Carol Oliver
LAWRENCE – Carol McArthur Oliver, age 69, passed away July 13, 2005 in Salt Lake City of complications following heart surgery.
She was born July 5, 1936 in Lawrence to Archie Meldon and Devona Rosetta Gordon McArthur. She married the love of her life, John Lillard Oliver Aug. 14, 1954 in Lawrence where they lived 51 wonderful years.
She worked hard on their farm, punching cows side by side with her husband and belonged to the Blue Ridge Riding Club where she served two years as state representative.
Carol drove the school bus for 26 years where she loved the kids and they loved her. She loved working with her sisters at Celoris Floral for 14 years. Her greatest love was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by whom she will be deeply missed.
She is survived by husband, John of Lawrence; daughter, Tracy Kae and husband, Wayde S. Nielsen of Lawrence; grandchildren, Jeremy, Joshua, Jonnita, Jennifer and Jake; great-grandchildren, Natosha, Jaylyn, Austin, Ainsley and J.W.; brother, Perry (Olive) McArthur; sisters, Celia (Roy) Oviatt, Dixie (Bill) Allred and Doloris (Lynn) Nelson; and daugher-in-law, Dixie. Preceded in death by parents; son, Jed; grandson, Dave J.; and two brothers, Wendell and Foster.
Funeral services were Monday, July 18, 11a.m. in the Huntington 1st/5th LDS Ward Chapel, 115 South 400 East. Burial, Lawrence cemetery under the direction of Fausett Mortuary.
Melva Porter
HELPER/PROVO – Melva Jean Porter, 70, of Springville, passed away July 14, 2005 in Provo.
She was born April 5, 1935, a daughter of Melvin O. and Agnes L. Rice Porter in Helper.
Melva attended schools in Helper and Price and graduated from Odgen High School.
As a young teenager Melva was diagnosed with a debilitating disease which she suffered from her entire life. We rejoice in the knowledge that she is now free from her mortal body and able to do all those things she was unable to do in this life.
Survivors include her brothers, E. Ross (Elizabeth) Porter of Orem; and Lynn K. (Ann) Porter of Ft. Collins, Colo. She was preceded in death by parents; and brothers, Burrell R. (Rose) Porter and Vernon W. Porter.
Interment will be Tuesday, July 19, at 3 p.m. in the Helper City Cemetery. Friends and family may call Tuesday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 1 p.m. at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State Street in Orem. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Utah NAMI Association, 309 E. 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.sundbergolpinmortuary.com/.
Morris Rons
HIAWATHA/AMERICAN FORK – Morris “Morrie” H. Rons, our beloved Dad, passed away June 13, 2005 at Heritage Care Center in American Fork with his daughter, Gloria and his favorite little buddy, Dude, at his side.
Morris was born Nov. 18, 1914 in Castle Gate and was raised in the coal town of Hiawatha where he worked in the mines until joining the Army in 1942. He was with the 81st Field Hospital that landed on Utah Beach and went on to liberate Dachua Concentration Camp.
He married Leola Seguine in 1951 who preceded him in death in 1983.
Morris was a wonderful, sweet, kind man and everyone who knew him loved him.
He is survived by daughter, Gloria Roundy of American Fork; son, Kermit Johnson of Salt Lake City; nephews, Glen and Gary Davis, Claude and John Zobell, Neil Stratton; and niece, Fawn Cole. He will also be missed by his grandchildren, Steve, Brad, Aaron and Sarah. Also preceding him in death were his father, Alexander; mother, Stella; sisters, Rose, Lydia and Ruth.
The family thanks all the staff at Heritage Care Center for the tender loving care he received. He made friends there and always gave smiles and thumbs up to everyone.
Verna Axelgard
HUNTINGTON/SALT LAKE CITY – Verna Robbins Axelgard, 85, passed away July 17, 2005 in Salt Lake City.
Born April 20, 1920 in Huntington to Frank and Katie Mathie Robbins. Married Wiggo F. Axelgard July 20, 1946 in Carson City, Nev.
She graduated from North Emery High School in 1938 and LDS Business College in 1940. After graduation she worked as a legal secretary, then took a civil service job with the U.S. government. During World War II she worked at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden and the Army Transportation Corps in Salt Lake City. She was transferred Presidio in San Francisco at the end of the war then worked for the Veterans Administration in Oakland, Calif. She was awarded a distinguished award from the U.S. government for her exemplary service and was extremely popular with her fellow employees.
Verna married the love of her life and high school sweetheart in 1946 and began 59 years of married bliss. This began an exciting and enjoyable time of her life as her husband’s employment took them to many foreign countries. Verna created homes for her family in Kobe, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; Teheran, Iran; and Athens, Greece. Athens was her favorite foreign city, second only to San Francisco. Her unique ability to fit in with foreign cultures and making friendships won her many lifetime friends in these away places.
She was an active member of the LDS Church. One of her greatest enjoyments was to mother and host young Mormon missionaries who were a long way from home. Her loving and caring personality was very contagious and will be sorely missed.
Verna is survived by husband, Wiggo; daughter, Kaye; sons, Fred and C.T.; brother, Dale; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents.
Funeral services will be Friday, July 22, 2 p.m. at the Huntington 3rd Ward LDS Church. Burial, Huntington cemetery under the direction of Fausett Mortuary.
Charles Blackham
CASTLE DALE – Ray Blackham, 92, passed away July 17, 2005 at his home surrounded by his wife of 69 years and his family.
He was born March 15, 1913 in Kenilworth, to Charles Herschel and Hazel Jewkes Blackham.
Ray spent most of his life in Orangeville and Castle Dale. He worked in the CCC Camps as a young man in Washington, Oregon and Utah.
While in Manila, he met his wife Eleanor B. Potter. They were married Jan. 6, 1936 in Manila. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple.
Ray spent most of his life working as a mechanic, with the last several years as the Emery County School District bus supervisor. After his retirement, Ray and Eleanor spent many happy years transporting the senior citizens of Emery County to activities.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Eleanor served a mission to the Manti LDS Temple.
Ray is survived by his beloved Eleanor; three sons, Kell (Roma), Tim (Alice), and Lloyd (Suzanne); six grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Also survived by brother, Von Wayman; and sister, Leah Jacobs. Preceded in death by parents; stepfather, Welzie W. Wayman; five brothers and sisters and one granddaughter.
Funeral services will be at the Castle Dale 2nd LDS Ward, 33 E. Main Street, at noon on Thursday, July 21, where friends may call from 10 to 11:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial, Orangeville cemetery under the direction of Fausett Mortuary.
Thanks and appreciation to the Coventry at Cottonwood Heights Retirement Home for their concern and compassion during the time Ray and Eleanor have lived in Salt Lake City. Eleanor and her family wish to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hearts For Hospice who have provided the most extraordinary love and care to Ray these past months.