Richard Wayne Rigby

 

 

Richard Wayne Rigby,


12/5/1959 ~ 12/9/2020


Richard Wayne Rigby, 61 of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, passed away December 9, 2020. Richard was born on December 5, 1959, in Mt. Pleasant, Utah to Richard & Sherril Rigby. He graduated from North Sanpete. He married his beloved wife Lori Lynn Shand on October 7, 2008, they enjoyed 16 years together.
Rick, as he was known to friends and family, was a devoted father, husband and son.

At the coal mine, Rick was a fire boss, always looking out for the safety of his fellow miners. He loved his country and served honorably as a combat engineer in the 1457th Division of the Army National Guard. He served in Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He sustained an injury in Iraq that gave him chronic back pain. We are so glad he is now pain-free. Rick was an avid collector and outdoorsman. He supported the community he lived in as a volunteer EMT and at the local food bank. He loved his country, but above all, he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Rick was a loved, beautiful human being who always tried to do the right thing and didn’t always succeed. Above all, he worked to provide the best for his children. He loved them individually, although some at a distance. He had a very special relationship with his youngest son Ricky. They spent their time watching movies, playing video games, and talking on long drives.

Rick is survived by his mother, Sherril Rigby, wife Lori Lynn Rigby; his four children Robert (Rachelle) Rigby, Karl Rigby, Melissa (Peter) Hartwich, and Ricky Rigby; siblings Blake Rigby, and Sue Ellen Rigby; grandchildren Jim, Khloe, Emery, Liam, and Max. Preceded in death by his father Richard; brother Jim, and sister-in-law, Shelly Rigby.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, December 18, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Senior Center (101 E 100 N). Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com

Erwin Jay Smith

 

 

DeeAnn Peterson Lubbers

 

Erwin Jay Smith

 

 

Erwin Jay Smith

12/7/1948 ~ 10/18/2020

Erwin Jay Smith passed away on the 18th of October 2020 at home due to complications from cancer. Erwin was born on December 7th, 1948 to Mahlon and Annie Mae (Gardiner) Smith, the second of seven children. He attended school in Lindon and Pleasant Grove graduating in 1967. He served in the Alaska/British Columbia LDS mission. He continued to serve the LDS church during his life in many capacities throughout the years to include: Bishopric, Sunday School Teacher, Young Men’s, and as a Temple Worker which he truly enjoyed. He married Deon Beveridge for time and all eternity on March 4, 1971 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed/cursed (depending on one’s point of view) with three sons; Brett, Kayle and Justin.

Erwin worked hard throughout his life as a brick mason and coal miner. He was never one to shirk from a tough day’s work, taking pride in the fact that he made an honest living. He also served in the Utah National Guard, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. Erwin was proud of his time in Delta and Alpha companies of the 1457th Engineer Battalion and of his service in support of Desert Storm. After finishing his service to his country in uniform, he continued to serve as he revitalized the American Legion Post 4 in Mt. Pleasant during which time he served as the commander for several years.

Erwin supported his three sons and their families in all their endeavors throughout the years.

Grandpa Erwin and Grandma Deon were delighted with their 19 grandchildren as they tried to attend most events of grandchildren’s events to support them. It didn’t matter whether it was football, dance, softball, baseball, soccer, boxing, choir, basketball, wrestling, scouts, young women’s, a mission, an academic achievement, military service or a graduation; Grandpa would be there to cheer/console, congratulate, love and let them know that he cared for each of them.

Erwin is survived by his wife of 49 years Deon, his three sons, Brett (Merri), Kayle (Shelley), and Justin (Sara) and 19 (+ 4 additional that married in) grandchildren; his mother-in law Rosalyn Beveridge, his sisters Renda Bahr, Denise Sorensen, Cindy (Kerry Graves) three brothers Dan (Jane) Smith, Tod (Krystal) Smith and Tony Smith. Preceded in death by his parents Mahlon and Annie Mae Smith, father-in law Darrell Beveridge, and two brother in-laws Kent Sorensen and Carl Bahr.

A viewing will be held on Sunday evening the 25th of October from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Rasmussen Mortuary located at 96 N in 100 W in Mt. Pleasant. Funeral services will be held Monday the 26th of October at 11:00 am at the Mt. Pleasant 1st Ward Chapel with a viewing form 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the church. Erwin will be laid to rest in the Mt. Pleasant City cemetery with Military honors provided by the Utah National Guard, American Legion Post 4, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9276.  

DeeAnn Peterson Lubbers

 

 

DeeAnn Peterson Lubbers

10/28/1939 ~ 10/17/2020

DeeAnn was born in Salt Lake City and raised in Mt. Pleasant, Utah by her parents Josephine Pagano Peterson and Bert Edwin Peterson. She followed her mother’s profession as an educator, teaching elementary students for 30+ years with a special emphasis on reading. Like her father, she loved the country life and maintained her childhood home, returning often.

DeeAnn graduated from North Sanpete High School, Class of 1957, and valued lifelong friendships with her classmates. Following high school and through her college years she worked summers at Zion National Park, a sanctuary she loved throughout her life. She graduated from the University of Utah in 1961 and began her dreams to travel the world. In the summer of 1962, some 17 short years from the end of WWII, she set sail, traveling alone, from Los Angeles to Japan where she lived as an exchange student with a family in Nagano, creating a lifelong bond. That family would visit DeeAnn’s family in Tucson, AZ in the late 1970s, teaching her young sons at an early age to love, value and appreciate all of God’s children the world over. She would go on to earn a Master’s degree from the University of Arizona in Early Childhood Development and a certificate in Gerontology. As a lifelong learner, in her retirement years she enrolled in the Institute of Continual Learning at Dixie State University and took classes of all varieties for many years.

In 1963 she married W. Boyd Dover and had two sons; W. Brent Dover (Catherine) and Bert Travis Dover (Gena). After a divorce, DeeAnn had the good fortune to meet and marry Earl R. Lubbers in Tucson, Arizona in 1973. Earl became the “father he didn’t have to be” to Brent and Bert. They added their son Ryan Earl Lubbers (Raquel) and have eleven wonderful grandchildren who were her “jewels in the crown of old age.”

Earl and DeeAnn loved one another deeply, and found a shared sense of adventure in finding opportunities for travel throughout America and much of the world, including missionary pick-ups in Finland/Russia and Brazil. They twice participated in the China Teacher Program for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, living and teaching English and American Culture to students in Qingdao and Xi’An China for a total of two years. DeeAnn always had a very strong commitment to learn about her pioneer and immigrant heritage which involved traveling several times to Sweden and Italy to meet many relatives and obtain genealogy records. In 2011, she had a marvelous experience of guiding and teaching her three sons of their Swedish and Italian roots. DeeAnn and Earl also served their church in a variety of callings including Scouting, teaching, and service in the Tucson, Arizona Mission.

Upon retirement and having lived the majority of their adult lives in Arizona, Earl and DeeAnn moved to St. George, Utah and welcomed friends and family from many countries and states into their home. They especially enjoyed having extended family from Europe come to visit and see where their ancestors settled when they came to America in the 1860s, and former students from China visit for long stays, experiencing “American life” with her entire family, and visiting the National Parks.

With strong roots, fearless wings, and imaginative dreams, she had a wonderful life!
DeeAnn is preceded in death by her parents and half sister Bonnie Peterson Jefferies.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the LDS missionary fund, or the Mt. Pleasant public library.
A Graveside service was held Saturday October 24, 2020 at 12:00 noon in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery with a viewing prior at 11:45 at the cemetery. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com

Gayle Lynne Seely

 

 

 

Gayle Lynne Seely

6/13/1956 ~ 10/18/2020

Gayle Lynne Seely of Mt. Pleasant Utah returned to her Heavenly Father on October 18, 2020. She was born June 13, 1956 to Arnold Van Terry and Edith Kaye LeDuc in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was married for time and all eternity to Steven Burt Seely August 3, 1974 in the Provo, Utah Temple.

Gayle and Steven settled in Mt. Pleasant Utah where they raised four sons, Steve, Brian, Jeffrey, and Kevin.
Gayle was a devoted, loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a confidante. She was always there for her sons and family, no matter what was going on, whether it be lending a helping hand, babysitting, or just being there to talk. Her life was her family. She loved her family with a passion that was immeasurable.

Gayle loved to be outdoors. She loved camping trips with her family. She always made a big breakfast to share and she was always prepared. If something was forgotten, Gayle would usually have it, ready and willing to share.

She had a love for gardening, canning and preserving food to feed to her family.

Gayle was a wonderful homemaker. She enjoyed sewing clothes, which she did for her boys as they were growing up. She also sewed doll clothing and spent hours sewing beautiful quilts for her family to enjoy.

Gayle loved animals! It was a good thing she married a farmer, which allowed her to have many animals over the years. She loved raising goats, even if it meant milking them in the rain. She loved her chickens and gathered the eggs for breakfasts. She loved her cats, especially her Manx cats. She also loved many dogs over the years, with a particular soft spot for her dog Rosie.

Throughout the years she worked as a lunch lady, sold doll clothes that she made, sold products ranging from cosmetics to cleaning products. She worked for a local farmer’s market the last several years. She did all this while helping run the family farm with Steven.

Gayle knew how to work and was a hard worker. She helped with branding and vaccinating the cattle, separating the cows, hauling the livestock to auction, and chasing down stray sheep that got out. She was there for it all, right alongside her boys. She even operated the farm equipment at times. She did it all.
She was a cub scout den mother and helped her sons, some of her grandsons, and many others through the scout program, working with some to earn their Eagle Scout awards.

She had an immense love of God and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She had a firm belief in the gospel, even in times of trial. When she and Steven lost their first born son Neil, and then again when they lost Jeffrey, she never lost her faith in her Heavenly Father or the gospel.

She is survived by her mother, Edith Kaye LeDuc, Sandy, UT; Husband Steven Seely; sons, Steve (Amanda) Seely, Moroni, UT; Brian (Kamey) Seely, Mt. Pleasant, UT; Hillery Morrow (Forrest), Ephraim, UT; Kevin (Aileen) Seely, Mayfield, UT;
Siblings, Susan (Dee) Rosenlof; Cindy (Phil) Ballif; Frank (Raelene) Terry; Jeannette Ingersoll; Paul (Shelly) Terry; Jamie (Mark) Dunfield; Daniel (Kami) Terry; Becky (Cade) Beck; and 14 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father Arnold Van Terry, and sons, Neil Seely and Jeffrey Allan Seely.
Funeral services were held Friday, October 23, 2020, at 1:00 p.m.

Bert Marlin Porter Has Passed On

 

 

 

5/21/1940 ~ 10/11/2020

Bert Marlin Porter

5/21/1940 ~ 10/11/2020

Bert Marlin Porter 80, returned to his loving Heavenly Father October 11, 2020. Bert was born on May 21, 1940 to Norma Porter Jansson. He married the love of his life, Elva Zufelt Porter on June 8, 1963 and built their home to raise their family. Together they lived their lives in Mt. Pleasant, UT where they raised their two beautiful daughters , Tracy (Porter) Larsen and Kim (Porter) Sanderson.

Bert graduated from North Sanpete High School where he excelled in track, football and basketball. Upon graduating, he joined the Utah National Guard.

Bert spent most of his life working at the Moroni Processing Plant doing odd jobs until he found his passion as a mechanic. Bert worked alongside some of his lifelong best friends. He was a very hard worker but knew how to crack jokes to get the guys to laugh.

Bert loved to be outdoors, riding in the hills and hunting or working in his garage building and fixing. He was a handyman. Nothing could keep him down. He was also a gardener and a landscaper. He would pride himself on having a beautiful yard, no matter the season. Bert loved to go out shooting. He taught many of his grandkids and even great grandkids. The mountains were his sanctuary. If he wasn’t hunting with his sons-in-law, he was driving his side by side with his wife, daughters or great grandkids, finding beauty in every ride.

Bert is survived by his wife Elva, his children, Tracy (Chad) Larsen and Kim (Dale) Sanderson, his 4 grandkids, Candice, Lindsay, Cory and Alisha, and his 5 great grandkids, Keerah, Braylin, Cooper, Dreyson and Oaklee.
Preceded in death by his mom Norma Porter Jansson, his sister Betty Jansson and his uncle George Porter.

Graveside services will be held Friday, October 16 at 11:00 am at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.Bert Marlin Porter 80, returned to his loving Heavenly Father October 11, 2020. Bert was born on May 21, 1940 to Norma Porter Jansson. He married the love of his life, Elva Zufelt Porter on June 8, 1963 and built their home to raise their family. Together they lived their lives in Mt. Pleasant, UT where they raised their two beautiful daughters , Tracy (Porter) Larsen and Kim (Porter) Sanderson.

Bert graduated from North Sanpete High School where he excelled in track, football and basketball. Upon graduating, he joined the Utah National Guard.

Bert spent most of his life working at the Moroni Processing Plant doing odd jobs until he found his passion as a mechanic. Bert worked alongside some of his lifelong best friends. He was a very hard worker but knew how to crack jokes to get the guys to laugh.

Bert loved to be outdoors, riding in the hills and hunting or working in his garage building and fixing. He was a handyman. Nothing could keep him down. He was also a gardener and a landscaper. He would pride himself on having a beautiful yard, no matter the season. Bert loved to go out shooting. He taught many of his grandkids and even great grandkids. The mountains were his sanctuary. If he wasn’t hunting with his sons-in-law, he was driving his side by side with his wife, daughters or great grandkids, finding beauty in every ride.

Bert is survived by his wife Elva, his children, Tracy (Chad) Larsen and Kim (Dale) Sanderson, his 4 grandkids, Candice, Lindsay, Cory and Alisha, and his 5 great grandkids, Keerah, Braylin, Cooper, Dreyson and Oaklee.
Preceded in death by his mom Norma Porter Jansson, his sister Betty Jansson and his uncle George Porter.

Graveside services were held Friday, October 16 at 11:00 am at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

LaRue Johnson Beck Stewart

 

LaRue Johnson Beck Stewart

5/24/1927 ~ 9/8/2020

Mt. Pleasant — LaRue Johnson Beck Stewart, 93, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother returned home to parents, siblings, husbands, son, granddaughter, grandson & great grandson in Orem, Utah (on her son, Stephen Kelly Beck’s birthday). She was born in Fairview to Myron Levi Johnson and Margaret Luella Terry Johnson on May 24, 1927. She was the youngest of seven children. She attended grade school and middle school in Fairview and graduated from North Sanpete High School in 1945. LaRue was selected as Miss Liberty (Miss Fairview) the year after she graduated from high school. She worked as a bookkeeper for Bradshaw Auto Parts after graduating. While working she met Delmar Jacob Beck and was married April 2, 1947 in the Manti Temple. Starting in 1963 Mom worked as a manager of the school lunch program for North Sanpete High School and Mt. Pleasant Elementary. She then worked as the North Sanpete District School Lunch Supervisor over the seven schools in the district for 10 1/2 years. During this tenure, LaRue had the privilege of working on the State School Lunch Association Committee for several years. She was the first certified chairman over getting all school lunch workers certified in Utah. This gave LaRue many opportunities to visit other districts, lunch programs and conventions.

Mother was a member of the Laicos Club since 1955 and enjoyed socializing with the many friends she made during this time.

She and Daddy loved to dance and taught dancing for years. Our parents were devoted to serving the Lord and teaching their children the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were married for 40 wonderful years and were given the opportunity to serve as ordinance workers in the Manti LDS Temple. After Delmar passed away August 29, 1987, she met Leo Lavern Stewart and they were married in the Manti Temple on July 11, 1988. Leo and LaRue were selected as the Sweetheart Couple for Snow College Institute, which was a great privilege in February 2000. Momma loved to travel and she and Leo had the blessing of traveling to many countries. She felt she was very fortunate to travel to Israel where the Savior lived, walked, taught, blessed and died. Each member of LaRue’s family were very dear to her and she shared her love with each of them.

She held many church callings and enjoyed them all. When she was in the Stake Primary Presidency, they arranged to attend General Conference and stayed at the Hotel Utah. Throughout Mother’s life she met each challenge, and there were many, with a positive attitude and knew they would pass and be for her best good – always relying on the Savior.

Mom and Delmar were blessed with four children: J. Dee (Linda), Stephen Kelly deceased (Vicki), Susan Lynnette (Brent) and Lizetta. Leo’s children are: Leonard Earl (LaWauna), Donna Marie (Ed), and Kenneth Lee (Karen). She had 31 grandchildren, 88 great grandchildren and 32 great great grandchildren.

Graveside service were held Monday, at 11:00 at Fairview City Cemetery under the care of Rasmussen Mortuary.  

Elmo Lovell Winward ~~~ Graveside Funeral Service

Melba Shelley Hill ~~~ Author of Mountainville History

Melba Fay Shelley Hill

December 6, 1941 ~ July 20, 2020

Melba Fay Shelley Hill was born December 6, 1941, in Mountainville, Utah, to John and Fannie Shelley. Melba was blessed to be raised on the farm with eight brothers. After she graduated from North Sanpete High School, she went to work in Salt Lake City, where she met Donald E Hill. They were married in the Manti Temple on April 13, 1961. They had three children: Shelley, David, & Valerie and also welcomed Leonard Stewart into their family for several years. The family moved from Midvale, Utah, back to Mt. Pleasant, Utah, in 1972, where Melba wanted to raise her children closer to family and out of the big city.

Melba was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings, including as Relief Society teacher, Young Women president, and family history consultant, but her favorite callings were with the children as Primary chorister, Primary teacher, or Cub Scout leader. Melba loved children, and she had a talent for creating fun activities and memories for her own children and grandchildren, as well as for many young relatives and friends. Like the Pied Piper, she could often be found leading a group of children for a walk in the creek, hunting for buttercup flowers, creating giant bubbles, hiding in the “thicket” under the dining table, or searching for treasures with her metal detector.

Melba loved being outside in nature. She had a sharp eye for birdwatching, hunting for arrow heads, star gazing, and collecting sea shells in Northern California. She loved long lunch breaks walking in the hills with Don. She also enjoyed years of early-morning walks with her friends. She expressed her appreciation for the beauty of the world through her artwork, using oils, watercolors, and charcoal.

While she was raising her kids, Melba had several jobs to help provide for her family. She worked as a lunch lady, custodian, and babysitter to the Hobby kids, who grew to call her Mommy Hill. Melba became a case manager for Central Utah Counseling Center in Ephraim, where she was known for her kind heart and listening ear.

After she retired in 2006, Melba served in the California Santa Rosa Mission of the Church. Later, she felt she wasn’t doing enough with her life, so she served two more missions: one in the Family & Church History Mission in Salt Lake City, and one in the Family History Mission from her home. She also served in the Manti Temple. Melba’s life exemplified love, selfless service, kindness, peace, and gentleness.

Melba passed away at her son’s home on Monday, July 20, 2020. Melba is preceded in death by her parents and by her sweetheart, Don. She will be thrilled to be reunited with him after 21 years! Melba is survived by their children, Shelley (Jeff) Trump of Round Lake, IL, David (Jeana) Hill of Herriman, UT, and Valerie (Shayne) Stegman of Mesa, AZ, as well as by 8 beloved grandchildren: Liz, William, Jake (Heidi), Jaylynn (Jordan), Janesa (Mike), Bryant, Chad, & Emerie. Family has been the joy of her life! Melba is also survived by her 8 brothers and their spouses: Lloyd & Virginia (Cedar City), Ben & Sandy (Bountiful), Ross & Nadene (Nephi), Ervin & Loretta (Fairview), Ivan & Dawn (Oak Creek), Lowell & Barby (Salt Lake City), Hal & Becky (Mountainville), and Louis & Nancy (Price).

A viewing will be held at Rasmussen Mortuary, 96 N 100 W, Mt. Pleasant, on Monday, July 27, 6-8pm. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, July 28th at 11am at the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery.

Elmo Lovell Winward ~~~ Boardmember Mt. Pleasant Pioneer Association

Elmo Lovell Winward


7/5/1942 ~ 7/13/2020







Elmo Lovell Winward, 78 of Mt. Pleasant, UT, passed away July 13, 2020 at the Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem, Utah. Born July 5, 1942 to Peter LeeRoy & Mildred Densley Winward in Salt Lake City, Utah. Elmo graduated from Bingham High School in 1960. He worked with the 4-H and FFA programs until his sons graduated from high school. He participated in rodeos for 13 years riding saddle broncs and bulls. He retired from Utah County as a heavy machine operator after 30 years.

Elmo and JoAnn’s family came together in January of 1978. Elmo and JoAnn were sealed on June 6, 2002 in the Manti LDS Temple. Elmo and JoAnn were Santa’s helpers for 30 years. That gave them much enjoyment. They were ward missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 13 years. Elmo would take the clients to Matter, to the 12 Step programs, and to church during those years. It was very satisfying for him. He loved his calling. He loved farming and ran two farms in Mt. Pleasant until recently.

Elmo is survived by his wife, JoAnn Sena Carlson Lea; children, Frank E. (Ramon Gomez) Winward, Shannon G Winward, Shane L Winward, Blaine (Janice) Bowers, Cherryl B. (Don) Golding. Preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Pauline Bowers Smith; siblings Dean, Valoy, Gail, Grant, Donna, Donald, Frank and a baby boy Winward.

A graveside funeral will be held Saturday July 25, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery. Viewings will be held Friday July 24, 2020 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. prior to services both at Rasmussen Mortuary (96 N 100 W, Mt. Pleasant, UT) followed by a horse drawn carriage ride to the cemetery. The family is requesting that you please wear a mask. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com

Obituaries for Parley Hansen and his wife Frederikka Brothersen Hansen

Parley Hansen Obituary 

Found in the 

Salt Lake Tribune 

Frederikka Brotherson Hansen

Obituary Found in the

Vernal Express 

FaNon Watson Cook

FaNon Watson Cook (Grandma Non) passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours on February 22, 2020. Grandma Non spent her last several months in the care of her family, on whom she has imparted so much wisdom, good humor and unfailing, compassionate love.

FaNon was born to James and Lola Watson on November 15, 1929 in Spring City, Utah where she attended elementary school. She graduated from North Sanpete High School and married the love of her life, Douglas George Cook on December 16, 1949 in the Manti LDS Temple. They shared their life together, surrounded by their four children; Meredith (Gerald), Steve (Marie), Paula and Cindy, eight grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.

You’d never have known it by her small frame and constant anxiety, but Grandma was one of the fiercest, most determined people you ever met. She endured a life which, at times, served her some excruciating heartbreak and many difficult experiences. However, she endured it all with grace and humility and often directed her emotions into productive pursuits, primarily tending to the needs of others. 

When she was young, she would ride on horseback to take lunch up to her father and brother who were tending sheep on the mountain. Serving her fellow men often came in the form of her LDS church callings, a few of which included Primary President, Young Women’s Leader, Relief Society President and her particular favorite, Compassionate Service Leader. She recognized the blessings that surrounded her and appreciated what makes one happy and peaceful. 

Grandma Non also knew the value of hard work (working into her eighties) and loved her jobs, including managing Maverick, working at Terrel’s, Country Squire and JCPenney. She adored her friends, particularly her “club” (the Laicos Club), her canasta group and her neighbors. She was a vehement defender of her close family ties and adored the Watson reunions every year. In the end, my Grandma Non’s life seems to have been a testament to the extraordinary beauty of a life lived simply, devoted to her family, friends and her Father in Heaven.

Grandma Non was welcomed home on the other side by her husband Douglas, her daughter Paula, her parents (James and Lola), and her siblings Wanda Cahoon (Clare), Jack Watson (Cecile), Karma Startup (Harry), Gwen Christensen (Eslie), Grant Watson (Stella) and Dawn Watson. Funeral services will be held Saturday February 29, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Mt. Pleasant North Stake Center (461 N. 300 W) with a viewing from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. prior to service at the church. Interment in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery. Our family wishes to extend special thanks to Cindy Cook and Shannon Felts for their selfless, tender care of FaNon; as well as Hannah with Envision Hospice and Rasmussen Mortuary for their kind and gentle service. We will always be grateful. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com

Elliot Julius Arnodson

Elliot Julius Arnoldson


5/20/1927 ~ 1/9/2020


Well, we’ve done it. We finally discovered how long an Arnoldson can truly live. Our track record wasn’t very spectacular until now. At age 92, Elliot outlived his mother and wife by three years, eighteen years longer than his sister, one son by 40 years, his father by 61 years, and his brother by 86 years. All with his staple diet of mutton and gravy.
Elliot Julius Arnoldson escaped the shackles of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia on the morning of January 9, 2020 in Centerfield, Utah after sustaining injuries from a fall a month prior. He was born in Moroni, Utah sometime between May 20th and May 24th in 1927 to Elyoung and Henrietta Christensen Arnoldson. Records were not meticulously kept in those days so no one was certain exactly which day he was born. Tragedy struck early in his life when his six-year-old brother died of diphtheria when Elliot was only four years old and his father died just two years later. Despite tremendous losses and under the grip of the Great Depression he grew up happily pulling pranks and farming under the tutelage of his bachelor uncles, mother, and stepfather, Clark Cloward. Within days of graduation form Moroni High School; Elliot was drafted into the army and served in the Philippines during the final months of World War II. He remained there as part of the occupational forces but was able to come home once on furlough. While attending a dance in Ephraim, he was introduced to a cute little filly named LaRane Bjerregaard. He and LaRane wrote letters to each other during the remainder of his military service and were married upon his return on July 16, 1947. They made their first home on the farm where Elliot attended Snow College and their only daughter, Rinda, was born. The young family soon moved to Preston, Idaho where Elliot taught school and attended The Agricultural College of Utah (Utah State University). He became the first in his family to earn a college degree- but far from the last. They also welcomed their first son, Gary, before moving back to Sanpete. Elliot farmed, taught school, and added a third child, Clair, to their growing brood. The next move took them to Seattle, Washington where Elliot continued his studies and child number four, Layne, joined the family. Their next move took them from the verdant green slopes of Seattle to the grey sagebrush flats of Milford, Utah where Elliot was the principal of the elementary school for two years. Their nomadic lifestyle came to an end with a move back to their beloved Sanpete Valley where he and LaRane rounded out their family with the arrivals of Earl then Wesley.
Elliot worked in educational administration with the North Sanpete School District adding up a total of 38 years in service to students. He was a city councilman and served two terms as mayor of Moroni in the 1970s accomplishing many improvements that are still visible today. Elliot owned a restaurant and campground in Hanksville, Utah for 43 years which was a loved hobby for him and the bane of existence for the rest of the family. He was a lifelong and proud Democrat who believed that the purpose of government is to serve its citizens and he acted accordingly.

Elliot was an avid hunter and fisherman who counted among his favorite memories those in which he was able to be outdoors with family and friends. He was a good natured and gregarious gentleman who loved being around people. He was generous up to the point he would give you the shirt off his back except he was too modest to be seen without a shirt. He had an unparalleled work ethic. To him, Labor Day simply meant you labored more on that day. He instilled in his children and grandchildren the strong value of an education- likely his greatest legacy.
Those missing him most are his grateful children: daughter Rinda (John), sons Gary (Leslie), Clair (deceased), Layne (Sheri), Earl (Christine), Wesley (Ellen), and daughter-in-law and son-in-law JoAnn and Allan Nielsen. He is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, LaRane, son Clair, great-grandson Danny, sister Maxine, brother Sherwin, and his parents.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Rasmussen Mortuary, 96 N. 100 W., Mt. Pleasant. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 16, 2020 in the Moroni Stake Center at 11:00 with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30. Interment will be in the Moroni City Cemetery. The family would like to thank the dedicated professionals at Country Lane Assisted Living Center and Centerfield Community Rehabilitation Center. Their compassionate service to Elliot and his family did not go without notice.