Myrle Reeder Brightenburg

Our loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Myrle Reeder Brightenburg, 81 passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at her home with her family surrounding her. She was born on Sunday, December 21, 1941 in Brigham City, Utah, the first of 7 children to Wallace V. and Opal Wight Reeder. She lived her entire life in Brigham City, graduating from Box Elder High School in 1960 and later attended and graduated from LDS Business College. Myrle married her sweetheart, Edwin Lee Brightenburg on October 14, 1960 in the Logan Temple. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in numerous callings as part of the 12th Ward. Myrle and Ed also served a three year service mission at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Besides raising 6 kids of her own and many who weren't, she had numerous varied careers including working at The Fabric Shop, Waitressing, Teachers Aid, Flying J Corporate Office , and most recently Box Elder County District Court. She was a wonderful wife and homemaker, an amazing mother, and a loving grandmother and great grandmother . Myrle was also a very skilled seamstress and her talents were sought after by many, for crafting prom dresses, wedding gowns, and beautiful quilts. She enjoyed square dancing and loved music, attending concerts whenever she could. Her loving nature extended to everyone she came in contact with and all were treated as if they were family which included people and the occasional cat. Myrle's favorite pastimes were growing flowers and evening walks with friends and family. The activity she loved most in recent years, was riding her blue bicycle through the neighborhoods of Brigham City. The family would like to thank Peggy and CNS Hospice for their loving care of Myrle, and her many doctors and nurses. Surviving are her husband, Ed; six children: Chris (Cindy) Brightenburg; Diane (Kurt) Quayle; Randall Mark (Kimberle) Brightenburg; Angela (Alan) Kallmeyer; Juli (Todd) Bainter; Misty Lee (Ken) Pendleton; 17 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. She is also survived by six siblings, Rex Reeder, Ellen Freeman, Joy Haws, Royce Reeder, LeAnn Gilbert and Stephen Reeder. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Brigham City North Stake Center, 320 E 600 N. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 11:00 to 12:30 pm. Interment will be in the Brigham City Cemetery.

 

1941

Arvol Dale Smith

November 5, 1941 — October 18, 2023

Hooper 

Arvol Dale Smith, 81, who always introduced himself as Smitty, returned to his Heavenly Father on October 18th, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born November 5, 1941, to Arvol LaVere and Elsie Smith in Brigham City, Utah.

 

He was the oldest of four kids, raised in Brigham City, and they have remained close friends throughout their lives. Smitty took great pride in his childhood, spending it hunting, farming, and horseback riding. His father was his hero, and he spent his life striving to be as loving, caring, and strong as his father. From his mother he got his sense of humor.

 

Smitty valued education and loved learning, and was immensely proud to be the first member of his family to graduate from high school (Box Elder High School, ‘60) and college (Utah State University, ‘67). While attending Utah State University, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Felter. Smitty knew right away that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, and they were engaged three months later. They married on June 18, 1965 in the Logan Temple and made their first home in Brigham City, where they lived for ten years and had their first four children. Having earned a Bachelor of Arts in History Education, Smitty started teaching at Roy High School. After commuting for eight years, the family finally moved to Hooper in 1975, where they had three more children and still live.

 

Smitty taught history and other subjects, along with coaching wrestling and football at Roy High School for 30 years; he lived golden and bled black, cheering for the Royals long after he retired. Education was Smitty’s great passion, he loved working with students and always went above and beyond to help them. As a principal of the night school, he made sure young mothers and other disadvantaged students had the same educational opportunities. While working with a summer CETA program, he met a troubled young man who needed a second chance, and this is when Hank Fetler joined the family as their foster son.

 

Smitty worked hard to ensure his family had every opportunity and had many different side jobs, from roofing and sprinklers to door-to-door sales and the IRS. His infectious laughter and caring demeanor touched everyone he encountered, whether at the Roxy Theatre in Brigham City, Willard Bay State Park, or the Ogden Depot.

 

When he wasn’t working, Smitty loved to tend to his vegetable garden, spending many a joyful hour with his rototiller, and sharing his harvest with family and friends. But as he would have told you, he was happy doing anything, as long as his precious wife was by his side. Together they had many adventures camping, hiking, and sightseeing.

 

He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a two and-a-half year mission to Germany during the construction of the Berlin Wall. He never lost his love for all things German - language, food, people, culture, and food. He served the Church in many capacities through the years, including ward clerk, Sunday school teacher, young men’s leader, high priest leader, and, his favorite, the primary class he taught with his wife, Marilyn. He and Marilyn also served a mission for the Church at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.

 

Smitty’s kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were one of his great joys in life; he cherished any opportunity to spend time with them, and bragged about having spent a good portion of his retirement babysitting. As they got older, he always had time to cheer them on at their many sports and arts activities, even if it meant rooting against Roy High. He was immensely proud of the happiness and success of his family. 

 

Smitty is remembered by many for his smile, and for loving to make others laugh and smile, whether they were family and friends or a perfect stranger. He always had a dad joke ready to share. He passed his love of pranks, which he got from his own mother, to his kids and grandkids; there's always a risk of shenanigans at any family gathering, thanks to him!

 

Arvol is survived by his beautiful wife of 58 years, Marilyn; his seven amazing children: Kimberlee Endicott (Gene), Darci Roche, Mindy Smith (Chris Sojourner), Kara Auseré (Dave), Arvol Lee Smith, Allen Dale Smith (Emilio Casillas), and Don Charles Smith; 18 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; and his siblings: DeAnn Meadows (Carl), Ron Smith (Bev), and DeOrr Smith (GayLynn). Beyond his family, Smitty leaves behind countless students whose lives he touched, and whose success always brought him pride.

 

Arvol was preceded in death by his parents, his foster son Hank C. Fetler, his grandson Nathan Kimber Endicott, his great granddaughter Chloe Ann Endicott, and many extended family members.

 

Our family is grateful for the loving care provided by Dr. Butler, Dr. Stinnett, Dr. Cortez and their staff, as well as Ogden Regional Hospital.

 

There will be a viewing on Sunday, October 22 at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 W. 5600 S. from 6-8:00 pm. The celebration of life will be Monday, October 23 at the Fremont Ward Chapel, 4979 S. 5100 W. Hooper at 11 am, with a viewing at 9:45.

 

Interment, Portage Cemetery.

 

Smitty requested that everyone wear bright colors or Roy High Gear (no ties or hats) while we celebrate his life and legacy. Have your best dad joke ready to share.

 

Joan Tingey Johnson of Provo, UT, beloved wife and mother, died September 30, 2023, passing beyond the clutches of dementia. She was 81 years old. Joan was born April 4, 1942, the oldest of three children, to Stuart Lorenzo and Elizabeth Palmer Tingey in Brigham City, UT.

Joan enjoyed a happy childhood playing amongst cousins from her father’s side of twelve siblings and her mother’s side of six. Her dad grew some of the best grapes and dark sweet cherries in the area. Joan graduated from Box Elder High School in 1960 with a diverse mix of friends brought into the Brigham area through Thiokol Corp. and the Intermountain Indian School.

In spring 1964 Joan graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She was the first college graduate in her family. While at USU she met and later married Philip Brian Johnson on September 12, 1963 in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. They eventually had four daughters who were the joy of Joan’s life. Phil and Joan celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September.

Phil’s work assignments took the family to Dutch John, UT; Fort Collins, CO; and North Ogden, UT. Joan taught second grade at Bates Elementary School in North Ogden, UT for over ten years and significantly influenced the lives of scores of children. Joan had an innate cheery temperament and abundance of talent. She liked to sew, quilt, draw, sing and most beloved of all play the violin, piano and organ. Music was her second language. The girls knew what kind of mood Joan was in by the songs she played. Her favorite callings in the LDS church were ward organist and Primary pianist. Joan’s crochet-edged receiving blankets have wrapped newborns far and wide.

Phil and Joan retired to Roosevelt, UT, then returned to Lehi to be near family. Joan is survived by: her husband; daughters Kari Ann Olsen, Syracuse, UT; Tonya Lee (Blake) Christensen, Lehi, UT; Staci Lyn (Lee) Moss, Orangeville, UT; Dana Rae (Larry) Bell, Ephraim, UT; ten wonderful grandchildren and one great-grandson; brother Palmer Tingey; sister Kathryn Tingey.

Mom, we could not have asked for better! In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite charity or institute of higher education. Graveside service will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 1:00 PM in the Lehi City Cemetery, 1100 North 400 East.

 DelRoy Kimber

May 13, 1942 –­ September 21, 2023

DelRoy T. Kimber, born on May 13, 1942, in Brigham City, Utah, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2023. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, DelRoy lived a life filled with faith, service, and commitment to his family and community. Above all, the time spent with his family was most precious. He leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, having touched countless lives through his kindness and generosity.

DelRoy graduated from Box Elder High School and attended Utah State University.

He married the love of his life, Linda Lee Deakin, for time and all eternity in the Manti LDS Temple on November 24, 1965. They were married for 57 wonderful years.

DelRoy served his country honorably in the Army 101st and 82nd Airborne Units during the Vietnam War. He took pride in his career as a crane operator at Hill Air Force Base. However, his heart belonged to his ranch in Grouse Creek. He also found joy in hunting and the great outdoors. He took immense pride in his immaculate yard and garden.

A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, DelRoy served a mission in the eastern states, dedicating his time to the people of New York and New Jersey. He held and magnified several roles within the Church. A verse that guided his life is found in Mosiah 2:17 – “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” This verse encapsulates DelRoy’s spirit of service and his strong love for Jesus Christ, which he instilled in his posterity.

DelRoy is survived by his wife, Linda; children DaNelle Mueller, Kraig (Kim) Kimber, Mark (Lynette) Kimber, Jason Kimber, Michelle Lowder, Matthew (Candice) Kimber, Pam (Patrick) Ellis, Denise Henderson, and Clint (Mariah) Kimber; 23 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Kimber and Mae Tingey; siblings Blaine, Darrell, Kathryn, and Alana; and son, Ryan and grandson, Joshua.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Bristol Hospice, and McKay-Dee Heart Failure Specialists with extra thanks to Bryan Searle, Kelsy Bingham, and Katie Stokes.

Viewings will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 205 South 100 East, Brigham City, and on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at the Brigham City 21st Ward, 865 South 300 West, Brigham City, Utah. The Funeral Service will follow on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Brigham City 21st Ward. Interment will follow the funeral service at the Brigham City Cemetery.

We encourage friends and family to visit DelRoy’s memorial page: https://my.gather.app/remember/delroy-kimber, where you can share memories, upload photos, and celebrate the life of this truly remarkable man. His spirit of service and love for his family and community will be remembered and cherished by all.

Rebecca Sneddon Nelson

 Our beloved mother Sally Rebecca (Becky) Sneddon Nelson passed away at home on May 31, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born on January 3, 1941, to Phyllis and Wallace Sneddon in Ogden, Utah. Her father died when she was young and Mom was raised by her mother Phyllis and William Young, where she grew up on the family farm in Corinne, Utah. Mom worked many long hours on the farm, working all summer and before and after school to help provide for the family. She attended and graduated from Box Elder High School in 1960 where she made many lifelong friendships. Mom married our father Sheldon Nelson on January 21, 1961, and together they raised five wonderful children. Early in her marriage, Mom earned money by tending children in her home which enabled her to stay at home raising her own children. Mom eventually went to work at Gibson’s Discount Center and later at Weber State University in the Purchasing Department, again establishing many lifelong friendships. She retired from WSU in 2003. Mom and Dad had many hobbies throughout their marriage, and they especially enjoyed camping, boating, golfing, and traveling. They particularly cherished their membership in the Elks Lodge. Most of all, they loved and nurtured their children, and instilled positive life skills and a sense of responsibility in each child. Christmas was Mom’s favorite time of year. She made sure everyone was spoiled and it was a long-standing tradition that the family spend every Christmas Eve together. Our father passed away unexpectedly in 1997 and our mother honored his memory by continuing to love, nurture and care for their children and grandchildren. She was kind, caring, funny, patient, and understanding, and she accepted everyone as they were, without judgment and always seeing the positive. Mom was a member of the LDS Church, and she leaves behind a long legacy of love and caring. She is survived by her children, Lorie (Tracy) Roby, Gregg (Susan) Nelson, Sue (Blair) Jones, Jeff (Kathy) Nelson and Michell (Brad) Slaughter; her grandchildren, Sheliece Gerritsen, Cassie Keeter, Bob Nelson, Jake Nelson, Andy Nelson, Ty Nelson, Kate Nelson, Mason Slaughter and Dallon Slaughter; and her great-grandchildren, Mahryka, Kenidi, and Haidyn Gerritsen, Kash and Kambree Keeter, and Kaleb and Kamryn Nelson. She is also survived by her brother, Thell Young. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Carol Sneddon, Thomas Sneddon, and Sharon Schulz. She dearly loved her two Frenchie’s, Boris and Natasha, all of her aunts, uncles, and many nieces and nephews. Also dear to Mom’s heart were Norma Jean Nelson and her parents, Grandma and Grandpa Cobb, Jeb Burnett, a loving companion after our father’s passing, and Rob Davis, her cousin and lifetime best friend.

A celebration of life will be held on June 7, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Leavitt’s Mortuary, Ogden, UT. A graveside prayer and dedication will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Corinne Cemetery, Corinne, Utah.

We will always miss this wonderful woman and will honor her life by striving to be like her. We take comfort in knowing that she led a great life and was loved by all who knew her. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the Symbii Hospice team, Granddaughter Sheliece Gerritsen, and the Visiting Angels who cared for Mom in her final weeks and who provided enormous support and comfort to the family.

 

PAUL WENDELL KOTTER, age 80, died Saturday, May 27, 2023, at his home in Brigham City. He was born on July 23, 1942, in Brigham City, the oldest of six siblings. Born to Wendell Carl Kotter and Fern Hinchcliff.

He married Patricia Harrington in the Los Angeles Temple, CA. They were married for 35 years until she passed away on January 2, 2013. On September 13, 2014, he married Liane Dapper.

He loved to travel, and went to Yellowstone many times, as well as visiting many historical places.

He loved his family a lot. He loved leaning about history and was an avid reader.

He was generous with contributions to children and those in need.

Paul graduated in 1960 from Box Elder High School, where he was involved in football and track.

He attended the University of Utah for one year, then transferred to Utah State University, where he graduated with a Master degree. In California he attended the University of Southern California, where he obtained a second Masters degree.

He served a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the East Central States Mission from 1962 - 1964. He was a Gospel Doctrine teacher, High Priest Group Leader and held many callings in the Church. He was also a member of the Kotter Canyon Ward.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fern and Wendell, sister Gail, brothers Gordon and Gary, and his wife Pat.

 Paul is survived by his wife Liane, brothers Brent (Janet) and Steve (Kathy), and many nieces and nephews.

His Funeral Services will be Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 11:00 am, at the Myers Mortuary Chapel, 205 S 100 E, Brigham City, with viewing 9:30 - 10:30 am. Burial will be in the Brigham City Cemetery.

 

Katherine J. Uyematsu

February 21, 1942 ~ March 27, 2023 (age 81)

 

Obituary

Our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Katherine Jensen Uyematsu, 81, passed away surrounded by family, on Monday, March 27, 2023. She was born on February 21, 1942, to Nello Christian Jensen and Ruby Jeppesen in Brigham City, Utah.

She attended Mantua and Central Elementary Schools, Box Elder Middle School, and graduated from Box Elder High School.

Kathy married the love of her life, Harry Muneto Uyematsu, in the Logan Utah Temple on July 9, 1965. They were married for 58 wonderful years.

She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in many callings. One of her favorites was as an M-Men & Gleaners Leader serving with her beloved husband, Harry. She also loved being a Primary Teacher, Cub Scout Leader, and Activity Day Leader.

Kathy enjoyed sewing, playing games, making Christmas candy, reading, shopping, watching Hallmark movies, and attending musicals and plays. She also enjoyed going on rides with Harry especially to In & Out and the hunt for the The World’s Best Corndog Truck and she really enjoyed her bottle of coke-a-cola!

She was amazing at being creative as is evidenced in her many scrapbooks and the beautiful quilts she made for everyone. Kathy loved throwing holiday parties and was the queen of costumes. We all knew where to go if we needed a costume or help with any of our crazy ideas!

Kathy was a wonderful example to her family of love and generosity. She and Harry supported their children and grandchildren in everything they did. They never missed any games or piano recitals and were their grandchildren’s #1 fans!

She is survived by her dear husband: Harry; children: Susan Seely (Scott), Scott (Jen), Darla (Rob Holbrook), Troy (Michelle Peck); siblings: Joan Vanden Bosch (Dave) and Randy Jensen (Judy); siblings-in-law: Lennan Jensen and Norman Martin; five grandchildren: Braeden, McCall (Carson), Matsu, Sydney (Breckin), Raegan (Mitchell); and two great-grandchildren: Emery and Vince.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, siblings: Charles Jensen, Carol Jensen Wells, and Marie Jensen Martin; parents-in-law: Niroku and Shitsuyo Uyematsu.

A special thanks to Dr. Parker and the amazing staff at Brigham City Community Hospital for their compassionate care of our mom and family.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Brigham City 11th Ward Chapel, 506 South 200 East, Brigham City, Utah. Viewings will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 205 South 100 East, Brigham City, Utah, and prior to the service at the church house from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Brigham City Cemetery.

 

John David Merrell Jr

Dave, 80, died January 17, 2023 after a long battle with dementia.

He was born on June 19, 1942 in Brigham City Utah, the son of J. D. Merrell Sr. and Marian Alice Nielsen Merrell.

Dave graduated from Box Elder High School in the class of 1960. He joined the Army National Guard and following that he attended Utah State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He went to work at Thiokol working on the Space shuttle solid rockets motors retiring after 30 years. His favorite pastime was flying in his gliders and airplanes, the last a 172 Cessna. He also spent years skydiving, belonging to a team that competed in the world competitions in Europe. He loved golfing and fishing. He was on the Box Elder Search and rescue scuba diving team.

He married Doe Becker and was later divorced. He then married Joye Neilson Page in 1997 and lived for a short time in Willard and then moved to Perry.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a younger brother William Ray.

Surviving are, in addition to his wife, are his daughter Misty Ann Merrell Gunsay (Metin) and his eight grandchildren along with his step son Jeffrey David Page (Nicole). He is also survived by his sisters Judy Ann Merrell Hartvigsen (James), Jana Dee Merrell Chase (Mike) and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.