Mourning The Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

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

Forthcoming funeral services are planned for the following friends from our community. Complete versions of these obituaries may be found in The Payson Chronicle and on our website at paysonchronicle.com.

ASHTON EARL KIRK

Ashton Earl Kirk, born December 7, 1992, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2016. Ashton was a beloved son, grandson, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be remembered as a goofy, smart, talented, creative, frugal, independent, warm-hearted, gentle man.  He loved his family and friends, and he was always willing to take time for them, whether it be to clean Grandma's windows, move heavy furniture, help record music, offer computer technical support, or attend events that were important to those he loved.  

Ashton recently graduated magna cum laude from Utah Valley University with an emphasis in Information Technology; he loved his job and the people he worked with at Wavetronix. He was a responsible, reliable employee who could be counted on to get things done in a professional and timely manner.

Ashton had a passion for music, and he expressed his thoughts and feelings best through the music he wrote and recorded.  He excelled at learning new musical instruments, but he was never one to show off, so he sometimes surprised us by playing a new piece on the piano we had never heard him play before.  

Ashton had a quirky sense of humor, and he loved to make us laugh with original funny videos and silly songs.  He was a sensitive man, thoughtful of others.  He was a man of few words, but he showed he cared through his actions. One of Ashton's best qualities was that he didn't let other people's opinions sway his own.  He thought things through and he did what he thought was best, even if it went against the crowd. 

Ashton is survived by his parents Brandon and Joann Kirk, his siblings Brittney Kirk, Brianne Moon (Mike), Alissa Teachout (Adam), Matthew Kirk (Katie), and grandmother Marie Ashton. He is preceded in death by grandfathers Karl Ashton and Earl Kirk, and grandmother Melba Kirk.   He will be missed by those who love him.  We know he is happy and at peace with loved ones on the other side.  

A GoFundMe account has been set up to benefit his unborn child. To contribute, please go to www.gofundme.com/ashtonkirk.

Obituary and condolences available at www.walkerobits.com

National FFA Scholarship Awarded to Local Student from Tischner Ford

Parker John Mason of the Payson High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter (pictured above) was awarded the National FFA Scholarship by Tischner Ford.  Find the complete story in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Sharing the community's story- with a friend

Page One

Springville Museum of Art Plans June 1st Open House for New Exhibitions

Celebrate local Springville and Mapleton artists in the opening of "Three Mile Radius" and "Glimpses of Springville" on Wednesday, June 1 at 7 pm. Both shows will be on display June 1 - October 22, 2016. Come meet the artists, take in their art and enjoy light refreshments. This event is free and open to the public.

Thank you to sponsor, Central Bank. 

Three-Mile Radius

Painting by Jacqui Larsen

Three-Mile Radius, an exhibition featuring the art of Jacqui Larsen and the poetry of her husband, Utah Poet Laureate Lance Larsen, documents the people, places and things of Springville, Utah. Jacqui and Lance worked with only one rule: that their inspiration must come from what they find in the three mile radius that surrounds Jacqui’s studio. Their finds include everything from scrubby deer and cemetery angels, to old marquee signs and a hut from the Topaz internment camp. In this show of poetry and paint, Jacqui and Lance sing this town of many waters. 

Glimpses of Springville

Photograph by Dennis Robertson 

Featuring visual artists exclusively from Springville and Mapleton, "Glimpses of Springville" looks locally to celebrate the artists in our “three mile radius.” This exhibition will include works that reflect the various artists’ experiences living and working in the Springville community. From the perspective of over 30 local sculptors, painters, and photographers this exhibition will celebrate our community and its role as Utah’s “Art City.”

Congratulations Nebo Comfort Systems

More to come.

Bonded by Fire: History of the Santaquin Fire Department, A Lively and Colorful Book by Dan Olson

Find out more about this lively and colorful book in
The Payson Chronicle.

Folk Music Workshops by Jessica Knight Slated for June and July

PHOTOS TELL THE PAYSON STORY: EARLY PIONEER SCHOOLS

Between 1863 and 1875 four-small schools were built in each section of town. Each school was named after the various members of the school trustees.  The “Rock School” or the Nebeker School (pictured above) was constructed on Third North and Third West. Rock from the old fort wall was used in its construction. The building is still standing today and it serves as a private residence. You can still see the rock from the fort walls exposed on the north side of the house.  See other photos like this in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Submitted by the Payson Historical Society

Education was always very important to the early residents of Payson. The pioneers arrived in Payson in October 1850. The settlers were admonished to pay attention to the education of their children. The first school trustees were selected soon after the settlers arrived. By March of the following year the first schoolhouse was completed.

The school was located between what is known today as 300 North between Main Street and 100 West. The school was on the north side facing south. The school was heated with a fireplace. The floor was of rough timber and there was a platform for the teacher or speaker since the building was also used for other meetings at the time. Nails and window glass had been freighted from the East and were then hauled from Salt Lake City by Joe Curtis. It has been said that he traded his yoke of oxen for them.

Later, other schools were established by private individuals. James Reece constructed a school at about 15 South 300 East. It was known as the “little school under the hill.” Another school was built at 160 East 100 North by Henry Nebeker. It was just inside the fort near the main gate. During the winter of 1859-60 there were three known schools in Payson.  Read more about them and other schools in the May 18, 2016, print edition of The Payson Chronicle.

From The Front Page

Payson Lions Club’s Dedication to Service Expands; Longtime Members Honored as Lions of the Year

Pictured (left-right): Pleasant Grove Lions Jo Taylor and Milt Taylor, Payson Lions of the Year Everett and Shirley Kester, Rhett Huff, and Payson Mayor Rick Moore during last Thursday’s Payson Lions Club’s Honor’s Night.

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth,” said Milt Taylor, Utah District 28T Governor, speaking at the May 12 Payson Lions Club’s Honor’s Night banquet.  Quoting Muhammad Ali, he defined the attitude shared among Lions internationally since its inception by Chicago businessman, Melvin Jones, in 1917.

Holding the second oldest charter in Utah, established in 1924, Payson Lions are no exception to the notion of paying one’s “rent.”  Mr. Taylor joined the local club as guest speaker last week with his wife, Jo Taylor, at a time of growth in service among local Lions.

Taylor is passing the District Governor’s torch on to Payson Lion Rhett Huff, who will be officially sworn into the role at the 99th Lions Clubs International in Fukuoka, Japan, this June. Mr. Huff’s wife, Jennifer Huff, who has served tirelessly by his side will join him.

As last week’s meeting, held at the Peteetneet, drew to a close, yet another dedicated couple entered the spotlight.  Everett and Shirley Kester, Genola residents and Lions since the mid-1960s, were named Lions of the Year by the Payson club.  They were presented a plaque for their service and the customary “Roars!” by the Lions of Payson.

Santaquin Fire & EMS: Dedication to Community's Safety and Well Being

Here are a few of the stories that have appeared in The Payson Chronicle featuring the Santaquin Fire & EMS departments:

Local Fire Departments Band Together

Santaquin Shed Fire

New Fire Truck; First House Fire

AAA Honors Veteran Firefighter

Fire Chief Olson Installed

Mourning The Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

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

Forthcoming funeral services are planned for the following friends from our community. Complete versions of these obituaries may be found in The Payson Chronicle and on our website at paysonchronicle.com.

Erica Leone Montague

Our beautiful, smart, fun-loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend to all, Erica Leone Montague was welcomed into heaven after an automobile accident took her from us on May 7th, 2016. Erica was born five weeks early, on April 18, 2000, to Brad C. & Jennifer (Jenny) Montague, in Payson, Utah.  Erica is survived by her loving parents, her little/best sister Marissa, her Grandma Janice Patten of Payson; her Grandpa Duayne "Dode" Montague of Salem; special friends Caitlin and Shae; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends (too numerous to mention). Erica was welcomed into heaven by her Grandpa Duane Patten, her grandma Leone "Bluey" Montague, her neighbor she affectionately called "Grandma Gwenie" and several others that were waiting to greet her and give her hugs. There will be a viewing on Friday, May 13th, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Payson Stake Center (650 West 800 South, Payson, Utah), and a viewing Saturday, May 14th from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. with a tribute and celebration of Erica's life to follow at 11:00 a.m. Erica will be laid to rest at the Salem City Cemetery (130 East 965 South, Salem, Utah) following her services.

James Jonathon Durrant

James Jonathon Durrant—better known as Jim—peacefully passed from this life on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 in Salt Lake City. He was 63. Jim fought through all sorts of heart problems, through countless surgeries both major and minor, until he could not fight anymore. Throughout it all, he never lost the kindness or sense of humor that brought smiles to those around him. He was born March 13, 1953 in Salt Lake City, where he was first introduced to one of his passions, Utah football, as his dad played for the Utes. In September of 1976, Jim married his eternal sweetheart, Vicky, in the Provo L.D.S. Temple. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Mary Lou Durrant, and his sister, Tammy. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Vicky; children Tracy and David Montgomery, James Durrant, David and Jessica Durrant, William and Shanna Durrant; grandchildren Victoria, Johnathan, Tricia, Lexi Lou, Drew, Rowan, and Ivy. He is also survived by siblings Tim and Linda Durrant, Kate and Jay Shuler, Wendy and Jeff Jasperson, Sandra Nilson, and Richard and Evelyn Durrant as well as aunts Klara, Alta, and Georgia Durrant. Funeral services will be held at the Mountain View stake center, 75 South, 600 East in Payson, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. Viewings will be held at the stake center Friday, May 13, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Santaquin American Legion and Auxiliary Plan Memorial Day Program; Fundraiser Organized to Pay for Repairs to Vandalized Veterans Memorial at Cemetery

by Helen Kester

American Legion Post 84 will be sponsoring a Memorial Day Program on May 30.  The program willl take place at the Santaquin Veterans Memorial in the Santaquin City Cemetery.  It starts at 11 AM. Please bring your own chairs.

This year the Santaquin American Legion and Auxiliary are having a very special Memorial Day Fundraiser to help pay for the cost of repairs to the Veterans Memorial, which was damaged by vandals this past March.

If you would like to help us with repair expenses there will be a donation table at the Memorial on Memorial Day from 10 AM until Noon.  All Auxiliary funds made from the annual poppy fund drive will be donated for the repairing of the Memorial.

Donations may also be mailed to American Legion Post # 84 c/o Ronald Peterson, P.O. Box 844, Santaquin, Utah 84655.  For more information, please call Ron at 801-754-3539 or Farrel at 801-754-3167.

Read more about the Santaquin American Legion and Auxiliary in past stories published in The Payson Chronicle at:

paysonchronicle.com

Santaquin American Legion and Auxiliary In The News

American Legion and Auxiliary in the Community

Farrel Bott Takes Over As Commander

Support Santaquin Fire Department; Take Part in Memorial Day Breakfast, Purchase a Tee and Copy of New History Book

Find a few of the stories about the Santaquin Fire & EMS Department that have appeared in The Payson Chronicle at:

Local Fire Departments Band Together

Santaquin Shed Fire

New Fire Truck; First House Fire

AAA Honors Veteran Firefighter

Fire Chief Olson Installed

The Tour of Utah is coming to Payson!

On August 3, 2016, Payson City Memorial Park will be transformed into the finish line for Stage 3 of the Tour of Utah. What is the Tour of Utah? It is known as “America’s Toughest Stage RaceTM” and features some of the best professional cycling teams in the world. This year, the race will represent three continents with the following teams; BMC Racing, Cannondale Pro Cycling, IAM, Trek-Segafredo, Novo Nordisk, Unitedhealthcare Pro Cycling, Axeon Hagens Berman Cycling, Holowesko/Citadel Racing, Jamis, Maxxis, Lupus Racing and Rally Cycing. Payson City Memorial Park will be filled with activities for all ages as well as food vendors and entertainment. Admission is free and is open to the public. 

As we begin the countdown to the August 3, watch the Payson City Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for trivia contest, volunteer opportunities and up to date information. 

Payson City hopes you will be able to Save the Date and join us on August 3 for a celebration you won’t want to miss.

What's going on

MAY 14, 2016: Peteetneet Antique & Vintage Expo, vendor booths with treasures and food to buy located along the west-side lawn entrance of the Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center, 9 AM - 5 PM; verbal antique appraisals, 9-1 PM,  in Queen's Room, $5 each.  MORE DETAILS AT:Payson Chronicle Blog: Peteetneet Antique & Vintage Expo

Strap Tank Brewing Co: Opening The First Brewery In Utah County

Owner Rick Salisbury is pleased to announce the Spring 2016 opening of the first Utah County brewery entitled Strap Tank Brewing Co. 

Springville, UT – May 4, 2016: Strap Tank Brewing Co. opens its doors to the public this month, bringing the first brewery to Utah County. This one-of-a-kind restaurant and pub offers something special for drinkers and non-drinkers alike. The brewery’s fresh-made ales and lagers pair perfectly with the made from scratch menu featuring classic American dishes. Handcrafted sodas, like Brigham’s Brew Root Beer, and specialty drinks highlight the long list of non-alcoholic beverages available. More than a restaurant and pub, Strap Tank is a family friendly atmosphere where all are welcome.

“For me, the first brewery in Utah County means introducing people to craft beer and the culture of craft beer.” said Mike Dymowski, Brewmaster of Strap Tank Brewing Co. “I’m eager to show people it can be family friendly; I want everybody to feel welcome.” 
About Strap Tank 

Strap Tank Brewing Co. is named after the 1907 Strap Tank Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The best unrestored strap-tank model in existence resides in Legends Motorcycle Emporium, owned by Rick Salisbury and located next to Strap Tank brewery. The 10,000 square foot Strap Tank building, located off the 400 South Springville exit of Interstate 15, seats 300. For more information, please visit: straptankbrewery.com

Published in the print edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Pictures Tell the Payson Historical Society Story: G.W. Hancock Building

Pictured: The old Conk Service Station, which was built on the G.W. Hancock Building site.  We find Crest there today.  Read more about the history of this central Payson location, the buildings and businesses constructed there, and the people who made it happen in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

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

Forthcoming funeral services are planned for the following friends from our community. Complete versions of these obituaries may be found in The Payson Chronicle and on our website at paysonchronicle.com.

Leslie Ray (Buzzy) Wilson

1928 - 2016

Our beloved cowboy, husband, father and grandfather, Leslie Ray “Buzzy” Wilson,  passed away Friday,  May 6, 2016, from complications of Alzheimer’s, to go on his last roundup. We will greatly miss his love, humor, and sweet spirit.  Our loss is heaven’s gain. He was born December 17, 1928, in Payson, Utah, to Leslie Hugh and Adelaide Victoria Cartwright Wilson, the fourth of five children: Elaine, Bob, Mary Jane (who because she couldn’t say brother, called him Buzzy, a name that stuck for life), and Stanley.  He grew up in Payson, staying there his entire life. When in high school, he played on the football team, and in his senior year was Student Body President. He loved singing and dancing and enjoyed participating in those activities at school. He graduated from Payson High School in 1947. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Rowene Dixon, on April 4, 1947. They had 51 years together, before her death in 1998.  They have three children: David, Leslie Ann, and Debbie Em. Buzzy is survived by his wife, Elaine; his children: David (Roberta), Leslie Ann (Kenneth) Gubler, and Debbie Em (Rick) Cook. Also survived by stepchildren: Lanette (Jerald) Holmes and Jeffery Schramm. Combined, he has 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Rowene; and his siblings: Elaine Duncan and Bob Wilson; and stepson, Lowell Schramm; and a great-grandson, Zach Fenton. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the LDS Mountain View 7th Ward Chapel, 681 East 500 North, Payson, Utah. Visitation for family and friends will be at the church on Friday, May 13, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. as well as on Saturday morning from 9:45–10:45 a.m. prior to services.  Interment at Payson City Cemetery.

Mourning The Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

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

Forthcoming funeral services are planned for the following friends from our community. Complete versions of these obituaries may be found in The Payson Chronicle and on our website at paysonchronicle.com.

BRENT REID PEERY

Brent Reid Peery, of Payson Utah passed away peacefully at the age of 69.  He succumbed to diabetes related complications on May 4th 2016.  Born in Payson, Utah February 5th 1947 to Page Reid Peery and Elsie Sumsion Peery.   Brent married at an early age to Julie Ann Johnson.  They were married for 38 years, and together had six wonderful children and 22 grandchildren. Later they would divorce.  At age 65, Brent married Jean Boswell and they were married for two years.  He is survived by his two sisters Nola Hofmann (John) and Jan Hackbarth (Steve) both of California; Six children, Becky Zobell (Tracy),  Shane Peery (Janet),  Jamie Schramm (Dave), Jodi Peery,  Scott Peery (Tara), Janell Finch (Chad).  22 Pride and Joys in order - Zack Zobell, Lexi Peery, Trevyn Zobell, McKay Peery, Easton Frisby, Chandler Schramm, Abby Peery, Avrie Frisby, Zane Zobell, Mallory Schramm, Treyson Zobell, Sam Peery, Aubrey Schramm, KatelynFinch, Hayden Schramm, Chloe Peery, Carson Finch, Addi Peery, Livvy Peery, Conner Finch, Kinzley Finch, Paxton Peery (deceased).  He was preceded in death by his parents Page Reid and Elsie Peery and younger brother Alan Peery, all from Payson.  A viewing will be held Friday, May 13th from 6pm - 8pm at the Payson Walker Mortuary located at 587 South 100 West. Interment will conclude the private graveside service on Saturday at the Payson cemetery.  

What's going on

MAY 6, 2016: Barbara Ward Paintings Exhibit Opening Reception, Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center, 600 East 100 North, Payson, 6-8 PM. Public welcome to this free event.

Peteetneet School Pins and Magnets Now Available

Local historian L. Dee Stevenson dropped by The Payson Chronicle office today with one of the lovely new pins now available for purchase at the Peteetneet.  The pins, along with refrigerator magnets made also in the image of the local treasure, cost $5 each and can be purchased during the Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center’s regular hours, Monday through Friday, from 10-4 PM.  The Peteetneet is located at 10 North 600 East, Payson.  Find out more about the Peteetneet at peteetneetmuseum.org.

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

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

Forthcoming funeral services are planned for the following friends from our community. Complete versions of these obituaries may be found in The Payson Chronicle and on our website at paysonchronicle.com.

BARBARA JEAN RASMUSSEN JEX

Barbara Jean Rasmussen Jex, aged 89 (less 1 month) passed away May 5, 2016 at her home in Payson, Utah.  She was born in Vernal, Utah in the big yellow house on June 17, 1927 to Clarence Arthur Rasmussen and Alice ‘J’ Henrichsen.  Barbara graduated from Pleasant Grove High in 1945. In the fall she attended BYU where she met Melvin Dean Jex, who had returned from serving 5 yrs in WWII. They were married Aug 7, 1946 in the Logan LDS temple. They were married 67 yrs. They were the parents of 8 children.  Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Melvin, her parents, her siblings—Max Alfred, Donna, Clarence Wesley,  Ida Mae (Malcolm) Christianson, Eldon Earl, Eva Alene (Bruce) Fugal, Thoral Leon (Theo), Mary (Blaine) Nielson; two children, Jennifer Jex and Christine Johnson; and 5 grandchildren. She is survived by her children: Jacqueline (Lawrence) Thompson, Larry (Hugette) Jex, James (KelliE) Jex, Ruth (Eddy) Corbridge, Alice (Curtis) Heslop, and Alan (Dianne) Jex; 43 grandchildren and 78 great-grandchildren. Surviving in-laws Blaine Nielson and Carol Rasmussen.  Graveside service will be held at the Spanish Fork Cemetery, 420 South 400 East,  at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 7, 2016 under the direction of Walker Mortuary in Payson.