Elena Ruiz is the newest member of the Church

Elena Ruiz, youngest of three children of Enrique and Lindsay Ruiz, was baptized by immersion and confirmed a member of the Church by her father on Saturday, September 17 … which was, by happy coincidence, also her 8^th birthday.  

On her very special day, Elena was surrounded by family from northern Utah as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins from the St. George area for her birthday party and for this introductory ordinance to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

According to her mother, “Elena is a peacemaker who wants everyone to be happy.  She is sensitive, caring, thoughtful and being around her is pure joy!”

 

This bilingual 2^nd grader at Bloomington Elementary School is still adjusting to her new house, her new town and her new school where the dual immersion program is Chinese … rather than Spanish (to keep her Spanish language skills sharp, the Ruiz family speaks only Spanish at home).  But, she is happy about being able to jump on her bicycle to play with nearby friends … something she couldn’t do in Salt Lake City.  Her favorite part of school – which she describes as “mostly good” – is science.

 

Welcome to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as to the Bloomington 7^th Ward, Elena.

Til we meet again, Sister Elaine Tucker

Elaine Hale Tucker, 91, our dear neighbor and longtime member of the B7 Ward, passed away shortly after midnight on August 23, 2022 at the Birch Creek Assisted Living in Smithfield, Utah with her husband and daughter by her side.

Elaine was born December 10, 1930 in Preston, Idaho. She was the third of four children born to Nathan and Eva Hale. She grew up at the Utah Power and Light Company town of Grace, Idaho. She attended schools locally graduating from Grace High School then attended Idaho State University where she met Ralph Tucker on a blind date. They were married on December 23, 1950 and later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. Elaine and Ralph enjoyed 71 years together and were blessed with three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Elaine was a homemaker. She was the hostess with the mostest with a cute pixie haircut and ready smile. She loved to entertain and cook. Her wonderful food was lovingly prepared and abundantly shared. Elaine’s homemade candy and sweet cream rolls are legendary!

 Elaine had a tremendous work ethic and discipline. She walked four miles a day for decades, followed by pool aerobics and back exercises. She was extremely talented. Her hands were never idle always creating, crafting, sewing, cleaning and ironing.

Elaine had endless energy and gave 110% to all she did. She donated her time in many charitable organizations and clubs, some in which she held leadership roles. She was a loving and caring friend. She made lifelong friendships during her many moves with her husband Ralph. She lit up when she was in a room full of people. She was loved by all and will be missed deeply.

She is survived by her husband Ralph, sons; Ralph Lynn (Barbra), UT., Tracy (Charly), CA., Terri (Charley), WA., six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Nathan and Eva Hale, sisters Raedene Rhoads, Bobbie Harris and brother Nathan Hale.

Rest in peace, dear Sister Elaine.   

May the Lord be with you, Elder Hendershot

Oaks Hendershot, 2nd son and 4th child of Steele and Sarah Hendershot, graduated from Dixie High School on May 27 and entered the Missionary Training Center two short months later on August 29, 2022 to fulfill a calling to serve in the Missouri St. Louis Mission.  He doesn’t consider his to be a “super exotic” mission field, but he feels certain it is where the Lord needs him; and, he’s been there before. “When I attended 'Especially for Youth' last summer, we toured many of the Church history sites, including those in Ohio, New York, Philadelphia … and Missouri,” notes the young missionary.

The early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Missouri is well documented, including a prophesy in 1831 when then Church President Joseph Smith declared Independence, Missouri, as the gathering spot for the Church. The subsequent influx of “Mormons” to Jackson County raised concern among residents and mobs drove 1200 from the area. In 1834, Joseph Smith and 150-200 armed men (known as Zion's Camp) arrived to protect the members still in and around Independence, but a storm prevented the confrontation.

Latter-day Saints then found refuge in Clay, Caldwell, and Daviess Counties. By 1838, Far West had become Church headquarters with homes, hotels, a printing house, and school but violence again erupted in Gallatin, when members were denied the right to vote.

The exaggerated rumors about Church members ultimately led to a literal extermination order from Governor Lilburn W. Boggs in 1838. Eighteen men and boys died at Haun's Mill and on 31 October, Joseph Smith was arrested, and the next day sentenced to death.  Brig. Gen. A.W. Doniphan was ordered to carry out the order … but refused.  

Between 12,000 - 15,000 Church members fled to western Illinois in 1839 and established the city of Nauvoo on the Mississippi River. Several others moved to the more tolerant St. Louis, where many more members eventually came from Nauvoo. In the late 1850s, many left for Utah to gather with the Saints, but it was not until June 1976 – 138 years later - when the extermination order was rescinded by then-Governor Christopher S. Bond.

Today, Missouri has a Church membership of more than 75,375 in 18 stakes.  Elder Hendershot will serve in one of two missions in the state (the other is Missouri Independence).  Though public sentiment has prevented the construction of a temple in Independence, there are two temples in Missouri … the first built in Kansas City and the second in the community known as Town and Country, a suburb of St. Louis.

May the Lord be with you, Elder Hendershot.  We look forward to hearing about your missionary experiences.

Rest in peace, Karen Argyle Peterson

Karen Argyle Peterson passed Into eternity in the early morning hours of August 21, 2022. She came into this world in a small home in Bountiful, UT in the early morning hours of January 13, 1941, one of seven born to Rex and Vashti Higginson Argyle. She grew up with six siblings, Ray H. Argyle (Helen), Rhea A. Melichar (Dick), Carma A. Parker (Ray), Arda A. King (Tommy), Lynn H. Argyle (Pat), and her younger sister Joyce A. Lewis (Derwood); sister Shirley died at 3 weeks.  She is survived by her brother Lynn and sister Joyce.

Karen was raised in the same home on Highway 91. She walked to and from West Bountiful Elementary School; attended South Davis Jr. High School on Main Street in Bountiful, ultimately graduating from Bountiful High School in 1959.

Karen and J. Farrell Petersen grew up as neighbors. A hayride began their courtship which culminated in marriage on September 25, 1959. Their family included Karlee Davenport (Doug), Kelli Dickerson (Thomas), Morgan Farrell Petersen (Marina). Sadly, Morgan passed away in 2003. Karen and Farrell had 9 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Karen and Farrell made their home in Bountiful for many years, before moving to St. George in 1976 then dividing their time between the warmth of southern Utah and a second home in downtown Salt Lake City. Karen was very involved in and instrumental in their success as business entrepreneurs. She was also a wonderful homemaker with amazing quilting skills and was well known for her bounciness and willingness to help any and all in need along her path. She was particularly well known for her SCREAM, her squeals, and infectious giggle.

Graveside services will be held Friday, September 2, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah. There will be a social hour Friday at 12:00 p.m. at the Bloomington Country Club, 3174 South Bloomington Drive East, St. George, Utah.

CATCHING UP: Isaac Halgren is baptized

The sometimes shy but always charming, handsome and happily social Isaac Halgren, youngest of Jared and Rachel Halgren’s four kids, was baptized and confirmed by his dad on Saturday, August 6 at the Bloomington Stake Center to become the newest member of the Bloomington 7^th Ward. 

Home schooled for the past two years, Isaac has a fun imagination and loves, loves, loves to draw, according to his mom.  He is currently enjoying school as a student at Mt. View Montessori School in Washington City.

 

In addition to his family and friends, Isaac shared his special day with his grandparents who flew in for the occasion from Vancouver, Washington and his uncle, aunt and cousins from Eagle Mountain, UT.

 

From “Preach My Gospel” we are reminded, “Before baptism we show our willingness to enter a covenant to keep all the commandments for the rest of our lives.  After baptism we show our faith by keeping our covenants.  We also regularly renew the covenants we make when baptized by partaking of the sacrament.  Partaking of the sacrament weekly is a commandment.  It helps us remain worthy to have the Spirit with us always.”

 

Isaac, we are happy you have made this commitment to join our ward family and are committed to helping you learn and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

CATCHING UP: Lennon Cox is baptized

On Friday, July 8, 2022, Lennon Cox, daughter of David and Leigh Cox stepped into the baptismal font at the Bloomington Stake Center to receive this sacred covenant from her Uncle Cade Stephens, who flew in for this special occasion from the Tri-City area in Washington State.  Lennon was then confirmed by her Grandpa Larry Stephens – both ordinances witnessed by her Dad and her other Grandpa David Cox.

Lennon, who is named for one of two singing sisters in “Nashville,” one of her mom’s favorite TV shows, is a 3^rd grader at Bloomington Elementary School.  She loves school but after school and in the summer months, she also enjoys cheer and tumbling, drawing and art classes and is a fashionista who loves playing golf with her dad and brothers.

 

President Lorenzo Snow taught us, “To obtain religion which will save us in the presence of God, we must obtain the Holy Ghost, and in order to obtain the Holy Ghost, we must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, then repent of our sins … that is, forsake them, then go forward and be immersed in water for the remission of sins, then receive the laying on of hands.” 

 

Lennon, every member of this Church has made the same covenant you have made and we are ready to help you keep the commandments of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

E minamina mākou iā ʻoe i kou hele ʻana, Sister Jara Galvin

Jara Galvin, the oldest of Brian and Kim Galvin's four children, has been called to serve in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission, one of two missions in America's 50th state (aka "Paradise"), where surfing was invented, where there are no snakes, from where you can mail a coconut (yes, JUST the coconut) ... and where everyone takes off their shoes before entering your home.  

Sister Jara, who is super excited about her mission call, spoke in Sacrament meeting on Sunday, July 31 then began a week of "at home" MTC on Monday, August 1, 2022 followed by two weeks in Provo.   

In 1850, when the first Latter-day Saint missionaries reached Hawai‘i, the islands were still an independent kingdom with a mostly native Hawaiian population. George Q. Cannon, one of the early missionaries to the islands, was particularly eager to learn the Hawaiian language. In the early 1850s he and an early Hawaiian convert, Jonathan Nāpela, worked together to translate the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian, which was the first time the book was translated into a non-European language.

Many Hawaiians embraced the gospel. By the 1870s, more than 4,000 Hawaiians had joined the Church. Because the death of many Hawaiians due to disease had led to laws restricting emigration, instead of gathering to Utah the Hawaiian Saints established gathering places on the islands—first in Lāna‘i, then in Lā‘ie. The first stake outside North America was organized on O‘ahu in 1935.

As Hawai‘i’s population became more diverse, so did general Church membership. In the early 20th century, for example, a Japanese mission was established in Hawai‘i, and work among Japanese Hawaiians flourished. In the 1950s the Church established a college—now Brigham Young University–Hawaii—in Lā‘ie with a mission to bring together students from around the world. A second temple, in Kona, was dedicated in 2000. By 2018 there were nearly 75,000 Latter-day Saints in Hawai‘i, organized into 16 stakes, the highest concentration of LDS members after those states bordering Utah.

The Hawaii Laie Mission, the church's 408th, opened in January 2022 with missionaries assigned to the Temple Visitor Center and/or at the Polynesian Cultural Center. 

The Laie Hawaii Temple, the oldest operating LDS temple outside of Utah, was dedicated in November 1919 by Heber J. Grant. The Kona Hawaii Temple, the islands' second temple located on the "Big Island" of Hawaii was dedicated in January 2000 by President Gordon B. Hinckley.

E minamina mākou iā ʻoe i kou hele ʻana, Sister Jara Galvin. Enjoy your time in the islands and return with honor.

Til we meet again, Brother Howard Evans

Howard Edwin Evans, Ph.D., loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac event at the age of 72 on June 29, 2022, in St. George, UT. 

   

Howard was born on February 7, 1950, in Salt Lake City, UT to Edwin Eschler and Mildred Belnap Evans. He grew up in Salt Lake City and later Denver, CO as the eldest son of his parents’ eight children. He was an active youth, captaining his high school basketball and track teams, and studying and working hard from an early age. From 1969-1971, he served a mission to South Korea for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before and after his mission he studied at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he met his sweetheart Mary Jean (Jeannie) Murdock. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church on August 14, 1972, and together welcomed five children into the world. 

At home, he was a loving, dedicated companion to his wife and an example of gospel living to his children. His family knew him for his energy, creativity, work ethic, humor, testimony, and his love of family togetherness, such as family home evenings and road trip vacations. He supported his children’s educational and extracurricular endeavors, enthusiastically attending activities whenever possible. Meaningful holidays such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas afforded him opportunities to joyfully share poetry and family heritage, including passing on traditions which honored the occasion. Most significantly, he was determined to have his posterity grow up in the light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. For as long as he lived, every Sunday found him in church with his family, and he loved family gospel learning. Even in later years, he taught, encouraged, and showed his love for his grandchildren through a weekly letter that included everything from clever puns to unique history facts to meaningful spiritual lessons. Nothing brought him greater satisfaction than to know his family was well and happy in the gospel. 

 

Howard realized great achievements in his professional career, beginning with a double major in physics and chemical engineering from BYU in 1974 followed by a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Caltech in 1979, with inductions into Sigma Pi Sigma and the Physics and Astronomy Honor Society. As an early-career professional, he was awarded numerous scientific patents, formally recognized for his outstanding teaching, and served on advisory positions in physics and chemical engineering at the University of Texas and the University of Colorado. After many dedicated years in senior engineering and executive leadership positions at IBM and 3M corporations, he served as the founding academic Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology for National University in San Diego, launching multiple new programs. He finished his career at Cal Poly Pomona as Dean of the College of the Extended University and International Center, which afforded him many opportunities for outreach and international student engagement in China and South Korea—an opportunity he treasured to help young people and spread goodwill abroad. In all these capacities, he was widely recognized for his talent, intellect, integrity, energy and organization, and his warm and lively sense of humor. 

 

Howard was a lifelong active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved to serve and attend church. In all his years of life, he devoted himself whole-heartedly to honoring church responsibilities, serving others, and striving to be an example of Jesus Christ. He always recognized the importance of each service opportunity, whether it was in priesthood leadership, teaching the gospel at home or abroad, helping others in temporal or spiritual needs, or nurturing the testimonies of children and youth. 

 

He is survived by a loving family, including his wife, Mary Jean (Jeannie); five children: Ryan (Rebecca Petersen), Joel (Alisa Porritt), Laurie, Julie Ritter (James), and Melissa Oehring (Jared); and thirteen grandchildren: Tyler, Seth, Savannah, Alyssa, Andrew, Connor, Logan, Elizabeth, Lindsey, Justin, Sarah, Noah, and Johnny. He is also survived by three sisters: Karen, Diane, and Pamela; two sisters-in-law: Nadine and Debbie; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Mildred Evans; brothers: Scott and Mark; and sisters: Marjorie and Laurie.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., with a viewing at 9:00 a.m., at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd, St. George, Utah. Interment will be held in the Mountain View Cemetery, Beaver, Utah. 

 

Live streaming webcast is available by clicking on the broadcast at the bottom. Webcast will remain on-line for 90 days. 

 

Flowers are welcome; or in lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the missionary fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as missionary service was one of Howard’s lifelong heartfelt convictions.

Annual Pool Party - first in three years!

 

 

On Tuesday, July 5, several dozen members of the B7 Ward gathered at the St. George Pool, adjacent to Dixie High School to cool down from triple digit summer heat. The water was refreshing, the conversation pleasant and the soda and Creamy bars were tasty. This was the first ward pool party since the summer of 2019. Thanks to all who helped plan the event as well as to those who participated.

Fathers and sons commemorate priesthood restoration

 

Another memorable fathers and sons gathering at Yankee Meadows took place on Friday, June 17, 2022. Heavy wind was predicted for this annual priesthood restoration commemoration event but was no obstacle to our hearty men and boys as we fished, ate chili dogs, drank spring water, started fires without matches, and fended off a newly formed tribe of aborigines. This was our second time gathering at Yankee Meadows. We thank Br. Roy Adams for allowing us to again enjoy the beauty of his land.

Til we meet again, Alex Barclay

Alexander Gary Barclay of St. George, Utah passed away peacefully at his home on the early morning of Thursday, June 16, 2022.

According to family members at the service he didn't want, Alex (who went by "Gary" for most of his life) was described as "private, sociable, sensitive, sweetly sentimental, perceptive, protective, engaged and thoughtful, a punster and a master teacher but mostly he was a dedicated servant of the Lord." 

 One of his sons noted, "I was in my 20's before I knew what my dad did for a living but we all knew the most important things in his life were his family, the gospel of Jesus Christ, basketball and golf."

Of his health issues in the last year or two, it was said, "he bore it stoically and without complaint."

The eldest son of Alex and Lavon Barclay was born on December 26, 1941 in Ogden where he grew up as a member of the Ogden 12^th Ward.  He always said the highlight of his youth was playing on the ward basketball team which won the All-Church title two years in a row and where he was named the All-Star player.

He served a mission in the Eastern Atlantic States, then finished his education earning a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a master's degree in Business Administration.

He married Kathryn Wynn in 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple.  Shortly after their marriage, they moved to the Eastern U.S. but was eventually offered employment in Toronto, Ontario, Canada where he spent the next 35 years working in his chosen career and where he served the Lord as a stake missionary, Bishop, Stake President, Gospel Doctrine teacher and temple worker.

Upon retirement he and Kathryn moved to St. George where, as he put it, “I’ve found my place in the sun”.  He loved St. George with the warm weather and the opportunity to play golf.  During this time with his favorite fellow golf enthusiasts he led the “OGA” (Old Golfers Assocation) planning, organizing, scorekeeping and winning money from the other players!

According to friend, fellow golfer and B7 Ward member Ed Sappington, "Alex Barclay was a personality larger than life to those who called him 'friend'.  He was an amazing teacher in church and in life.  Whether the classroom or the golf course, you came away from his lessons inspired.  On those days when a drive around town took you past the Southgate Golf Club practice area, you might find Alex out on the chipping range honing the mastery of his short game.  If you dared to talk on the tee box you could feel a targeted stare from the Big Guy for this infraction he considered a big 'NO, NO' ... especially when he was about to hit yet another perfect drive.  

 

"Although it has been many months since Alex was able to join his friends’ weekly golf games most of us can still hear him say as someone was about to hit a drive, 'A little more left … a little more left'.  

 

"Many in his golfing group tried to teach one another valuable lessons over the years.  If you ever golfed with Alex, you might have noticed the only new equipment he ever added to his bag was a used driver Aaron Larsen bought at a garage sale.  Others may have noticed his golf glove was well-worn after “years” of play, but it worked for Alex.  He frequently reminded one or more of his teammates, 'it isn’t the fault of the arrow, it’s the Indian with the problem'."

Alex was an eleven-year member of the Bloomington 7^th ward where once again, he enjoyed callings as Gospel Doctrine teacher, Stake Sunday School President and ministering brother.

He is survived by his beautiful and devoted wife and a legacy of seven noble children of whom he frequently referred to as his "Magnificent Seven," twenty-five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

With his God-given missionary and teaching skills he will be a mighty force in the service of the Lord, gathering Israel on the other side of the veil. 

He will be remembered with love and appreciation by those who knew him for incomparable contributions made throughout his life.

Following a private family viewing and service on Thursday, June 23, 2022, he was interred in the Tonaquint Cemetery though his family members testified he is "still living in a wonderful place!"

Jusqu'à ce qu'on se rencontre à nouveau, Sœur Martha Bown

Martha Bown, youngest of Southgate Stake President James and Paula Bown’s 6 children, has been called to serve the Lord and His children in the France Lyon Mission.  She speaks in Sacrament meeting on Sunday, June 12 and on Monday, June 13 she begins 2 weeks of at-home MTC followed by 4 weeks in the Provo MTC where she will be studying French before traveling to her mission field.

She is excited to be serving in the world’s most popular tourist destination and home of the most visited museum on the planet.  She studied French for two years in high school and can’t wait to learn more of the language and the culture and meet the people.   

Sister Martha is the last of a long line of Bown missionaries.  Dad served in Argentina … Mom in Brazil.  Oldest sister Sarah served in the Nebraska Winter Quarters Mission.  Elizabeth spent 18 months in Poland.  Only brother Peter was a missionary in Texas while Caroline was in Peru followed by Grace who served in Canada.

 

“A mission has always been part of my life plans and I would be happy to serve wherever the Lord called me, but France will be both a challenge and a blessing.”

When missionaries first arrived in France in 1849, they only found interested listeners among religious dissenters and cultural outsiders. One early convert, Louis Bertrand, would lead the French Mission until it closed in 1864. Missionaries returned to France in 1908, but world wars and economic hardship limited the Church’s presence for the next four decades. Faithful French Saints such as Léon Fargier and Eveline Kleinert helped carry the Church through the difficulties of World War II.

After the war, the Church established a stronger foundation in France. Church President David O. McKay announced a temple where ceremonies would be performed in French would be built in Switzerland, the Church gained legal recognition in France, and Church literature was translated and published in French. During the 1960s, Church membership increased fivefold as missionaries and members worked to spread the gospel. In 1975, the first stake in France was organized in Paris. Though the laborers in France have often been few, the harvest has indeed been great.
 

Today, France has a growing membership of 38,200 in ten stakes and since the 1970s, French Saints prayed for a temple in their own country. In 2011, the Lord through His prophet President Thomas S. Monson, announced the construction of a temple to be built near Paris. Members in the area held open houses to help their neighbors understand the temple project. The Paris France Temple was dedicated in May 2017.

Tu vas nous manquer pendant ton absence, Soeur Bown

Welcome to the Church and the B7 Ward, Wylie Whitmer

Wylie Whitmer, son of David and Robin Whitmer and sandwiched between two sisters, became one of the newest members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Bloomington Stake Center.  Baptized and confirmed by his father David Whitmer, Wylie was surrounded by loved ones there to witness this important day in his young life.  “It was wonderful,” notes Dad.  “It was an A+ event.”

Wylie is a 2^nd grader at Bloomington Elementary.  His family doesn’t hear many complaints about school – except when his dad is late picking him up - but he particularly likes math.

 

The 8-year-old enjoys soccer and Legos when he’s not in the classroom and according to his Mom “Wylie is helpful, fun, energetic and loves his family.”

 

About baptism, Nephi taught, “Wherefore, do all things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter.  For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

 

“And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.”  (2 Nephi 31:17-18)

 

Congrats, 2022 Graduates

Thomas Larson, youngest son of Aaron and Rebecca Larson’s five children, donned a cap and gown and graduated – with high honors - from Dixie High School on May 27, 2022.  Besides school during the day, this hardworking young man has been building his lawn care business around his Bloomington neighborhood while also attending night school for the past year to earn his pilot’s license … and taking flying lessons with a goal to one day fly commercially. 

To achieve high honors, Thomas needed to score 22 of higher on his ACT; have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or above; complete two years of Spanish, 4 years of science and math … “and other requirements I don’t remember.”

What drew him to what he hopes will be a long career in aeronautics?  “I don’t like to sit down and be still … and I love the idea of vacationing around the world!”

Oaks Hendershot, son of Steele and Sarah Hendershot, collected his Dixie High School diploma in ceremonies held on May 27 and is now eagerly anticipating a week or two in the Provo Missionary Training Center beginning on August 29 where he will finalize his preparations to serve the Lord and His children in the Missouri St. Louis Mission.

In his high school years, Oaks attended Merit Preparatory Academy in Springville and Maple Mountain High School in Spanish Fork before moving to St. George last year with his family.  His favorite high school class was seminary … his least favorite was math.  He considers himself “an ordinary student” with a GPA of 2.9-3.0 and while he doesn’t consider his a “super exotic” mission field, he feels certain it is where the Lord needs him (see more about his mission field after August 29 at https://bloomington7thword.blogspot.com). 

     

Andrew Evans, oldest son and 2nd of Joel and Alissa Evans five children and grandson of Howard and Jeannie Evans, started his high school experience while living with his family in Saudi Arabia where he attended the international school.  When they returned to the USA and specifically to St. George, he enrolled at Tuacahn High School where his favorite class was ballroom dancing.  When THS left “the canyon” he decided to complete his senior year at Dixie High School though he admits three schools in a year was not easy. 

After graduation on Friday, May 27, 2022, Andrew will attend BYU-Hawaii where he plans to study marine biology – combining his love for animals and the ocean - rather than any of several Utah universities.  This decision came after he and his dad explored the Honolulu campus during a father/son vacation and where he hopes to work at the Polynesian Cultural Center. 

 Claire Walker, oldest of JJ Walker Jensen's three children and a recent move-in from Flagstaff, AZ, graduated this week with high honors and with an honors certificate from Dixie High School.  She was also happy to have earned a scholarship to the University of New Mexico, a public research university located in Albuquerque.  But even though she has found her school, she is yet "undecided" as to what major she plans to pursue.  

Her favorite class at DHS was U.S. history ... her least was math.  What will she miss most?  "My friends and sports," she notes.  What will she miss least?  "Having to wake up every morning at 6 a.m." 

Also members of Dixie High School’s Class of 2022 are Traci Clem, daughter of Peggy and the late Dennisearle Clem and Beecher Field, son of Wade and Erika Field. 

 

Congratulations, young men and women of the B7 Ward for achieving this important milestone which gives you the opportunity to earn a higher income and gain access to better living conditions, healthier foods, and health care services. Overall, high school graduation has the potential to improve your financial, social and employment health.

Ryker Denny is Baptized

Ryker Denny, 2^nd of Jessica and Emanual Zevallos’ four sons, stepped into the baptismal font next to his stepfather on Saturday, March 26, 2022 to show his Heavenly Father his willingness to “come unto Christ” and keep His commandments from this time forward.  Baptized and confirmed on his 8^th birthday Ryker was surrounded by grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, his Dad, a stepbrother and a stepsister, all who had traveled from northern Utah for this important event. 

 Ryker, a 2nd grader at Bloomington Elementary School, is very social, sweet and caring and loves learning about Jesus. In the classroom, he enjoys science, drawing, arts and crafts but isn't crazy about math.  Outside of school, he very much likes soccer, basketball, getting to know new friends, making people laugh ... and helping his Mom as her biggest helper with his one-year-old brother.

 

In the words of Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Entering into the kingdom of God is so important Jesus set the example to show us ‘the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which [we] should enter.” (2 Nephi 31:9)

 

“Then each week in sacrament meeting we promise to remember the atoning sacrifice of our Savior as we renew our baptismal covenant.  We promise to do as the Savior did – to be obedient to the Father and always keep His commandments.  The blessing we have in return is to always have His spirit to be with us.”

 

As ward members, it is now our responsibility to help his family guide Ryker in whatever way possible, on his journey as a new member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We'll Miss You, Brother Kay Sumsion

Darwin Kay Sumsion, of St George, UT, passed into his eternity on Saturday, April 16, 2022 in Layton at the home of his daughter Sheila only four days short of his 92nd birthday.  This longtime member of the Bloomington 7th Ward was born on April 20, 1930 in Preston, ID – the 3rd son of Mary Caroline Hansen and John Bert Sumsion.   Kay married Deon Rodgers Sumsion on October 26. 1953.  When Kay and Deon first met, she had more than a few beaus, none approved by Kay.  After their marriage, he traveled a lot for work, so their family is blessed to have “quite a few letters” exchanged between the newlyweds.  The Sumsion’s were later sealed for eternity in the Oquirrh Mountain LDS Temple.  She preceded him in death on August 20, 2008 after almost 55 years of marriage.   Kay graduated in the Class of 1948 from Malad High School, then joined the U. S. Air Force, training In Mountain Home, ID to become a Base Electric Power Lineman during the Korean War.  He was stationed in San Antonio, TX and later in Atlanta, GA and shared many amazing and spiritual experiences from his time in the military.  In particular, at one point, he was asked to apply for a special clearance which involved a lengthy wait (“military time”) to enable him to work – in some way – on the atomic bomb!    The Sumsions lived in various Utah communities and in each of the four corner states as his employment necessitated, finally settling in St. George where he retired in 1986 after nearly 30 years with Utah Power and Light.  As a Transmission Line Supervisor, he was responsible for many transmission lines built between Salt Lake City and Kemmerer, WY; Telluride and Durango to Silverton, CO and through the Aneth oil fields, around Montezuma Creek near Blanding, UT.  Much of his work – still in operation today – was done through difficult mountain terrain and in harsh and extreme weather conditions.    He was a very hard worker, loved his career choice, had an amazing talent for “fixing things” and lived a long, simple and happy life.   He loved his time in St. George especially enjoying his relationship with ward members and neighbors who influenced him for the good and with whom he swapped stories.    Kay was an avid golfer, proudly scoring 7 holes-in-one in his lifetime and was regularly on one of his favorite St. George courses until the last few months of his life when he had to put his clubs away. He also enjoyed trailer traveling with his wife, fishing, motorbike riding, and his association with his many man friends and former co-workers.   He was a High Priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a home teacher and later as a faithful temple patron. He loved his family, friends and neighbors, and they loved him.   Darwin is survived by his four children: Dennis (Debbie) Sumsion, South Jordan. UT; Larry (Chervl) Sumsion, Herriman, UT; Susan (Vance) Witbeck, Rexburg, ID; Sheila (David) Baugh, Layton, UT; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and brothers Mark and Neil Sumsion   He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Junior and Zelbert (“Johnny”), sister Fawn, and his wife Deon.   His body was interred on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at the Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 S. 400 East in Springville, UT.