Category Archives: Obituaries

Sylvian Lunt Heywood

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Sylvia Lunt Heywood, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 in Gilbert, Arizona. She was 92 years old.

Sylvia was born November 28, 1933, in Pacheco, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Clarence Lunt and LaVetta Cluff Lunt. She was one of nine children, growing up with her siblings Marza Lunt Hatch, Maureen Lunt Bowman, Ora Lunt Bluth, LaRue Lunt, LaRee Lunt Bluth, LuDean Lunt Cardon, Gary Lunt, and Berkley Lunt.

Sylvia spent the first years of her life on the family ranch and farm in the beautiful Sierra Madre Mountains of northern Mexico. She lived there until she was nearly six years old, when the family moved to Colonia Juarez so the children could attend a formal school.

Sylvia’s childhood was forever changed on May 4, 1939, when her father, Clarence, died of cancer. Her mother, LaVetta, was left a widow at just 37 years old with nine children ranging in age from four months to 18 years.

LaVetta later married Loren Taylor, a widower with six children of his own, bringing together two families and adding six stepsiblings to Sylvia’s life: Hanna Vee, Nelle, LaSelle, Flora Jean, Elwood, and Jerald Lynn. Together, they became a large blended family of 15 children.

When Sylvia was 10 years old, the family moved to Colonia Dublan, where they settled into a large, two-story red brick home with enough room for their growing family. It was there that Sylvia enjoyed many of the simple pleasures that characterized her childhood. She played with her brothers and sisters beneath the shade trees in their large yard and explored the surrounding fields and creeks. She loved the freedom, beauty, and closeness to nature that came with growing up in a small community in Mexico.

Sylvia attended high school in Colonia Juarez at the Juarez Stake Academy, graduating in 1952. Having been raised in Mexico, Sylvia was fluent in both Spanish and English, a gift that remained an important part of her life and later became especially meaningful during her years of Church service in Latin America. That summer, she left Mexico for a summer job at Jacob Lake, Arizona, where she worked as a waitress at the Jacob Lake Inn.

In September 1952, Sylvia traveled to Provo, Utah, to attend Brigham Young University. After completing her first year of college, she returned to Jacob Lake and the Jacob Lake Inn for another summer of work. The young people there worked long hours, but they also made the most of their time together. Sylvia especially enjoyed riding horses, playing cards, going on bike rides, and simply spending time with the other young adults who worked there.

At the end of the summer, Sylvia returned to Provo for her second year at Brigham Young University. After completing that year, she moved to Salt Lake City to seek employment and begin the next chapter of her life.

During this time, Sylvia began considering serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was taking steps toward that goal when she learned that she had a serious kidney disease. The diagnosis changed the course of the plans she had been making for her future. She returned home to Mexico, where she could be surrounded by family and receive their help and support while she recovered.

After her health improved, Sylvia moved to El Paso, Texas, in the fall of 1955. There, she found employment in the accounting department at the El Paso International Airport. Among her responsibilities, Sylvia monitored the airport’s fuel supply and ordered fuel for the military and commercial aircraft that stopped in El Paso to refuel.

While living in El Paso, Sylvia she remained active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became part of a close-knit group of young adults. The group included other young people living and working in the area, as well as members of the military stationed at nearby Fort Bliss and Biggs Air Force Base.

It was through this group that Sylvia met Evans Heywood in October 1956. Evans was serving in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss. Their courtship moved quickly, and in January 1957, Evans proposed.

On May 4, 1957, Sylvia and Evans were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, beginning a marriage for time and all eternity with a partnership centered on family, faith, and service.

The newlyweds returned to El Paso, where they made their first home together while Evans completed his military commitment. Their time in El Paso was filled with friendships, and they enjoyed the company of many good friends as they began their married life together.

In August 1958, Sylvia and Evans moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Sylvia was eight months pregnant as the young couple prepared to welcome their first child. Their son, Clarence Leslie Heywood, was stillborn later that year. Sylvia later wrote of the heartbreak of leaving the hospital without their baby and of the faith and comfort that sustained them through the loss.

Sylvia and Evans were the parents of seven children: Clarence Leslie, Jolene, David Loren, Anthony Bruce, Larry Neal, Timothy Evans, and Jill. Their family became the center of Sylvia’s life. She devoted herself to creating a loving and active home where faith, hard work, service, education, family activities, and time together were important parts of everyday life.

The growing Heywood family lived in several homes in Phoenix before settling into their home on San Juan Avenue in 1969. Those years were filled with the activities of raising their family-school, sports, Scouting, Church responsibilities, family vacations, trips to Mexico, camping, and the ordinary experiences that eventually became some of their most treasured memories. Sylvia particularly valued opportunities for her children to spend time with their extended family and to remain connected to their heritage in the Mormon Colonies of Mexico.

Sylvia and Evans also opened their home and hearts to others. Over the years, several young people from Mexico and Central America became part of their household while pursuing educational opportunities in the United States. Sylvia regarded these young people as part of her family and took great satisfaction in helping them obtain an education and build better lives. Her willingness to help others reflected something she had learned from her own parents: when someone needed help, there was always room for one more.

Service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a constant throughout Sylvia’s life. She served in numerous callings, including many years of service in the Relief Society and Young Women organizations. She served as a counselor and later as president in Relief Society organizations at both the ward and stake level, in addition to many other assignments. Her Church service brought her into the lives of countless women, young people, and families.

Family activities were an important part of life in the Heywood home. Summers frequently included camping trips to Big Lake in northern Arizona, annual summertime visits to Jackson Hole, family reunions, and trips to Mexico. Sylvia worked hard to maintain relationships among an increasingly large extended family, and family reunions became an especially important tradition. She also developed a deep interest in genealogy and family history, gathering photographs, journals, stories, and histories so they could be preserved for future generations.

In September 1980, Sylvia and Evans moved their family to a new home on Mountain View Road in Phoenix. Sylvia later described the sixteen years they spent there as some of the most important years of their lives. It was the home from which their children finished growing up, graduated from high school and college, served missions, married, and began families of their own. It also became a gathering place where holidays, Sunday dinners, family celebrations, and the arrival of grandchildren created countless memories.

As her children grew and grandchildren began arriving, Sylvia embraced her role as a grandmother. Her home remained a place where family gathered often, and she loved having her grandchildren nearby. Food and family were frequently intertwined-homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, fresh-squeezed orange juice, cookies, and other treats became part of the memories her children and grandchildren carried with them.

Sylvia also became an important caregiver to family members during their later years, continuing a lifelong pattern of devotion to those she loved. Caring for others was not simply something Sylvia did; it was part of who she was.

In 1996, after sixteen years on Mountain View Road, Sylvia and Evans sold their Phoenix home and began another chapter of their lives. Later that year, they moved into their newly built home in Gilbert, Arizona. The Gilbert home became another gathering place for their expanding family and was close to several of their children and grandchildren.

Throughout these years, Sylvia continued her commitment to Church service, family history, and her family. She carefully preserved family photographs, histories, newsletters, journals, and stories. Her own autobiography, Mountains, Meadows and Memories, became part of that effort-a record not simply of dates and events, but of the people, relationships, faith, and experiences she treasured throughout her life.

Sylvia and Evans’s devotion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints eventually took them far beyond Arizona. Together they devoted significant years of their later lives to missionary and temple service, including presiding over the Chile Concepción Mission, serving in the Guatemala City Temple presidency, and later presiding over the Cochabamba Bolivia Temple.

Their years of service in Latin America were particularly meaningful to Sylvia, whose own life had begun in Mexico. Her fluency in Spanish allowed her to communicate naturally with the people they served and deepened the relationships she formed throughout their years there. Her love for the people of Latin America and the Church remained an important part of who she was.

Through all the different chapters of her life-from a little girl growing up in the mountains of Chihuahua, to a college student at BYU, a young working woman in El Paso, a wife and a mother raising children in Phoenix, a grandmother surrounded by an ever-growing family, and a missionary and temple worker serving alongside her husband-Sylvia remained deeply devoted to her family and her faith.

Sylvia is survived by her beloved husband of more than 69 years, Evans Heywood; her children David (Jill), Anthony “Tony” (Jana), Larry (Deanna), Timothy “Tim” (Shana), and Jill Heywood Hansen (Craig); and her 20 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, who brought tremendous joy to her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Lunt and LaVetta Cluff Lunt, and by two of her seven children, Clarence Leslie Heywood, who was stillborn, and Jolene Heywood Davidson (Ron Davidson).

Sylvia’s greatest legacy can be found in the family she loved, the people she served, the traditions she created, and the generations whose stories she worked so diligently to preserve.

Joseph Larry Memmott obituary

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Joseph Larry Memmott
November 14, 1936 – March 21, 2025

Joseph Larry Memmott, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on November 14, 1936, in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico, Larry’s life was a testament to faith, family, hard work, and a deep love for the land. His work ethic and devotion to those he loved were unparalleled, and he left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Larry married the love of his life, Shirley Catherine Willis, in the Mesa, Arizona Temple in 1963. Together, they raised seven children: Larry (Laurissa), Hugh (Jan), Laura (Jeremy), Robert (Jill), James “Meb” (Kristine), Grant (Kelly), and Elizabeth “Buffy.” His family was at the center of his heart, and he devoted his life to supporting and guiding them with his example and wisdom. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Nilus Memmott, and three of his four siblings. He is survived by his wife and children, his brother, John (Joyce), and his brother-in-law, Jerald Taylor (Sharon). They and his friends will carry his legacy of hard work, service, and energy. His impact will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In 1957, Larry answered the call to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. From 1957-60, he served in the Brazilian mission, marking the beginning of his lifelong devotion to helping others. One of Larry’s most cherished contributions was organizing yearly temple trips from Mexico to Mesa, Arizona, for the local members of the church. For many years, Larry devoted his time and energy to arranging these trips, ensuring that families could attend the temple and experience spiritual blessings. Later, he and Shirley served as mission leaders in Porto Alegre North, Brazil, from 1991-1994, where they touched many lives. They also served as temple president and matron in Veracruz, Mexico, from 2006- 2009. His service was a testament to his deep faith and desire to help others grow spiritually.

Larry graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. His education laid the foundation for his lifelong passion for ranching, cattle, and agriculture. This degree, combined with his unwavering work ethic, led to his success in the cattle industry and beyond. He owned cattle ranches in both Old and New Mexico. Larry was a founding member of Paquime, an agricultural cooperative in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Mexico, where local farmers thrived. He was also a founding member of a meat-packing plant in Chihuahua, Mexico, where he played a vital role in the development of the local meat industry. His contributions to agriculture and the community were numerous and made a lasting impact in the region. Larry was also deeply committed to his community. He served as a city council member in Nuevo Casas Grandes, where he worked to improve the local area and support its growth. He also served on several bank boards, helping to guide financial institutions in the region and ensure their success. His sense of responsibility to his community was one of the many ways he showed his dedication to improving the lives of those around him.

One of Larry’s great passions was for flying. He took flying lessons in secret, surprising those around him when he eventually purchased a Cessna 206. His love for aviation eventually became more than just a hobby; Larry used his piloting skills to serve others as a volunteer Life-flight pilot. Whether it was transporting family, neighbors, or those in need of urgent medical care, Larry’s selflessness and commitment to helping others soared through the skies. His ability to navigate both the ranch and the air made him an extraordinary man who balanced two very different worlds with grace.

Larry also had a deep love for finding bargains at auctions. He enjoyed scouting out the best deals for his businesses. Whether it was a tractor, some old tools, or who knows what else, Larry always had a keen eye for a bargain — but it wasn’t always about what he was buying. It was the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of winning that kept him coming back for more. You could always count on Larry to leave an auction with a smile on his face and a few more treasures than he’d planned on. Larry thoroughly enjoyed a steak and potatoes meal, and/or good Mexican food. He also took great pride in how he presented himself, always dressing well and making a consistent effort to look nice. This attention to detail was part of the way he approached life with care and respect for those around him.

Never one to talk about himself, Larry was known for his quiet, selfless service. He frequently helped those in need in secret, never seeking recognition; he simply showed up when it mattered most. His life was a living example of integrity, and devotion to both family and faith.

Services are under the direction of Olpin Family Mortuary in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

His funeral service will be held at 1548 North 900 West, Pleasant Grove, UT, on April 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with a viewing from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. The interment will immediately follow the funeral at the Lindon City Cemetery.

We thank his hospice nurses, Natalie, Randi, Julie and all the staff at Covington and Spring Gardens.

Velma Whetten Taylor obituary

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Our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on May 12, 2026, in Orem, Utah.

Velma was born on July 6, 1937, to Glen Adrian Whetten and Ada Mae Judd, while her family lived in Colonia Chuichupa, high in the Sierra Madre mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico. She was the second child and oldest daughter of ten children. She dearly loved her brothers and sisters and mothered them until she passed. When she was 8 years old, her family moved to Colonia Juarez, where she would meet her eternal companion, Mennell Harvey Taylor. She graduated from Juarez Stake Academy in 1955 and moved to Provo, Utah, that fall to study archaeology at Brigham Young University.

Velma and Harvey were married on July 16, 1957, in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. Together they were blessed with five children: Harvey, Paul, Nina, Jeff, and Sean. They raised their family between Mexico, Utah, and Illinois. They lived in Edwardsville, IL, for 37 years, where Harvey taught at Southern Illinois University.

Velma was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This kept her very busy in Illinois. For many years, she held church in her home for the members who lived in the area. She served as the pianist; Relief Society President; taught Primary, Sunday School, and seminary; and served in the stake Young Women’s presidency. She was actively involved in Nauvoo restoration and went there often with her children, seminary students, and visiting family and friends. She would later serve two missions there during the Nauvoo Pageant with Harvey’s and Sean’s families.

In 2004, Harvey and Velma moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah, and lived with her oldest son, Harvey, and his family. Velma was widowed in 2006, and a couple years later was able to serve a Church and Family History mission in Salt Lake City with her sister, Amanda Burraston. They were fondly referred to as the “Sister Sisters.”

Velma was a mother to everyone she met. At dinnertime, her kitchen was always full. Her homemade bread was appreciated by all her neighbors. Throughout her life, many often found a home with her: brothers, sisters, students, and her children’s friends. Her favorite job was helping to raise many of her grandchildren, who all adored her.

She spent her last hours surrounded by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews—the people she helped raise—laughing, talking, and loving her. Her life was lived in Christlike love and service for the people around her. She left nothing unspoken and nothing undone.

Velma is survived by her children: M. Harvey and Janet Taylor, Pleasant Grove, UT; R. Paul and Colleen Taylor, Beaver Dam, AZ; Nina and Mark Adkins, Orem, UT; Jeffery H. and Leslie Taylor, Thornton, CO; A. Sean and Shannon Taylor, Ames, IA; 15 beloved grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Siblings: Amy Smith Whetten; Robert and Raquel Whetten; Rosalyn Hatch Whetten; Edward and Gayle Whetten; Earline and Tim Fewkes; Don and Rose Whetten; Dennis Wagner; Shannon Thomas Taylor; Mary and Rick Wagner; and Agustin and Janet Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey, and grandson, Michael Dixon Taylor; her parents; her in-laws, Floriene Farnsworth and Mennell Hyrum Taylor; siblings: John and Louise Whetten; Amanda and Neil Burraston; Glen Whetten; Bert Whetten; Clifford Whetten; Shirley Taylor; Carol Wagner; Stephen Taylor; and Philip Taylor.

An Evening Viewing will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Utah Valley Mortuary located at 1966 W. 700 N., Lindon, Utah. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Pleasant Grove 7th Ward chapel located at 275 E. 500 S., Pleasant Grove, Utah, where a Viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Interment will take place at the Goshen Cemetery at 3:00 pm. 

Keith John McClellan

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Keith (Kiko) John McClellan was born November 23, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and left this life on March 24, 2024,at home in Blanco, Texas. Keith is predeceased by his father, Jasper Ray McClellan, his mother, Rula LaVina Price McClellan, and his brothers Rulon Edwin McClellan and Boyd Ray McClellan. Keith is survived by his wife, Gail McClellan, her children, Nelson White and Page Warren (Jon) and Keith’s children (Diana Johnson Asay), Derek McClellan, Shane McClellan (Rachelle), Tara Byrd (Johnie), and Jillian Jolley (Bryan), and his brothers, Jay R McClellan (Beverly) and Dale R. McClellan (Dana). Keith has fifteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.


Putting Keith’s life on paper proves difficult as he lived life to its fullest and had
many adventures and accomplishments. Keith never met a stranger and loved all
people. A dual citizen (United States and Mexico) most of his life, he loved to
travel and see the world and deeply valued getting to know people everywhere he
went. Keith led a life of service to his family, his church, and his community. He
loved the Lord and was a faithful member of the LDS church his entire life.

Keith had the most beautiful bass voice and loved to sing, participating in church
and community choirs as often as possible. He was an avid photographer and loved
to write. Over the years he contributed many articles and columns for local
newspapers. Most recently his column “Mustard Seeds” which he began writing
for the Van Horn Advocate in the 1980’s, appeared in the Blanco and Johnson City
newspapers.


Keith received his high school diploma in 1962 from the Academia Juarez in
Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. Earning an academic scholarship to BYU,
Keith graduated in 1968 with a BA in Latin-American Studies, Sociology, Spanish
and Secondary Education. During his undergraduate years, he spent two years as a
missionary in Uruguay. Following graduation, Keith spent time in the highlands of
Guatemala, doing educational research as well as in Mexico, where he supervised LDS church primary schools across the county. He went on to obtain a Master of
Education degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 1974. His career
included being a principal at various high schools, middle schools and elementary
schools, Director of Fine Arts and more. He concluded his educational career as a
part time substitute teacher in the Blanco and Johnson City school districts.

Keith dedicated much of his life to Scouting. He worked and became an Eagle
Scout. He served in Scouting leadership roles in both Mexico and the US. Keith
was a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association, held a Master of
Commissioner Science degree from Boy Scouts of America and was Woodbadge-
trained at Philmont Scout Ranch.


Upon retirement, Keith became a gentleman farmer helping his wife, Gail, to
wrangle goats, horses, cows, chickens, and other livestock in the Texas hill
country. He volunteered in the community and always made himself available to
help anyone who had a need. His love of family, community and country spurred
him into public service, serving two terms as Alderman for the town of Horizon
City, Texas and three terms as a member of the Blanco City Council in Blanco,
Texas.


Three of Keith’s most noted characteristics were his sense of humor, his kindness,
and his desire to be of service. So, in lieu of flowers, he would be grateful if you
would do a kind deed for someone and make the world a better place. Services
were held at the Crofts-Crow funeral home on March 29, 2024. His burial will take
place at Elysian Burial Gardens in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Donn Bowman

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Donn Seymour Bowman, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, Scoutmaster, builder, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, 2 February 2023, just a week short of his 99th birthday.

Donn was born on 9 February 1924 in Colonia Dublán, one of the Mormon Colonies of Mexico, to Claudious and Jennie Bowman. He was the sixth of their nine children, seven sons and two daughters.

Donn was full of life and fun. He appreciated and loved all his teachers, even though he caused them some grief because he also loved mischief. He, along with his brother Keith, Dan Taylor, and Moroni Abegg, formed a club they called “The Winged Four”. They built and test-piloted model airplanes, using the clubhouse they constructed as a study hall and laboratory for that hobby and many other adventures. They also formed bonds of friendship that lasted for over eighty years.

Donn gave the valedictory address at his eighth-grade graduation and then attended high school at Juarez Stake Academy in Colonia Juarez. He enjoyed the twice daily bus ride from Dublán, singing, laughing, and studying with his friends. He was elected editor of the school newspaper his senior year. His first official date with his future wife, Maurine Lunt, was to their graduation dance in May 1942; he described her as “the most beautiful, vivacious girl in school”.

Donn financed his first two years at Brigham Young University by cutting weeds around campus and working as a night watchman. He was then called as a missionary in the Mexican Mission from 1943 to 1946. Maurine served in the same mission until the summer of 1945. As Donn put it, “The mission rules weren’t broken, just strained a little” while they served in the same area for several months. Later Donn became editor of the mission magazine and other publications. It was at his suggestion that President Arwell Pierce asked President David O. McKay for permission to use the name “Liahona” for the mission magazine. This change became effective with the January 1945 issue. The Liahona was eventually published throughout South America and is now the name of the Church’s worldwide magazine.

When Donn returned to Dublán after his mission, he found Maurine engaged to someone else; but, with encouragement from his father, he won her heart and they married in the Mesa Temple on 26 April 1946. After a summer working at Jacob Lake, they returned to BYU and struggled together as he continued his education. Maurine worked as a waitress and took in boarders, while Donn taught Spanish classes at BYU, worked swing shift at a cast iron pipe company, and sold a one-volume encyclopedia. They had two children before he graduated from BYU in May 1949, majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Zoology.

Having taken pre-med classes, Donn applied to the University of Utah School of Medicine and was accepted as an alternate. With help from family members, he bought a house on First Avenue in Salt Lake City in the same ward as President David O. McKay. They had two more children during their years there. To pay off their loans as well as meet the expenses of a growing family, Donn worked as a laborer in construction, sold and installed tile and formica, and held a job as a chemist.

When Donn’s father was called as President of the Mexican Mission in 1953, he asked Donn and Maurine to sell their home in Utah and move with their four young children to Dublán to live in the family home while he was gone. Donn took over the operation of the flour mill, which had been rebuilt after a fire in 1951. When his father was killed in a car accident in 1958 while traveling on mission business, the move became permanent – but the job wasn’t.

The mill had been sold in 1957, and Donn had turned to construction to make his livelihood. He built up a business that included carpenter, structural iron, and machine shops and a building materials store. He trained men to do plumbing, electrical, and masonry work. He designed and built and/or remodeled most of the homes and swimming pools built in Nuevo Casas Grandes and the Colonies during the next 15 years. His work included partnerships with Church supervisors to build schools, a gymnasium, and new chapels. He planted an orchard out on the flat, which he later sold to his brother Claudius. He and his brother Keith developed a successful cattle ranch out near the lakes.

Tragedy struck when the Bowman pioneer home burned down in 1973, but Donn was always optimistic and positive about life. He and Maurine held a family council with his four youngest children, all born in Mexico and still living at home, and the decision was made to use the insurance money to first build a pool and tennis court and then build a new home.

In the fall of 1969, Donn began teaching at Academia Juarez. For the next 19 years he taught English, American History, and shop classes, including carpentry, auto mechanics, welding, printing, and mechanical drawing. To improve his teaching skills, he attended summer classes at BYU. He worked with the BYU technology department to transfer their outdated equipment to the JSA. Besides shop equipment, he helped acquire a multilith printer and a Veratype machine. He stopped teaching at the end of the 1988 school year.

Donn’s lifetime of service in the Church began soon after he moved to Dublán. He was called as a counselor in the Dublán Ward Bishopric from 1953 to 1956, and again in 1985. He served as a counselor in the Juarez Stake presidency from 1956 through 1968. He was a Gospel Doctrine teacher and Ward YMMIA President, and he and Maurine served as Branch Presidents in Hidalgo from 1978 to 1983.

In addition to these callings, Donn volunteered to be Scoutmaster in 1967 and spent 19 years serving in that capacity for countless young men. He then became stake scout director in 1986 and built up scout troops in every unit of the stake, as well as working with units in Nuevo Casas Grandes and Ciudad Juarez.

Donn and Maurine served a full-time mission together as directors of the Church Visitors Center in Montevideo, Uruguay, from 1989 to 1991. Donn also traveled around the country to encourage implementation of the scouting program there. After returning home, they moved to Mesa, AZ in 1992 to be closer to their children. They served as workers in the Mesa Temple, but loved to return “home” to the Colonies at every opportunity to visit family and friends.

Another trial began in 1995 when Maurine was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer. Her death on 4 January 2002 was a painful loss after 55 years of constant companionship and love, tempered only by the knowledge that they would be together again.

Donn continued to serve in the temple, where he eventually met Nancy Iacoi, whom he married in the Mesa Temple on 19 April 2003. They were able to travel extensively together both before and after serving in the Cochabamba Bolivia Temple Mission from January 2004 to July 2005. Nancy passed away unexpectedly from the effects of a brain hemorrhage, on 25 April 2008 in Scottsdale, AZ.

One benefit of Donn’s call to serve in the Cochabamba Temple was that President Faust set him apart as a temple sealer. This gave him the opportunity later to perform sealings for over 20 of his grandchildren and other family members.

Lonely once again, Donn eventually began dating Dorothy Kalember, whom he married in Scottsdale, AZ on 2 January 2009. They took many trips together, but by August 2012 her battle with dementia was becoming increasingly obvious. Donn continued to care for her in their Scottsdale home until a fall sent him to the hospital for ten days in May 2019 and then to a rehabilitation center for physical therapy. Dorothy was placed in a respite
facility; she never was able to speak after his accident and passed away on 8 June 2019, before he could resume caring for her. Donn moved to the Citadel in July 2019, where he lived until the time of his passing.

Donn was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Claudius, Bob, Wesley, Keith, Maurice, and Tracy; his sisters Dorothy McClellan and Kathleen Criddle; his three wives, Maurine, Nancy, and Dorothy; his son-in-law Gerald Cardon, and three of his grandchildren, Brett and Rae Dawn Bowman and Donn Carlos Brown.

Donn is survived by his eight children: Marza Cardon; Greg (Kathy) Bowman; Renee (John) Hatch; Dan (Kellie) Bowman; Harold (Alicia) Bowman; Donn (Nancy) Bowman; Roxie (David) Brown; and Rhett (Colleen) Bowman; 42 of his 45 grandchildren; and 118 great grandchildren (with more on the way!). He will be missed by the extended Bowman and Lunt-Taylor families. Many will especially miss his birthday and Christmas cards,
packed with pictures and inspirational messages.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, 15 February 2023, at the Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ. On Thursday morning, 16 February 2023, a viewing will begin at 9 a.m. and services will begin at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 4640 E. Holmes Ave.,  Mesa. Interment will be in the Mesa City Cemetery following the services.

John Jerome Whetten Obituary

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John Jerome Whetten was born 21 April 1935 in Colonia Dublan. He passed away on 16 July 2021. He was the oldest of 10 children born to Glen and Ada Whetten. His early years were spent in Colonia Chuichupa. His family moved to Colonia Juarez when he was 12 years old. He met Louise Jorgenson when he was in the 7th grade and she was in the 6th grade. They became fast friends and later on, high school sweethearts. Dad graduated high school in 1953 and went to BYU for a year. Mom graduated high school a year later and joined Dad at BYU. They were married in the Mesa Temple 29 Dec 1954.

Mom and Dad had 8 children, 43 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren.

Dad was a very forgiving man. During a tragic time in his life he, his brother, and his dad were shot in San Diego, MX. Even though it took the life of his brother Bert and he and his dad suffered a lot, he told us kids often, “That day my life was taken from me, but the Lord gave it back. How can I hold hatred in my heart when I have been given such a gift?” 

Dad set up the first telephone system here in town. He worked on getting television transmitted into town from the US. He taught math, science, electronics and other topics at school. When personal computers first came out, he built his own computer chip by chip from scratch. Interestingly, his wide range of knowledge was always used to help others.

Dad loved to serve and service was forefront to whatever he did. He served in the stake presidency and was bishop for many years. He served as a teacher at the Academia Juarez for 29 years before leaving to serve as Mission President in the Asuncion Paraguay Mission for 3 years. I personally remember the joy and happiness dad and mom felt when serving during those three years as missionaries. When he returned he became the director of the Academia in July 1989. 

Later Dad and Mom were able to return to Paraguay to serve as temple president and matron. (February 2001). They loved Paraguay and the people there. Upon his return, he served 9 years as director of the Colonia Juarez grade school. Dad was happiest when he was serving, especially with Mom.

Family was of paramount importance to Dad. He is survived by eight children and their spouses. John and Jennifer Whetten, David and Judy Larsen, Mel and Mary Kreitel, Glen and Loretta Whetten, Lynn and Betty Sloan, Rick and Crystallyn Whetten, Harold and Megan Whetten and Ronald and Sandra Whetten. He was preceded in death by his daughter in law Amy Lewis Whetten and granddaughter Amy Louise Whetten. He is survived by his siblings, Velma Taylor, Lina Fewkes, Ed Whetten, Don Whetten and Bob Whetten. He was preceded in death by siblings, Bert Whetten, Cliff Whetten, Glen Whetten and Amanda Burraston. 

Being with family was what made Dad happy. He also understood the importance of temple covenants and the promises and blessings that accompany them. He was able to seal over a dozen grandchildren in the temple. On the 27 of February, 2011, his beloved wife Louise passed away. He dedicated the next ten years to visiting and serving his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is now reunited with his sweetheart Louise, his parents and the siblings that went before him.

Wilbur Thayne Wagner

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Wilbur Thayne Wagner, 83, passed away December 26, 2013 in Mesa, AZ.

Wilbur was born in Colonia Guadalupe, Chihuahua, Mexico to Albert Henry Wagner and Mary Willa Thayne Wagner on October 5, 1930.

He loved his life on the farm and had great stories to tell. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with an unwavering testimony.

His witty expressions and stories were filled with great wisdom.

He married Carel Robinson in the Mesa Temple December 3, 1953 – they just celebrated their 60th anniversary.

He is survived by his dear wife and 8 of their 9 children; Teria (David) Mortensen, St. George, UT; Paula (Art) Whiting, Mesa, AZ; Tamara (Larry) Reeves, Friendswood, TX; Brenda (Eric) Larsen, Orem, UT; Ted (Shauna) Wagner, Laredo, TX; Jana (Kirk) Tryon, Allen, TX; Kevin (Kim) Wagner, Chico, CA; and Shauna Wagner, Mesa, AZ. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, Thelma Bluth and Elizabeth Belnap as well as 3 brothers, Dennis, Vaughn and Rick. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Carla Wagner, granddaughter Savannah Wagner and 4 brothers Kenyon, Dwaine, Henry, and Darryl.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 11AM at the LDS church at 2334 E. Pueblo, Mesa, AZ with a viewing 1 hour before. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Charles A. Whetten

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Charles A. Whetten entered eternal life on Friday, September 27, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. He was born December 8, 1929 in Colonia Juarez, Mexico to Charles William Whetten and Ivy Tietjen. Charlie was known for his undying love for his most beloved wife Rose. Now he is rejoicing that love with her once again.

One of his most beloved things beside his children and grandchildren was his love of playing his guitar and singing. His “Over the Hill” band was his love and playing for area homes. This brought him great joy. He was immediately loved by all who had the chance to meet him. The most important thing to him was his family. He leaves them with a great example of kindness and understanding for all. He never spoke any unkind words to anyone and he was always serving someone in need. He was faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

He loved his country and all those that served it.

He is survived by one son, Eddie Whetten of Silver City; three daughters, Charlene Rosati and husband Otto of Silver City; Rosie L. Whetten of Silver City; Carolyn Richardson and husband Dave of Silver City; eleven grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; one sister, Frieda Thayne of Salt Lake City, UT; sister-in-law, Emma Ernestine Shaffer of Bisbee, AZ; special cousin, Wesley Shupe; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Rose; four sisters, Christeen Gilmore, Ernestine Waltser, Alta Whetten and Helen Cluff. Please come and celebrate his wonderful mans’ life with us on Friday, October 4 at 10am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Bishop Jeremy Lewis officiating. Concluding service interment will follow at Memory Lane cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rino Rosati, Troy Renteria, Christopher Allan, Sean Richardson, DJ Richardson, Isaiah Sotelo and Eddie Whetten. Honorary pallbearers will be Otto Rosati, Dave Richardson, Jonathan Ormand, Armando Medina, Mark Sotelo and Bo Morgan. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels 

Lemuel Michael Flores

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Sept. 29, 1917 ~ June 8, 2013
Lemuel Michael Flores, 95, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 8, 2013, surrounded by his family at the home that he built in Bountiful, Utah. He was born on September 29, 1917 in San Buenaventura, Chihuahua, Mexico to Vicente Ruiz Flores and Severa Carbajal Flores. He was raised in Colonia Dublán, Chihuahua, one of the Mormon colonies in Mexico, and he served a full-time mission to Mexico City. He was a veteran of World War II, serving honorably in the United States Army, 5th Air Force, from September 1944 to October 1946.

He married Josephine Decker for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on October 10, 1957.

Lem cherished his family and valued hard work above all other pursuits. He was a successful businessman and a master craftsman with a gift for finish carpentry and woodworking.

Lem enjoyed singing songs in Spanish and English, talking to people and telling stories, and sharing quotable sayings and other pearls of wisdom. As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he humbly served and followed the Lord throughout his life, with quiet dignity and without fanfare. He will always be remembered as a man of integrity, loyalty, kindness, and good humor.


He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Josephine; his children David (Jean) Flores of Salt Lake City, Utah and Daniel (Shannon) Flores of Los Angeles, California; his children from a previous marriage, Michael (Barbie) Flores of Hacienda Heights, California and Teri (Brick) Freedland of Wildomar, California; his ten grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; and his siblings Bengala (Marvin, deceased) Baird of Grantsville, Utah and Rey Flores of Mesa, Arizona.
He was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bountiful Utah Orchard Stake Center, 3599 South Orchard Drive, Bountiful Utah. A graveside service will be held at Bountiful City Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2013.

Delbert Brown Jr.

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Nov. 21, 1938 – Nov. 13, 2014

BURLEY • Delbert B. Brown Jr., 75, of Burley, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Del was born on Nov. 21, 1938, in Colonial Dublan (which is part of the Mormon Colonies located in Northern Mexico) to Delbert Brigham and Irene (Whetten) Brown. Del attended Brigham Young High School in Provo, Utah. He then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Mission from 1958-1960. Upon returning, he enlisted and served in the Army Reserves. Del continued his education at Brigham Young University graduating in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts. He received a master’s degree in vocational education from the University of Idaho in 1985.

He was a faithful and active member of the LDS Church. He served in many callings in the church; his favorite calling was teaching the Gospel Doctrine Sunday school class. Del and Jan served two missions together: Colorado Colorado Springs Mission (2005-2006) and the Texas Fort Worth Mission (2011-2013). In addition, he and his wife were service missionaries in Addiction Recovery as well as workers in the Twin Falls Idaho LDS Temple. Serving together was special for them as a couple as they were able to unify their efforts in serving the Lord together.

He was a lifelong educator teaching seminary early in his professional life and then finishing his career by teaching at Burley Junior High for 27 years. He was awarded the Idaho State Special Needs Association Teacher of the Year in 1986. Del dedicated his life to teaching; he loved his students and they loved him. Great pleasure and fulfillment came from his profession as well as his leisure activities of wood working and studying the doctrines of the church. He was a man who could fix almost anything. He shared these talents with his family, friends, and neighbors as he was often called to hang sheet rock, perfa-tape, fix lawn mowers, and many other odd jobs that he accomplished happily and professionally. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, watching BYU football, and working in the garden.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette (Mackley) Brown. They were married on June 11, 1965, in the Idaho Falls Idaho LDS Temple and had six children: Brad (Dorothy) Brown of American Fork, Utah, Lisa Salmon of Harrisville, Utah, Christine Brown of Rexburg, Idaho, Trevor (Erica) of Syracuse, Utah, Cindy Brown of Boise, Idaho, and Tricia Brown of Burley, Idaho. He is also survived by his sisters, Martha (Brown) Ras-mussen of Washington, Utah, and Nila (Brown) Miller of Orem, Utah; his brother, Les Brown of Provo, Utah; as well as many loving grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Rena (Brown) Hessler and Viva (Brown) Stanger.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the Burley LDS West Stake Center, 2420 Parke Ave. in Burley, with Bishop Ty Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St. in Burley, and from 10-10:45 a.m. Friday at the church.