Las Vegas,
Nevada.

He was employed for 23 years at Dugway Proving Grounds and resided in Tooele,
Utah until his retirement in 1973 and at that time he and Virginia moved to
St. George, Utah. In 1975 he went to work for IHC as a maintenance supervisor,
where he worked until 1986. Ross was a known hobbyist, he loved hobbies such
as electronics, hunting, fishing, camping and "tinkering". He was the first
president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Southern Utah and avid member of
the Good Sam's Color Country Ramblers. He was a devoted husband, father and
grandfather.

Ross is survived by his wife, Virginia; children, Vickie (Ben) Walters,
Richard L. (Marie) Mickelson, both of Las Vegas, NV, Edward R. (Ruth Ann)
Mickelson of New Harmony, UT, Terry K. Mickelson of Las Vegas, NV and Greg C.
(Terri) Mickelson of St. George, UT; 15 grandchildren; eight great-great
grandchildren; brothers, Peter Mickelson and William and Gilbert Mickelsen;
and sisters, Marie Thomas, Ida Seegmiller and Eloise Stucki. He is preceded in
death by his parents, a brother Meeks Mickelson and a sister Anna.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 19, 2005, 2 p.m., Metcalf
Mortuary Chapel, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, UT. Visitations will be
on Sunday, September 18, 6-8 p.m., and again on Monday, 12:30-1:30 p.m., prior
to services, both at Metcalf Mortuary. Interment will be in the Washington
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 September 18, 2005

Arvin Vernal Stratton

CEDAR CITY - Arvin Vernal Stratton, age 91, passed away on Monday, September
12, 2005 in his own home in Cedar City, Utah. He was born on May 22, 1914 in
Hurricane, Utah to Robert Bird and Mary Rosalie Cornelius Stratton. He married
Neola Shumway on October 3, 1933 in St. George, Utah. They were sealed in the
St. George Temple on June 22, 1940. She preceded him in death on December 15,
1983.

Together they raised six children. He was always checking in on his children
to see how they were doing. He grew to become gentle and patient while
suffering the last few years. He often told us how much he loved us. He had a
soft heart and was always helping the down and out whether it was a person or
an animal. He loved people and was always there with a helping hand. He had a
zest for life and a sparkle in his eye.

He is survived by his six children, Lila Jean Kaminiska, Ronald Vernal
Stratton, Arvin LaWayne (Margo) Stratton, Manon (John) Corry, Marie Elena
"Tina" (Kent F.) Davis, all of Cedar City, Utah, and Judy Neola (Stan) Rossman
of Las Vegas, Nevada; brothers, Elton (Shirley) Stratton of Cedar City, Utah,
Arwin (Jenniel) Stratton of Hurricane, Utah; sister, Norene (Arnold) Payne of
Provo, Utah, 29 grandchildren and 84 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in
death by his wife Neola Shumway Stratton, parents Robert Bird and Mary Rosalie
Cornelius Stratton, brothers Thelmer and Aril Stratton and sisters Elena Perry
and Ethel Thompson.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday morning, September 22, 2005 at 11:00
a.m. in the Cedar Rock Church. Family and friends may call on Wednesday
evening, September 21, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday morning, September
22, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. both at the Southern Utah Mortuary. Interment will be
in the Cedar City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent through our website
at www.sumfamily.com The family would like to thank Hospice, especially Brenda
and Dana for their help and loving care.

Originally published September 18, 2005

J Alan Thompson

J Alan Thompson, age 36, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at Cedar
City, Utah. J was born July 14, 1969 in Saint Paul, Minnesota to Terry Duane
Thompson and Linda Colleen Richards. He was preceded in death by his father
Terry Duane Thompson.

J lived in Portland, Oregon for fifteen years where he has left many beloved
family and friends. J enjoyed building cabins and was very successful at this.
He loved the outdoors, especially being at Cedar Mountain. J's love extended
from his family to country music and his truck. J had a huge heart for animals
and loved being around them whenever possible.

J is survived by his mother Linda Colleen Richards, step-father Steven
Richards, brother Terry Thompson and his spouse Teresa of Las Vegas, nephew
Justun Thompson, niece Brianna Thompson, and life partner Paula Hoffman of
Parowan.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 19, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at
Southern Utah Mortuary, 190 N. 300 W. Cedar City, Utah.

Originally published September 18, 2005

Eva Christensen Van Orman

Eva Christensen Van Orman, 91, peacefully passed away at home in Provo, Utah
on September 16, 2005. Born on December 10, 1913, the youngest child of
Chresten Carl Christensen and Ellen Susanna Jorgensen, she was preceded in
death by her parents, six siblings and two sons Robert and Chresten. Eva is
rejoicing in her reunion with them and especially with her father, who died
when she was two. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 70 years, her
daughter Ellen Hutt (Larry), and sons Jan (Margot) and John Gregory (Mickey).
She will be honored and revered by her 11 grandchildren and 19
great-grandchildren.

Eva was born and raised in Provo and attended a year of Brigham Young
University. Then moving to New York City, she met a talented young artist,
John A. Van Orman, who she married on September 26, 1935. They were sealed in
the Salt Lake Temple. Eva & John raised their young family in beautiful
Westchester County, New York, until 1954 when John followed his career in the
movie industry to Southern California. There Eva taught her growing children
and was very active in church and community affairs. She presided over all of
the LDS Church's women's organizations over many years and was a respected
leader and friend to so many. After retirement in 1975, John and Eva moved to
St. George, where they lived and served until coming to Provo in 2002, to be
closer to family-and return home.

This magnificent woman epitomized dignity and grace. Her life was complete.
Everyone who knew Eva was uplifted by her happy outgoing spirit and talents
freely given. From her earliest years she delighted in the beauty of
nature-the flowers of summer, songs of the birds, the forests of New York, the
coast of California, the deserts and mountains of the West. Eva was a gifted
homemaker who beautified everything around her. She taught herself to be a
good photographer and an accomplished painter so she could capture the
splendor of the world she so enjoyed. Her fine crafts and beautiful paintings
are now treasured by all her family. Eva taught her children to share her love
of music and to serve others. Even late in life she served joyfully in the
temple, the family history center, the hospital and in her community. Most of
all, Eva followed the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and brought her family
with her. Her love of life and beauty, her believing faith and her dedicated
service have become a profound example and influence for good on her family
and all who were blessed to know her. The family wishes to especially express
deep appreciation to our sister, Ellen, who has devoted these past three years
to giving constant loving attention in making Mom's life comfortable and happy
until the very end. She and her husband, Larry, have given much.

We will bid sweet farewell to Eva on Tuesday, September 20, 2005. Funeral
services will be held at 10:00 am at the Slate Canyon Eight Ward, 1745 S.
State Street (Hwy. 89) in south Provo. Eva will be interred in the Provo City
Cemetery. Instead of flowers, respects may be paid with a contribution to the
St. George Hospital, where Eva volunteered for many years.

Originally published September 18, 2005

Helen Monger Wignall

Helen Monger Wignall, age 93, passed away due to causes incident to age. Born
May 18, 1912 in Coffeyville, Kansas to Thurlow Daniel Monger and Maud May
Monger. Married Alden Ralph Wignall, May 20, 1937 in Vancouver, Washington.

Formally employed by Beneficial Finance and a Dentist in Holladay, Utah as a
bookkeeper. She was dedicated to her profession and loved the work that she
did. Her hobbies were dancing, bowling and golf.

Survived by son, Paul (Susan) of St. George, Utah, three grandchildren and 10
great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers
William (Bud) and Ray.

There will be a private graveside service at the Larkin Memorial Cemetery.

Originally published September 18, 2005