Oct. 21, 1937 – Oct. 8, 2018

Rudolph “Rudy” Anthony Suriano, 80, passed away Oct. 8, 2018, in St. George, Utah.

He was born Oct. 21, 1937 in Brooklyn, New York, to Rudolph and Adalgisa (DeRusso) Suriano.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was a skilled craftsman.

He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. Rudy had a sense of humor that endeared him to many and he will be sadly missed.

Rudolph is survived by his four children, Debbie, Rudy (Stephanie), Karen (John) Mertz and Lynne Bernstein; sister, Adrienne Bono; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one cousin; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Mary Ann. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Jasmine and Coco.

Funeral services are pending.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.

Feb. 8, 1981 – Oct. 12, 2018

Heather Marie Holt, age 37, passed away at her home in St. George, Utah, on Oct. 12, 2018.

Heather was born to Heidi (Nielsen) Raya on Feb. 8, 1981. in St. George. She grew up there with her younger sister Angela. The girls enjoyed camping and fishing with their mom and Heather’s stepfather, Gabriel Raya.

Heather graduated from Dixie High School in 1999 and went on to complete medical assistant training. Her talent along with a fun and open nature led to her being hired outright from an externship at a local doctor’s office.

She met William Jade Holt while working as a medical assistant in 2004. They fell in love and were married in 2006 in St. George.

Heather decided to leave medical assisting in 2005 and went to work at the Walmart Distribution Center in Hurricane, Utah. There, she spread good humor and touched many lives.

The couple decided to add to their family in 2008. Jace James was born at the beginning of 2009, and Heather and Jade welcomed their second baby, Ivy Marie, in 2011.

Shortly after meeting Jade, Heather found and stayed in touch with her brother, Ron Dean.

Heather is survived by her husband, William Jade Holt, children, Jace and Ivy Holt, mother, Heidi Raya, sister, Angela Nielsen, brother, Ron Dean, stepfather, Gabriel Raya, grandmother, Everal Bowler, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, family and great long-term friends.

Funeral services

• There will be a viewing at Spilsbury Mortuary on Friday, Oct. 19, from 6-8 p.m.
• Another viewing will be held Saturday, Oct. 20, between 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11 a.m., at the LDS chapel on 166 S. Main St. in St. George, Utah.
• She will be laid to rest at 2:30 p.m. at the Holt Cemetery outside of Enterprise, Utah.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.

Oct. 14, 1946 – Oct. 12, 2018

Jane Bramwell Barfuss passed away Oct. 12, 2018.

She was born Oct. 14, 1946, to G Paul Bramwell and Francis Campbell Bramwell in Salt Lake City, Utah. She met her forever partner, Michael Barfuss, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was married in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sept. 28, 1973.

Jane grew up in Bremerton, Washington, where she went to West High School. Her passion for learning would be a guiding light throughout her life. She graduated from Brigham Young University and went on to be a teacher and
scholar who’s research enlightened many in the areas of spirituality and health in particular.

While she made her home in various cities of Washington state, she finally settled in St. George, Utah, with her husband and six children. All were welcomed into her home and all who entered felt the warmth and love of an amazing mother, wife and friend.

Jane is survived by her husband, Michael; his children, son Jeffrey of St. George, Utah, daughter Jamie of Bremerton, Washington, son Darryl (Julie) of Pleasant Grove, Utah, son Paul (Stephanie) of Charleston, South Carolina, son Don (Alysha) of Salt Lake City, Utah, son Aaron of Huntington Beach, California; granddaughters, Maddison and Abigail, and grandsons, Cole, Jai, Clay, Zane, Archer and Fletcher; siblings, brother Dr. Steve (Lynda) of Bremerton, Washington, sister Pat of Silverdale, Washington, sister Georgia (Joe) of Orem, Utah, sister Sue (Bruce) of Springville, Utah, sister Kaye (Doug) of St. George, Utah, brother John (Debi) of Provo, Utah, sister Rhonda (Mike) of Mesa, Arizona. Jane was preceded in death by her parents Dr. G Paul Bramwell and Frances Campbell Bramwell.

The family would like to thank all who provided care and prayers during her “Celebration of Life.” Please send donations to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.

There will be no funeral services as Jane’s final wishes to be surrounded by children and siblings before and at the time of passing were carried out in miraculous fashion.

She will be cremated and placed in a beautiful blue urn that matches the color of her eyes and returned to the care of her husband until the time of his passing when they will be interred together at the Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bluffdale, Utah.

Arrangements and memorial tree planting by the Cremation Center of Southern Utah, 435-986-9100.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Serenity Funeral Home online.

April 18, 1934 – Oct. 15, 2018

Eugene R. Thomas, age 84, passed away in his home into the loving hands of our Lord on Oct. 15, 2018.

He was born in Ericson, Nebraska, on April 18, 1934, to Raymond and Lilas Thomas. He grew up in Central City, Nebraska. He was an avid Cornhusker fan. He played golf at every opportunity and was a marshal at Southgate Golf Course for 15 years.

He worked for many years in the semiconductor industry in San Jose, California, where he met Doris Gill. They were married in 1979 and retired to St.
George, Utah, in 1993.

Gene is survived by his wife Doris; his children Tracy Byram, Martin Thomas, David Gill (Dawn), Michael Gill (Leslie), and Diana Greene; 11
grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and his brother Norman Thomas (Cheryl). He was preceded in death by his parents and son Mark Eugene.

The family would like to thank Integrated Senior Care for their excellent service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association.

Funeral services

• The service with military honors will be held at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m.
• A reception will follow the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Serenity Funeral Home, 435-986-2085.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Serenity Funeral Home online.

April 18, 1938 – Oct. 14, 2018

Marlys Nickisch, age 80, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 14, 2018.

She was born April 18, 1938, in Lehr, North Dakota, to Reinhold Frederich (RF) and Bertha Scherbenske Ruff. She married Stevens Lester Nickisch, June 26, 1961, in Wishek, North Dakota.

Marlys was raised and attended schools in Lehr. She graduated from Lehr High School and went on to attend Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa, where she earned a bachelor’s degree. She returned to North Dakota to teach home economics in Napoleon.

In Wishek, she met and married Steve. Together they had two sons. It was after the birth of her first son that she stopped teaching to raise her family. Steve and Marlys owned and operated Nickisch Funeral Homes.

In 1978, following Steve’s automobile accident, Marlys became very involved with the day-to-day operations of the funeral homes. She remained active in the business until it sold in 1991.

Following retirement, Marlys and Steve enjoyed traveling. After his death in 2003, Marlys relocated to the warmer climate of St. George, Utah.

Beginning in 2006, Marlys was very active within the Sun River Community and the New Promise Lutheran Church. She enjoyed playing bridge, being a part of Red Hat Society and book clubs. Marlys had a very welcoming personality and made friends easily. She enjoyed these associations.

Marlys had a light about her that will be missed by all who knew her.

Marlys is survived by her sons Dan Nickisch (and girlfriend Carla Bone) of Seattle, Washington, and Bryce Nickisch of Syracuse, Utah, and grandsons Alex and Logan Nickisch. She is also survived by her brother Marvin Ruff of Charlotte, Michigan.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Funeral services

• A funeral service will be held Friday, Oct. 19, at 1 p.m., at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah.
• There will be a viewing Thursday, Oct. 18 from 5-7 p.m., and again Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., prior to services at Spilsbury Mortuary.
• A second funeral service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m., at the St. Luke Lutheran Church, Wishek, North Dakota.
• Interment will be in the St. Luke Lutheran Cemetery immediately following funeral services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454 and Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Wishek, North Dakota.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.

April 18, 1935 – Oct. 11, 2018

Geraldine Dahle Dean Callister, age 83, died Oct. 11, 2018, in St. George, Utah, as a result of Parkinson’s and dementia.

She was born April 18, 1935, in Ontario, Oregon, to Thelma Elnora Black and Gilbert Leroy Dahle. She was the second of six children.

Her father, Gib Dahle, homesteaded virgin land in southeastern Oregon when the Owahee Dam was constructed to provide water for ranches and farms.

Geraldine grew up on ranches (Homedale, Harper, Biggs and Westfall) in Oregon, attended Harper Elementary School and rode a retired race horse to school every day.

By the time she was 9 years old, she could feed hired men and ranch hands who came to help with the harvest, or work the cattle. By noon, she could catch, kill, skin, clean and cook chickens, make bread and pies, peel and make potatoes with gravy and cook up whatever vegetables her mom grew in their large garden.

She tended, fed and supervised her younger siblings while her mother helped her dad in the fields, milked cows or went on genealogy research trips and temple trips.

Mom’s young life was filled with healings from priesthood blessings and other miracles as her parents cleared land, built irrigation canals and carved productive farms out of the wild and remote Oregon countryside. She felt the protecting power of angels in her many responsibilities caring for her younger brothers and sisters, where the closest neighbors were miles away.

Geraldine graduated from Vale High School in Vale, Oregon, near the top of her class, and was awarded a scholarship into the nursing program at Brigham Young University.

At BYU, Geraldine met Clifford Arnold Dean Jr. from Pima, Arizona, and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Aug. 25, 1954. Clifford was soon drafted, and Geraldine followed him to Fort Ord, California, and then to Puerto Rico where Clifford served in the U.S. Army at Rodriguez Army Hospital.

In 1958 Clifford was hired to teach chemistry at Dixie Academy when it was part of the Dixie High School on Main Street between Tabernacle and 100 South. Geraldine and Clifford loved the fledgling Dixie College and felt blessed to work alongside the other fine faculty members. She and Clifford enjoyed Dixie Junior College athletics and dancing the night away at the formal dances. Together they weathered the lean years and felt the college’s growing pains as it moved to the far eastern side of the St. George valley.

Geraldine served as president of Dixie College Faculty Women organization and spearheaded the Washington County Birthday Calendar to raise funds for the new Dixianna Dorms for female college students.

Her brother Morris and her sister Lois each lived with Geraldine and Clifford while they attended college.

Geraldine and Clifford welcomed Paul Thompson and Rosie Pinto into their home from the Indian Placement Program, and raised them as their own. Mom delighted in their families’ successes, and her 15 Navajo grandchildren who live in New Mexico.

Geraldine was active in the LDS church all her life. She presided over Primary, Young Women’s and Relief Society multiple times, on both ward and stake levels. Her favorite calling was teaching 11-year old Blazers in Primary for many years. She regularly attended evening temple sessions. On Saturday mornings, Clifford baptized college students for the dead in the St. George Temple baptistery.

Once a month, on Fast Sunday, Geraldine would type a family newsletter to send to all her siblings, in-laws and other loved ones, providing 40+ years of accurate family history details.

From time to time, as her health permitted, Geraldine supplemented Clifford’s teacher’s salary by selling Tupperware and Minnesota Woolens Clothing. As missions and weddings came along, she worked as head checker for Brent Snow, and as a technician for Dr. Sheldon Johnson to make ends meet. Later she owned and operated Mary’s Bridal Shop with Mary Curtis. Mom fitted and did all the alterations on the bridal gowns and prom dresses, making them modest and temple-appropriate, and made veils to match. She also learned about and taught others to use essential oils.

Geraldine continually maintained her home, repairing and painting it, inside and out. She loved flowers and took pride in keeping her yard presentable. Hard work never bothered her, and she diligently taught her children to work and accompany her as she served others.

She moved both her parents and her mother-in-law to sunny St. George, to homes each a block away from her home to help and care for them in their later years.

Like a faithful, vigilant mother hen, she often gathered all her family and friends into her loving care. She enjoyed entertaining extended family and friends by cooking Dutch oven chicken and potatoes up at Pine Valley campgrounds in the summers. She was an excellent cook, and we all loved her food.

Her children were her greatest joy, and she took great pride in their various accomplishments. She was often amazed at the wide variety of their talents and activities. She took her role as mother very seriously and taught her children to keep God’s commandments. She taught them how to work and take pride in a job well done so they could be independent and help take care of others. When asked about her formula for raising her children, she often said, “Stand back, and feed what hatches.”

After Clifford passed away on Jan. 1, 2000, Geraldine married Dr. Mazel Keith Callister, chiropractor, of St. George, in 2001. Her family quickly grew to love and appreciate his tender heart and his special healing gifts.

Mom didn’t age for about 40 years. Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles recognized the paradox of remaining “young” through labor and gospel service. He said, “You don’t have time to get old.”

Youth is a state of mind. Mom lived with an enthusiastic attitude and deep gratitude for the blessings she received. She lived with courage and determination as she faced and overcame many physical challenges. She relied on the power of the priesthood, and we, her children, grew up knowing God was real and answered her many prayers. She faced struggles with optimism and faith in the future, and focused on making happy times along the way.

Mom loved people, and they loved her back. Mom wore herself out serving her large family and her fellow men. She had a joyful life by losing herself in service and caring for others, and packed her life with enough work and service to wear out two people. “By their fruits ye shall know them.”

In her last few years, when Parkinson’s made her hands and memory useless, her greatest frustration was not being able to do things for others. She also mourned not being able to write anymore. She always had beautiful penmanship.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents Thelma Elnora Black Dahle and Gilbert Leroy Dahle; brother Leonard Dahle; sister-in-law Gay Rindlisbacher Dahle; husband Clifford Arnold Dean Jr.; husband Mazel Keith Callister; Clifford’s parents Debra Matthews Dean and Clifford Arnold Dean Sr.; brother-in-law Jerry Stone; and sister-in-law Wilma Dean Stone.

She is survived by her sister-in-law Lucille Dean Smith, of St. George, Utah.; sister-in-law Joan Dahle, of Sherwood, Oregon; brother Morris Dahle (Sally), of Billings, Montana; brother Boyd Dahle (Delphine), of Idaho; sister Lois Bingham of Calgary, Canada; and sister Laurel Lee Pedersen (Kent), of Dallas, Oregon.

She is survived by her six children: Patsy Last (Greg), of Hurricane, Utah; Clifford Martin Dean, of  Las Vegas, Nevada; Douglas Leroy Dean (April), of Springville, Utah; Miriam Houston (Thayne), of St. George, Utah; Joseph Matthew Dean (J’Mi), of Gilbert, Arizona; and Katherine Turek (Rick), of Layton, Utah; 25 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Metcalf Mortuary, the caring staff of Dixie Hospice Care and caring staff at the Meadows Assisted Living and Memory Care units.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m., at the Rustic Drive Chapel, 1905 Rustic Drive, St. George, Utah.
• Visitations will be held Friday, from 6-8 p.m., at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., and Saturday, prior to services, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the church.
• Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online

Oct. 21, 1950 – Oct. 14, 2018

Our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend Wade Wardrop died at his home Oct. 14, 2018.

He was born Oct. 21, 1950, to Calvin Wardrop and Dorothy Olson in Murray, Utah. They later moved to Holladay, Utah where he attended Olympus High School. He met the girl who would become his wife, Vicki Jones, there. They dated four years and were married Aug. 28, 1970.

He attended the University of Utah then transferred to Utah State University where he received his bachelor’s degree. In 1975 he and Vicki moved to St. George, Utah, where he taught woodshop at Dixie High School.

After eight years he opened his own business, Wardrop Cabinets. He had the opportunity to be a part of the tremendous growth of our area and was proud that many of his students went on to be successful in the construction business as well.

From a very young age Wade was always busy with many hobbies. He started out raising pigs and chickens in Murray with Sid Godfrey. This led to many
projects – raising doves, racing pigeons, rabbits, lizards, snakes, the mice to feed them and a deep involvement in entomology. He loved to fish
and hunt. A trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, introduced him to fly fishing. He loved it and he began to study the bugs and tie his own flies.

After selling the cabinet shop in 2014 he was restless and found himself interested in quilt-making. He approached it like all previous interests –
500 percent in. His skill increased and he has made countless beautiful quilts for family and friends. As a member of the Dixie Quilt Guild he was part
of the Philanthropy Group. His quilts are being enjoyed by many in our community. This has brought him many special friends as well.

Wade was fortunate to have wonderful friends including a group of local businessmen who had lunch five days a week for 30 years. Membership in
the St. George Lions Club brought more friendships that have continued to this day.

Wade was able to attend lunch with his friends, meet with his quilting group and have a reunion with his brothers in the weeks prior to his
death.

Wade is survived by his wife, Vicki (Babe), daughter Tracy (T-Babe), Scott (Bud), daughter-in-law Melissa (Melbaby), granddaughter Evy and grandson
Caleb, brothers Todd (Brooke), Brett (Cathy), and Lane, all in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Chad (Alina) in Florida, sisters-in-law Nina (Kevin) and
Barb also in Salt Lake City and many nieces and nephews, and loving dog Max. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, nephew Tyson Wardrop and sister-in-law Polly Wardrop. Wade was extremely proud of the wonderful, loving people his children have become.

Life was never boring with Wade. His favorite saying was “the rules don’t apply to me.” He and Vicki have had many adventures and lots of fun. It’s
been quite the ride!

Vicki and the family wish to express love and gratitude to their friends and family, the wonderful nurses and aides at the hospital and in hospice, and the many doctors who took such great care of him over the years.

Wade was a supporter of those in recovery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations that will be given to our area fellowship of Narcotics
Anonymous.

Per Wade’s request, he will be cremated. He did not want formal services, so please join us at an open house at his home (3684 S 1470 W, Bloomington) Saturday, Oct. 20, from 2-4 p.m. Wade wants it to be a casual, fun time. For those who are so inclined he would like you to
BYOB.

At a later date the family will be taking Wade to his final resting place, Antimony Creek, Utah, where he loved to camp and fish with his family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Serenity Funeral Home, 435-986-2085.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Serenity Funeral Home online.

Sept. 28, 1937 – Oct. 17, 2018

John Clair Willie, 81, passed away peacefully on Oct. 17, 2018.

John was born in Brigham City, Utah, on Sept. 28, 1937, to Vernal and Dorothy Bird Willie. John grew up in Brigham City, helping on the family farm in Fielding, Utah, and taking care of the livestock in Brigham City.

John graduated from Box Elder High School and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California and Arizona. John attended Utah State University and received a degree in landscape architecture and environmental planning.

While he was still in school, he met and married Jarilyn Rae Payne. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 30, 1961.

John worked in California for the city of San Bernardino and for the planning firm of Eisner/Stewart and Associates in South Pasadena.

In 1966 John and Jarilyn moved with their two children to St. George, Utah, where he became a regional planner for the Utah State University Extension Service for four years. He then formed his own planning consulting firm, John C. Willie and Associates, which he operated for the next 28 years. In 1998 he was employed by Washington County as the county administrator, human resource director and county planning director until his retirement in 2011.

John enjoyed watching football and basketball games. He spent time each year on vacation with his family at the family summer home located on the shores of Bear Lake in northern Utah.

John held positions in the Scouting program for over 50 years, including troop, district and council positions. He received many awards including the District Award of Merit in 1976, the Silver Beaver Award in 1988, and the William H. Spurgeon Award for service to Exploring in 1995.

John served as counselor in a Bishopric, eight years on a stake high council, as a member of the high priests group leadership, many teaching positions, and as an officiator in the St. George Temple. He also taught early morning Seminary during his years living in California.

John loved people and spending time with family, especially trips to get ice cream with his grandchildren.

John is the father to six children: Scott (deceased), DeAnne, Bryan (deceased), Janet (Jerome Gallegos), Karen (Scott Taylor), and Craig (Tanya). John is a grandfather to nine special grandchildren: Jaron and Jakob Gallegos, Jaden, Brooke, Grant and Emily Taylor, Spencer, Megan and Amber Willie. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Jarilyn, parents, sisters Loise (Albert) Wagstaff and Ruth Elaine (Mel) Malcomian, and brother Ralph (Beverly) Willie. He is survived by his sister Norma Jean Ross.

We are grateful for the love and care given to John by the staff and residents of the St. George River Road Beehive Home.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m., at the Morningside LDS Chapel on 881 South River Road, St. George, Utah.
• A viewing will be held from 9-10:30 a.m., prior to the services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of McMillan Mortuary, 435-688-8880.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit McMillan Mortuary online.

June 29, 1941 – Oct. 4, 2018

David Charles Howell, 77, passed away on Oct. 4, 2018, in St. George, Utah.

He was born on June 29, 1941, to Naomi Kelly and Charles Howell in Buffalo, New York.

He graduated from Middlebury College in 1963, and earned a Ph.D. from Tulane University in 1967. In 1967 he joined the department of psychology at the University of Vermont, where he worked until his retirement in 2002. During his 35 years at UVM he authored three textbooks and served as the chairman of the department of psychology, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and on numerous university committees.

He married Catherine Tilden on June 22, 1963, in Scarsdale, New York. They were divorced in 1995 and David married Donna K. Jemilo (then serving as superintendent of schools in Burlington) on April 14, 1996, in Chicago, Illinois.

David was not only a gentleman and a scholar, he was a sensitive and caring human being who took pride in and loved his family. He was an expert downhill skier, loved to hike, mountain bike and garden.

After leaving Burlington, David and Donna lived in Austin, Texas, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where he served on the board of directors of the Botanic Park, and Ivins, Utah, where he served on the board of the Friends of Snow Canyon and the Arboretum.

He was the happiest when family would visit and he would take them to his favorite hiking trails.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

David is survived by his wife, Donna; his daughters Barbara, Lynda and Stephanie, their spouses and four grandchildren; his four stepchildren Catherine, Joseph, Andrew and James, their spouses and 11 grandchildren; his brother Dick, Burt’s wife Connie and their children and grandson; and by his former wife, Cathy.

A celebration of the life of David Howell will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at John Dewey Lounge in Old Mill at UVM.

For memorial donations please mail checks to Intermountain Foundation, Dixie Regional Medical Center, PO Box 413181, Salt Lake City, UT 84141-3181. Indicate on the memo line “In memory of David Charles Howell for Precision Genomics.” Online gifts can be made here. For additional assistance call 435-251-2480.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.

June 8, 1913 – Oct. 20, 2018

Ada Huntington Nordell, age 105, passed away Oct. 20, 2018, in Washington, Utah. Ada was born June 8, 1913, in Hatch, Utah, to Julia Anna Marie Barnhurst and Alexander Wiley Huntington.

She grew up in Hatch and graduated from Panguitch High School in 1930. Following high school, she was employed at Ruby’s Inn until she married Arthur C. Nordell in 1934.

Following her marriage, she and Art moved to Mercur, Utah, where Art mined a gold claim that they owned. Following their mining days, they lived in Salt Lake City, at their cattle ranch near Opher, Utah, in Vista, California, and Cameron, Arizona. In 1954, she and Art moved to Washington, Utah, where she has resided for the past 64 years.

Over a period of 23 years she enjoyed employment with Wittwer’s Best Western Motel, as a cook with the Washington County School District and manager of the Dixie College Snack Bar.

Her husband Art passed away in 1977, leaving her a widow. Although she never was blessed to have children of her own, she was a mother, grandmother and aunt and mentor to so many around her.

She was an avid gardener and skilled baker. For many years she was involved in making pies for the Washington City’s Independence Day and the 24th of July celebrations. She loved to quilt and continued sharing this talent until her eyes wouldn’t allow her to continue.

She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings during her lifetime.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her spouse, Arthur C. Nordell; and siblings: Peter Clove, Neils Clove, Abigail Fallis, Eva Workman, Oliver Huntington, Julia Turek, Rosanna Huntington, Wiley Huntington and Florence Heaton.

A special expression of thanks is extended to Canyon Hospice for the loving care given by doctors, nurses and aides during Ada’s final weeks of life in the home of her nephew and niece.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. at the Washington Stake Center, 446 East Mangum Road, Washington, Utah.
• A visitation will be Saturday, prior to services from 9-10:30 a.m. at the stake center.
• Interment will be in the Washington City Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.

Nov. 11, 1939 – Oct. 18, 2018

John Richard “Lucky” Lockhart passed away peacefully in his sleep Oct. 18, 2018, in Hurricane, Utah. He was born Nov. 11, 1939, the second of 10 children.

He faithfully served in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #100.

He liked to build and race cars, and he shared his love of cars with his children.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, LaRue Lockhart (Hurricane), his three children: son Gene with his wife Glenda, daughter Vikki, and son Kyle with
his wife Devin, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his many brothers: Mark, Mel, Mike, Loren, Charlie and
Karl, and his sisters Georgia and Irene. He was preceded in death by his parents, older sister and a grandson.

Funeral services

• Services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, with a viewing from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 155 E. 1050 North, Hurricane, Utah. The funeral begins at noon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Serenity Funeral Home, 435-986-2085.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Serenity Funeral Home online.

May 16, 1934 – Oct. 20, 2018

Vera Prisbrey, 84, passed away peacefully Oct. 20, 2018, in Brookdale Southgate Senior Living Center, St. George, Utah.

She was born May 16, 1934, in Aurora, Utah, to Philip Ralph Mason and Estella LaVean Shaw. She was the 11th child of nine boys and two girls. Her parents passed away when she was young so she spent most of her time being raised by her sister, Helena Russell (deceased).

Vera enjoyed spending time with her two best friends, Sally and Beverly, until she found the man she knew she was going to marry: Gary Prisbrey, of St. George, Utah. They married on Nov. 19, 1955, in Salt Lake City, Utah; on July 9, 1964, they sealed their marriage in the St. George Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After being married for six years they adopted Craig and Jill. Mom worked in the school lunchroom cafeteria while raising her children and that is where she retired with honors. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various callings.

Vera enjoyed traveling, camping, swimming, bowling, playing cards, collecting arrowheads and bride dolls. She loved her family dearly and wanted to be around them as much as she could. Vera was a loving wife, devoted mother, great-grandmother, caring sister and special friend. She will be greatly missed.

Vera leaves her son Craig Prisbrey (Kirsten); daughter Jill Weeks (Lance); grandchildren Melissa, Justin, Hayden; great-grandchild Kaylee; and her surviving brother Ervin (Kathy).

The family would like to thank the staff of Sun Tree and Brookside Southgate for the loving care they provided.

Funeral services

• Graveside services will be held Thursday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m., in the St. George City Cemetery, 700 East Tabernacle, St. George, Utah.
• A visitation will be held prior to services from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.

Nov. 11, 1932 – Oct. 15, 2018

David Avroum Diamond, age 85, passed away on Oct. 15, 2018.

He was born on Nov. 11, 1932, in San Francisco, California, to Jacob and Martha (Moore) Diamond and was the youngest of six children.

David married Joan Hackett, the love of his life, on Nov. 3, 1954, and together they raised six children.

Because of his patriotism, it was fitting that David was born on Veterans Day. He showed his love for his country by serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars, and continuing his service in the Air Force for 20 years. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for the city of Las Vegas for 15 years.

David was very involved in the Boy Scouts of America and enjoyed camping and fishing and spending time with his family. David loved taking his wife to bingo, bragging about his family and watching his favorite sports teams play. Join his family in celebrating his life by playing a game of bingo and cheering on his Dodgers!

David is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Joan; his five children: Debbie (Bobby) LaRocca, Richard (Cheri) Diamond, Janet Diamond, Rob (Candy) Diamond, and David (Nancy) Diamond; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. David was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen; two grandchildren: Pam and David; his parents; and siblings.

Funeral services

• Memorial services will be held Thursday, Oct. 25, at 10:40 a.m., at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.
• Afterward, an open house will be held in his honor at 7680 Blue Whirlpool St., Las Vegas, Nevada.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.

Dec. 3, 1923 – Oct. 17, 2018

Gwendolyn Mendenhall Mehr, 94, passed away Oct. 17, 2018, at her home in St. George.

She was born on Dec. 3, 1923, in Price, Utah, to Aaron Bruce and Senate Jane Mendenhall. She grew up in Mapleton, Utah. She married her college sweetheart, Heber Gordon Mehr on Sept. 24, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gwen graduated from the University of Utah in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. She loved to read. History and her pioneer heritage meant a lot to her.

Gwen and Heb loved to travel and took trips to many parts of the world. She loved music and had a beautiful singing voice.

Gwen was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings including Relief Society President and Primary President. She and Heb served a mission to the Liberty Stake in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Family always came first, and she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children Paul and Chris Mehr of St. George, Utah; grandchildren Chris Jones, Michele Bates, Aimee Stephens, Alisa Jenkins, Brian Jones, Marni Kleinman, David Mehr and Erin Mehr; and her sister Janice Hastings of Glendale, Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Heber, her daughter Marcia Jones, her parents, her brother and her sisters (Bruce, Bee, Lorraine and Dawna).

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m. at the Sunset 2nd Ward Chapel located at 82 N. Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.
• A viewing will precede the service from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Interment will take place in the Evergreen Cemetery, Springville, Utah, on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 1 p.m.

Special thanks to Janae Figgins, Lynette Binggeli, Suzanne Rayburn, Janice Millett and all those who helped Mom from Encompass Home Health and Hospice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.

May 8, 1986 – Oct. 19, 2018

Chauntay Marie Gubler Aston was born May 8, 1986, to Mike and Robin Gubler of Hurricane, Utah. Chauntay has two brothers, Mike and Cyril, which she always looked up to. She attended Hurricane High School and graduated Continental Academy. She had seven amazing children: Gage, William, Sadie, Tace, Cale, Jaycee and Blade. There was nothing else on this earth that she loved more than those children. Later on, she found her best friend and married Tadd Aston in 2016, where she gained a new daughter Alysa.  

Chauntay was full of joy, hope and love to friends and family. She was the life of the party, everyone wanted to be around her. She always wanted to help the underdog and she always made sure everyone felt loved.

Sadly, we lost a beautiful angel on Oct. 19, 2018. We will truly miss Chauntay, till me meet again.

Funeral services

• A celebration of Chauntay with family and friends will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Hurricane 5th Ward Chapel, 274 S. 100 West, Hurricane, Utah.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.

Sept. 13, 1941 – Oct. 20, 2018

Sunny Lee Henrie Konold, age 77, died on Oct. 20, 2018, in St. George, Utah.

She is survived by her eight children: Diane and Thomas Brown of Misawa, Japan; Karen and David Ostler, of Henderson, Nevada; Kevin Konold, of St. George, Utah; Stacy and Joseph Lindsay, of Naples, Florida; Julie and Aarron Bradbury, of St. George, Utah; Lisa and Robert Mitchell, of Herriman, Utah; David Konold, of St. George, Utah; and Rachel and Shaun Olsen, of Pleasant Grove, Utah. Sunny is also survived by her sister: Nyla and Clayton Leavitt; brothers: Bruce and LaDona Henrie; Donald and Janet Henrie; sisters-in-law: Leola Henrie; Pauline Konold; brothers-in-law: Eldon Lott; and Clyde and Maxine Konold, as well as 28 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rudolph George Konold; her parents James Ercil and Maxine Anderson Henrie; mother-in-law Luella Keele Mitchell; and father-in-law Ira Hobson Konold; brother Terry Henrie; sister-in-law Mary Lott; brothers-in-law Wayne Konold, Theodore Konold, and Kenneth Konold, as well as granddaughters Sierra and Cheyenne Brown; and great-granddaughter Jesse Hope Jensen.

Sunny was born Sept. 13, 1941, in Panguitch, Utah, to James Ercil and Maxine Anderson Henrie. She graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1959. She was married to Rudy in the St. George Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 17, 1960. They lived in Utah for a short time before moving to Las Vegas to raise a family.

In 1983 Rudy died, leaving her with six of their eight children still living at home. In 1984 she moved to Utah, first to Panguitch and then to St. George to be closer to her parents and continue raising her children. She has called St. George home since 1986.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she has served faithfully in a variety of callings. For the last 12 years, she has served as a Family History Center Missionary. She exemplified this scripture found in the Book of Mormon, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”

Funeral services

• A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 27, at the 9th Ward Chapel, 550 E. 700 South, St. George, Utah, starting at 11 a.m.
• There will be a viewing before the services from 9:30-10:30 a.m., and a viewing the night before on Friday, Oct. 26, at the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff St., St. George, Utah, from 6-8 p.m.
• She will be buried in Panguitch, Utah.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Dixie Regional Medical Center for their tender care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.

March 14, 1948 – Oct. 20, 2018

Beloved family members of Ted Drew Miller, age 70, surrounded his bedside to bid him a fond, peaceful, and temporary farewell the evening of Oct. 20, 2018.

Ted was born to Glen E. and Vivian Seibold Miller on March 14, 1948. He grew up in Bountiful, Utah, as the fifth child in a family of eight children. He attended Viewmont High School, where he played football and was on the wrestling team.

After high school, Ted joined the U.S. Air Force, where he worked as a jet mechanic. He was stationed in Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Thailand.

In 1981, Ted met Valorie Utley, and they were married in the Presidential Suite at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Val worked as a sales secretary. For their honeymoon, her generous boss sent her and Ted to Sun Valley, Idaho, for a week of skiing. They settled in Bountiful, where they lovingly welcomed two children into the family.

In 1985, Ted’s brother Gary asked him to work with him at his business, Milgro Nursery LLC, in California. Their three brothers joined them, and Ted loved working alongside them. He and his family lived in Camarillo for two years, where he worked at the Oxnard Nursery. He eventually transferred to their Nipomo, then Santa Barbara nurseries. Their largest crops are poinsettias, Easter lilies, and mums, along with many other blooming, potted flowers that the corporation ships to grocery stores throughout the U.S.

At one time, the family lived in Orcutt, California, about 20 miles from Pismo Beach. Ted and Val loved the ocean, especially their son, Justin, who was an avid surfer. Ted was an avid golfer and loved the serenity of the game. Every Sunday, regardless of the weather, he and Justin were known by course employees to be first on the La Purisima Golf Course, their favorite spot.

Ted’s passion was powder skiing, and he would hire helicopters to drop him on the tops of mountains so that he could ski down in untouched powder, traversing through the trees. To say Ted was a thrill seeker is an understatement.

Ted’s daughter, Heather, was a great softball player, playing shortstop and pitcher; and Ted always wanted to practice throwing with her. She had quite an arm, however, and she would burn his hand, she could throw so hard. Ted loved watching her play girls’ softball league. When she made the traveling softball league, the family followed her throughout California to watch her play.

Ted and Val moved to Ivins, Utah, in 2006, where he continued to work for the Milgro Corporation in Newcastle. At various points, Ted worked every position in the corporation – from growing to shipping to sales.

Ted was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia in 2008 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) shortly after, necessitating his retirement. The Miller family will continue to enjoy visiting grocery stores in the St. George area to admire Ted’s and his brothers’ beautiful work, all sporting Milgro logo tags.

Throughout his challenges, Ted was well-known for his beautiful smile and love for all, especially his children and grandchildren, his nurse and many dedicated volunteers who assisted him in his last years.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Glendalyn Miller (who passed at six months old) and Cynthia (Ron) Haertel. He is survived by his brothers Glen (Wanda Miller), Gary (Farrellyn Bell), Barry (Karen Shaw), and Dan (Ruth Bennett); his sister Susan Muir; his loving wife Val; dear children Justin (Stephany) and Heather (Kenny) Travis; and his precious grandchildren (seven); all whom he no doubt continues to cherish.

The family is grateful to Ted’s dearest, his wife Val, for her tireless love and care throughout their wonderful life together.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.
• Visitations will be held Friday from 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday, prior to services, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., both at mortuary.
• Interment with military honors will be held in the Santa Clara City Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.

Dec. 19, 1950 – Oct. 22, 2018

Bill Durante resided with his wife, high school sweetheart and girl across the street, Mary Pat Brooks Durante, in St. George, Utah. Bill passed away on Oct. 22, 2018, at the age of 67.

He was born Dec. 19, 1950, in Tampa, Florida, to his loving parents “Bill” Louis William Durante I and Edythe Lucille Friedel Durante.

Bill moved at age 4 from Tampa to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he was raised through school. He attended Ross Elementary, Johnson Junior High and East High School. He then graduated with an associate in applied science from Sheridan College in Sheridan, Wyoming.

After school, Bill and Mary never stayed in one place for too long. After leaving Cheyenne they lived their lives in many places starting with Sequim, Washington, and on to Mesa, Arizona, then Sheridan, Wyoming, and Reno, Nevada, before going back to Wyoming and living in Dayton and Ranchester and once again back to Peoria, Arizona, then finally ending up in St. George, Utah.

Bill lived a selfless life, devoted to family, friends and his Father in Heaven. Bill and Mary joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 4, 1977. Bill and Mary were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple on Aug. 3, 1978. Together, with a servant heart and a humble example, they served many church service missions and led many to come unto Christ.

Because Bill was filled with an entrepreneurial spirit he never sat still. Bill and Mary always worked together in all they did. A few endeavors they embarked on were: a Subway franchise, cowboy/rancher, hay business, contractor/construction, e-commerce and lastly, with his years of knowledge, Bill was mentoring and coaching new business owners grow their businesses and themselves personally.

Being a boy in Wyoming, Bill enjoyed hunting with his Dad. Bill never grew out of it and enjoyed being a boy hunting in the mountains whenever the opportunity arose. He also loved to cook, camp, ride motorcycles and always loved hugging and loving on people.

He was preceded in death by his Dad, “Bill” Louis William Durante I.

Bill is survived by:

Wife – Mary Pat Brooks Durante

Son – “Bill” Louis William Durante III – wife, Shaunna Leen Pierson Durante – children, “Will” Louis William Durante IV, Nikenna Sariah Durante, Joshua Dane Durante, Rachel Malia Durante

Daughter – Jennifer Dawn Durante Krispin – husband, Daniel Llewellyn Krispin – children, Brooke Norine Riley Vidal and Joshua Alexander Vidal, Jacob William Riley, Jayden Daniel Krispin, Luke Merrill Krispin, Spencer Allan Krispin

Mother – Edythe Lucille Durante

Sister – Sharon Kay Durante Pughe – husband, Edward Lawrence Pughe – children, Lisa Kay Pughe Finn, Terry Lawrence Pughe, Holly Ann Pughe Goss, Lawrence Edward Pughe, Stephen Cody Pughe.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Serenity Funeral Home, 435-986-2085.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Serenity Funeral Home online.

July 24, 1918 – Oct. 10, 2018

Ethel Maxine Kieselhorst Whiteside Kempton passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Oct. 10, 2018, at the Seasons Health and Rehabilitation Center in St. George, Utah.

Maxine had celebrated her 100th birthday jubilee in July 2018 with all those that loved and adored her. She was born on July 24, 1918, in Montebello, California, to Carl Henry Kieselhorst and Ethel Odessa Capps. Maxine was the second child born to the Kieselhorst couple and the only daughter of four children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers, Donald Carl, Harold Harlan and Keith Wesley Kieselhorst.

Maxine met and married her first husband Edward Aubrey Whiteside, while he was serving in the United States Army Air Corps, on Valentine’s Day in 1942. They had one son, William Carl Whiteside, on Dec. 28, 1942. Maxine worked as a telephone operator for over 20 years at Pacific Bell while raising her son Bill.

In 1958, the couple divorced, and several years later Maxine remarried. Orval June Kempton and Maxine tied the knot in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Aug. 2, 1963. They spent almost 44 years together until Orval passed away on June 19, 2007. Orval had two children from a previous marriage, Charles and Melanie. She was a loving mother and grandmother to Orval’s family.

Maxine is survived by her son William Carl Whiteside and his three children, Jocelyn Teresa Whiteside Witsken, Christopher William Whiteside and Kendra Marlene Whiteside Smith. She is also survived by her devoted nephew Chester Whiteside. Maxine had a large circle of family and friends including grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Maxine was an avid card player, word search gamer, lover of Swing era music and prolific letter writer. She was a friend to all with her kind, compassionate manner and unique sense of humor. Maxine’s life can be summed up in the words of Frank Sinatra’s immortal ballad, “I did it my way.” And she did … right up to the end drinking Coke and listening to gospel music.

Maxine’s family wishes to sincerely thank all those that lovingly served and cared for her at The Meadows Retirement Community, where she loved living from 2010 until hospice care in July 2018. Maxine was very blessed to have such quality care at The Meadows and the Seasons.

Funeral services

Burial services will be held Nov. 30 at 11:30 a.m. at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Her remains will be placed next to her husband Orval, who was a World War II Army Air Forces veteran.

Oct. 11, 1929 – Oct. 21, 2018

John Junior Bickmore, 89, died peacefully on Oct. 21, 2018, in St. George, Utah.

He was born Oct. 11, 1929, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Rulon Smith Bickmore and Pearl La Rita Whalen Bickmore. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Diane Tueller Bickmore.

He grew up in Logan, Utah, where he claims to have gone swimming in the Logan River when you could still see ice. Later, he lived in Salt Lake City where he attended East High School and worked in the grocery business. For his senior year, his dad was transferred, and his parents moved to Great Falls, Montana, where he graduated from Great Falls High School in 1947.

After a year of college, he joined the Navy, where he served from 1948 to 1949. He served on the USS Curtiss, a flagship destroyer. He broke his wrist trying to be the first one to a mop bucket and, as a result, served in the laundry until his boondoggling skills landed him a job supervising the decoration of a main deck for the arrival of the admiral. One of the primary things he learned in the Navy was that maybe he liked college.

He returned to Logan and Utah State University, where he sat in the front row and asked questions if he didn’t understand something. He lived in the fraternity house, where he washed dishes and rented ¾-sleeve shirts, which he sewed (he never learned to finish a long sleeve) to his fraternity brothers who never seemed to have clean shirts for the weekend.

He graduated from Utah State University in 1952, but not before introducing himself to his “Dianiee” inside of Old Main. They were married Feb. 3, 1953, in the Logan Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly after, they took a job selling Wolverine boots in Washington and Oregon 1953-1954 throughout lumber camps.

After slogging through the rain, he took a job working for J.C. Penney Co. from 1954 to 1989. He worked selling suits, shoes and jewelry in the old Penny’s store on Fremont Street in Las Vegas while doing management training. He later worked as a manager in El Paso, Texas; Tucson, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; San Leandro, California; Reno, Nevada; and Lewiston, Idaho. I think all of his kids knew how to fit a shoe or at least make sure there was a thumb width for growth. They certainly knew it was a dumb idea to pay full price in a retail store. And yes, back in the day, plain pocket jeans from J. C. Penney were just as good as Levi’s.

Dad was always a missionary. He held the office of a Seventy in the Melchizedek Priesthood for many years and served as a stake missionary in both El Paso and Tucson. He and mom always seemed to have a Book of Mormon in the car and passed them around. They dutifully distributed a copy of Meet the Mormon to all their neighbors in El Paso when the church was building a new chapel. Many years later they discovered that a family that had received one of those books joined the church when they arrived in a new city and sought a place to worship. Later, he served in bishoprics and high councils in various places.

After retiring, they traveled around the United States in an Isuzu Impulse and a small tent for about a year. They then returned to St. George, Utah, built a retirement home with a lot of room, and promptly rented it when they accepted a call to serve The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Fort Worth, Texas Mission from 1993 to 1995. They loved helping missionaries. Within their family they sent four sons on missions and helped 11 grandsons, and many others that crossed their path go on missions as well.

Those that know him from Las Vegas, know of his great love of a week of camping on the beach. They went to Carlsbad or Oceanside for a week for nearly 40 years and along the way many friends joined them. He loved working on Volkswagens (We all know how to hold a light!) and it was all in training to get a Porsche.

Camping at the beach became easier with a series of Airstream trailers and allowed them to expand their reach. They spent many summers in Bellingham, Washington, parked in the trailer. They continued hauling around an Airstream until he was 82.

He never saw a piece of property for sale that he didn’t at least consider investigating. As a result, they owned property in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, California and Washington. There is still an unfinished lot on the East side of Bear Lake, Utah – any takers?

He loved watching basketball and he and Diane would attend high school and college games in St. George where most of the other people in the stands probably thought they had grandchildren playing.

He loved beach weather and especially San Diego. In later years, he wore Ecco sandals (with socks) and extolled their virtues to all who visited.

He loved music and loved to sing. When his kids were young there was a fleeting thought that we might be the next Osmond clone, until after a couple of gatherings around the piano everyone realized that maybe only he and Diane and any real musical talent and the kids had no patience for such work. He loved strumming on the ukulele and most of us can sit still and hear the beginnings of “Come to Happy Healthy Land.”

John is survived by his wife, Diane. He is remembered by siblings and their families: Jane Davis (deceased), Rulon D. Bickmore and Jerry Bickmore; his children: Steven T. Bickmore (Dana), Dawn Bickmore Hatch (Greg), Tina McKendrick (Jim), Jack T. Bickmore (Julie), Kent T. Bickmore (Leesa), and Terry T. Bickmore (Kim); 23 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be Thursday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. at the Treasure Valley Ward Chapel, 450 W. 3650 South, Washington, Utah.
• Visitations will be Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah and Thursday, prior to services, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.
• Interment will be at the Washington City Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.