OBITS: The Spectrum 28 Sep 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 Betty Lou Cole Choules Mecham Jones ST. GEORGE - Betty Lou Cole Choules Mecham Jones, age 79, passed away Friday, September 23, 2005, in St. George. She was born December 27, 1925, to Jacob Hill and Ellen Irene Cole Choules in Clifton, Idaho. Betty was raised on the family farm where she learned to work hard. She graduated from high school in Clifton and attended cosmetology school in Pocatello, Idaho. During World War II she worked at the Defense Depot in Ogden, Utah. On December 29, 1949, she married James Glen Mecham, of Blackfoot, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple. They had more than 30 happy years together until Jim's untimely death on September 23, 1980. Following a few years of widowhood, she met and married David O. Jones of Farmington, Utah, on October 23, 1987. They enjoyed 13 years together, until Betty's illness resulted in her confinement to a care facility in St. George. David visited faithfully and tended to her every need as her condition worsened over the next five years. Betty was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in all auxiliary organizations. She is survived by her: husband, David; sons, James Craig (Tamara) Mecham, of Spokane, WA, Steven Glen (Kerry) Mecham, of Pleasant Grove, UT; daughter, Julie Mecham (Keith Lloyd), of Plano, TX; stepson, Bryce Jones, of Salt Lake City, UT; 18 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister, Fern Cutler, of Kaysville, UT. In addition to her first husband, Jim, Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Jolene M. (Mike) Walker, of Plano, TX; and her siblings, Jack Choules, Willis Choules and Karma Crockett. A viewing will be held Wednesday, September 28, 2005, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 30, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View Memorial Estates Chapel, 3115 E. 7800 S., Salt Lake City, with a viewing from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., prior to services, at the Chapel. Interment will be at the Mountain View Memorial Estates. Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, (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 28, 2005 Burt Leo Galvin ST. GEORGE - Burt Leo Galvin, age 74, passed away suddenly at his home with his wife by his side on Sunday, September 25, 2005 in St. George. He was born December 13, 1931 in Wilmar, California, the only child of Leo Pope and Effie McDowell Galvin. Burt was raised in San Gabriel, California and Grand Island, Nebraska where he graduated from Mark Keppel High School. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1950 and served for three years during the Korean Conflict. Burt was patriotic and proud to be a Marine. After an honorable discharge, he worked for the Los Angeles Times newspaper as a machinist for the following 16 years. While living and working in Los Angeles, Burt met his sweetheart, Betty and after a two year courtship they were married in 1965 in the Honolulu Tabernacle. Their marriage was later solemnized in 1976 in the Hawaii Temple. Theirs was a true love story. Betty was employed with Pan American Airlines from 1964 to 1969, and during that time she and Burt traveled extensively. They lived in Los Angeles until 1969, when they moved to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. In 1979, Burt moved his family to Bloomington. He loved Southern Utah and all of its beauty. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he enjoyed serving in his callings. A kind, gentle, patient, disciplined, and caring man, Burt loved to serve others. Some would say that he was somewhat of a perfectionist, as evidenced by the way he kept his yard so meticulously. Burt was passionate about studying nutrition and applied that knowledge to his way of life. He found historical and church books to be his favorite reading. Burt loved being a Grandpa and spent many happy times with his grandchildren. He was looking forward to the birth of their fourth grandchild. He also enjoyed the companionship of his dog, Chance. Burt was a wonderful husband and family man. He will be missed so very much. Surviving family include his: wife, Betty Katsuyo Takamine, of St. George; son, Brian (Kimberly) Galvin, and their children, Jara and Lia, of St. George; daughter, Kalei (Sean) Barry, their son, Britton, of St. George; cousins, Arthur (Arlis) McDowell, of Hastings, Nebraska; Raymond and Helen, of Kimberly, Idaho, and Carol and Dick Schmidt, of Spokane Washington. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 1, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bloomington 6th Ward Chapel, 3519 Manzanita Rd., St. George, with a viewing Friday, September 30, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary. There will not be a public viewing prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery. 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 28, 2005 Viola Hammond Hunsaker ST. GEORGE - Viola Hammond Hunsaker, 90, passed away September 24, 2005, at BeeHive Homes on Tonaquint Drive in St. George. She was born July 2, 1915, in Rigby, Idaho to Milton Hammond and Aroetta Hale, the ninth of ten children. She married Rex Hunsaker, June 6, 1939, in the Logan Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Viola was raised in Idaho and Utah by her mother. She obtained a Bachelors degree in Physical Education from Utah State University where she was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority and voted as the All Campus Coed. She received her Masters degree in Counseling from San Diego State University. Viola lived most of her married life in Salem, Klamath Falls, Lakeview and Portland, Oregon where she taught school (PE) and served as a guidance counselor. She spent her later years in Pleasanton, California and St. George, Utah. Viola was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in various callings. She had a strong testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ. She had a sweet spirit and was loved by all. Viola was a talented artist, and also designed and made beautiful quilts, many of which won awards. She was particularly pleased by winning the Grand Prize at the Northwest Quilters quilt show at Portland State University. She is survived by her: son, Floyd (Mary Jo), of Boring, Oregon; daughter, Margene Eyre (Gordon), of St. George, Utah; son, Kent (Jody), of Salem, Oregon; son, Bob, of Monroe, Washington; and daughter, Cheryl Gant (Doug), of Lincoln, California. She has 19 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren, all living. She was proceeded in death by her: husband, Rex Hunsaker, who died in 1994; six brothers, Ronald, Glen, Merrill, Frank, Floyd, and Roy; and three sisters, Gladys, Sarah, and Ruth. The family wishes to thank the BeeHive home for their loving care of Viola during this last month. Funeral services will be at the Lincoln Memorial Park, Portland, Oregon. Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, UT (435) 6732454. Friends and family are invited to offer their condolences at www.spilsburymortuary.com. Click on the dove. Originally published September 28, 2005 Karma (McGregor) McAllister Karma McGregor McAllister died peacefully September 24, 2005, in Provo, UT. Her warm and gentle spirit endeared her to everyone. Wherever she saw a need, she responded with a full heart. Born July 20, 1910 in Beaver, Utah to Alma Gertrude Watson and Donald Alpine McGregor. Karma grew up in St. George, working in her father's hospital. She graduated from Dixie College where she was student body vice-president and "D" Queen. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she taught secondary English and home economics in Enterprise, UT. She and her childhood friend, Ellis Savage McAllister, were sealed in the St. George Temple, June 15, 1937. They settled in Ogden, reared five children, worked in their orchard and garden on Gramercy Avenue, danced in each other's arms at "Debonairs," and served in the Ogden LDS Temple and San Diego Mormon Battalion Visitors' Center. Lovingly, Mom cared for Dad at home during his years of Alzheimer's disease. Mom nurtured everyone. Her friends spanned all ages and walks of life. She loved children, and when we were grown she obtained a librarian certificate and served as media specialist at Gramercy Elementary. She crafted professional wedding cakes for friends and family, designed quilts, tailored suits, stitched up our injured pet lamb, and mended broken hearts. Mom loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and served in all the auxiliaries of the LDS Church. We remember her great faith in God, optimism, and love of country. She instilled these in us, along with an excitement for learning. She blessed us with her enthusiasm for literature, music, art, and everything "virtuous, lovely ... or praiseworthy." She knew how to say "I love you," and "I'm sorry." She knew how to keep confidences and covenants. As poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote of the Savior, our mother is our "first, fast, last friend." Her love and influence remain a strong foundation and a sweet fragrance in our lives. We express our deep gratitude for the love and care of friends and professional care givers, including those at Courtyard at Jamestown and particularly Orem Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who provided assistance in her last years. Survived by one sister, Mary McGregor Killian, Provo; a brother, Mar Watson McGregor, Howard, CO; five children, Marsali (Brigham Vernon) Cheney, Provo, Mary Ann (John) Evans, Houston, TX, Karma Jean (Jeanie) McAllister, Salt Lake City, Douglas Ellis (Janice) McAllister, Gilbert, AZ, and Helen Mar (James S., III) Williamson, Salem, VA; 28 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren. Services, Thursday, September 29, 2005, 11 a.m., Berg Mortuary, 185 East Center Street, Provo. Viewing, Wednesday, 6-8 p.m., and one hour before the service Thursday. Interment, St. George Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund. Originally published September 28, 2005 Fredrick M. Shears ST. GEORGE - Fredrick M. Shears, 59, suffered untimely death on September 26, 2005 at Dixie Regional Medical Center. He was born to Adolph and Bernice Shears on July 26, 1946 in Santa Cruz, CA. Fred was raised and educated in Santa Cruz, CA, was inducted into the U.S. Army June 18, 1968 and served his country honorably in Vietnam from 1968 - 1970. Fred met and fell in love with his soul mate, Trudy Barrick Kohles in the summer of 1986 on a trip to Moab, UT for a bowling tournament. Fred and Trudy met and fell in love and have been together until his untimely death of massive heart attack. Passing from life at 1:35 a.m. September 26, 2005. Fred was at his best with his family and enjoyed every moment with his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his partner Kura, and all of his family. He excelled in bowling, and held many positions in both state and local bowling associations. He was a great ambassador for bowling. Fred is survived by his wife, Trudy; sons: Joseph, Jonathon and Shane; daughter, LeAnn; brothers: Lon (Josie) Shears and Larry (Marge) Shears; stepchildren: Mika (Mindy) Jensen and Mechell Jensen (Tim) Brandenburg and eight grand children. A Prayer Service will be held Thursday, September 29, 2005, 7 p.m., Metcalf Mortuary, 300 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, UT. A viewing will also be held Thursday, September 29, 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary. There will be no services after the viewing. Condolences may be sent through the Metcalf website at www.metcalfmortuary.com. Originally published September 28, 2005 Damon James Van Buskirk CEDAR CITY - Damon James Van Buskirk returned home to his Heavenly Father on September 25, 2005. Damon was born May 30, 1961 in Las Vegas, NV to James Lee Van Buskirk and Claudia Reva Robinson. Damon graduated from Western High School in Las Vegas and began his career as a truck driver soon after. Damon truly enjoyed trucking. He soon met and married Kathleen Jones, their union brought about 5 loving boys. They were later divorced. Damon soon met and married the sweet love of his life, Glenda Gubler and together their clan grew to eight loving children. Together Damon and Glenda walked through many challenges and never left each others side. Their relationship was an example of unconditional love and support. Damon loved anything and everything that had to do with the outdoors, he loved to laugh, he loved a great joke, and he loved people and most of all his family. Damon was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he held many positions, but his favorite calling was serving in the nursery. Damon is survived by his wife, Glenda of Enoch, sons Brian Van Buskirk of Las Vegas; Jeffery Van Buskirk, Parowan; Lorenzo Putnam, Enoch; Bowdrie Van Buskirk, Parowan; Victor Van Buskirk, Parowan; Adam Putnam, Beryl; Micheal Van Buskirk, Parowan and darling daughter Rachel Putnam of Enoch. He is also survived by parents Claron and Claudia Bradshaw of St. George. He is also survived by brother Braden Van Buskirk of St. Louis, MO and sisters Alicia DeMille, Las Vegas and Taunya Bronson, Cedar City, and grandparents, Reva Koester and Harold Van Buskirk, both of Las Vegas along with 30 nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Damon will surely be missed. Funeral Services will be held Friday September 30, 2005 at 1:00 pm at the Midvalley Chapel 555 E. Midvalley Rd. in Enoch. A viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 pm also at the Midvalley Chapel. Prior to the service a viewing will take place from 11:30-12:30 at the church. Interment will be at the Cedar City Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Swindlehurst Funeral Home. Originally published September 28, 2005 Margie L. Vannice McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Margie L. Vannice, 76, passed away at her home in McMinnville, OR on Friday, September 23, 2005. She was born September 5, 1929 in Beaverton, OR to Elwin and Ethel Stivers Marler. She attended grade school in White Swan, Washington. She then attended high school in Portland, Oregon. She married Freeman Clark on July 31, 1946 in Portland, Oregon. They moved to Paynesville, Minnesota in 1946 until the mid fifties. They moved to Longview, Washington and lived there until 1979 where she owned and operated the Futuristic School of Beauty for many years. In 1979 she moved to St. George until she moved to Monmouth, Oregon in 1986. In McMinnville, she married Bill K. Vannice on May 22, 1987. She has lived in McMinnville ever since. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ward 1. She loved to read and loved flowers of all kinds. She adored traveling all over the world with her husband Bill. She was especially close to her family. She is survived by her husband, Bill Vannice of McMinnville, OR; son, Fred Clark or Kerns, UT; her daughter, Cathleen Auvinen of Keizer, OR; her brother, Albert Guist of Rainier, OR; sisters, Wanda Lynn of McMinnville, OR; Pearl McArthur of Leeds, UT; and Marlene Landreth of Scappoose, OR; 11 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by grandson, Jason Stockard and her sister, Lucinda Johnson. Services will be at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery on Friday, September 30, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. in McMinnville, OR. Originally published September 28, 2005 Caroline T. Verrillo ST. GEORGE - Caroline T. Verrillo, our beloved mother and grandmother, peacefully left this life at the age of 80. She was born on November 21, 1924 to Christie and Susan Rossetti in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She married Vincent Verrillo on October 5, 1946 and they were married for nearly 56 years until he passed away in 2003. Mom was raised and lived most of her life in Bridgeport and graduated from Warren Harding High School. She worked as a secretary at Bullard Havens Tech School as well as at Timely Products in Stratford, CT. Mom excelled at cooking and baking, especially Italian, but most of all she took take of her home for her family. She was a member of the St. George Catholic Church. Caroline moved to St. George in 1998 and lived in Sun River before moving to the Beehive Home, where she lived until her passing. She is survived by sons, Vincent (Jill) of Stratford, CT and Mark (Darlene) of St. George, UT; grandchildren, Melissa, Jaime (Zach), Tracy and Lauren; great grandchildren Kallie, Jillian, Carter and Jackson; and a brother, Chris (Marion) Rossetti of Palm Bay, FL. The family would like to thank her "family" at the Beehive Home for the care they gave to her. We would also like to thank Community Nursing Service Hospice and Dr. Rignell for their service as well. Visitations will be held Wednesday, September 28, 2005, 7-9 p.m., and Thursday, September 29, 8:30-9:30 a.m., both at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, UT. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, September 29, 2005, 10 a.m., St. George Catholic Church, 259 W. 200 N., St. George, UT. Interment will be in the Tonaquint 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 28, 2005 DEATH NOTICE Aubrey Paul McWilliams CEDAR CITY - Aubrey Paul McWilliams, 69, died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005, in St. George, Utah. He was born on Jan. 11, 1936, in Los Angeles, Calif. He is survived by his son: David McWilliams; and daughter: Mary Allen Henry. There will be no services held at this time. Gordon Mohrman CEDAR CITY - Gordon Thomas Mohrman, 51, died Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, in the Valley View Medical Center in Cedar City, Utah. He was born on April 2, 1954, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He is survived by his wife: Laura Katherine Magiera Mohrman of Cedar City, Utah; children: Sarah Catherine Mohrman and Christine Marie Mohrman, both of Cedar City, Utah; and father: Gordon Delbert Mohrman. Funeral services will be Friday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. in the Seventh and Ninth Ward Chapel. A viewing will be held on Friday, Sept. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Originally published September 28, 2005