Tag Archives: Mormon Colonies in Mexico

Hannah Call Fanning

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April 4, 1924 ~ May 28, 2012
Hannah was born in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico to Charles Helaman and Hannah Skousen Call. She grew up in Colonia Dublan, one of the Mexican Mormon Colonies. She was the oldest of 13 children and enjoyed the privileges of a strong and loving LDS home.
At age 19, during World War II, Hannah served a mission for the LDS church in Mexico for 25 months. She then taught 3rd and 4th grade at the LDS owned elementary school in the colonies after which she completed her degree at BYU in Foods and Nutrition with a minor in Food Chemistry. She worked as a dietician all her life, heading the BYU food services, working in Cook County Hospital in Chicago, and directing the Meals-on-wheels program for SLC.
She met her eternal companion, John Wood Fanning, in Chicago. They were married in 1958 and lived all over the United States. They served a mission together at the LDS employment offices in SLC.
Hannah loved to cook, loved her family and heritage, was a long time member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and loved the church. She touched and inspired all who knew her. She will truly be missed.
She is survived by her children; daughter Audrey (Tom) Hawker, son David (Lori) Fanning, daughter Mary (David) Driggs, 15 grandchildren, eight brothers, two sisters, and too many nieces and nephews to count.
The family would like to thank all of the caregivers at Millcreek Senior Living, Hospice for Utah, and Oleen’s Salon for the care they gave our mother.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Foothill 7th Ward, 2215 E. Roosevelt Ave., SLC. Friends may call on Friday, June 1st from 6 – 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, June 2nd from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Foothill 7th Ward. Burial will follow in the SLC cemetery, 4th Ave. & “N” Street.

Irben John Thayne

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1927-1999

SYRACUSE–Irben John Thayne, age 72, passed away at his home in Syracuse, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999, following a short struggle with cancer.

He was born August 7, 1927 in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico, son of Nephi Whork and Orissa Allred Thayne. He was raised in the “Mormon Colonies” of Mexico; in the Farmington, New Mexico area; and in northern Davis County, Utah. As a Marine, John served his country in China during World War II, and again in Korea during the Korean conflict.

A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and a High Priest, he served in many leadership positions, including counselor and Bishop In the Syracuse 3rd Ward, Elders Quorum President, Stake Mission President, High Councilor, and a sealer in the Ogden LDS Temple at the time of his death. John served three missions with his wife, LaVell: two in the Chicago Illinois Temple and one In the Texas McAllen Mission.

John also served his community – unofficially as an advocate and helper for the betterment of a small community – donating labor, materials, and advise; and officially as a member of the Syracuse City Council and mayoral candidate.

John was an excavation contractor by trade, operating large equipment for many years, including his own business, Thayne Construction Co.

He married LaVell Smedley, January 11, 1950 in the Salt Lake L.D.S. Temple.

John is survived by his wife, LaVell, Syracuse; and eight children: Judy LaVell (Ben) Call, Twin Falls, Idaho; Linda (Laine) Steel, Twin Falls, Idaho; Michael John (Cindy) Thayne, Phoenix, Arizona; Connie (Craig) Sedgwick, Syracuse; Sidney Clair (Vicki) Thayne, Tremonton; Mark Smedley (Marylynne) Thayne, West Point; Glenna (Bruce) Grow, Kaysville; and Deanna (Brian) Jensen, Pleasant Grove; 42 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one half-sister, four sisters, and four brothers: Willa Wagner, Beth (Eddy) Ames, Rey (Mona) Thayne, Elna Ready, Lela (Joe) Graves, [Twin] Orville (Freda) Thayne, Dorthy Bodily, Lloyd (Marlene) Thayne, and Darrel (Vicki) Thayne. Preceding him in death are his parents, one half-sister, two half-brothers, two brothers, and one sister: Beatrice, Willard, Emerald, Melvin, Venone, and Verda.

Funeral services will be Monday, December 20, 1999 at 11 a.m. in the Syracuse Bluff Road Chapel, 2500 South Bluff Road, with Bishop Merlin Fowler, Syracuse 2nd Ward, officiating. Friends and family may call Sunday, December 19, 1999 from 6-8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield Road, Layton, and prior to the services on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 at the Bluff Road Chapel. Interment will be in the Syracuse City Cemetery.

Ida Mae Whetten Hamblin

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1922-2010

Ida Mae Whetten Hamblin died Sept 27, 2010 after an extended illness. Mae and her twin brother Jay were born in a log cabin in Colonia Chuchupa, Chih., Mexico on Sept 7, 1922 to Ida and John A Whetten. Mae survived numerous injuries and illnesses growing up. She graduated from Juarez Stake Academy and later returned to Colonia Juarez to teach 3rd grade for a year. While attending ASU in Tempe, AZ, she fell in love with Roland Hamblin. They were married on Friday the 13th of Aug. ,1943 in El Paso, TX. As “Buzz” served during WWII as a navy pilot hunting German submarines in the North Atlantic and later as a flight instructor, they lived in various navy ports including New Orleans. After the war, they lived in Tucson while Roland earned his law degree from UofAZ. Then they resided for 18 years in El Paso, TX, where 4 of their 5 children were born. They lived in Odessa, TX for 19 years where Mae served her church and community as a teacher, cub scout leader, primary and Relief Society president, seminary teacher. Later, she served with her husband as a missionary in Peoria, IL. She and her husband presided over the Concepcion, Chile Mission for 3 years.

Mae and Roland retired to Safford, AZ. Where they built a home and planted a pecan orchard. Mae served the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a teacher, an extractor in the genealogy program and as a temple worker. Both Mae and Roland died in their home in Safford, AZ with family around them.

Mae was a natural story teller, a gifted teacher, and an awesome wife, mother and grandmother. Her hobbies included water painting, writing poetry, baking, quilting, canning and gardening.
Ida Mae Hamblin was preceded in death by her husband Roland, her son Roland, and her granddaughter, Deena Huber. She is survived by 4 children: JoAnn (Robert Thompson) of McKinney, TX; Janell Huber of Odessa, TX; Ida (Stan Nunley) of Safford, AZ; and Randy Hamblin (Pam) of Albuquerque, NM.

Their posterity includes 12 grandsons: Matthew R Patton IV (Rebecca) of Gilmer, TX; Marc Roland Patton (Isaura) of Fort Worth, TX; Rodd Huber and Ty Huber (Jamie) of Odessa, TX; Errick Huber (Amy) of Boerne, TX; Dr. Jayson Huber (April) of Maryland; Ron Nunley (Brigette) of Eureka, NV; Daniel Nunley (Casey), John Nunley (Stephanie) and Travis Nunley of Safford, AZ; Russell Hamblin (Christine) of Tallahassee, FL; and Ryan Hamblin of Albuquerque. Surviving granddaughters are Molly Elliason (Brad) of Brookings, SD; Elizabeth Siravo (Tim) of Tucson, AZ; and Taffy Goold (Jeremy), Jennifer Anderson (Jesse), Mandy Hamblin and Jessica Hamblin of Albuqerque, NM.

Mae’s surviving siblings are Jay Whetten (Virginia) of Colonia Juarez; Carl Whetten (Viva) of Mesa, AZ; Vernelle Reed of Safford, AZ; Vilda Hunsaker of Cedar City, UT; and Martha Pratt of Mesa, AZ. She was beloved by all.

Funeral Services will be conducted Monday, October 4, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Mt. Graham LDS Chapel with viewing one hour prior. Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Eagar Cemetery.

Alice Nita Hardy Taylor

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1917-2010

Nita Hardy Taylor, 92, of Pleasant Grove, passed away Friday, February 19, 2010 due to causes incident to age.  She was born Alice Neeta Holtman on May 9, 1917 in Oakley, Idaho, the daughter of Edward John Holtman and Alice Louisa Lomax.  When she was 18 months old her mother died and she was adopted by Abel Woodruff Hardy and Maria Cooley.

When Nita was 4 years old, she moved with the Hardy family from Idaho to Colonia Dublan, Mexico in a covered wagon.  Nita married Lynn Taylor on May 5, 1936 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  They lived most of their married life in Colonia Dublan, Mexico, where Lynn was a cattle rancher and farmer.  Together they had 8 children, one of whom, Rodger Alynn died in infancy.

Nita loved children and was an outstanding teacher.  She taught Sunday School and Primary and was frequently given the most difficult classes because of her abilities to draw the children in and help them become self-governing.  From 1970 to 1983, she taught a bilingual first grade class at the local LDS Elementary School.  She loved dancing and taught her students the national dances of Mexico.  Nita also taught piano lessons for over 25 years.

She is survived by her children: Jerry (Karen), Rigby, ID; Sallie Marie Sensiba (Willard), El Paso, TX; Ronald Melvin (Julie), Colonia Juarez, Mexico; Robert Dean (Maria), Salt Lake City; Fred Ralph (Susan), New Hope, PA; Devon (Deanne), Pleasant Grove; and Richard LeRoy (Margie), Gilbert, AZ.   Her posterity includes 42 grandchildren, 96 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 27 at 11:00 am in the Grove Creek Stake Center at 1176 N. 730 E., Pleasant Grove. There will be a viewing before the service at the church from 9:30 to 10:45 am.  Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.olpinmortuary.com

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the doctor, nurses and staff at Heritage Care Center in American Fork for the gentle care and love they gave to Nita.

Lee Rue Wood

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1921-2011

Lee Rue Wood, 89, passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at his home in Snowflake. Funeral services were held March 10 at the Pioneer Chapel in Snowflake. Burial will take place on Saturday, March 12, in Chama, N.M.

Lee was born to Lehi and Florence Wood on June 17, 1921, in Colonia Juarez, Mexico, where he spent his first 20 years before moving to Chama.

During Lee’s 46 years in Chama, he was Chama’s first city marshal and captain of the Rio Arriba County Sherriff’s Posse. He always enjoyed being a rancher and cattleman.

Lee married Alice Judd in Albuquerque, N.M.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Alice; two sons, Dave Wood and Jeff Wood; five daughters, Pat Wood, Vickie Martinez, Sandie Kitchens, Alisa Wescott and Beva Wagoner; 30 grandchildren; 62 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Silvercreek Mortuary of Taylor was in charge of the arrangements.

Lillian Cluff Jenkins Udall

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Lillian Cluff Jenkins Udall, 100, of Gridley died May 2, 2000, at her residence.

Born in Colonia Juarez, Chih, Mexico, she was a Mid-Valley resident for 20 years.

She was a graduate of Nurses School Latter-day Saints Hospital in

Salt Lake City, Utah and was an active member of the Latter-day Saints

Church having served in numerous leadership positions, including two

stake missions.

Survivors include four sons, Gary C. Jenkins of Gridley, Arlen D. Jenkins of Moraga,

Reed B. Jenkins of Cameron Park and Larry W. Jenkins of Sandy, Utah;

one daughter, Janet Sutherland of Eagle, Idaho; two sisters, Rella Redd and Roziel Beals,

both of Arizona; 26 grandchildren and 84 great-grandchildren.

She was precededin death by her husbands, Stanley D. Jenkins and Jesse Udall; and

one son, Stanley D. Jenkins.

Memorial contributions

may be made to the State Missionary Fund and left in care of Gridley-Block

Funeral Chapel, 679 Ohio St., Gridley, 95948.

Services:

A service will be conducted at 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-day Saints in Gridley, preceded by visitation beginning

at 1 p.m. Bishop Richard Havens will officiate. Burial will be in

Mesa City Cemetery, Mesa, Ariz.

Grace W. Johnson

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Grace W. Johnson

Grace W. Johnson, 86, of Marysville died Sept. 28, 2001, at her

daughter’s residence in Concord. Born in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico,

she was a Yuba-Sutter resident for 66 years. She was a teacher, working in the Palermo

School District for about 19 years and teaching English as a Second

Language for the Yuba County Schools from 1987 to ’95.

The Johnson family owned and operated the Valley Meat Company,

2,500 acres of farmland and the Peach Bowl Hotel. She and her husband

also owned and operated Cliff Johnson’s L.D.S. Bookstore.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,

its Relief Society, and music director of the Marysville First Ward

for 20 years.

A member of the Oratorio Society, she was a soloist in “The

Messiah” from 1946 to 1951; appeared in “Man of La Mancha”

with the Yuba College Theatre Players; and was in “Gianni Schicchi”

with the Yuba College Opera Workshop.

In addition, she was a former president of the Marysville Parent

Teacher Association and the Yuba County Republican Women’s Association.

Survivors include two sons, Cliff Johnson Jr. of Yuba City and

Randy Johnson of Yakima, Wash.; two daughters, Jonelle Taylor of

Moorpark and Trelva Schuck of Concord; 19 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren;

and a great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Clifford Johnson,

three brothers and two sisters.

Services: Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday

at Hutchison and Carnes Colonial Chapel. A service will be conducted

at 10 a.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

on North Beale Road in Linda.

Stephen Lourens Bowman

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1964-2008

Stephen Lourens Bowman age, 44 of Fairview, Texas passed away on November 14, 2008. He was born on November 8, 1964 ,in Chihuahua, Mexico to Maurice Dwight Bowman, and Petronella Beuk. On August 21, 1992 he married Amy Trent in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is survived by wife, and children, Lauren, Michael, Hanna and Benjamin; parents, Maurice and Petronella Bowman of Mexico; brothers, Maurice Bowman of Bountiful, Utah, Gary Bowman of Snowflake, Arizona, Jonni Bowman of Kanab, Utah, Robert Bowman of Orem, Utah, and M. Troy Bowman of Woodscross, Utah; sisters, Patricia Taylor of El Paso, Texas, Terry Bybee and Judy Bowman, both of Salt Lake City, Utah. Steve was a joy from the minute he was born. He had a happy childhood while growing up in Mexico, riding horses and running about barefoot during the summers. His early love of piano music emerged before the age of eight when he begged to take lessons and then practiced diligently, even working ahead. Steve graduated as Valedictorian of his high school class at the Academia (JSA) in Colonia Juarez. He then served an 18-month mission for his church in Hermosillo, Mexico. Steve attended Brigham Young University in Provo, UT studying Spanish and International Relations and obtained his Juris Doctor from BYU Law School in April of 1992. Using his bilingual talents, Steve developed a corporate practice focusing on international law while employed at Haynes and Boone, LLP; Jenkins and Gilchrist, LLP; Dole Fresh Fruit International and most recently BLOCKBUSTER, Inc. With his sparkly blue eyes and infectious laugh, Steve was a friendly, agreeable and kind person. He loved to swim with and read out loud to his cherished children. Amy and Steve enjoyed playing piano duets together. He will be missed greatly and held with love in our hearts for always. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 17, 2008 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1324 W. Exchange in Allen, Texas, with Bishop Mike Fry officiating. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8:00 p.m., on Sunday at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home.

James Franklin Martineau

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James Franklin Martineau

1921-2009

St. George, UT – James Franklin Martineau, 87 years old, passed away on September 19, 2009 in St. George, Utah. He was born December 7, 1921 in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico to Josephine Thurston and Theodore Martineau . He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, five sisters, and his son, Jean Francis Martineau. He was the last living grandson of James Henry Martineau, an early Mormon Pioneer. He was married to Yvonne Leatrice Gingras in Nueva Casa Grande, Chihuahua, Mexico on May 22, 1946 and sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 19, 1954. Jim Grew up in Utah while also spending time in Mexico and graduating in 1940 from Yakima High School in Washington State. He went to enlist in the military on “Pearl Harbor Day”, his 21st birthday. He served throughout WWII as a Navy Corpsman in the Asiatic Pacific. He was a life member of the American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars. After the war he started raising a family in Yakima while working as a body and fender man. Later his career included working for Boeing in Seattle. He retired as the Supervisor of Maintenance and Operations for the Auburn School District. He also served as a City Councilman and numerous positions in the LDS Church and Community. His church work included a mission to the Muckleshoot Indian Reservation where a new branch was established as a result of his labors. Jim always gave freely of his time to help others and enjoyed hard physical work, playing in their outdoors and gardening. He also particularly enjoyed dancing with his wife over their 63 years of marriage. During retirement they were avid members of a dance group and enjoyed traveling by car and hiking in the mountains. He was blessed with a very active life and opportunities to serve until the day he departed. His warm smile and ever present love will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; and children: Theodore Martineau (Sandy), Lori Ann Enkerud (David), Joel Wayne Martineau, Mark James Martineau (Caitlin), Melodee Yvonne Brown (Jeffery); as well as 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Snow Canyon North LDS 4th Branch Chapel, 1610 N. Dixie Downs Road, St. George, Utah. Visitation will be held Saturday from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. at the chapel, prior to services. Interment will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

Chester Lawrence Brown

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Chester Lawrence Brown

1919-2012

March 4, 2012

Chester Lawrence Brown departed this world for the next one on Sunday morning, March 4, 2012 at his home in St. David, with his wife by his side.

He was born in Duncan, Ariz. on Dec. 29, 1919, the 11th of 13 children. Most of his growing up years were spent in Chuichupa, Colonia Juarez and Colonia Dublan, Mexico, where he attended school. He also attended Mansfield Junior High School in Tucson while living with a brother, and graduated from Brigham Young High School in Provo, Utah.

When the family moved to Pomerene, he met and married Clea Curtis, his wife for 70 years. Chester served in World War II, in the U.S. Navy, as a gunnery instructor. Following the war, he came back to Pomerene, where he purchased a small dairy farm and he and Clea raised their family. Later, he worked for Arizona Department of Transportation, and he and Clea moved to St. David, where they had a small farm, raising crops and later cattle.

Chester was always a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as Bishop of the Pomerene Ward for four years, and he and Clea served as missionaries in Florida in the early 1980s. They served together as workers in the Mesa, Arizona Temple for 11 years. He and Clea also served several times as stake missionaries, serving in Elfrida and Tombstone.

Chester was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings. He is survived by his wife, Clea Curtis Brown. He is also survived by his six children: Spencer (Jeanine), James (Terry), Curtis (Sheryl), Marial Mortenson (Dale), Mark (Emalene), and Randall (Judy), 44 grandchildren and 84 great-grandchildren.

Chester will always be remembered by family and friends for his sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Services will be held in the LDS chapel in St. David on Saturday, March 10, 2012. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. and funeral services will be at 10 a.m.

Interment will be in the Pomerene Cemetery. Ar-rangements by Richardson’s Remembrance Center, Benson.