GARY KENNETH GABBITAS

 

Gary Kenneth Gabbitas

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Gary Kenneth Gabbitas

Gary Kenneth Gabbitas went to meet his sweetheart, Sherey, on October 18, 2026. Gary was born on February 7, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was the oldest son of Kenneth and Mae Gabbitas. He was raised in Springville, Utah, and married his sweetheart, Sherey Leann Christiansen, on February 10, 1956. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 10, 1974. They shared 64 wonderful years of marriage.

Gary and Sherey raised their three children, Val, Lonnie, and Kristy, in North Ogden, Utah. Gary was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Gary taught his children the value of hard work and how to enjoy the great outdoors. He especially loved fishing and could often be found fishing alongside his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

Gary was well known in the communities where he lived. In high school, he was a local basketball star and earned a college scholarship for his athletic ability. He built a successful career as a drywaller, framer, and foreman. He supervised and helped build many buildings throughout Ogden, Salt Lake City, Provo, and other communities. Some of the buildings he worked on included the MTC in Provo, UT, and the Hangers at Hill Air Force Base. He also built and worked on many homes, churches, banks, and schools in the communities where he lived.

Gary was a master craftsman and woodworker. He built beautiful furniture and hand-carved remarkably lifelike wooden fish. Friends and family would bring him a fish they had caught, and he would carve a wooden replica that looked like the real thing.

Gary was also a talented gardener who grew the most beautiful flowers, which were still blooming the day he passed. He loved being outdoors and found joy in working with his hands and enjoying nature.

Gary deeply loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He especially enjoyed playing outdoor games with them and teaching them how to fish. These memories will be treasured, and he will be greatly missed by his family.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gary served in many callings throughout his life. He had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mae Gabbitas; his beloved wife, Sherey Gabbitas; his brothers, Darrell Gabbitas and Robert (Linda) Gabbitas; and his daughter Kristy Green.

He is survived by his brothers, Kent (the late Althea) Gabbitas and Dennis Gabbitas; his sister, Vickie (Phil) Simkins; his sons, Val (Malia) Gabbitas and Lonnie (Roxane) Gabbitas; his son-in-law, Doug Green (the late Kristy), his grandchildren, Audrey (Matthew) Stokes, Annie (Cameron) Drommond, Jake (Lisa) Gabbitas, Kaydee (José) Romero, Garrett (Tami) Gabbitas, Chase Gabbitas, Rochell Barrett, Jason (KaeAnn) Gabbitas, Timothy Gabbitas, Tabatha (Llvarrious) Gabbitas, Amanda (Josh) Orton, Annalyn (Buck) Barney, and Hannah (Jordan) Ruth Pond; and 31 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 23

GERRY E. McARTHUR

 

 

Gerry E. McArthur

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Gerry Evan McArthur, a loving husband, devoted father, cherished "Papa," and beloved educator, passed away suddenly, on November 4, 2026, at the age of 86, just weeks shy of his 87th birthday.

His life was a masterclass in loyalty, dedication, hard work, forgiveness and unconditional love. Born the day after Christmas, 1939, in the unique setting of the front parlor of the Bishop’s Storehouse in Ephraim, Utah, Gerry entered the world with a story to tell. He was raised in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, where he spent his youth learning the value of honest labor on the family farm. In a post-war America, it was his mother’s forward-thinking inspiration and belief in him that encouraged him to pursue higher education—a path that would ultimately shape the lives of many.

Gerry turned that opportunity into a 34-year career as an incredible teacher, serving his entire tenure within Rich County School District. By the time he retired, his classroom had become a generational rite of passage; he proudly taught the children of many of his first students. His impact as an educator extended far beyond textbooks, leaving a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.

Gerry was a loyal and loving husband to his wife, ReNae, building a beautiful life anchored in devotion and mutual respect. As a father, he dedicated his very existence to raising his daughters, pouring his heart, wisdom, and strength into their dreams. He selflessly spent countless hours in the gym, helping his daughters hone their athletic talents. Night after night, he drove hours each way for their practices, making the long journey home late into the night just to support their dreams.

That immense capacity for love only multiplied when he became "Papa." He was intentionally and deeply involved in the lives of his seven beautiful grandchildren and his great-granddaughter, making sure each one knew how profoundly they were loved.

Gerry lived a life quietly dedicated to service and possessed a rare, Christlike gift for connecting with others. Within his Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint faith, he loved serving as a dedicated ministering brother. He was consistently given ministering assignments to inactive members of the Church or individuals who wouldn't let anyone else past their front door. Because of his innate ability to form deeply meaningful and welcoming relationships, he unlocked closed doors and brought warmth and belonging back into the lives of many who felt forgotten.

He is survived by his loving wife, ReNae McArthur; his daughters, Teresa (Matt) Taylor, Camilla McArthur, and Tanya (Brandon) Birch; his seven adored grandchildren, Payton (Samantha) Taylor, Maleah Taylor, Ellyse Taylor, Keira Birch, Olivia Birch, Avery Birch, and Devin Birch; and his precious great-granddaughter, Emma Louise Taylor. He also leaves behind a community of former students, neighbors, and friends who will miss his warmth, his stories, and his gentle guidance.

Gerry was reunited in death with his parents, Evan and Thelma Thomson McArthur, as well as his brother Brent Hal, who was killed in the Vietnam War, and his infant siblings, Jay and Sherry Veloy.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 13th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Mt. Pleasant 5th Ward building (49 South State Street). A viewing will take place prior to the services on Friday morning at the 5th Ward building from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Mt. Pleasant Emergency Personnel who worked tirelessly in their efforts to save his life. 

To Watch Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 10:45 a.m.

TERRT ANDERSON ~~~JOE SPENCER~~~EARL KENT NIELSON (Obituaries Saved by Peter)

 

 

JAMES NEIL JORGENSEN ~Long-time Friend

 

 

James Neil Jorgensen

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James Neil Jorgensen passed away peacefully at home the morning of September 16th, 2026 in the same valley where he was born, where he lived, and where he left a legacy. Neil was born October 1st, 1935, the second of four children born to Delma Mortensen and James Ray Jorgensen.

Neil was shaped by the land and the people of Sanpete Valley. He grew up on the family farm west of Mt. Pleasant, alongside his brothers, Keith and Robert, His sister, Colleen, and his grandparents. There he learned at an early age the value of hard work, keeping your word, caring for those you love, and never being afraid to begin with very little. At only 14 years old Neil bought his first herd of sheep laying the foundation of the heritage he now leaves behind.

Neil graduated from North Sanpete High School in 1953. He played basketball, was FFA Chapter President, played the saxophone in the band ‘Three Hits and a Miss’, and was awarded the State Farmer Degree. He served an LDS mission in Canada then attended BYU where he began dating the love of his life, Diane Aagard. On July 31st, 1959, they were married for time and all eternity in the Logan, Utah temple.

As newlyweds, there was no honeymoon or easy beginning. They simply went to work, herding their own sheep together across the desert through winter and spring. It was a life they chose and the work they loved and they did it side by side.

That same devotion shaped the way Neil loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Everything he did was for family, and family was everything. Neil never withheld his support, steadiness, or the words ‘I love you.’ He was a shepherd and his family his flock. His greatest pride was never found in what he owned or built, but in the people who gathered around him.

As the patriarch of the multigenerational Skyline Sheep Company, Neil was a sheep rancher whose influence stretched far beyond his own ranch. He operated sheep across multiple states, owned a processing and packing company, managed private and public land, and tirelessly advocated for the domestic sheep industry in every way possible. Neil was a Sheepman through and through.

In addition to sheep ranching, Neil had an entrepreneurial spirit, a deep love for the community he called home, and a tender spot for the underdog. Along with Diane, he started and ran the Country Squire store, restored the Main Street North Sanpete High Gymnasium, provided jobs, and generously supported those in need. He found genuine joy and satisfaction in working hard, building his community, and helping others.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Delma and James Ray, brothers, Keith and Robert, and sister, Colleen Morley. He is survived by his beloved wife Diane, their 4 children Jeff, Todd, Lisa and Jenifer and their spouses, 19 grandchildren, and 45 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 21st, 11:00 am at the Mt. Pleasant North Stake Center, 461 N. 300 W. Mt Pleasant, Utah. Viewings will be held Sunday evening, 6:00-8:00 pm and Monday morning, 9:00-10:30 am at the Mt. Pleasant North Stake Center. 

To Watch Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 10:45 a.m. MST prior to services. 

EDWARD NORMAN

 

 

ROBERT WAYNE STAKER

  

Robert Wayne Staker

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Robert Wayne Staker passed away August 17, 2026, of pancreatic cancer. Born August 25,1946 to Gordon L. Staker and Glenda R. Staker. Rob graduated from North Sanpete High School in 1964, then served a two-year mission in Australia for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married Sheila Ann Tippetts in the Salt Lake Temple on September 13, 1968. Together they had 5 children: Becky (Trevor) Paulson, Wayne (Becca) Staker, Kelly (Steve) Littlefield, Jake (Jessica) Staker, and Rusty (Matthew) Visher, as well as 18 grandchildren and 2 greats.

Rob graduated from Snow College and Utah State University with a degree in Range Management. He made his life’s work in construction eventually owning his own company. In doing this he provided a work structure for his sons and others who wanted it. He was hard working and always known for his honesty.

He held many church callings including bishopric and two times in the stake high council.

Rob had a passion for the mountains, taking his family camping when he could, especially on the 4th of July. Of course, fishing was often involved. By his kids he was known for rock rolling (big rocks down the mountain side), funny songs, wheeler rides, and watching big thunderstorms roll in. At home were his family nests, helping others, piling in the car to go get lickers (ice cream cones), and seeing if apples could be peeled in one long, unbroken strip.

Rob was known for his nicknames given to all his kids and grandkids. Others were also known to be recipients of these coveted names.

Time in Yellowstone with his brother was always a highlight.

During retirement most summers were spent in Alaska at a fishing lodge with friends where time was spent supervising the boat dock and Sheila was the cook. Of course, fishing and good times were involved. Many good friends were made. Ron was one of those good friends whom he loved to salmon fish with.

Later in life Rob loved to have and be in his garden. Getting wood for his woodburning stove was his playtime. Temple work and service became his passion. Together with his wife he served in the Manti Temple since January 2012. He will be missed and was loved by all who knew him.

We would like to thank Intermountain Hospice for their tender loving care. Especially Kallie and Virginia for their love and support.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Mt. Pleasant North Stake Center. Viewings will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Friday 9:30 -10:30 a.m. prior to service, both held at the church. Interment at the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery. 

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