Gordon Andrew "Laddie" Richards, 70, passed away August 25, 2001 at Ashley Valley Medical Center. He was born Nov. 26, 1930 in Vernal, a son of David Lloyd and Bertha Lillian Vernon Richards. He married Opal Anise Shiner on Dec. 31, 1948 in Vernal. 
Laddie was owner of Basin Excavation and was a heavy equipment operator. He served in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Laddie loved yard work, fishing, hunting and being in the outdoors. Laddie enjoyed working with wood in his wood shop. He was a self-taught organist and enjoyed playing.
He is survived by his wife; children, Ron (Trudi); RaNae (Mike) Gardiner; Raema (Ivan) Gardiner; Rita (Ned) Nash; Randy (Larena) Richards; Ruth (Clark) Adams; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother and sister, Shirley (DeLyle) Richards, all of Vernal; Delores (Everette) Merkley, Washington, Utah. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Vernon; grandson, Jason Nash. 
Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 28, in the Maeser Stake Center. 
Burial was in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

Victor D. Muse

After a long battle with emphysema, our beloved father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend, Victor Doyl Muse, has returned to our Heavenly Father. 
Victor was born May 20, 1961 in Roosevelt, a son of Donald and Adella Barney Muse. Victor has been fighting for a lung transplant since 1991. But one thing after another kept him from receiving the transplant. 
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He worked in the oilfields until his emphysema got worse. He enjoyed his work and was looking forward to returning, if he received the lung transplant. 
He loved and lived for his children and grandchildren with all his heart. He fought to live for them, to be here for them. He sincerely loved his family and friends. His mother, father, sisters and brother were a very big part of his life, as were his many nieces and nephews. He loved them all, dearly. 
Victor was a very loving and caring man, with a big heart of gold. He loved to hunt and fish and did every chance he could when he felt strong enough. He loved life, living and being with his family. 
Victor was a hero to everyone who knew him. 
He is survived by his children, Juston (Amanda) Christensen, Vernal; Andy Muse, West Jordan, Keeley; and Harley Muse; step-daughters, Tasha and Courtney Slaugh, all of Vernal; mother, Adella Barney Muse, Tridell; brother, Heath (Minda) Muse, Neola; sisters, Tena Dall (Doug) Gardiner, Vernal; Pam (Richard) Mecham, Vernal; Mitzi (Brian) Dugan, Vernal; ex wives, Gay Christensen, Vernal; Brandy Paulson, Salt Lake City; and Melinda Slaugh, Vernal; three grandchildren, Lakota Renwick, Bailee Christensen and Riley Christensen; 15 nieces and nephews; six great-nieces and nephews, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. 
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Austin Muse; grandparents Stella (Fenn) Barney, Doyl and Edna (Dollie Russell) Barney, all of Vernal; five nephews, Mickel Jeffery Shifflet, Andrew Michel Shifflet, Jessi Brendon Ouch, Derik Victor Ouch and Matt Douglas Gardiner; four uncles, Dick Muse, Orlando (Lannie ) Cook, Cecil (Vern) Kofford, Steve Shockney and Bridget (Barney) Baum. 
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 28, in the Vernal 9th Ward Chapel. 
Burial was in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 

Frances Jean Mercer

Frances Jean Chastain Mercer, 74, of Vernal passed away August 22, 2001 in the Uintah Care Center. She was born Oct. 13, 1926 in Cami, Ill., a daughter of Sam and Emma Frease Chastain. She married Jack Mosbey. They later divorced. She then married Jack R. Mercer on July 31, 1952 in Pochontas, Ark. 
Jean was a member of the Elks Lodge. She will be remembered for her loving, kind way of always welcoming her many friends and family that came to her home. She loved to wear her perfume, cook and eat and there was plenty of food for everyone. 
Jean loved her children and grandchildren. They were the light of her life. We love you mom and grandma. We will all be together soon. 
Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Jack; and son, Stayton. 
She is survived by her children, Mike (Ilene) Mosbey, Yukan, Okla.; Pat (Patti) Mosbey, Craig, Colo.; Claudia (Mike) Carter, Vernal; grandchildren, 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, August 27 in Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 
Burial was in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Thomson Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 

Myrtle Holifield

Myrtle Holifield, 77, formally of Vernal and Grand Junction, Colo., passed away August 22, 2001 at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction. She was born June 18, 1924 in Oceola, Ark., a daughter of Joe Rob and Verna Peoples Shelton. She married Henry Holifield on March 3, 1943. He passed away June 24, 1996. 
Myrtle was a cosmetologist and also worked as a lab tech for Ben Hill Griffin. She was a member of the Baptist Church. 
Myrtle was an avid gardener. She could grow beautiful orchids. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, playing cards, "Rook," and Scrabble. Myrtle loved spending time with her family and friends. 
She is survived by her three children, Jim Holifield, Palisade, Colo.; Jacquetta Truax, Grand Junction; Joel (Mary) Holifield, Grand Junction; four grandchildren; brothers, Jim (Jo) Shelton, Booneville, Miss.; Gale (Myra) Shelton, Frostproof, Fla.; Bill (Shirley) Shelton, San Marcos, Calif.; sister, Mable Guarr, Meridian, Miss.
Graveside services were held August 27 in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

Genevieve Nemec

Genevieve Haladay Nemec, 81, passed away at her home in Vernal on August 24, 2001. She was born Oct. 18, 1919 in Wakefield, Mass., a daughter of Paul and Ana Olacz Haladay. She married her sweetheart Alfred Nemec on Oct. 19, 1941. 
Genevieve was a member of the St. James Catholic Church, St. James Parrish Ladies Club, Ladies of Elks and Pahoa Senior Citizens in Hawaii. 
She enjoyed crocheting, reading, and was a master of crossword puzzles. 
She is survived by her husband, Alfred; children, Ron (Marie) Nemec of Grand Junction, Colo.; Tom (Lucy) Nemec, Vernal; five grandchildren, Kevin Nemec, Justin Nemec, Heather (Wayne Moore) Nemec, Holly (Brad) Payne; Hilary (Cody) Ross; two great-grandchildren, Madison Payne and CJ Ross. 
Graveside services were held Tuesday, August 28, in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 

Violet Keever

Violet Richardson Keever, 79, passed away August 23, 2001 at Stewart Care Center in Roosevelt. She was born June 16, 1922 in Vernal, a daughter of Oscar Ray and Pearl Nielson Richens. She married Glen Richardson in 1945. He died in 1973. She married John Keever in 1996 in Las Vegas, Nev.
She worked for Glade Sowards as an attendant at a service station. Violet loved the outdoors, and going for a ride in the mountains, where she loved fishing and hunting. She was very good at both.
She is survived by her husband, John; six step-children; many nieces and nephews; and two sisters-in-law. 
Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 29 at Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. Friends may call one hour prior to services. 
Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 

William 'Bill' Hunsaker

William "Bill" N. Hunsaker, 42, of Malad, Idaho., died Thursday, August 23, 2001 in the Bannock Regional Medical Center due to injuries sustained in an accident while working on an I-15 highway project. 
He was born July 16, 1959, in Ogden, a son of William D. and Janetta Johnson Hunsaker. Bill married Sue Richins in 1975 in Vernal, and they were later divorced. He married Judy Christensen in 1980, and they also divorced. In November of 1991 he married Shanna Lee. 
Bill was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and belonged to the Malad 6th Ward. For many years he worked in the oil fields near and around the Vernal area. He later relocated to northern Utah and was currently residing with his family in Malad. He worked as a machinist, welder and construction worker. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, bowling, rodeos, horses, and working on his computer and spending time with his wife and children. 
He is survived by his wife, Shanna; eight children, Danny George, Jeremiah Brent (Merilee) Hunsaker, Shilo, Janetta Ladee, Kristina, Erin, Kasten, Baylee and Patrick, Duchesne. 
Also surviving are his parents, Jan and Fat Gardiner, Vernal; two brothers, Michael D. Hunsaker; Patrick J. (Mary) Hunsaker; one sister, Desiree' (Jeff) Stokes; step-brothers and step-sister, Ted (Patty) Gardiner, Lee (Pam) Gardiner and Brud Gardiner, all of Vernal; Randy (Betty) Garver, Robert (Barbara) Hunsaker, Alisa (Rick) Blackburn; Malea (Dave) Hale; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, William D. Hunsaker; and step mother, Doris; grandparents, Jess and Emma Johnson, Ogden; and Dale and Leah Hunsaker, Brigham City. 
Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 28, in Malad 6th Ward Chapel under the direction of the Horsley Funeral Home. 
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the family at the U.S. Bank in Malad.

Katherine Betts

Katherine Laulla Batt Betts, 78, of Vernal, died August 21, 2001 at the Stewart's Care and Rehabilitation Center in Roosevelt. She was born Feb. 16, 1923 in Mayor, Ariz., to Richard Charles and Laulla Commings Batt. Kay was married to Albert Vaughn Barlow who later died. She then married Joseph Hatch. They later divorced. She married Wayne York, who later died. She then married Jay Betts. 
She is survived by her husband, Jay; three children; Allen Vaughn Barlow, Vernal; Patricia Kay Barlow, Michigan; Douglas Scott Barlow, Vernal; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Helen (Nell) Batt; Nisha Woods and Edna Carrick.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Shaunna Barlow; brothers and sisters, Charles Batt, Joseph Batt, Bonnie Jackson, Zona Batt and James (Jim) Batt. 
Memorial services were held Friday, August 31 in the Spafford Funeral Home. 
Interment of her ashes will be in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of the Spafford Funeral Home.

Arthur B. Barrett

Funeral services for Arthur Bartron Barrett, born Feb. 10, 1913 and died August 15, 2001, were held August 20 in the Davis 1st Ward Chapel with Bishop Clair Davis conducting. 
Ron Barrett offered the family prayer with prelude and postlude played by Marilyn Gurney. 
Lanore Lance gave the invocation and Cliff Whitmire read the eulogy and obituary. 
Speakers were Pam Whitmire and Wayne Gurney. 
The congregation, accompanied by Marilyn Gurney, sang "Because I Have Been Given Much;" Kay Hunting, accompanied by Laura Hacking, sang "Old Rugged Cross;" and Geri Benedicto and Kathy Deets, accompanied by Carol Murray, sang "I Need Thee Every Hour."
Bishop Clair Davis offered closing remarks, Nova Lea Beddes gave the benediction and John Norton dedicated the grave.
Pallbearers were Ronnie Barrett Jr., Brent Barrett, Eric Lanstaff, Randall Beddes, Bartron Norton and Randy Beddes. 
Interment was in the Vernal Memorial Park with military honors provided by the American Legion. 
Services were under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with compassionate services under the direction of the Davis 1st Ward Relief Society.

Paul D. Raynor

Funeral services for Paul Delbert Raynor, born Nov. 28, 1925 and died Aguust 20, 2001, were held August 23, 2001 in the Spafford Funeral Home with Pastor Ron Sathe conducting. 
Maren Johnson played prelude and postlude music.
Pastor Sathe offered scripture and prayer. 
Ray Blacketer read the obituary. 
Mark Thomson played two bag pipe solos; Analiese White and Brenda Blacketer, accompanied by Maren Johnson, sang "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder.'
Speakers were Mozelle Sweeney and Lyle Glines with remarks offered by Pastor Sathe.
Pallbearers were Dave Temples, Lyle Glines, Jim Rhoades, Eddie Merkley, Scott Womack and Jack Powell. 
Interment was in the Elmwood Cemetery, Fruita, Colo., with military honors provided by the American Legion under the direction of Spafford Funeral Home.

Ramona 'Polly' Karren

Funeral services for Ramona Faye "Polly" Gadd Karren, born May 3, 1928 and died August 20, 2001, were held August 23 in the Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with Mitch Blackburn conducting. 
Lloyd Winward offered the family prayer with prelude and postlude music played by Daun DeJournette. 
Devere Ostler gave the invocation. 
Speaker was Carmen Slaugh. 
LaDee Christensen, accompanied by Daun DeJournette, sang "Wind Beneath My Wings" and "In The Garden."
Carmen Slaugh gave the benediction and Lloyd Winward dedicated the grave. 
Pallbearers were Tom Karren, Tommy Karren, Ernie Cruz, Clayton Karren, Gary Karren, John Davis, Doug Dunn and Frank Dembowski. 
Interment was in the Dry Fork Cemetery under the direction of Thomson Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with compassionate services offered by the Vernal Christian Church. 

Frank S. Couture

Frank S. "Red" Couture, 86, of Vernal, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2000 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born at Devils Lake, N.D., on Jan. 31, 1914, a son of Mary Francis Zimmerman and Clarence Edward Couture. He spent his growing up years in Riverside, Calif. He came to Vernal in 1935 and worked as a cook at the Dinosaur Quarry in Jensen. He married Georgia Milburn on August 28, 1937 in Duchesne. 
Frank served in the United States Army as a 1st Lieutenant in the Engineering Division during World War II and was wounded at the Beach of Normandy on July 4, 1944. He was active in many civic organizations; the American Legion, Kiwanis Club, Moose Lodge, Masons, the Vernal Shriners and the Dinah Sams. He owned and operated Basin Auto Supply until his retirement in 1976. He then spent the winters in sunny Arizona. Frank previously worked as an insurance agent and as parts manager for Vernal Auto Parts. He and his wife, Georgia, enjoyed traveling and visited many countries. 
He is survived by his wife, Georgia M. Couture; two daughters, Pam (Norman) Pease and Jodie (Brian) Spendlove, all of Vernal; eight grandchildren, Steven Pease, Chris Pease, Heidi Peak, Debbie Maxfield, Jennifer Maher, Jeff Maher, Jaylene Spendlove and Alex Spendlove; five great-grandchildren, Heather, Krista and Joshua Pease; Mercedes Maxfield and Madison Peak; sisters, Clara Meyers, Salem, Ore.; Loretta DeRose, Sacramento, Calif.; brother, Edward Coutrue, Felton, Calif.; many nieces and nephews. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Violet Clark; and three brothers, Fred Couture; William "Bill" Couture; and Ralph Couture.
Funeral services were be held Thursday, August 31, at 11 a.m. In the Vernal Masonic Temple, 166 South 100 West, Vernal. Friends may call on Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and again Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.
Compassionate services are offered by the Vernal 1st Ward Relief Society.
We wish to thank the Uintah Basin Hospice for all their services and kindnesses extended to our family.

Paul Toronto

Paul Albert Toronto, 82, passed from this life into the next on August 27, 2000. He was born in Salt Lake City on Dec. 25, 1917 to Mini Etta Felt and Albert Toronto. He was living in Vernal with his son, Wesley, at the time of his death. 
He married Alta LeReah Huntsman on July 9, 1943 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They were the proud parents of five children and 50+ foster children. He was an active member of the LDS Church and held many callings throughout his life. He loved to sing and sang with the Tabernacle Choir, church choir and many choral groups and community theaters. He was an excellent wood craftsman and enjoyed bowling with his league and working in his beautiful gardens. He also served his country during World War II and the Viet Nam conflict.
Paul was a great husband, father, brother, grandpa, uncle and friend. He was preceded in death by his wife, LaReah; daughter, Paula Mangus; and grandson, Justin Bailey.
He will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind; his brother, Alan Toronto, Salt Lake City; sister, Norma Morrell, Provo; his children, Wesley (Sandra) Toronto, Vernal; Dale Toronto, Salt Lake City; Sheli Bailey, Venice, Calif.; and Tami (Randy) Cromar, Salt Lake City; his grandchildren, Bryn Broody Mangus, Marshall Mangus, Deserae Mangus, Megan Mangus, Alecia Mangus, Tiffany Cole, Amanda Cole, Derek Toronto, Christopher Toronto, Brandi Shirley Cromar, Jessica Bailey Cromar, Justin Cromar, Matthew Cromar and Spencer Cromar; his great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. He will be especially missed by his Sheltie dog, Rusty.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 2 at 11 a.m. in the Bountiful 11th Ward LDS Chapel, 3350 So. 100 E., Bountiful. Friends may call at the Bountiful Lindquist Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E., on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday morning one hour prior to the services at the chapel. 
Interment will be in the Bountiful City Cemetery under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

Elmer Robbins

Elmer "Jum" Robbins, 62, passed away at home Sunday, August 20, 2000 after a long illness.
He was born May 26, 1938 in Mountwell, to Nellie Wild Robbins and Thomas Elmer Robbins. He married Mary Ann Seelos on July 30, 1966 in Elko, Nev. He attended Union High School and worked as a ranch hand throughout his childhood. He worked for Tennaco Packaging for 27 years and was a truck driver for over 40 years. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Elmer was an avid outdoorsman and loved to play golf and go boating and camping at Lake Powell. Elmer was beloved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 
He is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Brett (Lisa); Bart (Vicky); Scott (LaVerne); Debra Harward, Martin (Ingrid); 15 grandchildren; sisters and brother, Beth (Gary) Wall; Hal (Carol); June (Larry) Pierson and Helen (Gill) Granada; mother-in-law, Deloris McCleve. 
He was preceded in death by his parents. 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Utah Chapter of the American Heart Association. 
Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 23, in the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel. 
Interment was in the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

Lynn Luck

Funeral services for Lynn Luck, born Oct. 7, 1917 and died August 11, 2000, were held Wednesday, August 23 in the Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with Mitch Blackburn conducting. 
Scott McCarrel, grandson, offered the family prayer. 
Daun DeJournette and Dorothy Luck, sister-in-law, accompanied by Fergeson, sang "Country Road," and "Kentucky."
Speaker was Scott McCarrel and Angela Mellor, granddaughter, read a poem.
Kevin McCarrel, grandson, gave the benediction, and Lance Luck, nephew, dedicated the grave.
Pallbearers were Kevin McCarrel, Steven Luck, Jeremy Detson, Craig McCarrel, Tyson Vencill and Bayden Grooer. 
Honorary pallbearers were Kyler McCarrel, Mitch McCarrel and Bitsy Burns. 
Interment was in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 

Franklin Hardinger

Funeral services for Franklin D. Hardinger, born Dec. 3, 1933 and died August 20, 2000, were held Thursday, August 24, 2000 in the Vernal 9th LDS Ward Chapel with Bishop Arvid Sullivan conducting.
Kirk Robbins offered the family prayer with prelude and postlude music played by RaNae Labrum.
Richard Hardinger gave the invocation. 
Speakers were Mike Weber and Fred Amundson. 
Denice Allen sang "Wind Beneath My Wings;" Ron Walker sang "Whispering Pine;" and Jan King, accompanied by Laura Hacking, sang "How Great Thou Art."
Kyle Lance gave the benediction and Larry Smuin dedicated the grave.
Pallbearers were Ron Hardinger, Brad Hardinger, Terry Boren, Kyle Hardinger, Tom Rundle and Gerry Boren.
Honorary pallbearers were Ty Rundle and Daniel Hardiner.
Interment was in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with compassionate services offered by the Vernal 9th Ward Relief Society. 

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Obituaries in Historical Newspapers 1815-2001