Trees removed and earth and asphalt shifted. Downtown Payson renovation, looking westward across Utah Avenue from First East Street.

Paysonians Old And New: We Want Your Downtown Payson Story

Downtown Payson has a rich history and hopeful future. The Payson Chronicle is collecting the community’s memories and wishes related to this district in a preservation project tentatively called "Downtown Payson Stories."

Tell us your stories of Downtown Payson. We want to read generational tales about the old opera house, movie theaters, and cultural centers. And new venues for entertainment! Consider the civic and public spaces: the former city hall and police station, Payson City Library, and Memorial Park. We want to hear stories about the drugstores, diners, shops, salons and lumber yards. Tell us about past and present domestic life in and close to Downtown Payson's periphery. These are memories and thoughts that are meaningful to you.

The possibilities extend beyond the scope of the ideas mentioned above, so long as the stories tie in with the downtown district.

Compose your story and submit it to us electronically via paysonchronicle@gmail.com, or deliver it to us in person or by mail at 145 East Utah Avenue #5. We invite you to share this invitation with friends, family, and strangers--Paysonians old and new.

Many will be considered for publication in The Payson Chronicle newspaper. Photos are encouraged.

Downtown Main Street work continues—with a rather striking work truck at the lead. 

The Downtown Scene

 

Looking eastward along the south side of First North betwixt Main and First East streets, Payson, there are the Daley Freez drive-thru diner and Zions First National Bank. 

 

In This Week’s Edition

 

 

 The Red Pine renovation has reached the tip of Memorial Park. Road closures include 300 South Main, shown here.

In This Week’s Edition

 

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

~ Helen Keller

Larry Don Houser

November 14, 1944 - March 31, 2024

Our loving Husband, Father & Grandfather Larry Don Houser passed away at the age of 79 on March 31st 2024 after a ten year battle with Parkinson’s. Larry was born on November 14, 1944 in Payson, Utah to Donald and Shirley Houser. He loved to reminisce about his childhood memories that often included his best friend and big sister Verla Mecham. Although brother and sister, Larry & Verla enjoyed a very close friendship throughout their lives. We are grateful to know that they are together again.

Larry met his sweetheart and Eternal Companion Leila Greenhalgh at the young age of 18. They were married and sealed in the Manti Temple on September 6, 1963. Larry and Leila were an incredible example of a picture perfect marriage. While they did experience many trials and adversities throughout their lives, together their enduring love always got them through. The two of them were inseparable, hand in hand, attached at the hip, and no unkind words were ever said about one another. Their love never dimmed over the years and still burns today after 60 years together. They raised three beautiful daughters together enjoying many camping trips and spending quality time together.

To Larry, his girls were his everything and later in life that expanded to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved and supported each one of them throughout all of their different endeavors.

Larry graduated from Payson High School in 1963. He worked in the grocery business for 48 years, after which he retired and enjoyed spending more time with his Sweetheart and family. Larry was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He had a strong testimony of the gospel and it was shown by the way he lived his life, and his Christlike example.

He is survived by his Sweetheart Leila Greenhalgh Houser, his daughters: Brenda Frazier (Mark), JoAnn Kunzler, and Julie Nelson (Dustin), 11 grandkids, and 18 great-grandkids. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, and his son-in-law Rick Kunzler.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to A+ Hospice and his sweet nurses: Lindsey O’Brien and grandson Jordan Degraw for the great care they gave Larry in his last days.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 5th, 2024 at 11:00 am in the Mountain View 7th Ward Church, located at 681 E. 500 N, Payson, Utah. A viewing for family and friends will be held Thursday, April 4th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the same location. Interment will be in the Payson Cemetery.

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

~ Helen Keller

Colleen B Davidson

“Have I Done Any Good in the World Today” was the motto Colleen B Hunt Davidson lived by each day until the day she died at age 96 (3/23/1928 – 3/28/2024).  Colleen was a stalwart member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, having been raised by faithful parents (Thomas & Garnet Hunt of Salem, Utah) and having her own experience of knowing God loved her from a very early age (4½) when experiencing the death of a baby sister. 

Their family worked hard on the farm. At about age 7, she was divinely saved from drowning in a stream under the weight of a workhorse and lived on to perform a mission of love on this earth.  Some of her fondest childhood memories were planting flowers on the cellar rooftop and going to the park watching her father play baseball. She continued that tradition by playing ball herself, coaching, and watching her grand/great grandchildren play. 

 

At age 17, Colleen met and married Robert N. Davidson. They made their home in Genola, Utah.  Colleen and Bob raised 4 children and happily invited in their spouses. She became a widow at age 67. 

Although her main occupation was “Making everyone’s day happier”, she also helped assist occasionally with finances by working at the Tooele Munitions Depot, Montello train station (where she learned to make wonderful pies), Barbizon, Ray’s Grocery, Walmart, Mesquite Senior Citizen’s, Peppermill Resort, Hardware Store and gas stations. (As of 2 years ago, the gas station owner said he’d hire her back any time she wanted – and that she’d probably outwork the other employees.) 

Colleen loved the beauty of the Earth and always kept a flower-filled yard and tidy house, which was open to all.  Not only did she love flowers, but animals, rainbows, sunsets, the mountains…

  

She lovingly and faithfully served in church leadership & other positions in Relief Society, MIA, Primary, but especially loved working with the children and Visiting Teaching.  Colleen loved her Savior, the scriptures, her temple experiences, and always supported family and ward missionaries.  

She was preceded in death by her parents Tom & Garnet Hunt, siblings: Carol, Zera, Arvel, and Sam, her husband Robert Davidson, a daughter Patricia Faught, and son-in-law J.D. Mitchell.

 

Colleen is survived by her siblings Mae Morrill, Donna Allen, Don (Linda) Hunt, Norma Jean McConnell, Gordon (Betty) Hunt; her children Nolan (Carolyn), Craig (Carrie), Marie Mitchell, and son-in-law Guy Faught.

Additional beloved blessings came in the form of 27 Grandchildren, 79 Great grandchildren, and 33 Great Great Grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 5th at 11:00 am at the Spring Creek Ward, 1080 South 930 West. Viewings will be held Thursday, April 4th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Brown Family Mortuary and Friday at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to the services. Interment will be in the Salem City Cemetery.

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

~ Helen Keller

JOHN ALLAN PETERS

JOHN ALLAN PETERS, 88, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at his home in Ivins Utah.  John was born May 31, 1935, in Provo, Utah to Eldred Hardy “Pete” Peters and Inez Clayson Peters.  John married Pearl Elaine Henline July 11, 1958, in the Logan Utah Temple.  

John spent his younger years in Brigham City enjoying his first job as a crossing guard for school children. He moved to Payson Utah during high school and thereafter was claimed a class member of both the Box Elder Bees and Payson Lions. As a teenager, John worked alongside his father at the lumber yard for $0.25/hour. John’s greatest passion was baseball and played whenever he could. During high school John was nicknamed Salty and it forever remained. As an adult, John coordinated the Church Softball team for the Buena Park CA ward from 1964-1978 and even qualified for the All-Church Tournament in SLC. Years later John reunited original teammates for the Huntsman Senior Games coining the team’s name ‘Salty’s Dogs’.  John also bowled in the Senior Games for many years with his wife, Pearl.

John met his sweetheart Pearl Henline in 1953 during his senior year. Pearl waited patiently for 5 years while John attended BYU and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. John served in the Argentine Mission from October 1955 to May 1958. John was one of the first four missionaries in Chile opening the Vina del Mar area. He loved the people, and it seemed as though they couldn’t wait to be a part of the Lord’s kingdom. John cherished his mission and he and Pearl returned 30 years later. John has a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and The Plan of Salvation. John taught early morning seminary for years in the Cypress California Stake. John served in the Baptistry of the St. George Temple and served in the Spanish Speaking Ward.

After graduating from BYU in 1960 John wanted a career that he would love. Unable to find a teaching job in Utah, John accepted an interview in Southern California, promising Pearl’s father that he would only have her away for 1 year.  John loved teaching, coaching baseball and being a lifeguard.  For over 30 years John shared his love of Spanish, and love of the game with thousands of youths. 

John is survived by his wife Pearl, Ivins, Utah; his children Jane Guthrie (Randy), Monument, Colorado; Annette Peters, Reno, Nevada; Paul Peters (Rabecca) Oceanside, California; and Pamela Munsterman, Ivins, Utah; sister Linda Evans (Clair) Boise, Idaho; 18 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his son Alvie John Peters, parents Eldred and Inez Peters, in-laws Alvie and Clara Henline, brother Gordon Clayson Peters and son-in-law David Ralph Munsterman.  

Funeral services will be Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Spilsbury Mortuary 110 S. Bluff St, St. George UT 84770.  Friends may call and the Viewing will begin at noon one hour prior to the funeral.  

Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to view the service online by clicking the link below.

Livestream Link

Interment will take place Friday, April 5, 2024, at 1:00 Pm at Payson City Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to sign John’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com

Coming Up: HOTEL WIGHTMAN

 

In This Week’s Edition

 

 

Here’s what is going on locally in celebration of the holiday:

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Santaquin City Recreation will host the 4th Annual Teen Flashlight Hunt. Participants will use glow sticks and flashlights to hunt for eggs in the dark. Some eggs will have prize numbers in them (each participant can only claim one prize). After the hunt, teens are invited to stay and dance the night away. Note: Bring your own flashlights. The Flash Light Hunt will start at 9 PM and end around 9:30 PM. Dancing and games (Ga Ga Ball, 9 Square, etc) will begin after and wrap up at 10:30 PM. Open to teens ages: 13–18 (18-year-olds must still be in high school. There is no fee to attend. The event will take place at the Harvest View Sports Complex, 1400 South Harvest View Drive, in Santaquin.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Payson families will want to head to the Gene Hillman Baseball Fields at 955 South Main Street by 10 AM. Because, as event planners say, “No bunny does an Easter Egg Hunt like Payson City! Grab your baskets and help celebrate the spring season at this favorite city event. Children will have an egg-cellent time gathering filled eggs.” The hunt is free. Merchandise will also be available for purchase that morning.

Santaquin Recreation Department's Great Easter Egg Hunt runs from 9-9:20 AM. This event is open only to Santaquin residents ages 1-12 years. The Santaquin Baseball Fields, 190 South 400 West, will serve as the location. 

Starting at 9 AM, the Genola Town Easter Egg Hunt will commence for children ages 0-12. The location: Genola Park. 

The Goshen Town Easter Egg Hunt is open to the community’s residents, ages 0-15 (one adult helper allowed per child in 0-3 and 4-5 age groups only). Prizes will be awarded in each age group. The hunt takes place at Goshen Elementary School. It starts at 9 AM sharp.

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

~ Helen Keller

Mont Pulham

What a joyous reunion there was Sunday morning, March 17, 2024 when, at the age of 96, Mont Davis Pulham entered through the gates of heaven to rejoin the love of his life Betty Louise Norberg Pulham.  His parents Montague Arthur Pulham and Florence Davis Pulham, his brothers and sisters, his son Brian Mont and two of his grandsons were there to greet him as well.

 

Mont was born and raised on a homestead ranch in Mckinnon Wyoming, where they raised cattle, sheep, and the grain and hay to feed them; and of course, there were horses and dogs to help with the work of caring for the ranch.  Mont entered the Army Air Corps when he was 19 and he served for almost a year and a half.   When he was in his early 20’s his family moved to Lehi, Utah where he met his wife, Betty.  They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on November 15, 1950.   They lived in Lehi for a few years and then bought a home in Pleasant Grove where they raised their six children. They lived there until 2015, at which time they sold their home and moved to Santaquin, Utah.  Mont has lived for the past year at Ashford Assisted Living Center in Springville.

 

Mont worked for many years at US Geneva Steel in Orem.   After he retired from Geneva, he started his own small tool repair business which he ran for several years.   He was well known for his garden; he raised a large one, and his family and the neighbors enjoyed the bounty of the many fresh vegetables from it.   He enjoyed horseback riding and hunting in his younger.  Deer hunt camp was really a big reunion with his family members who enjoyed hunting as well.  Later he and his wife enjoyed taking the boat out to go fishing.

 

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many positions in the Scouting Program with the young men, and later in leadership positions in the ward.   His last calling was teaching Temple Preparation Class with his wife until she passed away.

 

Mont is survived by his five daughters; Geraldine (Rob) Jones, Yvonne (Dave) Adams, Louise (Paul) Broderick, Nanette (Richard) Byrnes, and Dianne (Kevin) Rosenlund; a daughter-in-law Cherie Pulham; 29 grandchildren and 73 great grandchildren.

 

Mont’s daughters want to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Ashford Assisted Living Center, and the Memory Care Unit.   They took great care of dad, and made the last year of his life fun and comfortable.

 

A viewing for Mont will be held at the Brown Family Mortuary, 66 S 300 E in Santaquin, Utah on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 6 to 8 pm.  A graveside service will be held on March 27, 2024 in the Orem City Cemetery beginning at 11:00 am.  

In This Week’s Edition

 

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

~ Helen Keller

RONALD LEE DAHLSTROM

Ronald Lee Dahlstrom, 89, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at his home in Elk Ridge, Utah. He was born January 17, 1935, to Orville Wendel Dahlstrom and Helen Francis, in San Bernardino, California. 

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Lee Dahlstrom; 5 wonderful children; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. 

Graveside Services will be held Wednesday, March 20th, at 12:30 pm, at the Salem City Cemetery, 150 East 1000 South, Salem, Utah. All family, neighbors, and friends are invited to attend. 

Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary. Condolences may be expressed to the family at utahvalleyfuneral.com.

Annual Train Show Makes Way To South Utah County

Tracks cross through an idyllic village, in miniature. The scene can be seen at the upcoming Ophir, Tintic and Western Model Railroad Club show.

The Ophir, Tintic and Western Model Railroad club’s annual show is coming to southern Utah County  for the first time. This show, held for years near point-of-the-mountain, will be at the spacious Tennis  Event Center at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds April 5-6. There will be operating model train layouts of  all sizes and types (even Lego® ones), displays, railroad-related items to purchase, and loads of fun for  the entire family.

The Ophir, Tintic and Western (OT&W) club was founded in 1990 and is based in Orem. The name  comes from the ghost mining town of Ophir in Eastern Tooele County and the East Tintic mountain  range southwest of Utah Lake. The club has members who are interested in all scales (sizes) of model  railroading, but most of the members model in either N scale (1 scale foot = 160 real feet) or HO scale  (1 scale foot = 87 real feet). The club has no permanent layout, so the members have built short  portable modules that connect together to form large layouts for train shows. Clubs throughout the  Wasatch front will be participating in this show. 

The Tennis Event Center is located on the north end of the fairgrounds complex. The show hours are  Friday April 5 from 3:00pm to 9:00pm and Saturday April 6 from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The cost is free  for ages 8 and under, $10.00 per person over the age of eight, or a $25.00 family pass for up to 8  members of a family. Tickets may be purchased online at the club’s website (otwtrainclub.org) or at the  door. 

In This Week's Edition

 

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

~ Helen Keller

 

Alene Rose Tanner

December 18, 1931 - March 8, 2024

Alene Rose Tanner, daughter of Albert & LaVera Rose, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024 at the age of 92, in St. George, Utah.

She was born in Lake Shore, Utah, on December 18, 1931. She was the 8th of 12 children. She attended school in Lake Shore & Spanish Fork. She also loved attending the Rose Reunion every summer.

Alene was the supportive rock of our family, always there with open arms and a listening ear. She is survived by her children, Denis Tanner, Steven Tanner, and Kathleen Hoyt, who will forever hold her close in their hearts. As we mourn our loss, we also celebrate the incredible life she led and the countless ways she touched our hearts.

Alene met and married her sweetheart Delos A. Tanner in the Manti LDS Temple on September 21, 1949. They had a wonderful life together for 72 years when Delos passed away in 2022.

Delos & Alene had 4 children, Denis, Steven, Kathleen, and Carrie Lee (deceased as an infant). They have 10 grandchildren: Kris Tanner, Kory Tanner, Ryan Sass; Michele Gibson, Joseph Tanner, Missy Lambert, Molly Ingram, Marcie Falkner; Kal Hoyt, and Karalee Turpin. They also have 31 Great-Grandkids, & 13 Great-Great-Grandkids. Her family was her greatest blessing.

Alene had a creative knack & flair, she loved crocheting, quilting, sewing, cooking & making things beautiful. She made baby quilts for all of her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids & great-great grandkids. Alene was a very thoughtful & selfless person who was always ready to help and support her family & friends at a moment's notice.

Alene was a faithful member of the LDS Church, she touched the lives of many throughout her many years of callings & service. She was always a very genuine & compassionate person whose kindness & love could easily be felt.

Alene worked for “Forseys” in Payson for many years & she also ran the fabric department at the Ben Franklin store, in Nephi, for 10 years where she made many friends.

She had such fun times with her friends & cousins, in Lake Shore, they called themselves “The Dirty Dozen”.

Alene is preceded in death by her husband Delos Tanner, daughter Carrie Lee, her parents Albert & LaVera; siblings Lawrence, Beth, Burt, Blair, Ellen, Ray, Velma, Dee, El Louise, Don & Dale.

A funeral service for Alene is being held on Thursday March 14, 2024 at The Walker Funeral Home 587 S. 100 W.  Payson, Utah at 11:00 am. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 am. Interment is at the Payson Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah 84651.

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