William E. "Bill" Reese, 71, passed away Jan. 9, 2001 at Utah Valley Hospital from complications of a stroke. He was born July 24, 1929 in Vernal, a son of Jacob B. and Ester W. Felt Reese. He married Laura Lorraine Smith on May 2, 1953 in Vernal. She died Feb. 8, 1999. 
Bill worked as a rural route mail carrier until his retirement in 1984. While working for the US Post Office, he received the Million-Mile award for outstanding performance in driving while working there. He also loved nature, spending numerous hours outside under the trees watching the birds and other animals. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving on the USS Prairie during the Korean Conflict.
He loved his family and was very giving. He had a big heart.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and a son, Cody B. Reese. 
Bill is survived by his children, William J. (Sonya) Reese; Clay D. (Loralee) Reese; Joe (Caleen) Reese; Kathy (Darrell) Hacking; Tom (Gina) Reese; Ana (Bart) Batty; Tina Reese and Don (Shellie) Reese, all of Vernal; sisters, Helen Morrill, Verna Holt, Ruby Valora; 27 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and brothers-in-law. "Pa" will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. 
Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 13, in the Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with Bishop Mike Alexander conducting.
William J. Reese offered the family prayer. 
Tina Reese sang "The Man I Never Knew;" grandchildren sang "Angels Among Us;" and Adam Graham and Ashley Graham played a violin duet of a medley of songs.
Ana Batty gave the invocation. 
Speakers were Larry Henry and Cody Reese. 
Bubbles Leona Riley gave the benediction and Barney Henry dedicated the grave.
Pallbearers were Jess Reese, Joe Reese, Don Reese, Cody Reese, Clay Reese and Tom Reese. 
Interment was in the Rock Point Cemetery with military honors given by the American Legion under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.
Compassionate services were offered by the Ashley 2nd Ward Relief Society.

Benjamin Wilson

Benjamin "Vere" Wilson, 84, died Jan. 9, 2001 at his home of natural causes. He was born June 13, 1915 in Orderville, to George Benjamin and Susan B. Cox. He married Lola E. Manwaring on Sept. 22, 1938 in the St. George LDS Temple. 
He served an LDS mission to the southern states, served in the bishopric in the Naples Ward, as a primary teacher in the 80s and was still a home teacher. He and his wife served as temple workers in the St. George and Vernal LDS temples, and they filled a couple of missions to Kentucky. He also served as an employment specialist in Cedar City for the LDS Church. 
He enjoyed painting, inventing artificial stone, and just inventing.
He is survived by his wife, Lola; sons and daughters, Sharon (Boyd) Workman, Vernal; Kristen (Lorriane) Wilson, Vernal; Terry (Vickie) Wilson, Cedar City; Daryl (Lela) Wilson, Vernal; Valerie (Bryan) Petersen, St. George; Rick (Anne) Wilson, West Valley City; 27 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Caryle Wilson, Salt Lake City; David Wilson, Hurricane; three sisters, Ruth Raggonzine, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Nola Reusch, Hurricane; Julie Thomas, Colorado City, Ariz.
He was preceded in death by one son, Don (Carol) Wilson.
Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 12 in the Glines 1st Chapel with Bishop David Olsen conducting. 
Rick Wilson offered the family prayer with prelude and postlude music played by Janet Pederson. 
Valerie Hurst gave the invocation and Sharon Workman read the eulogy. 
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren, accompanied by Lorriane Wilson, sang "I Am A Child Of God;" his children sang "As I Have Loved You;" and the congregation sang "O My Father."
Speaker was Daryl Wilson with closing remarks offered by Bishop Olsen. 
Terry Wilson gave the benediction and Kristen Wilson dedicated the grave.
Pallbearers were Kristen Wilson, Daryl Wilson, Boyd Workman, Terry Wilson, Rick Wilson and Bryan Hurst. 
Interment was in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

Robert B. Wardell

Robert Bayne Wardell, 69 of Rangely, Colo., passed away in the comfort of his home on Jan. 9, 2001. 
He was born in Vernal on Oct. 2, 1931 to Thomas Alvin and Vena Rasmussen Wardell. Bob spent most of his youth on his father's ranch west of Rangely working the fields and herding the livestock with his brother, Thom. During the school year, the family lived in Vernal so the children could attend school. There he met his sweetheart, Dawna Rae Hall, daughter of Josh and Gail Blankenship Hall. They married the day of their high school graduation on May 18, 1950. Four years later, on Dec. 16, 1954, their marriage was solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple.
Bob and Dawna's first home was on the ranch in Colorado. They eventually settled in Rangely to raise their family. Six children were born to them, one of which (Pamela) died at birth. Barry Lynn was their first born. Then came Wanda, Wendy, Layne R , and Gay. 
They were each taught to work hard through their parents' example. Bob not only welded for a living, but also kept the ranch running. For years Bob would come home from working a 10- or 12-hour day in the field welding, then turn right around and head down river to the ranch to work another five or six hours. He gave every job his best effort and failure was not a word in his vocabulary. It is a heritage he and Dawna have passed on to their children.
Bob was well known throughout the country for his welding skills. He traveled all over the western states working the pipelines and was regarded by every welder that knew him as one of the best. Tales were told of how he could weld around a small diameter pipe with one hand and come around the other way with his other hand without stopping the weld. One of the highlights of his welding career was working on the Alaska Pipeline in 1966. Bob could create anything with a welding torch and a piece of iron.
Music played a great part in the Wardell home. While Dawna has always been the one with a song on her lips, Bob has been the one with a tune in his fingers. One of the fondest memories for the family is that of their father playing the guitar. As a youth, he played in a band all over the Uintah Basin. He had a talent for making those strings sing. Togetherness was promoted in the Rangely Ward for many years by the little band that he played with for monthly dances at the church.
Although Bob may have had a rough and tough exterior, inside he was the greatest trickster and joker. His sense of humor had been fine tuned through the years and lightened many a tense situation. After Parkinson's Disease began showing signs, he would joke about the shaking in his hand. He would call it his automatic back scratcher or tease about getting a good rhythm for playing the guitar. The angels in heaven better watch their back with Bob around.
Most of his life was spent outdoors. He loved hunting, camping, fishing, working with the sheep and cattle, and just breathing in the sweet air of the hay fields on the ranch. He will be greatly missed by each person whose life he touched.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Dawna; their children Barry Lynn (Temi) of Rangely; Wanda (Carl Ray) Collett of Vernal; Wendy Wardell of Annabella; Layne R. (Pamela) of Rangely; and Gay (Martin Duane) VanderLinden who are currently living in Bad Aibling, Germany; 15 grandchildren, one great-grandson; brother, Thom (Pearl) of Vernal; sisters, Kay (Shirl) Hancock of St. George; Connie (Niles) Mott of Naples; Gloria (Robert) Harris of Driggs, Idaho; Shana Lee (Britt) Horrocks of Riverdale; as well as his favorite uncle, Harold (Meb) Wardell of Rangely. 
He is preceded in death by sister, Glee Wardell; brother, James (Jimmy) Richard Wardell and his parents; Thomas Alvin Wardell and Vena Rasmussen Wardell.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 13 in the Rangely LDS Ward Chapel. Bishop David Allred conducted the meeting with Duane VanderLinden offering the invocation, followed by Gay VanderLinden, Barry Wardell and Layne Wardell sharing memories of their father.
Granddaughters Candice Archibald, Chrystal VanderLinden, and Brandi VanderLinden sang "An Angel's Breath Away" as a tribute to their grandfather. A special musical number was given by Myke Hall, "Beyond the Sunset".
President Garth Condie gave the closing remarks. 
Thom Wardell gave the benediction. Music was provided by Jean Murry and the Rangely 1st Ward choir. 
Pallbearers were Gabe Collett, Nick Wardell, Gary Wardell, Jake Wardell, Matthew Carroll, Joshua VanderLinden, and Curtis Clayburn. 
A special musical number was given by Stormy Thomlinson, "The Place Where I Worship," at the burial site. The grave was dedicated by Leo Jorgenson at the Dry Fork Cemetery. 
Services were under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

Robert Staley

Longtime Rangely resident Robert E. Staley, Sr., 73, died Jan. 12, 2001 at the IHS Mantey Heights Nursing Home in Grand Junction, Colo.
Robert was born July 19, 1927 in Upton, the son of Melvin Eugene and Josephine Louise Saxton Staley. He was raised in Upton, moving as a youngster to Rangely where the family owned and operated the Staley Coal Mine. He attended school in Vernal, interrupting his education to serve his country in the United States Navy during World War II. Following his discharge, he returned home, graduating from Uintah High School with the class of 1947. 
On Feb. 17, 1950 he was united in marriage to LaVaughn Murray at the home of his mother in Vernal. Mrs. Staley survives in the family home. From the time he was a young man of 14 he worked in the coal mines, later working in the oil fields until his retirement in 1984. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a former member of the Elk's Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and in his younger days enjoyed playing softball and basketball. 
In addition to his wife of 50 years, he is survived by three sons, Gary (Kathy) Staley, Rangely; Robert E. (Teresa) Staley, Jr., and Tommy (Wanda) Staley, Rangely; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Marie (Stewart) Tanner, Vernal; Dorothy Jorgenseon, Mesquite, Nev.; Shirley (Tom) Dockery, Lakewood, Colo.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Melvin Carl Staley. 
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 16 in the Rangely Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 
Interment was in the Rangely Cemetery under the direction of the Rangely Mortuary.

Stephen Widener

Stephen "Steve" Widener, 48 of Casper, Wyo., died Jan. 6, 2001 in an automobile accident.
He was born April 29, 1952 in Basin, Wyo., to Don and Joann D. Widener. He graduated from high school in Anchorage, Alaska. He married Mitzi Griffin on March 25, 1972, they later divorced. He married Julie Sneathen on Sept. 10, 1993. They later divorced, but were engaged to be remarried. 
Steve was fifth generation oil field. He was the drilling superintendent for SST Drilling. He worked for them the last 10 years. 
He loved his family, outdoor activities, camping, hunting, fishing and boating. Steve loved to play practical jokes on his family and friends.
He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Widener of San Marcos, Texas; sons Jeff Widener of Conroe, Texas and Stephen Widener of Casper, Wyo.; step daughters Catrina Sneathen of Oklahoma City, Okla. and Cherish Sneathen of Casper; step-sons Skyler Sneathen and Samuel Sneathen, both of Casper; mother and step-father Joann and Robert Amick of Yuma, Ariz.; sisters Karen Zimmerman, Susan Melton and Trisha Metzger, all of Vernal.
He was preceded in death by his father and one sister, Debbie Widener.
Funeral services were held Jan. 11 at Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Al Allen, Paradise Valley Christian Church, officiating.
Interment was in the Highland Cemetery under the direction of Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory. 

Beatrice McKnight

Funeral mass for Beatrice Anna McKnight, born March 16, 1912 and died Jan. 7, 2001, were held Friday, Jan. 12, with Father Jan Bednarz officiating.
Todd McKnight was the first reader. 
Greg King was second reader. 
Carol Jackson, cantor, accompanied by Fran Harrison, organist, sang "Amazing Grace;" "In The Garden;" and "Ava Maria."
Ken and Diane Miller sang "Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain."
Speaker was Bill McKnight.
Father Bednarz offered final commendation and committal prayer. 
Pallbearers were her grandsons, Greg King, Ken Miller, Jeff McKnight, Chris King, Kevin King, Darren King and Todd McKnight.
Interment was in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 

Venna Frasher

Venna Singleton Frasher, 78, of Sun City, Texas, succumbed to bone cancer at home with family and friends at her bedside on Jan. 1, 2001. She was glad to leave her walker behind.
Venna was born Sept. 20, 1922 in Maeser to Albert and Lillian Vernon Singleton. She served her country in WWII by enlisting in the Navy and working as a control tower operator at the naval Air Station in Hutchinson, Kan. In 1946, she married James Howard Frasher Sr.
Venna dedicated her life to raising her family and took great pride in the successes of her husband and three children. Her family and friends will remember her for her lifelong love of fun and mischief and for her outstanding ability to plan a party. 
Venna was preceded in death by her two older brothers, Verdin and Marvin Singleton. 
She will be remembered with great love by her husband of 54 years, James Howard Frasher Sr.; elder sister, Marie Yates, Casper, Wyo.; son, Judge James Howard Frasher Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Frasher, of Pueblo, Colo.; and their children, Trevor Emery (Lori) Frasher; Tisha (Brian) White; and James Frasher III; daughter and son-in-law, Linda Frasher Meigs and Daniel Perry Meigs II; and granddaughter, Jennifer, of Georgetown, Texas; and daughter, Barbara (Gary) Chapman, Austin, Texas.
A memorial service was held at the Cook-Walden-Davis Funeral Home Saturday, Jan. 6, with the Reverend Bill Bolick officiating. A private graveside service was held for family and close friends. 
Interment was in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Georgetown. 
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759 or to the building fund of The Worship Place, an interdenominational church at Sun City, c/o Reverend Bill Bolick, 116 Painted Bunting Lane, Georgetown, Texas 78628. 
Arrangements by Cook-Walden-Davis Funeral Home. 

Herman L. Bingham
Funeral services for Herman L. Bingham, born Oct. 23, 1916, died Jan. 6, 2002, were held Jan. 10, at the Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with Verdin Manwaring conducted.
Prelude and postlude music was provided by Daun DeJournette. The invocation was offered by Lance Siddoway. Musical number, "How Great Thou Art," was performed by Denice Allen, accompanied by Daun DeJournette. Speaker was Lyell Bingham (brother). Musical number, "Always," was performed by Denice Allen, accompanied by Daun DeJournette. Speaker David Hemstreet (grandson). The benediction was offered by George Bingham.
Pallbearers were grandsons Matthew Bingham, Mark Bingham, Lance Siddoway, J.D. Siddoway, Glen, Hemstreet and Rod Preece.
Dedication of the grave was by Verdin Manwaring. Interment was in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery with military honors by American Legion. Compassionate services were provided by Vernal 4th Ward Relief Society.

Keven Daniel Martinez
Funeral services for Keven Daniel Martinez, born Aug. 10, 2001, died Jan. 3, 2002, were held Jan. 7 at Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with Pastor Rev. Isaias Lopez.
The family prayer was given by Ivonne Antillou. Prelude music was provided by the Hispanic Church Congregation. Musical number, "Los ninos son de Cristo," by the Hispanic Church, accompanied by Isaias Lopez. Speaker was Ivonne Antillon "Remembranza a Keven." Musical number, " Cristo me Ama," by the Children Chorus, accompanied by Angel Gorostieta. Speaker was Los Ninos son de Cristo, "Mensage a la Conciencia." Musical number, "Barro en tus Manos," by family Lopez, accompanied by Pastor Lopez. Benediction was given by Rev. Isaias Lopez. Las bodas del Cordero gave the postlude. Dedication of grave was by Family Martinez.
Pallbearers were Vriel Herrera, Angel Gorostieta, Isaias Lopez, and Luis Arellanes. Honorary pallbearers Vriel Lopez, Angel Gorostieta, Manuel Esquivel, Saul Nunez and Luisa Villalba. 
Interment was in the Lapiont Cementary under the direction of Thomson Blackburn Mortuary.

Eva Christensen
Funeral services for Eva Christensen were held Dec. 29, 2001 at James & Gahr in Salem, Mo. with Kendall Jacobs officiating.
Music was provided by Mark Mathas. Interment was at the North Lawn Cemetery, in Salem. Pallbearers were Ernie Gomez, Rick Wickam, William Christensen, Shaun Norris, David Wickam and Brad Wickam. Mrs. Christensen was born July 23, 1916, in Vernal, to William Earl and Iva (Mott) Gadd. She married Alfred Christensen Feb. 8, 1935. They were the parents of seven children. Mrs. Christensen died Dec. 26, 2001, at the age of 85 years, five months and three days.
Survivors include five children, Nancy Wickam and husband, John, Wichita, Kansas; Lynn Christensen and wife Carolee, Great Falls, Mont.; Ray Christensen and wife Glenda, Craig, Colo.; Kelly Christensen and wife, Joan Simi Valley, Calif.; Linda Hernandez and husband, Tony, Fayetteville, N.C.; two sisters June Sherrill, Grand Junction, Colo.; Debris (Sis) Dembowski and husband, Bud, Vernal; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband Alfrod Christensen; two sons; two grandsons; two brothers; and one sister.
Mrs. Christensen loved flowers and enjoyed feeding and watching birds and squirrels.

Florence Rupe
Funeral services for Florence Marie Lemoine Rupe, born Jan. 10, 1913, died Jan. 7, 2002, were held Jan. 11 at Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary, with Mitch Blackburn conducting.
The pallbearers were Beau'de Oaks, Braden Oaks, Joe Honeycutt, B.J. Honeycutt, Jeremy Fountaine and Christopher Lekas. The honorary pallbearers were Gary Workman, Collin Stevens, Rick Oaks and Gary Oaks.
Compassionate services were by family and friends. Luncheon provided by Gary and Carmen Workman. The family prayer was given by Patty Stevens. Daun DeJournette provided the prelude music. Invocation by Teri Burns. Mitch Blackburn gave the eulogy. A musical number, "Your Mother and Mine," was done by Denice Allen accompanied by Daun DeJournette. Speaker was Jim Lekas. Musical number, "Amazing Grace," was done by Denice Allen and accompanied by Daun DeJournette. Speaker was Jeanne Freestone. A musical number, "Angel," was done by Kathy Deets and Jerri Benedicto, accompanied by Brian Litton. The benediction was given by Teri Burns. Postlude music provided by Daun DeJournette. Committal was by Pastor Sterle. Interment in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Mortuary.

Grant Jay Richens
Funeral services for Grant Jay Richens, born March 23, 1934, died Jan. 4, 2002, were held Jan. 7, at the Maeser 3rd Ward LDS Chapel with Bishop Mikel Reynolds conducting.
Pallbearers were Brad Richens, Ken Richens, Justin Cooper, Jake Cooper, Troy Corless and Luke Massey. Honorary pallbearers were nephews and nephews-in-law. Compassionate services were Maeser 3rd Ward Relief Society. Family prayer was given by Bud Richens. Organist was Lana Hall. The chorister was Carol Palmer. Dan Labrum gave the invocation. A congregational hymn, "How Great Thou Art." Obituary by Greg Richens. Speaker was Dwayne Atwood. Musical number, "These Hands," by Ron Walker, accompanied by Daun DeJournette. Speaker was Bishop Kyle Batty. Bishop Reynolds gave the closing remarks. Congregational hymn, "God Be with You Till We Meet Again." Merlin Richens gave the benediction. Dedication of grave by Dan Collier. Interment in the Dry Fork Cemetery under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Mortuary.

Lawrence Caldwell
Lawrence "Larry" Caldwell, age 58, passed away Jan. 12, 2002 in Santa Rose Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa, Calif. He was born Dec. 26, 1943 in Spokane, Wash. to Lowell Reed and Donna Marie Tierney Caldwell. He married his sweetheart Frances Louise Dye. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lawrence served a mission in the Western United States from 1963 to 1965.
He was a U.S. veteran serving in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He retired after 20 years from the United States Army as a Tex Supply Sergeant in 1988.
Funeral services will be Jan. 17, at 11 a.m. in the Kelseyville LDS Ward Chapel in California. Friends may call Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church.
Burial will be in the Dry Fork Cemetery on Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. Military honors by the American Legion. Friends and Family please meet at the cemetery. Under the direction of Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary & Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary fund.

Matthew John Skerl
Matthew "Matt" John Skerl, age 64, passed away Jan. 15, 2002 at his home in Vernal. He was born Mar. 28, 1937 in Spring Glen, to Matthew and Evanna Novak Skerl. He married Sharon Crenshaw on Jan. 14, 1966 at Little Brown Church of the Valley in Sherman Oaks, California. Matt worked as a building Contractor for Skerl Construction. He served in Germany in the United States Army. Matt was a loving husband, father and grandfather, he was loved by many and will be missed by all.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughters, Tina; Bobbye and Evonna; 5 grandchildren; 2 sisters, Evanna Merkley; Tillie Skerl.
Graveside Services will be Jan. 18, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. At the Maeser Fairview Cemetery. Friends may meet the Family at the Cemetery, with Military Honors by American Legion, under the direction of Thomson Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

Robert Turner
Funeral services for Robert Turner, born May 30, 1921, died Jan. 5, 2002, were held Jan. 8 at the Naples 1st Ward Chapel with Bishop Craig Martin conducting.
The family prayer was given by Merton Robb. Louis Stansfield gave the prelude & postlude music. A musical number "How Great Thou Art" was performed by Bud Mackay, accompanied by Vivian Macky. Bishop Craig Martin gave the welcome. David Turner offered the invocation. The eulogy was given by Kenneth Turner. A musical number "I Am A Child of God," was performed by his grandchildren, accompanied by Vivian Mackay. Speaker was Dan Olsen. Quartet, "Have I Done Any Good & Oh My Father," by Verdin Goodrich, Norman Haslem, Mac Holmes and Phillip Manwaring, accompanied by Dorothy Merrell. Speaker was Mac Holmes. Mary Jean Robb gave the family thank you. Quartet, "Abide With Me," by Verdon Goodrich, Norman Haslem, Mac Holmes and Phillips Manwaring, accompanied by Dorothy Merrel. Benediction by Quentin Robb. The dedication of the grave was by Bud Mackay. The pallbearers were David Turner, Kenneth Turner, Merton Robb, Bud Mackay, Quentin Robb, Brian Robb, Russel Robb and Levi Mackay.
Honorary pallbearers were Weston Turner, Ralph Stansfield, Wyatt Turner, Craig Stansfield Stan Bench, Ben Turner and Naples First Ward High Priest. Interment in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Thomson Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with military honors by American Legion. Compassionate services were provided by Naples 1st Ward Relief Society. 

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Obituaries in Historical Newspapers 1815-2001