Nanalee Larsen Cook

 

 

Nanalee Larsen Cook

01/31/1943 ~ 4/15/2022

  Reunion

Sunrise on Good Friday, April 15, 2022, found Nanalee Larsen Cook peacefully “walking the rainbow” to be embraced by a welcoming party of heaven celebrating her arrival.  She will rise again because of the Easter gift of Jesus Christ to us all. Nanalee was born to Merrill and Leila Larsen in Spanish Fork, Utah, on January 31, 1943.  She received her elementary education degree from BYU, where a cherished roommate, Sheryl Wilson, christened her “Neen,” a nickname she loved. On June 5, 1965, she was sealed for time and eternity to Mark Evan Cook in the Manti Utah Temple.  

Easters gone-by found the family watching The Ten Commandments and The Sound of Music (annual TV specials). Baskets of treats, always including reminders of Christ, were hidden in creative locations including the dryer, oven and fireplace.  While driving together in our 1979 wood panel station wagon, songs from the abbey blared full blast from an 8-track tape.

At times when her children begged forgiveness for being a “problem like Maria” (one is almost “always late for everything”), our mother’s classic reply was always: “There’s nothing to forgive.”  With painful awareness of imperfections which he constantly asked her and the Lord to forgive, Mark’s great tribute to Nanalee was honestly stated: “Any other woman would have murdered me!”

These are a few of Nanalee’s favorite things: 

Our kind Heavenly Father of whom she said:  “Trust Him.”

Our older brother Jesus Christ of whom she said:  “Follow Him.”

Her family to whom she said:  “I love each of you dearly!  Please love and help one another.”

Friends from all walks of life, including Moroni Elementary where she taught for at least 100 years!  Secretary Linda Larsen called her yearly at 4 a.m. saying, “Let me be the first to wish you Happy Birthday!”  Former teachers Joyce Finlinson and Flo Mitchell cheered her last days with their faithful visits.  To them she says: “Thank you.”  To generations of former students she says: “Yo! Work hard, keep trying, and never give up.”  After retiring from teaching, Nanalee also served as a member of the North Sanpete Board of Education. 

One student was her pen-pal of many years, sending beautiful drawings from prison where she occasionally visited him.  Of his situation she humbly said: ”There, but for the grace of God go I.”  To us she says:  “Love and watch over those whose sins are different than your own.”

Her horses King and Patty, miniature yorkie Abby, and cat named Little Foot were pleasant company for her.  She loved Native American history and decor.  Grandchildren’s concerts, sporting events and programs were also among her very favorite things. 

Nanalee belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The “good news” of  the gospel was her guide in life, and she served in many callings. With Mark, she served in the Manti Temple as an ordinance worker beginning in 2003 until moving to Fargo, North Dakota, for a full-time senior mission. Together they served in three states and in the Bismarck Temple from February 2007 to August 2008. Throughout their mission they received visits and important family support.  In addition to sharing her testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, she enjoyed volunteering at a local school with many refugee children from Africa, and overseeing social events for the single young adults.  Upon returning, she again served as an ordinance worker in the Manti Temple until the Covid-related closing in 2020.  

Children born to them are: Stephanie Leila (deceased) (Scott Stevens – Ephraim); Valerie (Gerald Mills- Bountiful); Heath (deceased) (Holly Allred Cook Larson – Spring City); Kevin (Angie Hansen – Mt. Pleasant); Austin (Natalie White – Moroni); and Joseph (Ricci Allred – Moroni).

Grandchildren: Skyler Stevens, Sydney Stevens Stilson (Weston), Shaylynn Stevens Anderson (Cody), Shantel Stevens Taylor (Matt); Anthony Mills, Michael Mills (Emily), Thomas Mills, Heather Beutler (Landon) Nathan Mills; Ashley Cook Rosenlof (Mark), Quincey Cook Bird (Rhett), Layne Cook (Andie), Morgan Cook & Afton Cook; Wyatt Cook & Kaylee Cook; Tynlee Cook, Hallee Cook, Porter Cook; JJ Cook (deceased), PJ Cook, Kash Cook, Madelaina Cook & Celine Cook. 

Great-grandchildren: Gabriel and Luka Mills; Shandon, James & Addison Anderson; Gracie, MaKrae, Max & Grady Rosenlof; Kayzer & Josie Bird.

Nanalee is also survived by her brothers Bruce and Wayne Larsen, and in-laws Jewel Hatch, Molly Lamb, Roger, Lawrence, Tracy, Orson & Daniel Cook and their families. 

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Joseph Indian School in South Dakota. As a family we express our heartfelt gratitude to all who were a part of her life and wish we could include you each by name.  A special thanks to Dr. Eileen Jackson, Shauna, and all the caring and exceptional healthcare workers at Sanpete Valley Hospital who attended her passing.

A viewing will be held on Friday evening, April 22nd, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Moroni Stake Center, 82 North Center Street. Saturday April 23rd a viewing will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. with funeral services beginning at 11 and internment at the Moroni cemetery to follow. Online condolences and Live Zoom Link at rasmussenmortuary.com in her obituary.

Bevin Ace Blackham

 

 

Bevin Ace Blackham

4/18/1949 ~ 4/14/2022

Bevin Ace Blackham, born April 18th, 1949 to Ace Walter and Norma Mikkelsen Blackham, passed away April 14th, 2022.

Bevin married Carol Jean Christensen Blackham on June 20th, 1969. On April 20th, 1993, they were able to take their two children to the Manti Temple where they were sealed for Time and All Eternity.

Bevin was the proud father of Dawn (Kerry) Coates and Austin Blackham. Nothing made him more proud than his grandchildren. When he had good health, he loved helping people and treasured going on safaris with his family.

Bevin worked for Road Runner Travel Trailer, Ron Green Chevrolet, and for Snow College in the Fire and Safety Department. He worked as a Deputy Fire Marshal for the state of Utah. At these jobs he made a lot of friends, but ended up making just as many enemies. After retirement, because of health issues, he worked at Walmart and Terrel’s, where he made even more friends. He loved working with his hands, be it fire suppression systems, automobile mechanics, wood working, leather working, photography, or tinkering with little puzzles. He loved to build and set off rockets, and always got so excited when they would launch new space projects.

No animal came into his life that wasn’t a friend – aside from black widows or rattle snakes. A lot of his life he has had pets and critters, many to the dismay of his wife.

Bevin is survived by his wife Carol Blackham, his sister Faye Ockey, sister-in-law Lois Tucker, his daughter Dawn (Kerry) Coates, and son Austin Blackham. His ten grandchildren, Brandon (Shalie), Rebekka, Alex, and Carson Coates. Kylee (Kelli) Julander, and James, Madison, and Justin Blackham. As well as two great grandsons, Carter and Gunner Coates.

He cheated death eight years ago, and we are all so grateful that we got that extra time with him.

Services will be held Wednesday April 20, 2022 at 11am at the Moroni Chapel, with a visitation from 9:30 to 10:30am.

Click Here to Watch Live. The Live Zoom Link will activate at 10:45 a.m. MST prior to services on 04/20/2022

Shirley Angie Nay Millar

 

 

Shirley Angie Nay Millar

10/17/1929 ~ 4/4/2022

Shirley Angie Ney Millar, 92 of Mt. Pleasant, UT, passed away the morning of April 4, 2022.  She was welcomed home to the arms of her Savior.  She was born October 17, 1929 to August Angus & Victoria Johana Sorensen Ney in Mt. Pleasant, UT. 

Shirley graduated in 1948 from Wasatch Academy, in Mt. Pleasant.  While at W.A. she was a faithful member of the Spanish Club, Girls’ Glee, and Tigerettes.  After graduating she worked at First Security Bank in Mt. Pleasant.  She was later employed by Mt. Pleasant City as a Librarian at the Carnegie Library.

As a righteous member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints she served as a primary teacher in her younger years.  She loved attending Book of Mormon study night with her sister Carol.

She married Alexandar G. Millar, May 28, 1968 in Mt. Pleasant.  Alex had diabetes, and Shirley was always a great caregiver. Together they farmed and had a large garden, and shared many vegetables, especially potatoes and peas, with the community.  She had a love for animals, and loved the baby lambs born in the spring.   She cared immensely for her dogs, they kept her busy. 

In the years after Alex passed, she enjoyed spending time with her two sisters. Together they

attended Daughters of the Utah Pioneers meetings, and enjoyed the history and stories.

Shirley loved her sisters dearly and adored her younger brother.

Aunt Shirley loved children and primary songs. She enjoyed visits from her great-nieces and great-nephews, and always had a treat to share. She was always so kind.  Shirley was known for her friendly smile and sweet personality.

Survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews. James & Jan Reese, and Lynn & Evva Beesley were her main caregivers for many years.  They loved and cared dearly for Aunt Shirley.

Preceded in death by her parents; husband Alex; Sisters Cleo Ney, Victoria Seeman, Carol Beesley; Brother Merril A. Ney.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing starting at 10:00 a.m. at Rasmussen Mortuary. Interment in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery under the care of Rasmussen Mortuary.

A very sincere and grateful thanks to the Good Life Senior Living, and Gunnison Hospice Care for the care and compassion that was given.

To Watch Funeral Live Click Here. The Zoom link will activate at 10:45 am MST on 4/13/2022