Virginia Kathryn Higham Patton, 83, recently of Jensen, returned to her Heavenly Father on Oct. 31, 2000. Virginia was born Jan. 3, 1917 to Thomas Gould and Leona Mae Bess Higham. She was raised in Bakersfield, Calif., and Salt Lake City. 
Virginia married Robert M. Fowler, later divorced. She married Michael P. O'Shayne, later divorced. She married Kenneth F. Patton, August 24, 1968. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. 
Virginia was a lifelong active Latter-day Saint. She served a mission to Hopi Indians in Arizona and as a temple worker in the Jordan River Temple for nine years. 
Her love of music was notable. Her love of plants and landscaping was expressed throughout her life. If she had a large window overlooking a garden, a warm furry friend in her lap, and her crocheting and music by her side, she was happy. 
She is survived by her children: Mary (Loyd) Mortensen, St. George; Bob Fowler Midvale; Bettie Shetter, San Diego, Calif.; Phil (Christina) Fowler, Norcross, Ga.; Michele P. O'Shayne, Jensen; 28 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren. Special thanks to her name sake niece, Virginia Kathryn Erickson, for her love and support. 
She is preceded in death by parents; husbands; son, Michael J. Higham Fowler; brothers, Thomas G. Higham, Jr., Richard Homer Higham, Gilford Bess Higham; sister, Elylia (Lee) Erickson; and grandson, Mark Washburn.
She will be missed by countless family members and friends because of the honor, generosity and humor with which she lived her life. She made the world a better place. We write just a hundredth part of her life.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 3, 2000 at Redwood Memorial Estates, 6535 South Redwood Road, Bennion. Friends may call Thursday evening and prior to services. 
Interment will be at Redwood Memorial Estates. 

Donald W. Crowther

Donald Wayne Crowther, 23, passed away Oct. 27, 2000 from a hunting accident. Donald was born Sept. 22, 1977 in LaJara, Colo., a son of Franklin Glen and Darla Jean Shawcroft Crowther. He married Rebecca Lynn Sadlier Crowther on Feb. 20, 1998 in Vernal. They were later sealed in the Atlanta Georgia Temple. 
Don was a member of the LDS Church. He was serving active duty as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps. Donald enjoyed camping, fishing, riding horses, working on computers and gardening. Most of all he loved his two little girls and his family. 
He is survived by wife, Rebecca Crowther; daughters, Ashley and Amanda Crowther; parents, Frank and Darla Crowther; siblings, Christy, Kevin, James, Lori, Jennifer, Paul, Justin, Casey, Sarah, Kali and brother-in-law, Dwayne Davies; grandparents, Wayne and Helen Shawcroft; Glendene Crowther; father and mother-in-law, Ivan and Sherryl Sadlier; brother and sisters-in-law, Karl and Tammy Stucki; Jeff and Joan Cranney; Kevin and Dixie Sadlier, Colin and Shalain Sadlier, Chase and Amber Hall and Stella Sadlier; and many other cousins, aunts, uncles and relatives.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2000 at 11 a.m. at the Vernal 8th LDS Ward Chapel, 1500 South 1270 West. Friends may call from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the chapel. 
Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 

Beth Nielsen

Beth Smith Winn Bryant Nielsen, 79, of Gusher, died Oct. 30, 2000 at the Stewart Care and Rehabilitation Center. She was born May 30, 1921 in Plymouth to Willie Bourne Smith and Agnes Pierson Smith. She had seven brothers and sisters. They moved to coal camps in Helper when she was a little girl and moved to the Basin in her teens.
She met Charles Franklin Winn, Jr., they were married Nov. 17, 1937 in Duchesne. They lived in the Uintah Basin throughout their married life.
They lived on a farm and together they started a riding club in which they would square dance on horses. After her husband's passing she helped to continue the club. Frank died Jan. 10, 1957 on the Lapoint road.
She worked in the school lunch kitchen at Union High School for many years. Beth was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a Relief Society visiting teacher and was in the choir. She loved to do crafts, hunt, fish, ride horses, go camping, and especially loved her family and friends.
She married Douglas Ira Bryant August 18, 1957 in Vernal. They moved to Vernal after they were married. She worked in the school lunch kitchens in Vernal. They lived in Vernal all their married life. Doug died August 29, 1970 in Provo. Beth continued to work in the schools.
She met Stanley H. Nielsen when she went to see her sister in Helper. They were married June 28, 1972 in Elko, Nev. They lived in Vernal where Beth continued to work until she had a stroke in 1978. Stan died March 16, 1982.
Beth moved to Gusher to live with her daughter and family. She lived there until 1998 when she went into the care center.
Beth is survived by her children: three sons, one daughter, Frank (Edna) Winn, Bloomfield, N.M.; Owen Winn, Kittitas, Wash.; Douglas (Tina) Bryant, Vernal; and DeNece (Willie) Williams, Gusher; 17 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Floyd (Alberta) Smith, South Salt Lake.
She was preceded in death by her three husbands, parents, brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Nov. 2, 1 p.m., at the Ballard LDS Church. Friends may call at the Hullinger Mortuary, Wednesday from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Thursday at the church from 12 noon 12:45 p.m. 
Burial will be in the Cedarview Cemetery.

John R. Wamsley

John R. Wamsley, 75, died Friday, Oct. 27, 2000 in Vernal. 
John was born to the late Eula and Harry Wamsley on July 6, 1925 in Peebles, Ohio. He was married to Alma Hall in December 1947 who preceded him in death in July 1975. A daughter, Jahn (Wamsley) Blackburn survives her father. She resides in Jensen with her husband, Ryan, and their two daughters, Rylie, and Jahnsen. 
John graduated from Peebles High School in 1943 where he was valedictorian of his class. He entered the United States Army in 1944 and served during World War II where he was awarded the Purple Heart. Honorably discharged, he entered Ohio University and graduated in 1951. In 1955, he attained the professional designation of certified public accountant. 
Immediately following graduation, John joined the public accounting firm of Touche, Niven, Bailey & Smart in Dayton, Ohio where he worked until he accepted a position with the United States Department of Energy in Piketon, Ohio. He and his wife, Alma, resided in Ohio until 1965 when John accepted a promotional transfer with the Department of Energy in Las Vegas, Nev. John held several positions with the Department of Energy culminating in the position of assistant manager for administration of the Las Vegas facility until his retirement in 1989. 
John was a member of the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, the Ohio Society of CPAs, the AICPA, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Scottish Rite and the Shrine.
In 1994, John relocated to Vernal, to be near his beloved daughter, son-in law and grandchildren. He resided there until his death. 
At John's request, his remains will be cremated and his ashes will be interred alongside his wife, Alma, in the Loucust Grove Cemetery at Peebles. Graveside services will be held at a future date under the direction of Hullinger-Spafford Funeral Home. 
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. 

Garth Gardner

Garth Dean Gardner, 71, of Hurricane, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, died of Parkinson's Disease Friday, Oct. 27, 2000. He was born Sept. 14, 1929 in Neola to Rex Lincoln Gardner and Zella Maria Allred. 
Garth was the middle of nine children and spent his youth helping his father run a large cattle ranch. His older brothers and one sister were in World War II so he learned to do a man's work at a very tender age. He loved sports and was the captain of the football team. Garth also won the golden glove championship of the State of Utah. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and attended the University of Utah. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Garth fulfilled two full time missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and two Stake missions, one as a Stake mission president. He served many positions of leadership in the church, including a counselor in the Bishopric. He became a building contractor of the Salt Lake Valley for most of his adult life. Garth married Maryellen Stewart August 4, 1948 in the Logan LDS Temple and were married six years before their first child was born.
He is survived by his wife: Maryellen; five children: Beverly (Alan) Thomas, Stewart Dean (Penny), Wendy (Mark) Nelson, and Mark Andrew (Jennifer), all of Salt Lake City, and Jennifer (Paul) Maxfield of St. George; 25 grandchildren; five brothers: Eldon, Iliff, Claryn and Glen of Vernal, Dahl Gardner of Roosevelt; three sisters: Audrey Substad of Boise, Idaho, Hattie (Ray) Jensen of Neola, and Chell Todd of Roosevelt.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. at the Brighton Point LDS Chapel, 3455 E. 7800 S. in Salt Lake City. Friends may call from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. 7600 S. in Salt Lake City, and again, Thursday at the Brighton Point Chapel, one hour prior to services. Interment will be at 3 p.m. that day in the Neola Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury & Beard Mortuary.

Lowell Brady

Lowell Lafayette Brady, former long-time resident of Rangely, Colo., died at Sevier Valley Hospital in Richfield, Oct. 20, 2000. He was 101 years old. 
Lowell was born to Elias and Elsie Rollins Brady August 25, 1899 in Fairview. When he was about 17 years old he moved with his family to the Uintah Basin and settled in Antelope Canyon near Duchesne, where the family was engaged in the livestock business. He married Thelma Jasperson May 27, 1922. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.
He was a sheep rancher and moved his family to Steamboat Springs, Colo., in 1933 where he purchased a ranch near Rabbitt Ears Pass while his sheep were located on East Douglas Creek near Rangely. The family later moved to Vernal where the children attended school and they spent the summers in Colorado. They later moved into Rangely or the ranch property on East Douglas Creek. 
In 1947 Mr. Brady purchased a sheep ranch near Durango, Colo., but later sold the ranch and took the sheep to East Douglas where he acquired additional property to accommodate the extra livestock. 
Mr. Brady was an active member of the LDS Church and served as a branch president of the Artesia Colorado Branch of the church before being called in 1962 to serve a Temple mission in Manti, with his wife, Thelma. Mrs. Brady died in 1972 and Mr. Brady married Elvirda Fox Applegate and they continued to serve in the temple. She died in 1993 and Mr. Brady sold his house in Manti and moved to the Beehive Home in Richfield where he lived happily until his death. 
He was widely known for his keen memory and could recall a poem, scripture, or quote to fit most any occasion. 
He is survived by three sons and two daughters, Leon (Nadean) Brady, Gillette, Wyo., Lorain (Donna) Brady, Logandale, Nev., Douglas (Geraldine) Brady, Fruita, Colo.; Gwen Brady Elam, Rangely; and Lois Brady (Don) Adams, Las Vegas, Nev. He is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 94 great grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren. 
He is preceded in death by two sons, Glen and Keith.
Services and burial took place in Manti on Oct. 24, 2000. 

Dean Peterson

Funeral services for Dean Peterson, born Nov. 15, 1916 and died Oct. 17, 2000, were held Wednesday, Oct. 25 in the Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with Lanny Kay conducting. 
Blake Millecam gave the invocation with prelude and postlude music played by Sylvia Slaugh. 
Speakers were John Millecam and Lanny Kay. 
Kay Hunting, accompanied by Sylvia Slaugh, sang "Nearer, My God To Thee," and "Jesus, Lover of My Soul."
Paul Millecam gave the benediction and Lanny Kay dedicated the grave.
Pallbearers were Dale Slaugh, Mike Slaugh, Jim Peterson, Jim Slaugh, Beau Hacking and Sam Deelastra. 
Interment was in the Vernal Memorial Park with military honors given by the American Legion under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 

Dona M. Deets

Funeral services for Dona Maurine Fullmer Deets, born March 22, 1922 and died Oct. 22, 2000, were held Thursday, Oct. 26 in the Vernal 9th LDS Ward Chapel with Bishop Arvid Sullivan conducting. 
Anthony Deets offered the family prayer with prelude and postlude music played by Ranae Labrum. 
The congregation, led by Geri Benedicto, chorister, and accompanied by Ranae Labrum, organist, sang "Nearer, My God To Thee."
Alfred Fullmer gave the invocation. 
Speakers were Anthony Deets and Randy Deets. 
Geri Benedicto sang "The Test;" Rosalie Mott sang "Over The Rainbow;" and Blaine Pierce sang "How Great Thou Art." All were accompanied by Brian Litton. 
Kathy Deets gave the benediction and Randy Deets dedicated the grave. 
Pallbearers were Ryan Deets, Scott Deets, Kayle Gardiner, Rhett Deets, Weston Deets and Bobbie Rasmussen. 
Honorary pallbearers were grandchildren. 
Interment was in the Rock Point Cemetery under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 

Norma Downard

Funeral services for Norma L. Downard, born April 18, 1923 and died Oct. 23, 2000, were held Friday, Oct. 27, 2000 in the Vernal 1st LDS Ward Chapel with Bishop Rulon Ewell conducting. 
Tom Freestone offered the family prayer with prelude and postlude music played by Virginia Ewell. 
David Judd gave the invocation. 
Darrell Lance was the speaker. 
Geri Benedicto, accompanied by Brian Litton, sang "Wind Beneath My Wings;" and Ron Walker sang "Go Rest High On That Mountain."
Robert Downard offered closing remarks, Brad Rosenhan gave the benediction and Brad Fawcett dedicated the grave. 
Pallbearers were Rick Hawkins, Brad Fawcett, David Judd, John Downard, Brad Rosenhan and Sterling Downard. 
Interment was in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with compassionate services offered by the Vernal 1st Ward Relief Society. 

Elise Pitkin

Elise Marie Loyd Silba Hall Pitkin, 75, passed away Dec. 6, 2000 in Vernal. She was born Feb. 10, 1925 in Meeker, Colo.; a daughter of Arthur E. and Myra E. Welsh Loyd. She married Glen R. Silba; they later divorced. She married Donald Hall; they later divorced. 
Elise worked as a waitress. She enjoyed fishing and loved to put crossword puzzles together. She also enjoyed watching professional wrestling on TV. 
She is survived by a sister, Jana Bell Parrish, Salt Lake City; a son, Frank W. Silba, Jacksonville, Fla.; granddaughters, Kathleen Marie Hardy, Las Vegas, Nev.; and Linda Marie Silba and her husband, John Thompson, Gainsville, Fla.; a grandson, Glen R. Silba II, Lahaina, Hawaii; granddaughter, Lynn Marie Silba, Jacksonville; a grandson, Frank W. Silba Jr., Jacksonville; granddaughter, Christina Marie Silba, Jacksonville; a cousin, Mary (Charles) Herman, Vernal.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. at the Vernal Memorial Park. Friends and family may meet at the cemetery. 
Services are under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 

Yolanda Kerlin

Yolanda "Lanny" Kerlin, 66, passed away Dec. 11, 2000 at her home in Vernal. She was born July 27, 1934 in New York City, N.Y., a daughter of Edward I. and Annie Weber Freedman. She married J.J. Kerlin on March 26, 1966 in Anaheim, Calif. 
Lanny was a member of the St. James Catholic Church and Ladies of the Elks. She worked for Chevron until she retired. Lanny was a Ham radio operator (WA7QE), which she enjoyed along with camping, fishing, hiking and life in general. 
Lanny was a people person. She met everyone with an open heart and open mind, always willing to help or just listen. She had a beautiful smile. 
She is survived by her husband, J.J. Kerlin; two sons, Michael and Mark Kerlin; four grandsons, Mathew, Daniel, Nichols and Joshua; three sisters, Claire Oberlic, Blaine, Wash.; Kay Corner, Bullhead City, Ariz.; and Pauline Chandler, Ft. Mohave, Ariz.
Funeral mass will be held Thursday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. in the St. James Catholic Church. Friends may call Wednesday from 6 p.m to 7 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at the church. 
Burial will be in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 

Thelma Bradford

Former long-time Vernal resident Thelma Irene Bradford, 84, passed away Dec. 11, 2000 in Enumclaw, Wash. She was born August 14, 1916 in Richland County, Ill., to Phillip G. and Della M. (Kimpling) Schnautz, the fifth of five daughters. Her marriage to Thomas M. Gass on Oct. 27, 1938 ended in divorce in November 1965. She was then married to L. Floyd Williams from Dec. 31, 1971 until his passing on July 17, 1984. From Feb. 14, 1986, Thelma was married to John Bradford until he passed away on March 1, 1994. 
For many years, Thelma was familiar to many salespersons at the old Uintah Rexall Drug Store. She was an avid bowler (several will remember her as their first instructor.) She received recognition from the Basin Women's Bowling Association Hall of Fame. At times, during her 40 years as a Vernal resident, she enjoyed golf, ceramics and was a member of the Eastern Star Organization and the Vernal First Christian Church. 
She is survived by her son, Edward (Helen) Gass, Enumclaw; granddaughter, Laurie (Christopher) Walters; great-granddaughter, Sarah Walters, Everett, Wash.; sisters, Ollie Broadhead, Colchester, Ill.; Frieda Pottorff, Dundas, Ill.
She was preceded in death by her husband; an infant son, Glen Ray Gass; and her eldest sister, Alice Stanley, Olney, Ill.
Thelma never met a stranger. She made friends easily and will long be remembered for her ready smile and delightful sense of humor. The late Dr. Hawkes once described Thelma as "a care giver." Those that knew and loved her know that truer words were never spoken. 
Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. at the Thomson Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. Friends may call Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to services. 
Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Diabetes Association.

Lyman Chlarson

Lyman Wilson Chlarson, 92, passed away Dec. 4, 2000 at the Uintah Care Center. He was born June 26, 1908 to Heberado and Ida Burrel Wilson Chlarson in Chihuahua, Mexico. 
He moved to Randlett when he was 5 years old. He has been employed with Woodey Searle since Oct. 6, 1946. He has been a very dear part of the Searle family, being lovingly called "Uncle Lym" for the past 54 years. 
He was a rancher, farmer and jack-of-all-trades. He had the patience of Job. Lyman loved each day of his life. He enjoyed the sunset and the sunrise. He had a natural ability to take care of livestock. His kindness and caring could be felt by all who knew him, and he will be long remembered. 
Lyman was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved to attend the Vernal Temple. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. 
Funeral services were held Dec. 12 in the Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 
Burial was in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. 

Clarence Harrison

Memorial services for Clarence Buel "Chic" Harrison, Sr., born April 10, 1926 and died Dec. 1, 2000, were held Tuesday, Dec. 5 in the Thomson Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with Mitch Blackburn conducting. 
Fran Harrison, daughter-in-law, played prelude and postlude music. 
Mitch Blackburn gave the invocation. 
Speakers were Bill Mynes; Bud Harrison, son; and Glade Anderson.
Russell Harrison, grandson, played a violin musical; and a recording of "Daddy's Hands" was played. 
Mitch Blackburn offered closing remarks and Larry Searle offered a graveside prayer. 
Interment was in the Vernal Memorial Park with military honors given by the American Legion under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.