Mert Martinez
HELPER – Our loving wife, sister and friend, Merlene S. Martinez, age 78, passed away peacefully Aug. 30, 2007 in Price.
Born Jan. 24, 1929 in Rolapp to Jack and Evelyn Prescott Southworth. Married Fred P. Martinez Jr. on June 19, 1948 in Helper.
She was a lifelong resident of Carbon County and graduate of Carbon High School Class of 1947.
Merlene was a clerk at the Standard Store and Woolworth’s in Price for many years.
Merlene is survived by husband, Fred, Helper; sister, Colleen Knox, Pahrump, Nev.; niece, Kalli Knox; many cousins, Jack Woodward and families; Martin Hamaker and families, Paul Tweddell and families; Ralph Fossat and families; and a community of friends.
It is hard to understand why people are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing you were a special part of a well -lived life.
You are in my thoughts every step of the way.
Sorrow is a fleeting emotion, but love is infinite.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests contributions to your favorite charity.
Graveside service Tuesday, Sept. 4, noon, Mountain View Cemetery, Helper. Family will be at Mitchell Funeral Home Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Norine ‘Dot’ Verde
PRICE – Norine McDonald Verde, age 89, passed away peacefully Aug. 29, 2007, in Salt Lake City while surrounded by her family.
She was born Jan. 15, 1918 in Ferron to William John and Eva Jensen McDonald. Married Daniel William “Willie” Verde in Price on July 7, 1940.
During World War II, Dot attended cosmetology school in California while Willie served in the U.S. Navy.
After graduation, she wanted to support the war effort so she trained and proudly served her country as an electrician’s mate on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif, through the end of the war.
Upon returning to Utah, Dot and Willie became the proud parents of two children, Danny McDonald and Eve Mary Verde.
Dot had a lifelong thirst for knowledge and a deep love for learning and education. She was self-taught in areas as diverse as construction and library science, which she taught at the College of Eastern Utah.
Her love of education has been passed on to her children, grandchildren and her fondest hope is that it will continue with her great-grandchildren.
Her dry wit and keen sense of humor never left her, even in her final days.
Dealing with her health challenges during the past four years has been eased considerably by the love and support of her dear friends, Marsha Hopkins and Marge Willingham.
Dot is survived by sister, Shannon (Philip) Gee; son, Danny (Ellene) Verde, Price; daughter, Eve Mary Verde, Salt Lake City; three granddaughters, Angela (Erik) Sandstrom, Kristina (Richard) Schade, Natalie (Rickie) Blanton; and great-grandchildren, the light of her life, Tanner, Vanessa, Miranda, Ashley, Lindsay, Brittney, LeeAnne and Levi. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and much loved in-laws, Joanne McDonald, Lowell and Edith Pitts and Elsie Verdi. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Madge Larsen; and brother, Sharon “Mac” McDonald.
Dot will happily hum her way into heaven as she eagerly joins loved ones awaiting her.
Funeral service Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home, 233 East Main Street in Price. Family will receive friends at Mitchell’s Tuesday one hour prior to service. Interment, Price City Cemetery.
The family expresses deep appreciation to Cheri Uzzel and the caring staff of Alta Ridge of Holladay, as well as to Millcreek Hospice, especially Angel Sullivan, and the Rev. Cheryl Moore.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Huntsman Cancer Institute or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
John Escandon
PRICE – Our loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, great-great-great-grandfather, and friend, John Escandon, age 101, passed away peacefully Aug. 31, 2007 in Price.
He was born March 30, 1906 in Sombrerete, Zacatecas, Mexico, to Leonardo Cabral and Petra Santana. Married Carmen Fernandez on Feb. 13, 1926 in Montrose, Colo. She died Feb. 15, 1952. He then married Anna Marie Canderlaria on Sept. 28, 1955 in Provo.
John was an avid hunter and gun collector. He loved to work in his legendary garden.
He was the oldest member in UMWA District 22 and a retired member of U.S. Steel Columbia Local 1206.
John was an active member of Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church.
He was very interested in politics and loved to debate about them. He said he would live to see Hilary Clinton to be the first woman president and he made this prediction eight years ago.
He will be dearly missed by his family and a community of friends.
Survived by his children, Richardo (Elizabeth), Bonita, Calif.; Lydia (Manuel), Sunnyside; Bertha (Mike), Salt Lake City; John (Frances), Chula Vista, Calif.; Lena (Steve), West Jordan; Beatrice (Raul), National City, Calif.; Lavinia (Raul), San Diego, Calif.; Louise, Price; Carlos (Mary Ann), Buenos Aires, Argentina; son-in-law, Andrew Konakis, Price; stepchildren, Ruby, Phil, Don, Ralph and Olivia; 55 grandchildren, 103 great-grandchildren, 46 great-great-grandchildren and five great-great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents; brothers; favorite Aunt Marina Escandon; daughters, Eva Gonzalez and Maurine Konakis.
Funeral Mass Thursday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m., Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church. Vigil service Wednesday evening, 7 p.m., at the church. Family will be at the church Wednesday and Thursday one hour prior to services. Committal service Price City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home.
Ellis Dale Leffler
HUNTINGTON – Ellis Dale Leffler, age 74, died Aug. 30, 2007 in Provo.
He was born May 11, 1933 in Grace, Idaho, to Ellis Paul Leffler and Sarah Irene Casper. He married Ruby Elaine Curzon on Nov. 19, 1952. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple.
Ellis was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.
He was a boilermaker by trade and eventually retired from that occupation.
Some of his hobbies included mechanics, hunting, fishing, camping, and he loved to bowl.
He is survived by his children, Howard Ellis Leffler, Pocatello, Idaho; Christine Elaine (Ervin) Cox, St. George; Johnny Dale (Sherry) Leffler, Huntington; Kathy Ann (Joe) McNee, Elmo; Danny Ray (Leslie) Leffler, Huntington; Randy Lee Leffler, Wellington; 21 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; two brothers and two sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and one grandson.
Funeral services Sept. 4, 1 p.m., at the Huntington 1st LDS Ward Chapel, 115 South 400 East. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m.to 12:45 p.m. prior to the service at the chapel. Interment will be in the Huntington City Cemetery under the direction of Fausett Mortuary.