April 15, 1943 — April 20, 2017

Dixie Isabell Wynn Leavitt, 74, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017. Dixie was born April 15, 1943, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Eugene Woodrow and Edith Isabell Snarr Wynn.

Dixie married Jeffery Parker in July 1961. They had two children, Charles Jeffery Parker and Kimberly Lynn Parker. Dixie and Jeff later divorced. She married Donald Vinnell Leavitt in the South Jordan Utah LDS Temple on April 17, 1987, and they were sealed for time and eternity.

When Dixie was a child her family moved to Ontario, Oregon, where she was raised on a family farm. Dixie graduated from Ontario High School.

Dixie was a single parent and sole provider for many years with a bookkeeping/accounting occupation.

She loved to ski, travel and learning to play the organ.

In December 1993, Dixie and Don were called to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Barcelona, Spain, where Dixie learned to speak Spanish.

Dixie is survived by her spouse, Donald Leavitt of St. George, Utah; her daughter, Kimberly Bradshaw; Don’s children, Ken (Deborah) Leavitt and Lisa (Jim) Hunt; multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters and three brothers.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her son, Charles, and son-in-law, Scott.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Friday, April 28, at 1 p.m. in the Green Valley LDS Stake Center, 511 S. Valley View Drive, St. George, Utah.
• There will be a viewing Thursday, April 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff, St. George, and prior to services Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Stake Center.
• Interment will take place in the Tonaquint Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign her guestbook at ww.spilsburymortuary.com.

April 1, 1975 — April 24, 2017

Merrill Johnson Bauer passed away Monday, April 24, 2017, in Central, Utah. He was born April 1, 1975, in Hildale, Utah. He was raised in the Salt Lake Valley.

He was extremely gifted and was a computer wizard. Merrill was an exceptional athlete and excelled in baseball, basketball, football and track. He was deeply loved by his sweetheart, Chery, her children and all his family.

He was kind-hearted, gentle, brilliant, a strong personality and character.

He is survived by his sweetheart, Chery Taylor, and her children, Tristen and Cynthia; his father and mothers, extended family and grandparents: Spencer & Lois Johnson and Merrill R. Bauer.

Funeral services

• All family and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Gathering, Friday, April 28, from 7-9 p.m. in the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, St. George, UT (435) 673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign his online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com .

June 24, 1954 — April 27, 2017

Elizabeth Wayman, 64, passed away peacefully in her sleep due to complications from cancer on Thursday, April 27, 2017, at approximately 4:20 p.m. She was born on June 24, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Clarence Jessop Wayman and Cloteel Barlow Wayman.   

Liz was raised in the Salt Lake Valley and moved numerous times throughout her life. She attended school in Salt Lake City. Liz was primarily a homemaker and was an amazing mother. Liz had many hobbies including cooking, gardening, traveling and being of service to people. She was well known for making the best food around. She loved all flowers but particularly orchids and lilies. Liz had an amazing green thumb and always had a beautiful garden and flowerbeds. 

Liz had 11 children of her own but was a mother to hundreds, if not thousands more. She was incredibly kind and accepting of everyone regardless of where they were from or how others perceived them. Liz’s favorite color was lavender.

Liz is survived by her 11 children, forty-nine grandchildren, and 15 brothers and sisters. She was preceded in death by her Father, Mother, six brothers and five sisters. 

Funeral services

• Services will be May 2, at 1 p.m. in the Spilsbury Mortuary located at 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah.
• There will be a viewing on Monday, May 1, from 5-7 p.m., and another viewing on Tuesday the day of the services from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. 
• Interment will take place at Isaac Carling Memorial Cemetery in Colorado City, Arizona, at 4 p.m. following the services. 
• Liz loved flowers, so feel free to bring flowers if you feel so inclined. 

The family would like to thank Zion’s Way Hospice (Andrea, Tara, Lexi) and all of their talented staff for the incredible strength and support they provided for Liz and her family. We would also like to thank the staff at Dixie Regional Medical Center for their utmost professionalism and kindness during the time leading up to Liz’s passing. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary

December 14, 1922 — April 30, 2017

Wayne Albert Shaw, 94, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2017, in St. George, Utah, surrounded by his family. Wayne was born Dec. 14, 1922, in North Ogden, Utah, to Samuel Albert and Rachel Rosene Ward Shaw. He married Marilyn Elaine Callister, March 31, 1950, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.

Wayne grew up on the Shaw farm in North Ogden, Utah, with his four brothers and one sister. He graduated from Weber High School in 1941. He enlisted in the Army in 1943 and fought in World War II. His military career was always a source of pride to him. A highlight of his life was the invitation for the Veteran Honor Flight that took him to Washington, D.C. in September of 2014. Wayne served an honorable LDS Mission in 1947 in the New England States.

Wayne and Marilyn raised five children in Salt Lake City. He worked as a body and fender man for Ford until he retired. They spent their summers at their cabin in Bear Lake, Idaho, and started as snow birds in St. George, but decided to make it their permanent residence. Wayne and Marilyn were world travelers. They enjoyed going on cruises and trips.

He is survived by his children; Laurie of St. George, Brenda (Brian), Steven (JoDee), Jeffrey and Richard (Shelley), all of Salt Lake City; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dale and Norman; and sister, Nona. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Rachel; brothers, Owen and Melvin; wife, Marilyn; and son-in-law Bruce.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 6, at 11 a.m. at the Spilsbury Mortuary. 
• Friends may call Saturday, May 6, at 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the services. 
• Interment will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Dr. St. George. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.   

A special thanks to the people at The Retreat at Sunbrook Assisted Living and Chris at Hospice.

September 24, 1924 — May 7, 2017

Sherling Allen Black, 92, passed away Sunday, May 7, 2017. He was born Sept. 24, 1924, in Short Creek, Arizona, to James Edwin and Sarah Lavinia Foote Black. He married Joyce Larson on May 21, 1947, in St. George, Utah. They were later sealed in the St. George LDS Temple. They were married for 60 years when Joyce passed away Jan. 16, 2008. 

Sherling grew up in Short Creek, Arizona. He was the youngest of 11 children. He would hike up to the garden every day and help his father tend the garden. He loved climbing all over the mountains. He attended grade school in Short Creek. He attended high school in Fredonia, Arizona, by working for his room and board and going home on weekends. He was drafted into the Army out of Kingman, Arizona, when he was 18 years old.  He attended boot camp at Ft. Roberts for one year where he trained as the gunner corporal on the 155mm, the M-12 gun with the 558 Field Artillery Battalion. He arrived on Utah Beach on D-Day in Normandy, France. He was in the battles of Normandy, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was discharged November 1945. 

Upon returning home, he met and married his sweetheart, Joyce. They moved to Salt Lake City and settled in Kearns where they raised their six children. Sherling was a machine shop supervisor and a master mechanic. They later lived in Hurricane and LaVerkin and finally settled on the family land in Hildale. Sherling loved the family land in the canyon and spent lots of time there with his brothers.

Sherling is survived by his children, Lavinia (Dennis) Alldredge of Henderson, Nevada; Susan (Roger) Rugg of Bluffdale, Utah; Lawrence (Beth) Black of West Jordan, Utah; W. Stacey (Adele) Black of West Jordan, Utah; Willard Black of Colorado City, Arizona; daughter-in-law, Mary (Bruce) Black of Citrus Heights, California; 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, son, Bruce, parents, three sisters and seven brothers.

Funeral services

• A funeral service will be held Friday, May 19, at 10 a.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George.
  
• There will be a viewing Friday, from 9-10 a.m. prior to the services. 
• Interment will be in the Glendale, Utah, cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.   

November 20, 1940 — May 9, 2017

Penn Harris Smith, 76, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in St. George, Utah, on Nov. 20, 1940, to Elias Penn Smith and Louie Harris. He married Mary Anne Reynolds on Sept. 6, 1963, in Henderson, Nevada. Penn and Mary Anne’s marriage was later solemnized in the St. George LDS Temple.  

Penn graduated from Dixie High School in 1959 and loved to share his experience of being on the basketball team that won the state championship in 1958. He was a very talented basketball and track athlete. After high school, he entered the Army where he spent two years of active duty in Germany. Upon returning home from Germany, Penn played for a year on the Dixie College basketball team. Penn’s love for basketball continued throughout his life as he spent many years playing on alumni teams and regularly attending local high school games as well as cheering on his children and grandchildren at all of their events. 

Growing up, Penn always knew what he wanted most was to be a Dad. His greatest joys in life have come from having a big family of eight children, 31 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with one more grandchild and two great-grandchildren on the way. He had a tradition of telephoning each of his children and grandchildren on the morning of their birthday to sing to them and say I love you. He was a family man through and through.

Penn was a very hard-working electrician and general contractor by trade and was gifted with the ability to build and fix anything. He was always willing to share his expertise with others. He also owned and operated heavy equipment for a time. A hobby of his throughout his life was gardening. He loved spending time at his property in Central, which over the years became a favorite destination spot for family, Scout, and Father and Son ward camp outs. Penn always had a joke to tell, a song for everything, and a memory to share.

He was passionate about the Boy Scouts of America program and faithfully served as Scoutmaster for many years. For his many years of dedicated service in the scouting program, Penn was a recipient of the Silver Beaver award. He served faithfully as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved the opportunity he had of serving as the Branch President at the Dixie Area Detention Center for several years as well as on the Stake High Council. He loved spending time with the youth of the church in various ward and stake callings.

Penn wrote in his personal history, “I love life; I love Mary Anne and my family; I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I plan to be around enjoying these things until my Father calls me home.” 

We will miss our loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather dearly and the laughter and joy that he brought to everyone who knew him. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Mary Anne, and his children: Mike (Susan) Smith of St. George; Lisa (Randy) Rarick of Blanding, Utah; Jennifer (Scott) Searle of Cottonwood Heights, Utah; Julie (Todd) Spriggs of Washington, Utah; Steven (Rebecca) Smith of St. George, Utah; Bryan (Mary Jane) Smith of Spring, Texas; and Rachel (Nick) Ence of St. George, Utah; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, John Miller; sisters, Edna Mae Sampson and Salli Gerard.

Penn is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jesse, and daughter, Cheryl. 

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Friday, May 26, at 1 p.m. at the Main Street Chapel, 82 N. Main, Washington, Utah.
• Friends may call Thursday, May 25, from 5-7 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, or Friday morning prior to the funeral from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Main Street Chapel.
• Interment will take place in the Washington City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missionary Fund, Temple Patron Fund or the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kerry Stratford, Dr. Joseph Te and to the staff members of Dixie Hospice for the love and expert care they provided for Penn and his family. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.   

April 6, 1951 — May 13, 2017

Jean Martha Sondergeld-D’arco, 66, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2017, in St. George, Utah. She was born April 6, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, to Herman Charles and Hertha Rusch Sondergeld. She is married to Alfonse Charles D’arco.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 18, 2017, 2 p.m. at the Spilsbury Mortuary Chapel, 110 S. Bluff, St. George, Utah.
• There will be a viewing one hour prior to services at the mortuary.
• Traditional Lutheran graveside services will take place in the Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George.
• Services will be officiated by Pastors Joe and Jill Doherty of the New Promise Lutheran Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.   

November 4, 2013 — May 10, 2017

Our sweet little boy, Jaren Verlan Boren, age 3, passed away after a short fight with spinal meningitis. He was born Nov. 4, 2013, in Cedar City, Utah, to Kevin Michael and Christine Andersen Boren. He was the youngest of 4 children. 

Jared was our ray of sunshine. Full of life and energy. He was very social and made his way into the hearts of everyone he met. Jared was a natural leader. He was kind and comforting to his siblings and friends when they were scared or sad. Jared loved the outdoors, jeeping, hiking and camping with his family. He often roughhoused with his siblings and a goose egg, scratches or stitches were not uncommon. Jared was all boy. He loved anything trucks, dirt, Bob-the-builder or trains. 

He is survived by his parents, Kevin and Christine Boren; sister, Katelynn; and brothers, Spencer and Sidney. He is also survived by his grandparents, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Jared will be sorely missed, but his family is comforted and grateful, knowing that he has returned home to his Father in Heaven. 

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m. at the Hurricane LDS 6^th Ward Chapel, 677 S. 700 W., Hurricane, Utah.
• A viewing will be held Friday, May 19, 2017, from 5-7 p.m. at the chapel and one hour prior to services at the Chapel.
• He will be laid to rest in the Kanab Cemetery, Kanab, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, Jared’s family will be a having a toy drive to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Primary Children’s Medical Center and the staff at the Ronald McDonald House for their kindness and care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.   

July 13, 1924 — May 13, 2017

On Saturday, May 13, 2017, Mearl (Laire) Chadwick, Wilson Miller passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends.

Laire was born on July 13, 1924, in Plavna, Montana, to Charles and Mearl Chadwick. She was the youngest, and last living, of five children; two sisters and two brothers.   

Her family lived in Bellingham, Washington, until Laire was three and then moved to the oil fields in Midwest, Wyoming. She attended grade school and graduated from high school in Midwest.

Following her graduation, she attended nurse’s training in Pocatello General Hospital, Pocatello, Idaho. After she received her “Cap” she entered the U. S. Navy and attended further nurse’s training at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland. After graduation, she was transferred to Shoemaker Naval Hospital in California. While at Shoemaker she met and married James “Bryan” Wilson. They were discharged together at the end of World War II.

After their naval service, they moved to Mr. Wilson’s hometown in Vernon, Texas. While in Texas they had two sons. They then moved to Casper, Wyoming, in the fall of 1951. Mr. Wilson was employed at Standard Oil Company in Casper and in 1956 a third son was born.

In Aug. 1960, Mr. Wilson was critically injured in a boating accident and passed away a week later.

In April 1964, Laire was married to Glenn “Fred” Miller at the First Baptist Church in Casper, Wyoming. They resided in Casper until Fred’s retirement in 1975. They initially moved to Fallbrook, California, where they resided until 1980. They loved to play golf, enjoyed deep sea fishing, camping and travel. They moved to St. George, Utah, in 1980 and settled in the Dixie Downs area.

Laire and Fred were active members of the Community Church of St. George. She loved her church family and was deeply devoted. Laire also volunteered with Hospice for 11 years and was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award in 1996. She was also active in “Care and Share” from 1983 to 1998.

Fred Miller died in March of 2005. Laire continued to live in the couple’s home until she moved to the Southern Utah Veterans Home in June 2015.

Laire is survived by her three sons, Jim Wilson of Richmond, Texas; Dan Wilson of Vancouver, Washington; and Gary Wilson of Ventura, California. She also has five grandchildren: Lisa Owens, Vancouver, Washington; Bryan Wilson of Hanford, California; Jamie Bevandich of Berthoud, Colorado; Bree Copeland of Erda, Utah; and Abi Wilson of Denver, Colorado. She also was blessed with five great-grandchildren and a great great-grand baby.

Laire never met a stranger. Her life was her family and she was very proud of all of them. Her family, her church and all that knew her will miss her.

Funeral services

• The family is planning a celebration of life in mid-July at the Community Church in St George.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.   

April 11, 1995 — May 15, 2017

Trevor “River” Beatty, 22, passed away May 15, 2017. He was born April 11, 1995, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, to Boyd DeWayne Beatty and Melanie Robinson Merrill.

Trevor was creative, active, and curious about the world around him. Trevor had a love for the arts. He participated in dancing, singing and musical theater in the community. He starred as the Prince in the Nutcracker for three seasons. Trevor enjoyed playing the piano and singing. He would learn a song in minutes. Trevor had an affinity for ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Native American history, and learned to read and write both Egyptian and Chinese languages.

River’s death came after a lifelong struggle of being, in her words, “born with a body that was not my own.” Most people who knew River were attuned to her inner chaos and struggle. River identified as transgender and began transitioning from male to female. Throughout her life, there were those who antagonized her because of her gender identity which made it difficult to communicate her truth until recently. River turned to substances as a coping strategy to manage her emotional pain. Despite the bullying and addiction, River was able to experience accomplishment and joy. River was a spiritual person, intuitive, inclusive, kind to all and loved by many.

River is survived by parents Boyd DeWayne Beatty, Melanie Robinson Merrill; birth mother, Tracy Green (Idaho); grandparents, Joan and Mark Nixon, St. George, Utah, C.H. and Phyllis Robinson, Herriman, Utah; and great-grandparents, Charles and Peggy Nixon, Evanston, Wyoming.

Preceded in death by sister, Jaymie LeShae Beatty, and grandmother, Fern Corwin, Evanston, Wyoming.

Funeral services

• There will be a viewing Saturday, May 20, from 1-2 p.m. at the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff, St. George, Utah.
• Graveside services will follow at the Washington City Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.   

July 22, 1925 — May 10, 2017

Delores Rosenkilde, 91 of LaVerkin, Utah, passed away on May 10. She was born July 22, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Walter Owczarzak and Irene Beyer. She married Clifford Rosenkilde on April 20, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois.

Delores gave birth to her first two children, Connie and Gary, in Chicago. The family then moved their home to Kenosha, Wisconsin, before moving west to California. The family settled in Fullerton, California, and soon grew by two boys, Andy and Kurt. Delores was in her glory of raising her family and teaching them the value of kindness and hard work. Delores was a diligent homemaker taking pride in the appearance and tidiness of the family home, as well as an exceptional baker. Delores’s baking efforts were always looked forward to during family events and the holidays.

In 1994, Delores suffered her first stroke at the young age of 60. While devastating to the family, Delores demonstrated incredible grit and hard work to rehabilitate herself. With God’s help, Delores became an example of recovery. She lived independently with her husband for another 30 years and by herself for the last year and a half.

She is survived by her children: Connie Smith and her husband, David; Gary Rosenkilde and his wife, Max; Andy Rosenkilde and his wife, Cindy; Kurt Rosenkilde and his wife, Julie; grandchildren: Michael, Robin, Donielle, Ryan, Nicole, Trevor, Nathali and great-grandchild, Rocky. She is preceded in death by her husband, Cliff.

The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to the Home Instead caregiving team of Craig, Nydia, Verna, Kim, Darci and especially Anne, who was a great friend and companion.

A simple service will be held on May 19 at 11 a.m. at Delores’ home, 65 E. 320 North, LaVerkin, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.   

November 28, 1921 — May 15, 2017

Donna Howick Petersen, passed away Monday, May 15, 2017, at her home in Mesquite, Nevada. She was born Nov. 28, 1921, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Mahonri Carter and Vera Martha Lythgoe Howick.

Donna’s life partner and husband, Clarence Emil Petersen “Click” preceded her in death this past Feb. In life, they did everything together: golf, fishing, ‘The Cabin’, bowling, hunting, and Bingo. We know after 76 years of marriage, Monday was the day for a glorious reunion of husband and wife and all who had passed before her.

Donna and Click loved their family. In fact, their daughter, Linda, was Donna’s best friend.

Donna will be greatly missed. We love you Mom, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

Donna is survived by her children, Gary Lynn (Linda Flowers) Petersen, Ivins, UT and daughter, Linda Lee Erickson, Mesquite, NV; 5 grandchildren: Brett Michael Erickson, Jon Petersen, Robyn (Cary) Christensen, Eriella (Tag) Brown and Chad (Jen) Petersen; 9 great-grandchildren and 2 ½ great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services

• Graveside services will be Tuesday, May 23, at 1 p.m. in the Ivins City Cemetery, Ivins, Utah.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.   

June 23, 1940 — May 19, 2017

Jim (Jimmie) Montoya, 76, passed away Friday, May 19, 2017, after losing a courageous battle with heart failure, caused by diabetes. He was born in Questa, New Mexico.

He worked at the Kennecott Copper mines as a diesel mechanic for 42 years.

Jim is the beloved husband of 52 years to Deanna Montoya; father of Vicki (Carlos) Fields, Debbie (Brad) Nikolaus, Jeff (Debbie) Johnson, Lori (Larry) Burk and Jimmy (Jill) Montoya. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

The family sends their thanks to the doctor and nurses at Dixie Regional Medical Center, St. George, for the dedicated care given to Jim and for their compassion and patience shown to us during this bad time.

Funeral services

• Honoring Jim’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. At a later date, Military Honors will be privately held at the Utah Veteran’s Memorial State Park, Bluffdale, Utah.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.   

December 8, 1927 — May 18, 2017

What a sweet reunion it must have been for our dear wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, Agnes Frei Snow, as she completed her mortal sojourn on Thursday, May 18, 2017, and was reunited with her children, her parents, and many loved ones who had gone before her. She was born in Santa Clara, Utah, on Dec. 8, 1927, to Edward R. Frei Jr. and Rhoda Tobler Frei. Grandma, the “cute girl from Santa Clara”, attended Woodward School in St. George, Utah, where she met and won the heart of Chester “Chet” Snow. She graduated from Dixie High. Grandma and Grandpa were married on Sept. 8, 1944, and were later sealed in the St. George LDS Temple. 

Grandma and Grandpa began their family amidst the uncertainty brought on by the war.  She loved her children and loved raising them in a small town surrounded by so many extended family members. Picnics with her kids in Snow Canyon and Three Mile were a regular part of her schedule and camping trips at Pine Valley and Cedar Mountain were family favorites. Holidays held a special meaning to Grandma and had from the time she was young. This was a love that she passed on to her own children.

Grandma had an amazing capacity to love. As her children married and had children of their own, she shared that love with her growing family. She made everyone feel special. Her love and devotion for her good husband were deniable. Whether it be an overnight escape in the camper at Lake Mead when the kids were young, their adventures with the Good Sam Club later in life, or gathered together with their children and grandchildren, life was full of purpose and meaning because of love. A true love story like Grandma and Grandpa’s never ends.

She will be missed by her husband of 72 years, Chester K. Snow; John Esplin (son-in-law), Cheryl Snow (daughter-in-law); eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her children, Gerri Lynn Esplin, Chester Kenneth Snow, Kevin Lee Snow; and her grandson, Bryan Esplin.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 30, at 12 p.m. at the Snow Canyon LDS 13^th Ward, 1610 N. Dixie Downs Road, St. George, Utah. 
• Family and friends are invited to her viewing Tuesday morning, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the same location.
•  Interment will take place at the St. George City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association / Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association by going to http://www.alsa.org.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at the Southern Utah Veterans Home for their loving care of our sweet grandma.  She considered them to be part of her extended family and loved them all dearly. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.   

September 28, 1930 — May 16, 2017

Fredrick Walter Osborn, 86, passed away May 16, 2017. He was born Sept. 28, 1930, to Hester Moore and Donald Osborn in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was married to Delores Mae Suttorp in 1954.

He was an alumnus of the University of Michigan and a Naval veteran. An electrical engineer by profession, he retired from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, where he participated in the development of the Galileo space probe. He won two battles with cancer and spent his retirement building his dream home and pursuing his love of aviation. He loved to swim and participate in political discussions.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Delores; sister, Molly; son, Douglas; daughter, Katherine; and granddaughter, Alana. He is preceded in death by his father, mother and sister, Viola.

Donations may be made to the Southern Utah Veterans Home, located at 160 N. 200 East, Ivins, Utah, 84738; or Dixie Regional Medical Center, 1380 E. Medical Center Dr., St. George, Utah, 84790.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, St. George, Utah 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Fredricks’ guest book at  www.spilsburymortuary.com.

April 21, 2017 — May 18, 2017

Oliver Cecil Hutchings and his twin brother, Porter Wesley, appeared 3 and a half months earlier than expected. Ollie was almost the exact opposite of his twin, Porter. He had dark hair, darker skin, and instead of being laid back he had permanent scowl lines and a personality universally described as “feisty.”

Although he had many problems, he fought as hard as he could for almost a month, during which time we grew to love him more than we thought possible. Although we know he was also here “long enough” we will sorely miss him and look forward to holding our sweet boys Ollie and Porter again. We want to thank all of the wonderful nurses, doctors and other caregivers in the Dixie Regional NICU for their love, support and hard work helping our boys.

Ollie is preceded in death by his brother, Porter, and is survived by parents, Jon and Bridget, brothers, JT and Emersen, sister, Harper. Grandparents are Tracy and Tami Cox of Hurricane, Utah, and Dennis and Alison Hutchings of Springville, Utah.

Funeral services

Graveside services will be at the Hurricane Cemetery at 11 a.m. Friday, May 26. All are welcome.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign his guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

November 20, 1940 — May 9, 2017

Penn Harris Smith, 76, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in St. George, Utah, on Nov. 20, 1940, to Elias Penn and Louie Harris Smith. He married Mary Anne Reynolds on Sept. 6, 1963, in Henderson, Nevada. Penn and Mary Anne’s marriage was later solemnized in the St. George LDS Temple.  

Penn graduated from Dixie High School in 1959 and loved to share his experience of being on the basketball team that won the state championship in 1958. He was a very talented basketball and track athlete. After high school, he entered the Army where he spent two years of active duty in Germany. Upon returning home from Germany, Penn played for a year on the Dixie College basketball team. Penn’s love for basketball continued throughout his life as he spent many years playing on alumni teams and regularly attending local high school games as well as cheering on his children and grandchildren at all of their events. 

Growing up, Penn always knew what he wanted most was to be a Dad. His greatest joys in life have come from having a big family of eight children, 31 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, with one more grandchild and two great-grandchildren on the way. He had a tradition of telephoning each of his children and grandchildren on the morning of their birthday to sing to them and say I love you. He was a family man through and through.

Penn was a very hard-working electrician and general contractor by trade and was gifted with the ability to build and fix anything. He was always willing to share his expertise with others. He also owned and operated heavy equipment for a time. A hobby of his throughout his life was gardening. He loved spending time at his property in Central, which over the years became a favorite destination spot for family, Scout, and Father and Son ward camp outs. Penn always had a joke to tell, a song for everything, and a memory to share.

He was passionate about the Boy Scouts of America program and faithfully served as Scoutmaster for many years. For his many years of dedicated service in the scouting program, Penn was a recipient of the Silver Beaver award. He served faithfully as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved the opportunity he had of serving as the Branch President at the Dixie Area Detention Center for several years as well as on the Stake High Council. He loved spending time with the youth of the church in various ward and stake callings.

Penn wrote in his personal history, “I love life; I love Mary Anne and my family; I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I plan to be around enjoying these things until my Father calls me home.” 

We will miss our loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather dearly and the laughter and joy that he brought to everyone who knew him. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Mary Anne; his children: Mike (Susan) Smith of St. George; Lisa (Randy) Rarick of Blanding, Utah; Jennifer (Scott) Searle of Cottonwood Heights, Utah; Julie (Todd) Spriggs of Washington, Utah; Steven (Rebecca) Smith of St. George, Utah; Bryan (Mary Jane) Smith of Spring, Texas; and Rachel (Nick) Ence of St. George, Utah; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, John Miller; sisters, Edna Mae Sampson and Salli Gerard.

Penn is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jesse, and daughter, Cheryl. 

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Friday, May 26, at 1 p.m. at the Main Street Chapel, 82 N. Main, Washington, Utah.
• Friends may call Thursday, May 25, from 5-7 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, or Friday morning prior to the funeral from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Main Street Chapel.
• Interment will take place in the Washington City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missionary Fund, Temple Patron Fund or the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kerry Stratford, Dr. Joseph Te, and to the staff members of Dixie Hospice for the love and expert care they provided for Penn and his family. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.   

April 15, 1925 — May 24, 2017

Grant W. Iverson, 92, father, grandfather and beloved cowboy dropped the reins peacefully on May 24, 2017, in St. George, Utah. He was born on April 15, 1925, in Washington, Utah, to Wallace Joseph and Dina Adams Iverson.

Dad grew up on a horse or behind a team of horses and worked on the family farm during the Depression. He was a veteran and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from Jan. 15, 1944-April 22, 1946, in the amphibious force as a boatswain mate 2^nd class stationed on the Pacific Islands for his whole tour of duty.

Prior to dad’s military service, he met the love of his life, Grace Spendlove. After he returned from overseas they were married on May 13, 1948. Their marriage was later solemnized on March 25, 1952, in the St. George LDS Temple. Recently they just celebrated their 69^th wedding anniversary. They had three beautiful daughters, Connie, Carmen and Sharon.

After the war, dad worked on his family’s farm and on the district gunite machine, lining the Washington Fields canal and irrigation ditches with cement. Dad and LaGrande Frei did all the cement work on the Dixie Sun Bowl in 1947.

Dad’s life’s profession was driving truck for 32 years. He drove three years for Rocky Mountain and 29 years for Milne Truck Lines. After his retirement, he went to work at DATS Trucking for 13 years for his son-in-law, Stanley Snow, and Stan’s partner, Don Ipson. Dad received driver of the month in 1999 and was awarded driver of the year in 2000. From UMTA, for the state of Utah, he received recognition for outstanding service as a Professional Truck Driver in 2001. He drove over 1 million miles without an accident.

Dad lived a full life. He loved his horses, roping, fishing, boating, camping and all sports. He worked hard and played hard. He always said, “you can’t take it with you.” Dad was the happiest when his most important asset, his family, surrounded him. Each time his family visited he was sure to let them know how proud he was of them.

He is survived by his wife, Grace; two daughters, Carmen (Stanley) Snow, Sharon (Dennis) Stucki; son-in-law Gary Jenkins; 12 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren with one due in October. He is also survived by three siblings, Wanda Sandberg, Fayone Lulchuck, and Dennis (Jeri Burgess) Iverson; sisters-in-law, Nada and Judy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Connie Jenkins; brothers, Claire and Malin Iverson; sister, Celeste; and brothers-in-law, Grant Blackett and Wayne Sandberg.

We wish to thank those at IHC Dixie Regional Medical Center, Dr. Leavitt, Chad, Abigail, Megan, Briele, Michelle, Mary Ann and Laurie for the comfort they gave our dad.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 30, 11 a.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary Chapel, 110 S. Bluff, St. George, Utah.
• There will be a viewing Tuesday prior to services from 9-10:45 a.m. at the Mortuary.
• Interment will take place in the Washington City Cemetery Washington, Utah.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign Grant’s online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

November 13, 1950 — May 22, 2017

Capt. Robert B. Brannon, USN, Retired, Ph.D., 66. Surrounded by his family, Bob passed peacefully in his sleep after succumbing to pancreatic cancer on May 22, 2017, at his home in (Kayenta) Ivins, Utah. Born Nov. 13, 1950, in Alice, Texas, to Burl and Cleo Brannon, Bob grew up in Corsicana, Texas, and joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 after graduating from high school. He married Stella Diana Boone Oct. 13, 1979, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Robert Brannon wore many hats in four decades of federal service: Navy Sailor, Naval Officer, Naval Attaché, Educator and Author. He was also a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, teacher, professor, leader and stand-up guy until the very end.

Robert ‘Bob’ Brannon enjoyed an illustrious and international career that included prestigious assignments in Hawaii, Japan, Belgium, Russia and Germany. His most recent assignment was at the George C. Marshall Center (Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany), from which Dr. Brannon retired after serving as the Dean of the College of International and Security Studies. Formerly, he was a member of the faculty at the National Defense University’s National War College in Washington, D.C., where he served for three years as Chairman of the Department of Security Studies and Professor of Strategy. On a previous assignment to the George C. Marshall Center, Dr. Brannon served as Director of the Senior Executive Seminar, and as Director of the Program in Advanced Security Studies. Specializing in Russian political and military affairs, he taught courses in national security strategy, civil-military relations, scenario planning for alternative futures and nuclear policy. Prior to that, he was the Chief of Naval Operations Chair and a member of the military faculty for four years.

Dr. Brannon was honored to be a National Security Fellow in residence at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and an International Affairs Fellow at MIT. He earned a Ph.D. in World Politics and Russian Studies, as well as an MA in International Affairs from The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. His research interests focused primarily on Russian political-military affairs and civil-military relations and his published work includes Russian Civil-Military Relations, a book about civil-military relations in Russia during the transition from Yeltsin to Putin.

Retired from active duty after 38 years of service in the U.S. Navy, Capt. Brannon, Ret., served several tours at sea, including assignments on the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV41) as assistant navigator and as a Naval Flight Officer with four different Patrol Squadrons, culminating with command of VP-45 while deployed to Keflavik, Iceland. Following his command tour, he was designated with a subspecialty in Russian and European international affairs, serving for three years at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, where he coordinated the initial framework documents for the Partnership for Peace. He became one of the Navy’s first designated Foreign Area Officers, prior to a three-year assignment in Russia as U.S. Naval Attaché.

Bob approached his plan for death the way he approached his plan for life with graciousness and dignity. He is survived by his beloved wife, Stella; his daughter, Stefanie Eigen, and son-in-law Sam Eigen (Las Vegas, Nevada); his son Christopher Brannon; daughter-in-law Kimberly Brannon; grandchildren Kaitlin and Jack Brannon (Las Vegas, Nevada); his daughter, Alexandra Brannon (Walnut Creek, California); sister, Martha Murrell (Austin, Texas) and sister Suzy Cleve (Mayhill, NM); and many extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Burl and Cleo Brannon; his sister, Barbara Barratt, and his brother, Joe Brannon.

He has touched so many lives and he left us too early. We will miss him deeply mourning his passing but we insist on celebrating his life. Bob loved astronomy, gardening, reading, skiing, hiking, cycling, sitting in his Jacuzzi admiring the beautiful scenery surrounding his home in Kayenta and riding his new Harley. He will always be with us and if you are looking, there is a star with his name on it. The Robert B. Brannon Star with the coordinates: RA:9h17m26.12s DEC: +53°56’47.4” Near the Big Dipper. To sum it up, one of his favorite songs by Joe Walsh “Life’s Been Good” says it all.

Funeral services

• Funeral & Interment services will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a to be determined date.
  
• In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Association of American Veterans.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign his online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

May 17, 1940 — May 25, 2017

Lanette Louise Berrett Brown (“Lannie”), age 77, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at home on May 25, 2017 (her 55th wedding anniversary), due to complications from brain surgery. She was loved by all who knew her.

Lannie was born May 17, 1940, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Lyman Charles and Louise Marie Lockman Berrett. She was raised in Montpelier, Idaho, and Downey California, along with her younger siblings, Denney and Vicki, whom she loved and adored. Lannie graduated from Downey High School and attended Brigham Young University, where she met Richard Kent Brown (Dick) in an abnormal-psychology class. Lannie and Dick were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on May 25, 1962, the same day they graduated from BYU. 

Lannie and Dick lived in Utah, Montana, Illinois, and Arizona, where they made many dear friends. They raised seven children and Lannie also taught elementary school. She served faithfully in numerous callings in the LDS Church and enjoyed volunteering in the temple. She loved people and made time to visit with anyone, whether she had a spare minute or not. She made everyone feel as if they were her best friend. Her kind, loving demeanor set a great example for all who came in contact with her. She also enjoyed reading and writing in her journal, and her all-time favorite vacation place was the beach.

Lannie is survived by her children, Lori (Les) Casey of St. George; Eric (Lisa) of Houston, Texas; Kent (Elizabeth) of St. George; Joel (Missy) of Vernal, Utah; Kyle (Laurie) of St. George; Jill (Jason) Briggs of Gilbert, Arizona; and Jodi (Jason) Curtis of St. George; 38 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren (plus one due in October); her brother Denney (Lorene) Berrett; sister Vicki (Scott) Wilson; and sister-in-law Gloria (Gerald) Day. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, parents-in-law, and two brothers-in-law.

Funeral services

• Funeral services will be held Friday, June 2, at 10 a.m. at the St. James Ward building, 1095 E. St. James Lane, St. George, Utah. 
• A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 1, from 6-8 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah, and on Friday from 9-9:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service.
• Graveside services and interment will take place on Friday, June 2, at 4 p.m. in Annabella, Utah. 

Lannie’s family would like to thank Dr. Berkeley Bate and the other skilled doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff who took such good care of her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Spilsbury Mortuary online.