Adios por dos años, Elder Kerr

Elder Hayden Kerr, son of Charlie and Sarah Kerr, is in final preparation in at home MTC – including several weeks of language training - to serve the Lord and His children in the Oregon Portland Spanish-speaking Mission.

When President Joseph Smith visited Washington, D.C. in 1838, Henry Clay, "the great compromiser," suggested the prophet take members of the Church to Oregon Territory, but Joseph did not take Clay seriously. Although the territory was claimed by both America and Great Britain, Church members from both countries were denied governmental support to settle there.

After Oregon obtained statehood, Church members found more favorable conditions. Latter-day Saint settlement largely began with the arrival of LDS businessmen in 1887. They built a lumber mill on the North Powder River and persuaded several hundred families to migrate to Oregon. Migration continued with the purchase of land for sugar beet farms. By June 1901, enough members had migrated to create a stake in Oregon. Two years later, the five original congregations had grown to twelve, "all in excellent working order." By 1930, Church membership in Oregon was 3,230. When the Oregon Portland Temple was dedicated in 1989, more than 300,000 visitors toured the edifice. 

 

Today the Church in Oregon has approximately 154,000 members in 35 stakes.  And, there are two temples – one each in Portland and Medford – and three missions in the Beaver State, headquartered in Portland, Eugene and Salem. 

 

Te extrañaremos mientras te vas, Elder Kerr. 

Deus esteja com você até nos encontrarmos novamente, Irmã Savannah Evans

Sister Savannah Evans, daughter of Joel and Alisa Evans and granddaughter of Howard and Jeannie Evans, has been called to fulltime service to the Lord and His children in the Portugal Mission.  She begins her at-home MTC studies on Monday, November 15, 2021, and on Monday, November 29, enters the MTC in Provo for a month of language training before departing for the remainder of her 18-months in the mission field. 

In April 1974, the people of Portugal took to the streets to demand a new form of government. The success of the nonviolent Carnation Revolution soon led to the beginning of religious freedom in the country, allowing Latter-day Saints to begin missionary efforts there for the first time. Church leaders acted quickly, transferring missionaries to Portugal from Brazil. In 1975 a branch was organized in Lisbon, and Elder Thomas S. Monson, then of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, dedicated the country for the preaching of the gospel. 

Portugal proved to be like the “good ground” in Jesus’s parable of the sower (see Mark 4), with many taking the gospel fully into their lives and sharing it freely. The first Portuguese convert was baptized in 1967.  By 1980 there were over 1,000 members in the country, with Church branches in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Viseu, and the Azores. The Lisbon stake, the first in Portugal, was organized in 1981. By 2000 Portugal had five stakes and over 35,000 Church members, giving it a higher concentration of Latter-day Saints than almost any other European country. In 2010 Church President Thomas S. Monson announced that a temple would be built in Lisbon.

 

 Today, Portuguese members of the Church number more than 45,500 – 1 in every 226 citizens – in 6 stakes.  The 23,730 square foot Lisbon Portugal Temple – the Church’s 166^th operating temple – was dedicated by Elder Neil L. Anderson on September 15, 2019.

Nossas orações vão com você, Irmã Evans. 

Farewell, Ferrell Petersen

J. Ferrell Petersen, a longtime member of the Bloomington 7^th Ward, passed peacefully into eternity on Thursday, October 7 at his Bloomington home. 

Ferrell, the 3^rd of six children born to J. Hy Petersen and Annie Mable Kagie Petersen, came into the world in Salt Lake City on November 8, 1939. He spent most of his childhood in Bountiful attending Stoker and West Bountiful Elementary Schools, South Davis Jr. High School, and eventually graduating from Bountiful High School in 1958. Only a year later, he married Karen Argyle on September 25, 1959, who grew up 2 doors away from Ferrell’s family. 

Ferrell and Karen were blessed with four children:  Karlee P. (Doug) Davenport, Washington City; Kelli P. (Tom) Dickerson of Salt Lake City, and Morgan Farrell Petersen, deceased (Marina Balabeava) of Fullerton, CA.

In his words, Ferrell noted, “I loved Bountiful and our years spent in St. George, and played a lot of golf at Bloomington Country Club, and Oakridge Country Club. Karen and I were a great team, just entrepreneurs and adventurers in the well drilling business, farm implement business, and rental and investment opportunity business. We owned and piloted nice airplanes and Karen was an excellent co-pilot. I must thank all of you for being truly good friends. Leaving this world will indeed be a new adventure, one I was not looking forward to but will accept with grace.”

Ferrell leaves behind his wife Karen with whom he shared 62 wonderful years; three of their 4 children, 9 grandchildren, 13-great-grandchildren; and Harlow Brent (Gus) Petersen and looks forward to a joyous reunion with siblings who went on ahead:  Karen P. Poppleton, H. Dewey Petersen, J. Gary Petersen, and Marlene P. Camden.

Ferrell will be interred on Thursday, October 14 at Tonaquint Cemetery.  A remembrance with friends and family will be held at the Bloomington County Club at 4 pm.

Another Pine Valley Picnic and Overnight Campout

An estimated 100 members of the B7 Ward family traveled to the Effie Beckstrom (West) campground in spectacular Pine Valley for what Bishop Eric called “my favorite social event of the year” on the weekend of August 20-21, 2021.  The ward’s traditional end-of-summer / back-to-school / respite from our triple-digit-heat activity included burgers, hot dog and corn-on-the-cob provided by the ward and salads, desserts and “other” dishes from members. 

 

Of course, the best part of the evening was the opportunity to socialize with longtime friends and neighbors and / or get better acquainted with some of our new ward member families.

 

As the moon came up in one of the most heavenly places in the Lord’s vineyard, those who were still there after everyone else had left for home, gathered for more conversation around a gas firepit (no fires allowed due to SoUT’s long and lingering drought) until the chill night air brought the party to an end.

 

On a beautiful clear blue Saturday morning – completely quiet except for an occasional “hoop and holler” from anyone of the dozen or more exuberant kids – those who elected to enjoy a few more hours in this peaceful setting had a delicious breakfast together before loading up and heading back to real life, including what is left of our hot, dry Dixie summer.

Til We Meet Again, Sister Arlene Thomas

Our beautiful Arlene Rae Jones Thomas, a member of the Bloomington 7^th Ward since 2007 following her marriage to Jess M. Thomas, passed into eternity in the early evening of Thursday, August 12, 2021 at the Washington State home of her daughter. She will truly be missed as she was not only a friend to all, but also a "gatherer" welcoming everyone into her circle of love.

 

Born in Hagerman, ID in January 1937, Arlene attended high school in The Dalles, OR where she was popular among her classmates, active in booster club, school leadership and was a majorette in the drum and bugle corps.   

 

In 1955, she married Danny Owens Jones (who proceeded her in death).  Together, as hairdressers and teachers of cosmetology, they founded the Astoria Beauty College in 1965, which went on to become nationally accredited.  Arlene had a passion for education and took great pride in the successes of her students, the majority of salon owners in Astoria and Clatsop County having received their education at Astoria Beauty College.

 

During 43 years in business, she received many awards and honors.  She was a past president of the Oregon Hairdressers Association, served on the boards of the Oregon Cosmetology Association, Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority Board of Cosmetology.  She would go on to create the curriculum used today in nearly all Oregon beauty colleges and had the honor to be inducted into the Oregon Hairdressers Hall of Fame.

 

At the same time, she was always active in her community.  She belonged to Zonta (an international service organization which advocates for women's rights for equality, education and an end to child marriage and gender-based violence) and Toastmasters, all while serving in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 

For all the differences she made in the lives of those around her, she considered her greatest accomplishment to be rearing her grandson Drew Jones. 

 

After Arlene and Jess moved to St. George, she continued to find joy in serving family and friends. She joined the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and was an enthusiastic leader of the Relief Society Book Club, while she also followed her passions of reading, health and nutrition.

 

Here are "Ways to show love, as Arlene saw it" 

*    Always respect others feelings and opinions

*    Go the extra mile to help others.  Be giving.

*    Be a good listener.  Be attentive.

*     Show empathy for others.

*    Always give praise and say thank you

*    Serve with a smile

*    Look for reasons to compliment

*    Find those things people are doing right

*    Speak kind words to each other

*    Be patient

 

She is survived by two sisters and a brother.  She also leaves behind three children Scott G. (Margaret) Jones, Marcy L. Goss, and Danene M. (David) Lethin and 8 grandchildren. She will also be missed by Jess’s six children, 25 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. 

 

Members of the ward as well as her neighbors and friends at the Vintage have been blessed to share a part of her life here on earth.  Please also know Jess's family assures us, "we will take very good care of Dad."

'Til We Meet Again, Br. Lee Case

Lee (LeRoy) Edward Case, Sr. left the world a better place for his having been among us, on the beautiful spring morning of March 2, 2021 after a long battle with Parkinson's.  Born January 12, 1931 in Salt Lake City to Leo and Ina Trimble Case, Lee lived his 90 years of life with integrity, dedication and enthusiasm, as well as with a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a song in his heart.

 

 After graduation from West High School in 1948, he attended the University of Utah for a year then changed his educational pursuits during four years of studies at Salt Lake Technical College, graduating as a journeyman sheet metal fabricator.

 

He married his sweetheart, Carol May Harsh in the Salt Lake Temple and together they celebrated 61 anniversaries on their way to forever!

 

Lee provided for his family of six children working 35 years in the sheet metal industry.  After retiring at age 55 he served three years with the Murray City Auxiliary Police Department; 13 years as an aid to special needs children in the Granite School District, and 9 years as a campground host for the U.S. Forest Service.

 

Lee loved music and shared his beautiful baritone voice for 25 years as a member of the Oratorio Society of Utah; three years with the Utah Opera Company; and, 15 years with the Southern Utah Heritage Choir. 

 

Always an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lee served the Lord and His children in many callings, including three stake missions, as stake mission leader, ward missionary, service missionary, temple ordinance worker, bishopric counselor, Sunday school teacher and ward clerk.  He also served service missions with his companion Carol for five years at the Bishop’s Storehouse, for ten years at the distribution center, and as ward missionaries.

 

Lee, Carol and Dan were also dependable community volunteers who were regularly found fulfilling assignments with St. George Musical Theater, Tuacahn and events at Dixie State University – especially ushering for theater productions, and cheering their favorite football and basketball team!  

 

Lee is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Carol; son, LeRoy Edward Case, Jr. (Terry) of Mesa, AZ; son and "Favorite Pal", Daniel Byron Case of St. George, UT; daughters: Carolee (John) Neel of Mt. Green, UT, Andrea May Hill of Clinton, UT, Heather (Rob) Passey of SLC, UT, and foster daughter, Lorcinda (Ray) Price of Lupton, AZ; sister, Zina Riches (Mac); and brother, Byron Case (Mona). He was the proud grandpa of 16 loving grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Ina Case; son, Robert Lynn Case; and brothers: Eugene and Gordon Case.

 

You will be missed in our midst, dear Brother Lee Case, but we are certain a heavenly choir must be so pleased to have you!

Larry Sullivan, you will be missed among us

Larry Sullivan, longtime member of the Bloomington 7th Ward, passed peacefully into eternity on Sunday, February 7, 2021 as the result of complications from several health issues.  He leaves behind his beloved wife Monika. The following was written in May 2018 by Raymond Lowe as Larry's introduction to the B7 Ward priesthood members.

 

Lawrence Jay Sullivan was born on April 6,1949 (an auspicious date indeed as he shares his birthday with the Church and with Jesus!).  He was raised in Murray, UT and loved growing up in his strong Irish family. He always had a testimony of the Church and has always been active. He graduated from Murray High School where he was active in sports and activities playing two-way in football and even handled kicking on occasion. After high school he attended Utah State for one year and thought seriously about studying to become a lawyer. Larry left on his mission to the England South Mission in 1971 where he served under Wallace Bennett. 

 

He enjoyed his mission and upon returning home but before re-entering college, he got very involved in the area of physical fitness and body building, as well as construction. This led to a lifetime interest in martial arts, both as instructor and competitor. Larry became so involved, this became his vocation as well as avocation as he became one of the leaders of this burgeoning field. 

 

He later built and owned the largest fitness club and gymnasium in Utah, American Health and Sports Center in Murray, with his business partner Larry Scott, a fellow Mormon from Idaho he met in competition and had become close friends. His business partner Larry Scott later became Mr. America, Mr. Universe, and Mr. Olympiad and was the role model for many future stars including “Arnold!" Larry Sullivan spent over 20 years building interest in the sport and industry and owned and built several clubs and facilities in the intermountain area. One of his favorite stories is how he and a number of his associates were asked to ride on a float at the “Days of ‘47” parade posing as Helaman and the Stripling Warriors. This float and its riders won the award as “Fan Favorite”!

 

After many years as a leader and competitor in this growing health and fitness arena, Larry turned his interest and talents to an area where he has had considerable success, writing and publishing. He goes by the pen name of Poet Lawrence Jay Sullivan and has published numerous magazine articles and books. Larry has spent the last 30 years building websites and publishing after his initial training at the hands of Ray Goldrupt who was the screen writer for the book and movie “Windwalker.” Another of Larry’s books is titled “Promised Land - Holy Land: Book of Mormon Geography.”

 

Larry married the lovely Monika in the Salt Lake Temple in 1976. They have no children except those hundreds of former students and trainees Larry and Monika consider their family. They first moved to Santa Clara but have now lived in Bloomington for the past six years. Elders Quorum Instructor and teaching Gospel Doctrine have been among his favorite callings. He and Monika are collectors and are always on the hunt for books, especially Church History and other interesting ephemera. They love interesting cars and plan to do more traveling as they unwind their real estate portfolio. Another writing project is titled “Star Miracle," and relates the true story of the three wisemen and the star of Nazareth. 

 

Brother Sullivan’s wit and wisdom, as well as his excellent teaching skills and powerful testimony, is missed among the members of the Bloomington 7^th Ward.  Rest in peace, dear Brother Sullivan.

 

Til we meet again, Sister Katherine Warner

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend Katherine Warner stepped into eternity on January 20, 2021 after a courageous battle against COVID-19 despite valiant efforts by ICU staff at St. George Regional Medical Center.  She was diagnosed with this destructive and novel virus on January 6, when she suddenly began experiencing shortness of breath and was immediately isolated from family, suffering alone as has become common with this disease.

Katherine Naomi Heil was born in Shimodokaido, Japan, where she enjoyed the first ten years of her life before moving with her family to the United States. In California she worked hard to learn to speak without her heavy Japanese accent, but her Japanese culture remained part of her identity for her entire lifetime, particularly the food.  

 

Her family moved many times during her early years and moving continued as the pattern after her marriage to Claude Warner until he finished medical school and residency after which the family settled into life in St. George, UT in 1994.

 

Among her many talents, Katherine - named after her Japanese and American grandmothers – was known by family and friends as “a skilled violinist and an accomplished guitarist.”  She was also an amazing seamstress, creating beautiful clothing for herself, her family and frequently lent her skills as well to local theater and dance companies.

 

Katherine joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1980 and became a devoted member who served faithfully in many callings.  She and Claude were sealed forever in the Salt Lake Temple and in February would have celebrated their 40^thanniversary.

 

Katherine was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother despite health issues. For the last two decades of her life, she was plagued by excruciating back pain, not resolved by multiple surgeries and migraines which “stole her from us for days, even weeks, at a time, and also resulted in social isolation from neighbors, friends and even some family."  In the last few years, however, these challenges had begun to ease, giving her and her family the hope of a better future.

 

Katherine is survived by her husband; her children Douglas Parker, Brandon Parker, Emma Warner Abegg, Zachary Warner and Megan Warner (Bryce); a sister Deborah Heil and 14 precious grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her youngest son Danial Warner.

 

Katherine is interred in the Fillmore City Cemetery in Fillmore, UT. 

 

The live streaming webcast of funeral services can be found at https://manzanita.southgatestake.com.