Tag Archives: Colonia Chuichupa

Amanda Johnson Brown

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Amanda J Brown

Amanda Johnson Brown

1911-2010

Amanda Johnson Brown passed away on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 in the South Valley Care Center, West Jordan, Utah of natural causes.

She was the youngest child of Francis Lee Johnson and Sarah Josephine Williams and was born on September 15, 1911 in Chuichupa, a remote little Mormon Colony high in the Sierra Madre Mountains in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico. After losing her father at the age of two, her family moved to Arizona where her mother could get work.

Amanda attended school in Binghampton, Arizona until her senior year when she moved to Colonia Juarez to attend the Juarez Stake Academy. She married Laurel Jasper Brown in the Mesa, Arizona temple on February 10, 1933. They had three children. Larry Dean Brown (deceased), Laurel Brown Dimond (deceased) and M. Kay Brown (Patricia). They made their home in Arizona, and Colonia Juarez until eventually moving to Utah where they had a mink ranch and raised quarter horses. After the death of her husband in March 1964 she enrolled in Brigham Young University to study Theatre History and Costume Design and graduated in June 1970 cum laude with a Masters Degree. She spent the next nine years teaching and designing at the University of Utah Pioneer Memorial Theatre. Even after retiring she was invited to design and construct many productions for the U.

Amanda was asked by the LDS Church to costume Promise Valley in the spring of 1968. In the summer of 1978 she was asked to costume the production of “Oh Elizabeth” in Nauvoo, Illinois. In 1980 she was invited to costume the LDS Church’s production of ZION.

Amanda was a faithful and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day-Saints holding many positions. She loved music and teaching and was Music & choir director for many years. She was Relief Society Teacher, Gospel Doctrine Teacher and many more. Amanda worked in the Jordan River Temple from 1982 until 1986. She served as a member of the M.I.A. General Board. Amanda also served a mission at the Peruvian Temple. Amanda also served a mission at the Peruvian Temple.

She worked for the Democratic Party for Utah, worked as Salt Lake County License Director, Committee Secretary and Docket Clerk in the House of Representatives.

Amanda is survived by her son Melvin Kay Brown and wife Patricia, 34 grandchildren, and one great-grand daughter. Preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Lynn, Frederick, Grant, and sisters; Jennie and Hazel.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m, Thursday, March 4th at the West Jordan Central Stake Center at 8173 S. 3200 W. West Jordan. Family and friends may visit on Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Stake Center and from 9:30 to 10:30 on Thursday morning. Internment will be in the West Jordan City Cemetery.

Billy Vernon Judd 1918 – 2014

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Billy Vernon Judd

March 23, 1918 – Jan 25 2014

Billy Vernon Judd completed his earthly mission on January 25, 2014, just 2 months shy of his 96th birthday. Bill was born March 23, 1918 in El Paso, Texas, during the Exodus from the Mormon colonies during the Mexican Revolution of 1912. He was the youngest of 14 children born to John Jerome Judd and Cynthia Amanda Brown. His parents were both born to Mormon pioneers who settled with their families in Colonia Chuichupa, Mexico, high in the Sierra Madres mountains of Chihuahuah. The town was very much on the frontier, as it was very remote and without electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing. Farm life was hard work but he early developed a lifelong love of horses. At age 14, while helping his father plant oats, his father was struck by lightning and Bill came to running behind the runaway horse with the reins still behind his neck. His father never recovered fully and died later that same year and his mother the following year. The children kept the family together and as the youngest, Bill was raised by his older siblings. His favorite times included various escapades in the Sierra Madre mountains with one or more of his brothers, fishing with his mother before her death, and sports and rodeos with his best friend Jack Davis. As a teenager, he lived for a time in Colonia Juarez to attend high school at the Juarez Stake Academy. He became a cowboy, and, while working for his future father-in-law, John A. Whetten, he met his future bride, Thelma Whetten. She had come to Chuichupa to teach school (a two-teacher grade school). His life dramatically changed that New Year’s Eve when he met “a very pretty young lady with long blond hair and wearing a black velvet dress” She introduced herself and he states, “Then and there life took on a different meaning for me. I managed to get in a dance with her, —and did I fall hard!” He says after 2 dates he knew she was the girl of his dreams. Desiring to be married in the Mormon Temple, they made a long journey, without escorts, on the train to El Paso and from El Paso to Mesa, Arizona. After their marriage, June 28, 1938, they made their home in Chuichupa where Thelma continued teaching school. They lost their first baby, Thelma, who lived only three days. JoAn was born in 1942 and later, Billy, Jr. When JoAn turned five, in order to have the children in a better school and because little Billy had health problems in the high altitude, the family moved to Colonia Juarez. Thelma, after all the children were in school, taught in the grade school. Bill worked as the maintenance man for the Academy and in later years taught woodworking shop classes. John was born in 1950, after which Bill built a new home, The twins, Larry and Donna, were born in the new home. As the years past, almost all of the families in Chuichupa moved out, most of them relocating in Colonia Juarez, so that now Bill and Thelma had families of brothers and sisters all around them. Bill became a favorite uncle, especially respected for his love and devotion to his wife, service to their families and for his honesty.
In 1981, Bill and Thelma, following their retirement, accepted a call to serve in the Mesa Arizona Temple as ordinance workers. They were appreciated greatly in serving Spanish-speaking patrons (since at the time there were no temples in Mexico and Guatemala). They served six years, during which they purchased a small home near the temple., but also as time past, Thelma’s health began to fail due to the long hours serving in the temple. Returning to Colonia Juarez, they quickly resettled and renewed their home. Since retirement income was not large, Bill accepted work on constructing a house and returned to teaching woodworking at the Academy. They were there when President Hinckley came to Colonia Juarez, later when a temple was announced to be built there and through the construction. However, Thelma’s eyesight and health had decreased so far, that after the temple dedication, they returned to Mesa where medical help was better. Thelma passed away June 17, 200l. Funeral services were held June 22, and she was interred in the Mesa City Cemetery.
Bill remained in Mesa for two and a half years, but finally moved to Peoria to be near Larry and Jana, and Donna. John and Mary Ann moved from Seattle and then Colorado to Sun City West be near him as well. Bill lived by himself in a small home near Donna and family, but as his own health diminished, in 2012, he accepted an invitation by JoAn and Dick to live with them in Providence, Utah. His sight and hearing diminished a great deal, and his ability to walk until as he neared the end he could not stand or walk at all. His health continued to decline and Dignity Hospice provided aid. His death occurred approximately 2:30 A.M., January 25, 2014.

He was preceded in death by his parents, all 13 siblings, Jed (Bertha), Cynthia (Jed Moffett), Reta (Clair Lewis), Elva (David Stevens), Hugh (Beth), John (Cora), Lanie (Gene Renner), Grant (Alice), Ada (Glen Whetten), Maude (Tucker Whetten), Lee (Margie), Lila (Cliffton Whetten), and Jess (Sabina). an infant child, Thelma, and his eternal companion of 64 years, Thelma Whetten. Bill is survived by 5 children: JoAn (Richard Berrett), Bill (Kay), John (Mary Anne), Donna and Larry (Jana); 13 Grandchildren: Jolynne, Janine (Corray Smith), Becki, Scott (Taunia), Kris (Matt Swensen), Leslie, Stephanie (Mike Lambertsen), Billy (Stacy), Monica (Gerald Lee), Blake (Sarah), Tricia, Kimberly, Lora; 22 Great- Grandchildren: Mike, Jared, Chris, Matt, Shaun (Camilla), Kyle, Kara, Laticia, Bill, Rob, Emilee, Stacy, Mike, Nicholas, Mitchell, Cody, Madison, Jackson, Cooper, Sophia, Andrew and Henley; and 9 Great, great grandchildren: Savannah, Shayanne, Robby, Sophie, Mike, Kylie, Madelyn, Haydon and Caleah

The family gives sincere appreciation to Dignity Hospice of Cache Valley, their staff, doctor, nurses and aides. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 at 12:00 noon at Meldrum Mortuary Chapel, 52 N. MacDonald St., Mesa, AZ. with a viewing at 11:00 am. Internment will be in the Mesa City Cemetery. – See more at: http://www.meldrummortuary.com/obituary/Billy-Vernon-Judd/Providence-UT/1338456#sthash.e9UyOV3X.dpuf

Clifford Leon Whetten 1946-2011

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Clifford Leon Whetten   Slide Show

Clifford Leon Whetten left this mortal existence on September 11, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. His passing was sudden yet sweet, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. At the time of his diagnosis, Clifford was serving as the MTC President for the LDS Church in Lima, Peru.

Clifford was born February 10, 1946 in Colonia Chuichupa, Chihuahua, Mexico to Glen and Ada Whetten. He was the seventh of ten children. His siblings were his best friends throughout his life.

After graduating from the Juarez Stake Academy, he served his first mission in Northern Mexico. He married Rosalyn Hatch in the Mesa, AZ temple on December 21, 1968. Together they were blessed with four children.

After earning degrees from BYU and UTEP, Clifford moved his family to College Station, TX. Upon earning his PhD from Texas A&M, he remained at the university as a professor of education administration and multi-cultural studies. They spent many happy years in Texas raising their family. During that time, he served as a branch president, bishop and as a member of the stake presidency.

Clifford retired from teaching early, at the age of 59, when he was called to serve as president of the Mexico Tuxtla Gutierrez Mission from 2005-2008. Upon completing their mission, Clifford and his wife settled in Utah to be closer to their children and grandchildren. But their love of missionary work was put into action once again when he and his wife went to serve at the MTC in Lima, Peru in January 2010. Clifford received an honorable release from his earthly missionary service on September 7, 2011, four days before his passing.

Clifford is survived by his eternal companion, Rosalyn; their children Diana Windley (Ryan), Carolyn Smith (Jacob), Renee Christensen (Gary), and David (Natalie); their grandchildren Jett, Lauren, Luke, Jenna, Tommy, Carter and Sammy; and his siblings John, Velma, Amanda, Robert, Edward, Earline, and Don.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Glen and Bert.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Valley View Ward, 2455 North Valley View Drive, Layton. Friends may visit family Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist”s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Croydon Cemetery.

The family gives appreciation to Dr. Mark Ott and the many nurses at IMC who provided our husband and dad with compassionate care during the last five weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the LDS General Missionary Fund.

Vilda Whetten Hunsaker 1918-2011

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09/06/1918 ~ 09/13/2011
On a fall afternoon, just one week after celebrating her 93rd birthday, mother returned to the waiting arms of her husband T.D., and to a couple of high-fives from her grandson Dax. Mother was born in Colonia Garcia, Chihuahua, Mexico, the 7th child of John Amasa Whetten and Martha Elizabeth Carling. While still a very young girl, her mother died two weeks after giving birth to her brother Carl. This necessitated in bringing together two households, resulting in a new family of 23.
Mother spent her early years in Colonia Garcia, Colonia Juarez and finally, Colonia Chuichupa, Mexico. She graduated high school from the Colonia Juarez Academy and later served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Church) in Mexico City, Mexico. Shortly after her mission, and being fluent in Spanish, she accepted a job as a teletype operator at Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX. While at a Church dance, she met a handsome, curly dark-haired service man who was on leave. Mother was smitten at “may I have this dance”. Six weeks later they were married – a marriage that lasted for 63 years. Blessed to this union were six children, 27 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.
After Dad was discharged from the army, they moved back to his home town of Honeyville, UT. This is where they remained the rest of their lives together. The same home, back yard, garden and pasture, is where lessons were taught, rules sometimes were broken, love was abundant and you were always safe and respected. In the case of Mom and Dad, their “starter home” became their “finisher home”.
Memories of Mother include the smell of fresh home-made bread or cinnamon rolls wafting from the kitchen. During the summer canning months, rows of wide-mouth Kerr jars lined the kitchen counter, waiting to be filled with the harvest. Her quilting frames set up in the living room. And, being asked to help roll the quilt when necessary was a privilege. You always felt loved, safe and special when on her lap or in her presence. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress, mediator, healer and child advocate. Mother was a devoted wife and often stood still and silent and allowed Dad to stand on her shoulders.
Mother loved the Lord and served faithfully in many leadership and service positions in the Church. After Dad retired, they served two additional Church missions and two decades of service in the Ogden Temple.
After Dad’s passing in 2007, Mother truly felt the sting from the loss of her soul mate. However, she remained in Honeyville for a few more years. With her advanced age, and mourning the loss of Dad, living in an empty house, filled with over a half century of memories, was difficult for her. During this time she welcomed the frequent visits from her children and friends. Her previous good health began to yield to maladies incident to age, and on September 11, 2011 she suffered a stroke from which she never recovered.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Honeyville 3rd Ward chapel, with a viewing one hour prior. Additionally, a viewing will be held at the Myers Mortuary on Friday, September 16, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., located at 205 South 100 East, Brigham City, UT. Pursuant to Mother’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the General Missionary Fund of the Church. Condolences and love may be expressed at www.myers-mortuary.com.
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=153635930#sthash.gkzhy8ST.dpuf

Clifton Leon Whetten 1917-2013

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Clifton Leon Whetten

3/27/1917 – 6/28/2013

Longtime Elfrida resident Clifton Leon Whetten passed away June 28, 2013, at his home, with his wife, Claudia, at his side.  He was 96 years old.

Clifton was born March 27, 1917, in Taos, N.M. He was the first child of Clifford Leon Whetten and Annie Martineau Whetten, who were living in a log cabin at a lumber camp at La Madera, N.M. Clifton was born the day the president of the United States declared war on the Europeans involved in WWI.

Near the end of May, the family loaded a covered wagon with their belongings and began their journey to Chihuahua, Mexico. They eventually settled in Colonia Chuichupa, Chihuahua, Mexico, a small settlement in a high mountain valley. Clifton grew up riding horses, helping at his father’s sawmill, milking cows, as well as helping with the gardens and farm animals. He was also responsible for the range cows and calves. While living in Mexico, Clifton’s sister, Marzelle, and three brothers, Merrill, Clair and Jean, were born.

Clifton attended elementary school thru the eighth grade in Chuichupa, (known as Chupie). He enjoyed anything to do with horses, especially roping. When it was time for high school, he spent the winters down in Colonia Juarez attending the Juarez Academy, working as a school custodian to help to pay his tuition.

Upon his graduation in June 1935, he was asked if he would return to Chuichupa to teach at the elementary school. To qualify for this position, Mexican school officials required that he attend a session of summer school in nearby Pearson, taught by Mexican schoolteachers. In September, he began teaching the seventh and eighth grades. His brother, Merrill, was in his eighth-grade class.

On Aug. 4, 1936, Clifton married Lila Judd, daughter of Jerome John and Cynthia Amanda Brown Judd, also of Chuichupa. They were married in Mexico, then went to Arizona to be sealed in the Mesa LDS Temple. They eventually became the parents of five children. Their first child, a little boy, named Clifton Leon Whetten Jr., died when just 10 days old. Three daughters were born while they were still living in Mexico, Lila Lee, Cynthia Ann and Elaine.

In April 1948, Clifton, Lila and the three young girls moved to Hinckley, Utah. In June of that same year, a son, Clifford Judd Whetten, was born making the family complete. Clifton found employment as a section hand with the Union Pacific Railroad.

Later, he began working as a carpenter at Dugway Proving Grounds near Tooele, Utah. Another move in May 1951 brought the family to Orem, Utah, where he had purchased an orchard with peach, pear, apple and cherry trees, and a raspberry patch.

Clifton built a brick home for his family while he farmed, served in the LDS Church and worked as a yard man at a lumber yard. He later was appointed manager of the store.

In August 1957, his daughter, Cynthia Ann, married Ted Peacock, and then two and a half years later, he became a grandfather, a role he dearly loved. His daughter, Elaine, married Rex Sweat in 1966, Lila Lee married Howard Nichols and Judd married Susan Clark. Both of these marriages were in 1970.

From 1959 to 1964, Clifton built homes in the Orem-Provo area as well as in Lander, Wyo. In 1964, he was called by his church to serve a church-building mission in Salt Lake City. He served for two years in the Butler area, while building two big chapels. After his release from this assignment, he continued to work on church buildings for a private contractor in Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah. In Idaho and Arizona, he did additions on a hospital, schools and churches and built several churches.

In 1970, Clifton moved to Arizona to work. While working on a remodeling project at a church in San Manuel, he met Claudia Pittman. Clifton and Claudia married in September 1971 and were sealed in the Mesa temple in 1987.

In 1973, Clifton, Claudia and her two children, Shauna and Bruce, (whom he adopted and raised) moved to Elfrida, where he ran his farm, raised a family and lived until the day he died.

In 1974, Clifton and Claudia had a child together, Nathan, followed by another child, Calvin Leon, in 1975, who lived just 21 hours before passing away.

Clifton committed more than 30 years of service to the students and staff at Valley Union High School, serving in various capacities on the school board. He was also vital in bringing health care to Elfrida, working closely with longtime friend Ginger Ryan. The Chiricahua Community Health Center is now named in his honor, the Cliff Whetten Clinic.

Clifton was also an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many different capacities. He was also a member of the Sulphur Springs Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Elfrida Fire Department, the Elfrida Citizens Alliance and the local Lions Club.

Clifton is survived by his wife of 41 years, Claudia; seven children, Lila Lee (Howard) Nichols, Cynthia Ann (Ted) Peacock, Elaine (Gene) Ellis, Judd (Susan) Whetten, Shauna (Gerry) Hustin, Bruce Whetten and Nathan (Katrina) Whetten; 18 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Gene (Dee Anne) Whetten; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Clair) Whetten.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marzelle Brown; brothers, Merrill and Clair Whetten; sons, Clifton Leon Whetten Jr. and Calvin Leon Whetten; and grandsons, Kyle Leon Vance and Jake Tyler Whetten.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 6, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Elfrida. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a public service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the Elfrida Cemetery.