The Payson Chronicle Newspaper
A Red Pine Construction crew has unearthed the asphalt and concrete street surface along Downtown Main, revealing a century’s long infrastructural tale in Payson City.
Renovation in the historic business district began in mid-January 2024. This January 26 photograph looks northward from the First South and Main Street intersection.
The project’s initial phase will include the demolition of the underground storm drain and storage system by the former Wells Fargo Bank at 95 North Main.
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.
Julie Llewellyn Reece
The end of an era, the matriarch that kept our family together fought hard even though her physical body was failing and could take no more, left this world to be with those who were waiting with open arms to greet her on Friday January 12, 2024.
Born on July 3, 1942, to John Llewellyn and Jewel Phyllis Jackson in Salt Lake City Utah.
Married James Elton Reece and together lived in San Francisco where their 3 children were born before returning to Utah in 1972.
Julie owned and operated Payson Antiques throughout her life and came in contact with people from all walks of life and enjoyed sharing stories with all. She was passionate about her business and the people she met that shared her interest.
In her early years she was active in her children’s education through PTA here in Payson and met many lifelong friends throughout those years that she has remained in contact with.
When her eyesight was still good, she was knitting. Besides the wonderful things she made for her own children, at Christmas time she would have enough cozy little pom pom slippers to wrap and give to preschool children as gifts from her. 32 pairs each year for 25+ years! A definite labor of love.
She was a giver, a helper, someone who fought for what she felt was right. She was the one whose memory was so sharp we would go to her for clarification. She was a believer in peace and live and let live. Never was there a time or place when we were with her that a Beatles song wouldn't come on over the system and she'd nudge us and say "see?" No words needed; we knew.
She was also the one who reminded us that "life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."
Hug your loved ones, appreciate life and those in it with you, stay close.
Julie was preceded in death by her husband James Reece, her parents, brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins and many dear friends.
Survived by her children Christopher (Otilia) Susan (Brad) Carter and Amy (Wayne) Taylor. Her Grandchildren Rex, Liam and Cole Reece, Nicole (Jake) Drage, Ryan (Tori) Rigby Ethan and Sarah Carter, Her Great Grandchildren Easton and Berkley Drage, Kamri Rigby, Lucas and Landon. All whom she loved dearly and rallied for in their own special ways.
As per her request we will have a graveside service on Saturday, January 20, 2024, directed by Walker Funeral Home, Payson, Utah with a visitation prior from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
587 S 100 W, Payson, UT, 84651
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.
Mary Jane Deuel Roper
1944-2024
Mary Jane Deuel Roper - wife, mother, grandma, great grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend passed away peacefully January 10, 2024.
Mary Jane was born on September 22, 1944, in Payson, Utah to Arthur Lee Deuel and Iris Moore Deuel. She was the youngest of nine children who were raised in Spring Lake, Utah. She married Howard Molen Roper Jr. on February 12, 1965, in Spring Lake, Utah. They were later sealed in the Payson, Utah LDS Temple. They were married for 54 years, and together they raised 4 children.
Mary Jane grew up in Payson, Utah. She attended schools in Spring Lake and Payson, graduating from Payson High School. She attended cosmetology school in Provo, graduating in 1963. She worked as a beautician for 45 years. For 33 years she owned her own beauty salon, which was operated out of the family home. With Howard’s career, they moved around the state several times. Each time she would pack up her business and work to re-establish it with new clientele. It wouldn’t take her long to get her business thriving. Her children and family also enjoyed that they never had to worry about getting a haircut or a perm from anyone other than her. She took pride in her business and made sure everyone’s hair looked perfect, including herself, even until the end.
Mom loved spending time with her sweetheart; they went everywhere together. They took several trips in the trailer, dabbled in square dancing, played many rounds of golf together, enjoyed UTV rides with their friends finding new treasures, and spent many years at their cabin at Panguitch Lake. She loved being at the cabin. Her favorite memory of golfing was hitting a hole-in-one, a lofty feat that her husband never accomplished. She displayed the scorecard, showing everyone her accomplishment. In addition to leisure activities, she loved providing service to various civic groups throughout her life.
Mary Jane loved to keep busy and home life was no exception. She enjoyed keeping a garden and beautiful flowers around her home. She loved sewing, quilting, playing cards, cooking, and shopping. She taught her family the meaning of hard work; she worked many long days in the beauty shop, along with taking care of her family. Her Christmas candy and pumpkin rolls will be missed by all whose taste buds had the honor to experience them. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren. She is a member of The Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in various callings.
Mary Jane is survived by her children: Janalee Roper (Mike Blymiller), Stephanie (Murray) Condie, Jason (Amy) Roper, and Jamie (Sam) Rex; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, mother and father, and eight siblings.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Family Tree in Morgan, Utah, Stonehenge Skilled Nursing Facility, and Hidden Valley Assisted Living Center in Ogden, Utah, for the care they provided. In addition, A Plus Hospice Health for the comfort and care provided in her final hours. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations are made to the Huntsman Cancer Center in the name of Howard and MJ Roper Family.
A viewing will be held Thursday January 18, 2024, 5-7 PM at the LDS meetinghouse located at 482 West 1400 South Payson, Utah. A memorial service will be Friday January 19, at 1 PM, at the LDS meetinghouse located at 176 North 400 East, Panguitch, Utah.
Family and friends may also visit at the church Friday morning, from 12–12:45 PM, prior to the funeral. Interment will be at the Panguitch City Cemetery.
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.
Deanna G Worthen
Her family moved from California to Southern Utah when she was five years old. Deanna graduated from Panguitch High School with the class of 1958 and continued her studies at the College of Southern Utah.
She married Joseph Alan Worthen on September 19, 1959, in the temple of The Church of Latter-day Saints in St. George, Utah. Deanna and Joe were blessed with four children: Wendi Jo, Rick, Kris Ann, Russell, and a stillborn daughter Jill.
Deanna was a devoted mother and homemaker. Outside the home, she worked at various local businesses where she enjoyed socializing with the community.
Deanna loved sewing and making quilts, especially for her grandchildren. She was outgoing and was fond of visiting with friends and enjoyed good times playing cards with the gang. Deanna appreciated reading a good book, collecting rocks, and tending to her flower garden. She also enjoyed traveling, but most of all she loved spending time with her family.
Community was important to Deanna, and she volunteered at Tabitha’s Way Food Pantry and was a member of the Junior Cultus Club and Lady Fireman Auxillary. She and her husband Joe served as grand marshals for Payson City’s Onion Days.
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Deanna faithfully served in many callings over the years and included working as a temple worker in the baptistry in the Provo and Payson, Utah temples.
Deanna is survived by her husband Joseph Alan Worthen; children, Wendi Jo (Rick) Jewett, Rick (Shawnie) Worthen, Kris Ann (Darryl) Biggs, and Russell (Kodi) Worthen; fifteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren; sister, Klea (Ivan) Shurtz; sister-in-law, Sharon Griener; and cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, stillborn daughter Jill, and her brother Kenneth Griener.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 274 South Main Street in Payson, Utah. There will be a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2024, and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. both at the church. Interment will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the Family at www.walkermemorials.com.
Trees removed and earth and asphalt shifted. Downtown Payson renovation, looking westward across Utah Avenue from First E ast Street.
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