Until We Meet Again, Br. Charlie Miller

Charles Glossauer Miller, 83, passed peacefully into eternity on Saturday, January 6, 2024 surrounded in his last hours of life by his family - the people he loved most in the world.  He was born in Provo, UT to Charles Dresden and Olga Komarkova Miller.  He married Diane Leavitt on August 23, 1965 in Salt Lakc City.

He was raised in Salt Lake City where he attended East High School and where he gained the admiration of his fellow classmates as an All-State first baseman.  He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in History and a minor in Biological Sciences.  He served a mission in Austria for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1960-63 and also served as a medic in the Utah National Guard.

Charlie and Diane raised their three children in Salt Lake City and later in St. George, UT.  He was a teacher, a real estate broker and appraiser, but teaching was his favorite, especially at Millcreek High School.  He was very successful in everything he did.  He was the #1 Dodger fan and enjoyed playing in various baseball and softball leagues throughout his adult life.  His hobbies included restoring antique furniture and traveling, which he particularly loved to do with his wife alongside.  His favorite places in the world included Austria and Prague where his mother was raised.  He also loved playing games with his children and grandchildren.

Charles is survived by his wife, Diane who lives in St. George; his son Matthew Miller (Hollie) from St. George; his daughter Valerie Warner (Gill) from Tulsa, OK; and his daughter Marianne Huntsman (James) from SLC.  He was beloved by 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  He is survived by his siblings Richard H. Miller (Sherry) of SLC and Annetta Link of California.  He is preceded in death by his mother, father and sister Ruth.

This longtime member of the Bloomington 7th Ward was a favorite among members of every age and will be missed by all.

Rest in Peace, Brother Al Welch

ALFRED LEE WELCH left his earthly existence in the arms of his sweetheart on December 19, 2023, in St. George, UT. He was born – the youngest of two sons - on Easter Sunday 1938 in Caldwell, ID, to James Afton and Tersa Lemmon Welch.

Alfred attended 1st and 2nd grade in Parma, ID, but in 1946, the family moved to Homedale, ID, where he continued his education, graduating from Homedale High School in 1956.

In the fall of 1957, Al married Marcella (Marcie) Clark also of Caldwell. From their marriage came four much-loved children, Janie Lee, Tonja Sue, Ronald Mark, and Danny Allen. Al and Marcie subsequently divorced. Al later married Maloah (“Mo”) Lee Glover, to whom he was sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1979. Mo brought 3 children to the marriage: Trenton David, Trevor David, and Selinda Marie Mullins Chesak Ellis who passed away in November of 1996 in a hunting accident. Following Mo’s death of heart failure in 2004, Al married her widowed sister Bonita (“Bonnie”) Glover Pendleton who subsequently passed away from cancer in 2013. Al later married Julia Gardner Welch with whom he lived until the time of his passing.

From the time he was young, his father owned several service stations in addition to a car dealership. Al’s first car was a Subaru Golden Hawk which he loved.

Al had a fascinating work life. As a youth, besides working for his father, he began working for a grocery store, and in the summer of 1955, he joined the Idaho National Guard. Following high school graduation, he continued in the Air National Guard full-time in Nevada and Idaho for nearly 12 years. He attained the rank of E6 Tech Sargent as a Personnel Specialist in the 124th Fighter Squadron (“First Class or Not at All.”) After his employment in the Air National Guard, he worked mostly in sales and management positions Associated Food Stores as a sundry salesman covering Southern Idaho.

He also graduated from Boise State University, majoring in computer science. He was early in the IT game and never really used his college education although he wrote a program for parts inventorying which he sold.

Among various other employments, he designed and developed a business in parts catalogs for large and small entities, became a pharmacy technician, built feed managers, owned his own small trucking company, managed a boat marina, managed a mobile home park, worked for the BLM securing water outposts. He also worked for Kenworth. He was never one to sit still, often working more than one job at a time. He was a problem solver, and his motto was to “look outside the box.” He also loved telling stories and had a great sense of humor.

In 1978 Al became a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous callings/positions throughout his life and held a deep and abiding testimony of Jesus Christ. He truly loved the Lord and was so grateful for his blessings.
Al loved his country. He was a consummate gentleman and was loved by so many in both his business and his personal life.

 

He is survived by his sweetheart, Julie Gardner Welch, his brother Ronald (Red) Afton and Judy Welch, and children Janie Lee Wildon, Tonja Sue Graham, Ronald Mark Little, Danny Allen Little, Trenton David, Trevor David, grandchildren Tyson and Mallory Wilden, Patsy and Scott Fowler, and bonus step-children Derren and Rebecca Klein and Dwain and Alicia Klein, as well as many wonderful grand and great-grandchildren. He loved them all unfailingly.

A celebration of Al’s life will be planned in the spring of 2024 to be held in Idaho where many of his relatives reside.

Til We Meet Again, Brother Ralph Dean Tucker

Ralph Dean Tucker received his Christmas wish on December 19, 2023 when he was reunited for the rest of eternity with his loving wife Elaine.  Ralph died at age 95 at the Birch Creek Assisted Living Center in Smithfield, UT. 

Ralph was born at home on August 22, 1928, in Soda Springs, ID, the fifth and last child of Charles and Della (Sanderson) Tucker. Soda Springs was his home until 5^th grade when the family moved to Pocatello, where Ralph learned invaluable lessons working in his father’s sheep business during the summer months, herding sheep and cooking for the hired hands. 

Ralph attended Pocatello High School from 1942 to 1946, a proud member of the varsity basketball team all four years of high school.  He continued his education at Idaho State University graduating with a BA in business.  At college he spotted a beautiful girl riding on the swan float in the homecoming parade. He persuaded a friend to arrange a blind date.  The rest is history.  Ralph married the love of his life, Elaine Hale, on December 23, 1950.  The two spent 71 years together, raised 2 sons Ralph Lynn and Tracy Dean, and a daughter Terri Della, and enjoyed time spent with their six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Ralph enlisted in the US Navy August of 1950 during the Korean war. In 1951 he became a mustang, an enlisted man who becomes a commissioned officer. He awoke one day a seaman apprentice and went to sleep that night a commissioned officer.

 After his years in the service, Ralph began work as a salesman for Bannock steel, which later became Gate City Steel. This began a 30-year career. He retired in 1987 as senior vice president.  Retirement didn’t last long.  He returned to work for 3 additional years with Geneva Steel before retiring with Elaine to St. George, UT, where they enjoyed more thirty years together. They were active community members and made many dear friends.  Together they served five years as ordinance workers in the St. George LDS temple, and Ralph also enjoyed 15 years volunteering at the hospital in St. George. 

 Ralph was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a loyal friend.  He touched many lives with his kindness, wisdom, and humor.  He said in the end it didn’t matter where he went to school, what board he sat on, or what club he was elected to serve as president. What mattered was what he did to make the world a better place. He always said: “Keep your sense of humor and find something to be grateful for”.  He leaves a legacy of a life well lived. He will be dearly missed.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Rest in Peace, Dear Sister Carol Stephen

Carol Jacobson Stephen was the youngest of four children born into the family of Alma Evan and Emma Bateman Jacobson in Springville, UT and passed into eternity on December 15, 2023, in St. George, UT just three weeks from her 92^nd birthday. Carol loved growing up in Springville where she graduated from Springville High School. She played the baritone horn in the school orchestra and was a drum majorette in the marching band.

She attended Brigham Young University where she met Jay Clair Colver. They were married on June 3, 1953 and had two boys and a girl but divorced in 1982.  

Carol met Roy Stephen in the summer of 1982.  They dated and were married on December 11, 1982, in the Oakland Temple and lived in Moraga, California. Carol adored Roy and is looking forward to spending eternity with him.

She was blessed to have many church callings. She was a Stake and Ward Relief Society President, Young Women's President, and Primary President. She and her husband Roy served in the Vietnamese Branch in Oakland, California for several years.

After retiring Carol and Roy were called to serve a full-time mission in Armenia in 1991. They were the first missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve in this beautiful Asian country. After their mission they returned on three other occasions and lived in Armenia a total of about four years while maintaining their home in St. George.

Carol loved her children and especially her 25 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Roy Stephen of St. George, Utah; her children: Kevin (Shannon) Colver, Elk Ridge, UT; Richard (Beverly) Colver, Edmond, Oklahoma; and Carie (Pete) Squires, Kennewick, Washington; her stepchildren: Tory (Elizabeth) Stephen, Christiansburg, VA; Mari (Howard) Duncan, Cabot, AR; and Tad (Heather) Stephen, Gilbert, AZ.

A visitation was held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Metcalf Mortuary in St. George with funeral services on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Wheeler Mortuary in Springville. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Springville.

Relief Society celebrates Christmas

Relief Society sisters enjoyed an evening with “Angels Among Us” on Thursday, December 14, including a delicious dinner and a beautiful holiday program. Organized by Lesa Day, sisters were served by priesthood members. Lindsay Ruiz, accompanied by Kate Barclay, performed a touching solo. A readers’ theater reminded us of the impact of angels who have touched our lives. Each sister was gifted hand-dipped chocolates made by our own Kezia Brown and her mother. The evening was capped off with a touching rendition by the YM/YW Special Needs group singing “In This Very Room.” Those angels most certainly touched many hearts.

Thanks to all who came out on a chilly pre-Christmas evening … and to those who planned, decorated, prepared a meal of chicken pot pie, veggie sides, Grinch fruit kabobs, chocolate and white chocolate mousse cake and homemade chocolates.  Thanks to the committee including Lesa Day, Jill Jones, Patty Hymas, Carrie Cauley, Anika Stephens, Kaylynn Gorder, Jessica Crockett, Kezia Brown and to Rebecca Larsen and Jill Fraser who helped set up.  Special thanks to members of the elders quorum who set up tables and chairs and served dinner and dessert.

 

It was a beautiful Christmas holiday evening.

Bloomington 7th celebrates Christmas in the Desert

More than 300 friends and neighbors both in – and outside – the boundaries of the B7 Ward gathered again this year at the Bloomington Stake Center (our ward no longer fits around long tables in our cultural hall) on Monday, December 4, 2023.  Décor and Mexican food celebrated a Desert Christmas food while the high school age Sunday School class and a Primary bell choir along with their leaders reminded us of the Savior’s birth in a stable in Bethlehem.

Thanks to event chair Jill Fraser and her committee including Steve and Meg, Francie and Randy Cogburn, Jan’L and David Sappington, Sarah Hendershot, Shar and Randy Simkins, Roy Adams, Debb Johnson, Primary President Marla Huntsman and the Primary children, our high school age Sunday School class,  Bishop Michael Bair, Linda Sappington and Courtney Orton, all who worked hard to provide those in attendance with a memorable evening of fun, friends and food while remembering the “reason for the season.”

Rest in Peace, Sister Nadine Tait Johnson

After a lifetime of love, family, and friends, Nadine Tait Johnson died peacefully on Friday, October 20, 2023.  Born in Cedar City in March 1935 to Sylvia Gibson and Orson D. Tait, Nadine was one of five siblings: Robert Tait, Joy T. Murphy, Deniece Tait, Karren T. Johnson, and Shirleen T. Draper.  Nadine was a 1953 graduate of Cedar High School, where she loved to sing and dance. 

 Nadine's life changed forever when she met Dean R. Johnson. They were married in August 1953. They were sealed in the St. George temple and enjoyed a remarkable marriage of over 70 years which has been an inspiration for generations of their descendants. Dean and Nadine were the proud parents of four children - D. Brandon Johnson, Valorie J. Parker (Brad), Trent T. Johnson, and Todd F. Johnson (Erin) - and raised their family in Salt Lake City. Over time, they were blessed with 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Nadine planned reunions and get-togethers, took fun family road trips, and taught her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren Christmas songs on her set of handbells.

Nadine had a talent for making the world around her more beautiful. She graduated from the Salt Lake School of Design and later worked as an interior designer at Ethan Allen. She loved to garden and adorn her house and yard with beautiful plants and flowers. She appreciated the beauty of the world around her and enjoyed vacationing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and taking scenic drives in Southern Utah.

Nadine cherished her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in Primary, Young Women's, Relief Society and as a Cub Scout Leader and Stake Dance Director. She also enjoyed deep and enduring friendships which added color and brought joy to her life. Nadine's life was particularly enriched by her decades-long friendship with Joan Ashton.

Funeral services for Nadine were held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 11:00 am with a visitation at 10:00 am.  She is interred at Tonaquint Cemetery.

Til We Meet Again, Sister Betty Kingsbury

Betty Veloy Jensen Kingsbury, our beautiful friend and longtime faithful member of the Bloomington 7^th Ward slipped peacefully into eternity on Monday, October 9, 2023, in her Vintage home surrounded by family. 

Born in December 1926 to Archibald Wesley and Sarah Sylvia Stewart Jensen, Betty loved growing up in Spanish Fork, UT where she participated in many small-town celebrations with decorated bicycles and children pulling wagons in parades. As an adult, Betty continued to love celebrating patriotic holidays and honored her pioneer heritage, serving many years as a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP) organization in which her artistic talent brightened many luncheons and parties. 

In Spanish Fork, she attended Thurber Elementary School, Roosevelt Jr. High School (where she began developing skills as a seamstress) and East High School where she learned to type and worked to further refine her sewing skills. She graduated from East High School in the summer of 1944, with ceremonies held coincidentally in Kingsbury Hall. 

At the end of 1944, she accepted a position at the Bureau of Reclamation where she worked until afshe was married and expecting her first child in 1947.  She later worked at Hill Air Force Base where she applied her bookkeeping skills.  In California, she became known as the popcorn lady at Byrd Jr. High School and was a positive influence to everyone around her while working at Security Pacific National Bank in Glendale, CA.

Betty met her sweetheart Jack Haight Kingsbury in August 1946. She and a friend were on their way to a dance when two nice young men invited themselves along.  Betty always said she could tell this tall blonde “Jack” wanted to be her dance partner and later he confessed that was his plan. She and Jack were married three months later on October 18, 1946.  The ceremony in Kaysville, UT was performed in the home of Judge Major’s home with the judge’s wife and son as witnesses. The judge’s family was getting ready to go deer hunting and had their rifles in plain view ready until they could be loaded into their truck. To some, it might have looked like a shotgun wedding, but it wasn’t. Jack and Betty spent their 2-day honeymoon at the Ben Lomond Hotel in Ogden, Utah with nothing more than $20 between them. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in October 1949. They were parents to Larry J. Kingsbury, Lynn J. Kingsbury, Nancy Kingsbury Anderson, and David J Kingsbury. 

They began their life together at 1897 S. Fifth East in downtown Salt Lake City, UT.  In 1960, Jack’s job transferred the family to 13200 Community Street in Sun Valley, CA where they lived for more than 30 years before retiring to St. George, UT in 1990.

For 96 years, Betty blessed the lives of all who knew her.  She baked cupcakes for fundraisers, transported children to Primary, made dolls and pillows for church bazaars and organized endless records as secretary in the Church’s auxiliaries. Cub Scouts and Merrie Miss Girls enriched her life and in turn, she influenced these young men and women for good. Her hands were never idle and her craft projects, oil paintings, and counted cross stitch creations grace the homes of her many friends and family members. She documented family milestones with photographs and scrapbooks. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all have samples of her handwritten letters and original cards which evidenced her special attention to detail and her personal touch. She seldom visited anyone without bringing her freshly baked and tasty raisin chocolate chip cookies or snickerdoodles.

Her love of traveling was ignited when her sister moved to Illinois. She had always wanted to go back east, and Chicago became her jumping off point. Those first trips to Chicago were the first of hundreds of road trips she enjoyed throughout her life including exploring new continents with Jack. Every new adventure broadened her horizons and increased her circle of friends. Often, they would invite a grandchild to come along and afterwards a unique book capturing those moments through photographs would be created filled with their memories of the trip.

Christmas was magical with Betty. Year after year, her home was transformed with sparkling decorations and the smell and taste of her delicious confections. Her homemade chocolate covered cherries and nuts were legendary and she generously donated thousands to the Festival of Trees. 

What motivated Betty to serve and bless all she met along her path?  She had an unwavering testimony of a Father in Heaven who loves her enough He sent His Son to die for us. She knew of His love and wanted to share it through her tireless actions. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Archibald Wesley Jensen and Sarah Sylvia Stewart; her siblings: Archie Rulon Jensen, Verda Jensen Parker (Verdon), DellaVene Jensen Post (Glen), Mary Artence Jensen Sheehan (Kermit), Reginald Bernell Jensen (Marion), Josephine Jensen Cackett (Bob), and Allen S. Jensen (Marybell); the light of her life, Jack Haight Kingsbury; and her grandsons: Mark Richard Anderson and David Richard Anderson. She is survived by her four children: Larry J Kingsbury (Jan), Lynn J Kingsbury (Ronnie), Nancy Kingsbury Anderson (Richard), and David J Kingsbury (Julie); 19 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren; and 3+ great-great grandchildren. 

Yours is a huge loss to us all, Br. Tim and Sis. Bywater

Timothy Robert Bywater, 81, and Kathleen (Ellis) Bywater, 83, longtime members of the B7 Ward, passed away unexpectedly, but together in their home from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning on August 21, 2023 in St. George.

Tim and Kathy met in Salt Lake City and married along the Madison River at the "wedding of the waters" in Yellowstone National Park. Kathy studied at Utah State University and had a particular interest in history.  She was also voted homecoming queen and had a heart of pure gold.

Tim received a Ph.D. in English from the University of Utah and taught English literature and film for 35 years at Utah Tech University in St. George. Tim and Kathy enjoyed raising their children and spending summers working in national parks. Tim first worked for the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. and then spent more than 40 summers working as a park ranger in Yellowstone, Denali, and Grand Teton National Parks. Tim's intense passion for fly fishing and Kathy's love of nature had them enjoying many wonderful days searching for beautiful places to take one more cast on a Wyoming river.

Tim and Kathy were doting parents to their four children, David, Stephen, Anne, and Robyn as well as grandparents to Kate, Wren, Jack and Hazel. Family adventures were always filled with love and lots of laughter.

Tim and Kathy were passionate travelers exploring the world's beauty and history. Their enthusiasm for life was boundless and contagious. They will be dearly missed.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 2 in Lehi, UT.  They were laid to rest side-by-side as they were in life.

You are missed, Sister Vicki Dove

Vicki Kenna Cox Kofford Dove, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, GG, cousin, aunt, friend and longtime member of the Bloomington 7th LDS Ward, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 26, 2023 after a brief stay at the Red Cliffs Care Center.

Vicki, the oldest – and only girl – of five children born to Richard Ward Cox and Kenna Robertson Cox came into the world on a beautiful spring day in 1942. She adored her four little – and very energetic brothers – and was actively involved in the LDS church, 4-H Club, school, and community activities.  

In the 8th grade she was selected as the queen of the South Emery Annual Jr. Prom. Vicki played the clarinet in the South Emery Band, she was Treasurer of the FHA Chapter, modeled five costumes at the Fashion Show, acted as Junior Sunday school secretary, and served as a 4H Leader for two years.  She received a certificate of award for her excellent achievement in Baking Contests, Dressmaking Contest and Modeling for three years. Vicki was involved with the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed attending Girls State with her friends.  She played softball and participated with her church group in welfare projects.  Her passion has always been sewing. Vicki had a group of friends she grew up with and maintained contact with throughout the years.  Every summer Vicki, along with her brothers and cousins would help out at Grandpa Robertson’s sawmill.  When she was 14, she lost her 12-year-old brother Earl in a tragic accident at his Grandpa Robertson’s mine.  

Vicki married Kelly Kofford and they had two children, Sherry and Richard. They were later divorced. 

She returned to college and obtained her bachelor’s degree in education.  She moved to St. George and began a 27-year career teaching 3^rd and 4^th graders at Sunset Elementary School.  Vicki loved learning and continued her education until she earned a Master’s Degree plus 50 educational credits.  Vicki loved being a teacher and made many wonderful friends with faculty and students.  She looked out for her students who struggled and cared for those with special needs.  She left a lasting impression on everyone.  During this time, she became a grandma and always looked forward to the grandkids being old enough to ‘help her’ in the classroom during the summer year-round school.  

In 1994 she married Marvin Dove, who she referred to as the love of her life.  They were sealed in the temple on October 7, 1995. Vicki and Marvin enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, riding four wheelers, and spending time with the kids, grandkids, and great-grands.  Vicki was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  In addition, she loved being involved with the senior dance group Prime Time performers and traveled the world with them.  She loved being with others and was a member of a book club, exercise group, friendship group, sunset friend’s group.  Her passion for sewing continued when she joined the quilting club and Quilting Guild, where she entered many of her beautiful master pieces.  Vicki worked tirelessly to make members of her family and others she loved specialized quilts.  She won the Judges Choice at the Washington County Fair.  Vicki was also an accomplished baker and made beautiful cakes for weddings and special occasions.   Not only were they detailed and gorgeous, they were also delicious.  

Vicki loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more than anything in this world.  To know her was to love her and she will be truly missed.  

Vicki is preceded in death by her parents, Ward and Kenna Cox; along with brothers: Earl, Wilford, Robert (Bob), and Dan.  She was heartbroken when she lost her son, Richard Kofford.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Dove; daughter, Sherry Maxwell; along with Marvin’s children: Steven (Patricia) Dove, Jana (Roy) Wong, Natalie (Kevin) Mitchell, Robert (Lannell) Dove, Michelle Shipley, Valerie Dove; Sherry’s daughter, Mandy (Stephen) Vigil; Richard’s sons: Andrew (Bailee) Kofford, Alex Kofford; stepchildren: Charles (Julieann) Vuki, Kali Vuki; and daughter-in-law/close friend, Lecia (Kurt) Lawson.

Together they had 32 Grandchildren and 16 Great-grandchildren. Vicki and Marvin always looked forward to the summers when Mandy Vigil and the girls Alivia Ibanez and Kenadi Ibanez came to stay.  She taught all the girls (Mandy, Kali, Alivia, Kenadi) to sew.  Vicki and Marvin helped take care of the ones who lived nearby - Charles Vuki, Kali Vuki, Andrew Kofford, Alex Kofford, Jayden Harney, Trey Harney, Kylan Harney, and Reilly Dove.  They had an extra special bond with Reilly and she loved her relationship with him.  He really helped take care of his grandma during the past few months.  Vicki wanted to watch her great-grand kids grow up and loved frequent visits from Koda Kofford, Billy Kofford, Kason Sansavera, and the “triplets”, Jax, Bridger, and Jace Sansavera.  There are SO SO many nieces, nephews, and their kids that need to know she loved them all deeply as well.  She was so proud of her family.  

Funeral services were held on Friday August 4, 2023 at the Bloomington 7th Ward Chapel.  Interment is in the Orangeville, UT Cemetery.