Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

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 also be found in The Payson Chronicle.

ROSALYN G. HILLMAN

Rosalyn G. Hillman passed away April 24, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rosalyn was a loving, caring mother and grandmother, and was known for her friendly and generous nature. She was born on February 26, 1928 to Angus and Lillian Greenhalgh. She graduated from Payson High School in 1946. In May of the same year she married Ralph E. Hillman.

She worked in Roe Wilde’s Bakery to support Ralph in college, stopping upon the birth of their first child. She served in various social clubs and religious callings, as well as a committee member of the Payson Pool Committee, which built the first public pool in Payson. They moved to Las Vegas in 1963, where she worked at First Interstate Bank, and retired as the Customer Service Specialist at the Boulevard Mall Branch. After retiring, she and Ralph golfed several times a week, and she scored two hole-in-ones.

She is survived by a brother Billy Greenhalgh of Provo, Utah; sons Gene and Roger of Las Vegas; 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Service will be private.

Condolences may be sent to www.walkermemorials.com.

The Show Goes On

Pictured: (top row, left-right) Santaquin City Manager Ben Reeves, Mayor Kirk Hunsaker, Councilman Nick Miller, (middle row, left-right) Councilman David Hathaway, Community Development Director Jason Bond, Councilwoman Jennifer Bowman, (bottom row, left-right) Councilman Lynn Mecham, and Councilwoman Betsy Montoya

Technology and creativity are enabling communities to adapt to the changes called upon by the COVID-19 crisis.

Transparent protective shields have been erected on counters, separating workers from their clients in places of commerce and civic affairs.

Meanwhile, business meetings and public affairs have been convening in teleconferences and through online live-streams. The adjoining picture of the Santaquin City Council and staff demonstrates the latter, as the municipality’s heads conducted city business via Zoom at a regular council meeting, April 21.

Despite the storm, the show goes on.

Santaquin Canyon Road Closure In Place

The Spanish Fork Ranger Districted reported April 17, 2020, that the lower portion of Santaquin Canyon road is closed to all motorized vehicles starting at the gate at the Forest boundary to Trumbolt picnic site.

The closure is in place to provide for public health and safety due to flooding that has undercut the lower portion of the Santaquin Canyon road.The road is unsafe and could collapse under vehicle weight, and while heavy equipment and crews are working in the area to repair the road damage.

#santaquincanyon #roads #utahnews #utahcounty #paysonchronicle #thepaysonchronicle #readthepaysonchronicle #newspaper

Community Drive-by Art Show

In conjunction with the Social Distance art show now going on at the Art Hub on the Avenue at 96 West Utah Avenue, we would like to invite all the residents of Payson and surrounding communities to join us on April 30 to display their art projects.

We would love to see your art displayed on your lawn, in your driveways, or in your windows. From 9 am to 6 pm, place your art where anyone driving by can see it. Then join us for a drive around town to see the art! #drivebyartshow #paysoncity

Questions call or text: Karen Ricks 801-615-3124

Photos:

Suzie Campbell of Sandy, Utah in front of the selfie wall.

Art Hub on the Avenue

A Social Distance Art Show

Pictured: The Art Hub on the Avenue, located at 96 West Utah Avenue, Payson, Utah.

To many, Payson is one of those towns that seems protected from the world.  Numerous families have lived here for generations. Unfortunately, Payson has not been able to escape the quarantine and isolation required to protect us from the COVID-19 virus. The Art Hub on the Avenue would like to help ease the associated anxiety in some small way.

The Arts can do much to alleviate stress and anxiety in difficult times. The Art Hub knows that families are staying home, doing school and work from home, and trying to keep happily busy. To give families and individuals a bit of a diversion and a place to go and still stay safe, our Artist in Residence, Russell Ricks, has put up his Social Distance art show in the windows of the Art Hub at 96 West Utah Avenue.

To view the show, you can simply drive by, or park in front of the Art Hub and see Ricks’ lovely scenes from the sidewalk. You might recognize many of the scenes pictured, as Ricks has gathered much of his material from the beautiful Payson area.

The show will be up through the end of April. The best time to view it is during daylight hours. We ask that, if you get out of your car to view the show, please be considerate of others. Follow the social distancing guidelines by wearing a mask, standing a good distance away from others, and don’t touch each other or the door handles or windows. The building will not be open to the public.

For a great place to take photos, don’t forget to stop at the selfie wall mural on the west side the Parlor Salon. It is just south of Payson Library back wall.  Feel free to tag @russellricks_art and @the_parlor_luxury_salon on Instagram when you post your pics.

Art Hub on the Avenue would like to thank all the workers who continue to provide necessary services for our community. We appreciate the sacrifices that you and your families are making in our behalf.

We look forward to seeing you through the windows of the Art Hub. Feel free to tag us on Instagram (@art.hub.on.the.avenue) or Facebook (Art Hub on the Avenue) or #arthubontheavenue.

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

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 also be found in The Payson Chronicle.

Barbara Butler Jensen

Barbara Butler Jensen, 84, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2020, in Provo, Utah surrounded by her children. Barbara was born on January 7, 1936, in Payson, Utah, a daughter of Elvon and Thelma Twede Butler. Barbara was raised in Spring Lake, Utah, where she attended school. She graduated from Payson High School where she met her husband, Leon Jensen.

Barbara and Leon were married, February 26, 1954, in the Manti LDS Temple. They made their first home in Goshen, Utah. In July 1995 they moved to Payson, Utah.

Barbara was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in various positions at both the stake and ward level. She enjoyed singing with the Goshen Singing Mothers and the Goshenetts. 

She enjoyed reading, making quilts for her grandchildren, playing games, doing puzzles and watching the Utah Jazz. Mom loved to travel with her Mother and sister Ernadene. Mom was an accomplished seamstress and made many dresses, blessing dresses and prom dresses for her daughters, granddaughters and nieces. She worked at Mountain View Hospital with newborn babies for several years.

Mom looked forward to family gatherings especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Barbara had a group of high school friends that got together monthly to eat, play games and enjoy each other’s company. She also met regularly with her Goshen friends to visit and eat lunch. She cherished these relationships.

She is survived by her children, Dana (Gary) Bayles, Lyman, Wyoming, Darlene (Benjamin) Christensen, Mapleton, Utah, Carolyn (Kevin) Bowman, Payson, Utah and Darrell (Amie) Jensen, Payson, Utah. She also raised two grandsons as her own, Jason Jensen, Payson, Utah, Jeremy (Jessica) Jensen, Lehi, Utah. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, two sisters, Jerrolyn Menlove, Spring Lake, Utah, Ilene (Arthur) Arnold, Noblesville, Indiana, and a brother-in-law Roger A. (Barbara) Jensen, Goshen, Utah and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a son and daughter-in-law: Lynn (Sherrie) Jensen, a sister Ernadene Angus, infant brother, Stephen Larry Butler.

We love you Mom!

Due to COVID-19 restrictions a graveside service for family will be held at the Goshen City Cemetery on Thursday, April 16, 2020.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkermemorials.com

Santaquin

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

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 also be found in The Payson Chronicle.

STEPHEN BERT RAFF

Stephen Bert Raff, age 70, of Payson, Utah, “graduated” from mortality April 10, 2020, top of his class. He will,
no doubt, continue his teaching and learning with his parents, Dayton and Evelyn Higginson Raff, and two of his
brothers, Dayle and LeVern, and many other loved ones who have also courageously endured their mortal journey

Stephen was born in Nampa, Idaho, August 11, 1949. He participated in ward choirs, with his mother, from
a very young age. He loved music, performing, and sharing his talent of singing, with his beautiful tenor voice.
He attended Ricks College and performed in Hansel and Gretel, The King and I, and other productions. 

He met and fell in love with Marla Hellewell, and they were married on July 8, 1971, in the Logan, Utah temple.
His role as husband and father proved to be the most amazing lead role he’d ever have. The two welcomed three
girls and three boys: Kevin (Steffani) Raff, Jason (Elizabeth) Raff, Jayne (Jeremy) Elswood, Mark (Janie) Raff,
Shari (Troy) Humphries, and Stephanie (Jered) Taylor, who were raised to love each other, honor their parents,
and trust in our Heavenly Father’s Plan through actively serving and living the Gospel taught in the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  His legacy also includes 25 grandchildren, ages 24-4, who have learned above
all: determination, selflessness, and forgiveness, among many other qualities throughout Stephen’s life.
He supported his kids in their numerous swim meets, sporting events, choir performances, scouting trips, and
home projects dreamed up by Mom. 

He graduated from BYU with Bachelor and Master’s degrees in education and taught fourth and fifth grade
students at Wilson Elementary, in Payson, where he and Marla lived most of their married life. His teacher
qualities also helped him successfully do technical writing for software companies, the most recent (from
which he retired) was MultiLing Corporation. He participated in many musical/ theatrical performances
while living in Payson, including performances of 1776, The Title of Liberty, Moroni, and solo performances
with the Payson Civic Chorale. One of the most rewarding singing roles, though, was his ten years spent as a
member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This provided many unique memories for his family, of which they
are so grateful.

Stephen loved his family and people. His smile was contagious, and he kept an incredibly positive, calm,
caring attitude till his journey’s end.  As his dementia set in, we were continuously reminded of what was
clearly most important, and his message to all who knew him: our spouse, our temple covenants made, and
that he loved us unconditionally, will be what remains as his legacy.

A viewing will be held for immediate and extended family members on April 14, 2020 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
at Walker Funeral Home in Payson. A public viewing will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.  A private family
graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at the Payson City Cemetery.

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

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 also be found in The Payson Chronicle.

JoAnn Rogers Madsen

JoAnn Rogers Madsen, 87, of Payson, Utah, passed away on April 8, 2020 in her home. JoAnn was born
on March 21, 1933 in Central, Utah to Joseph Coleman and Betsy Arthella Odgen Rogers. She graduated
from South Sevier High School in Monroe, Utah. 

On January 7, 1952, she married Jay Earl Madsen in Richfield, Utah. They were later sealed on June 25,
1963 in the Manti Temple. Together they were blessed with 5 children. 

She worked at Mountain View Hospital for 22 years where she worked as a scrub nurse and physical therapy
aid. She also volunteered as a Pink Lady. She was also a Senior Companion, where she made many friends.

JoAnn loved her 9 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She loved working
in her yard, cooking and spending time with family. 

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many callings throughout
her life. She loved the church and it was very important to her. 

JoAnn is survived by her children Val Jay Madsen, Brenda Worthen (Dan), Jann Sperry (David), and Elaine
Madsen, 9 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and siblings Lois Hermansen
(Scott), Phil Rogers (Pearl), and Nannette Shaw (Wayland). 

She was preceded in death by her husband Jay Earl Madsen, son Jerry Madsen, parents, brother Clark Rogers,
and sister Jean Rogers Hunt. 

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Maple Creek Hospice, especially Charity and Angie
for their loving care. 

Due to COVID-19, a graveside service will be held for family and close friends on Tuesday, April 14, 2020
at 11 a.m. at the Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson. 

Condolences may be sent to www.walkermemorials.com

P Mountain, Payson, Utah

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

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 also be found in The Payson Chronicle.

PAUL MEREDITH

Jacob 7:26 (The Book of Mormon)  ...the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream...

Heaven gladly welcomed Paul Virgil Meredith as he peacefully passed away on April 4, 2020 while at home (Payson, Utah) surrounded by family.  He lived a joy-filled life centered on his family, his Church, and all around him.  

Paul was born on August 7, 1941, in Lehi, Utah to Virgil Turn Meredith and Ruby Mae Zimmerman.  

He fell in love with football in high school with his great friend Jay Rindlisbacher, where he was nicknamed “Bear Meredith”.  He attended Dixie College on a football scholarship. He served a church mission in Stockholm, Sweden, and then earned a degree in Education from Brigham Young University in 1967.

On October 25, 1963, he married Larraine Rindlisbacher in the Manti Temple.  They spent 39 wonderful years together before her tragic passing in 2002. 

He was a Payson High School history teacher for over 30 years.  His students loved him.  Paul had a knack for connecting with students, especially those who had difficulty connecting elsewhere.  He coached football, tennis, wrestling, and track.  Coach Meredith influenced and befriended many.

He loved farming, driving a tractor, the smell of freshly cut hay, puttering through the orchards on a four-wheeler, boating, BYU football & basketball, and fishing (without catching any fish).

Just like Hyrum and Joseph, he and his older brother Melvin Meredith were inseparable, constant companions, and best friends.  Together they served in many church callings, raised their children, worked, traveled, daily trips to McDonald’s, and many drinks of Diet Coke.

Each Christmas season he handcrafted wooden, personalized snowmen which brought joy to many people. He will continue to live through these snowmen which symbolize his selfless service. He gave them freely and touched the hearts of countless people. 

He was always the first person on the doorstep of any new neighbor and often carried a freshly baked loaf of bread. Every young person who walked into his home was an honoree grandchild. 

He held many church callings (bishop, temple worker, and others).  He served in the Provo Temple for five years and the Payson Temple for five years.  But, the one calling he felt was the most important of all of them was being a home teacher/minister. He was a friend to all he home taught or ministered to, not because they were assigned to him but because he loved them first.

He served for ten years on the board of Strawberry Electrical Service District (SESD).

On April 16, 2004, he married Linda Rasmussen and they were sealed in the Provo Temple. Paul and Linda loved to travel and embraced children and grandchildren with great love on both sides of their families.  They’ve seen every state but two and even traveled to Mexico and Canada.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife Norma Larraine Rindlisbacher Meredith, his mother and father, two sisters (Beverly and Bertha Mae), his grandson Lane McIntyre, stepson Jim Hall, father-in-law Roger Rasmussen, father-in-law Reed Rindlisbacher, and mother-in-law Norma Rindlisbacher.  Paul is loved and missed by many.  He is survived by his dear wife, Linda Rasmussen Meredith; his siblings Melvin Meredith and Joyce Jones; his mother-in-law Colleen Rasmussen, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren,Paula & Greg Evans (children: Zane & Brooklyn [children: Nora], and Curtis);Val & Lisa Meredith (children: Gavin & Emily, and Courtney);Tracy & David Evert (children: Amie & Lyman McIntier [children: Addison and Brinley], Brandy & Tyler Washburn [children: Landon, Clara, and Derek], David Jr. & Rachel [children: Carter. Madilyn, Abigail, Briella] Evert, Brett & Alice [children: Sydney] Evert, Lane McIntyre, Kyle & Kaitlyn [children: Declan] Evert, Logan McIntyre, and Amber Evert);Erik & Synthia Meredith (children: Adriana, Erika, Celeste, and Stephanie);Karl & Gloria Meredith (children: Glen, Leah, Carlton, and Camellia);

Matthew & Amy Meredith (children: Ruby, Megan, Wesley, and Henry);

Tracey & John Kartsone (children: Katrina & Christian Hobbs, Kaden, and Preston);

Trisha & Mark Kizerian (children: Sierra Morris, Nikolas Kizerian, Jaden Kizerian);

Jessica & Luke Brandley (children: Hunter & Seneca [children: Camden Price], Megan Hall, Evan Brandley, Braxton Hall, Joseph Brandley, Kimberley Brandley, Porter Hall, Emree Hall, and Ren Brandley)

Paul will be interred at the Payson Cemetery on April 8, 2020.  There will be no formal funeral ceremony held at this time.  At a later date, there will be a memorial service held to remember Paul’s life.  In Paul's honor, we request that those wishing to contribute do so by making a charitable donation to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

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 also be found in The Payson Chronicle.

Ruby Kaletta

Our beautiful and beloved Ruby Anelia VanAusdal Kaletta who was born August 20, 1933 touched the lives of many. She slipped from the loving embrace of her children, Bob (Joan) Kaletta, Brenda (Dale) Mikesell, Debbie Kirk, and Paul (Gail) Kaletta standing by her side on Thursday April 2, 2020 to a long-awaited (11 years) embrace of arms from her sweetheart William Robert Suliemann Kaletta. She was also welcomed by her daughter Vicky Kemp, her parents Owen VanAusdal and Edna Jasper, her two sisters Helen and Betty, her two brothers Larry and Jack, her grandsons Shaun Mikesell, Shad Kaletta, Jose and Dylan Kirk, her granddaughter Kandiss Kaletta, and great-grandsons Ethan Davis and Kyle Johnson.  Her visits will be greatly missed by her sweet sisters Bonnie Hall and Revoe Jackson, her 24 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and all of the generously welcomed spouses, and six great-great-grandchildren who will await their reunion with her once again.

Ruby had an unfortunate fall as she suffered from a stroke. Her children rushed to her home to cherish and spend her last days together, filled with peace love and tears.

She married the love of her life February 5, 1954 and was later sealed to him in the Manti Temple.

Ruby's family was always so important to her, she took advantage of every minute she was able to spend with them, planning many family get-togethers and parties. She taught and showed love to her family who in return reciprocated that love, caring for her needs at the store, providing some meals, and help with the yard and house duties. She was surrounded by many who loved her dearly and looked forward to hearing her sweet voice on the other end of the telephone. 

Ruby's love for music inspired many and was passed down through her prosperity. She played the guitar in a few bands and absolutely loved to sing. 

Ruby was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served many through her various callings, and her voice was a delight in the choir. She even had the opportunity to sing in the Tabernacle with the singing mothers. 

Her love for children was enlightening to witness. She always played and danced with them, and had many memorable traditions of songs and activities. The kids were always welcome for a sleepover. She also had the magic touch with babies and enjoyed rocking and singing with them. 

She enjoyed, and passed on to us all, her love for the outdoors where she loved to camp, garden, gather together on the porch to visit. One of her favorite activities was sitting around a campfire enjoying the company of those she loved.

She took pride in being a lunch lady where she enhanced her already amazing skills in her kitchen where all were welcome.  She fed many often following were night games of all ages in their yard. 

Her great strength gave her independence, in spite of losing her eyesight to macular degeneration.  She was determined to cook, live on her own, darn her socks, make phone calls on everyone's birthday, and much more. 

We are all left with the example of what perseverance and love can be. Ruby's personality was magnificent, her smile contagious, her courage unstoppable, and her memory phenomenal. Even during her last few days she could be heard singing songs with her son Bob filling the room with great comfort as her other children stood amazed at her strong mind and determination. 

Ruby has touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. We are all so blessed to have our memories of her, together with an eternal picture of Ruby and Bill standing hand-in-hand, waiving with their other, from their front porch.

We have graciously accepted all of your air hugs, love and prayers but for now we will follow the social distancing guidelines. Thank you!

Payson Staff And Council Reports Highlight Community Activity During Pandemic

Staff and council reports were presented at the April 1 Payson City council meeting as usual, save for the setup.  It was the second Payson council meeting conducted online via Zoom, a format that abides with a COVID-19 directive for social distancing.  Department heads and council members shared updates on issues they are handling in the community from remote locations.

For the Payson Police Department, the work never stops.  Questioned by Councilman Doug Welton about a rise in domestic violence incidents as people are implored to stay home, Chief Brad Bishop remarked that Payson police are not seeing any changes.  Thefts, on the other hand, have been on the incline. The Payson police chief said he’s not certain if this is due to warmer weather or the economy.

For those who are not adhering to a directive for social distance, City Manager Dave Tuckett called for a remedy. He cited a report of larger groups seen playing together on the pickleball courts at Memorial Park.  He suggested that extra patrolling and signage there could discourage it.

Councilwoman Linda Carter asked Chief Bishop how the victim of a recent stabbing in Payson is doing.  “He’s doing really well,” Chief Bishop said. He said he is also very lucky, given that the weapon used in the stabbing nearly missed his heart.

Councilwoman Carter praised the department, as well as city crews that have been actively maintaining the parks and entities of Payson.  Her remarks were followed by Councilman Brett Christensen, who pinpointed beautification efforts, the water department, fire department, and the ambulance association.  He said he hopes that the latter will someday become a full-time organization.

The open burn window opened on Monday, March 30, reported Scott Spencer, Payson Fire Chief. It runs until the end of May.  This year’s Great Shakeout earthquake drill will be conducted via messaging and not active participation, he added. It is yet another modification required during the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile at the city library, Mr Tuckett remarked that Director Dona Gay had seventy people pick up their checked-out items from the temporary curbside delivery system earlier that day.

Stay safe, Councilman Brian Hulet said to the public and staff, for whom he too noted his appreciation. He said that the local ACE Hardware store donated needed face masks and that he has witnessed residents stepping up in other ways to help in the community as the pandemic continues.

The Payson & Santaquin Chamber of Commerce is making strides in helping local businesses whether they are members or not, he Councilman Hulet said.  Utah State has funding that businesses owners can apply for now and SBA (Small Business Administration) loans are available, he added, which can be applied for at a bank.

Councilman Welton lauded Payson Library staff for their entertaining in-house videos, which have been circulating on social media for the public to enjoy at home. He would like Payson City to accentuate the positive throughout the ordeal.  And in keeping with the Arbor Day spirit, he would like to see more trees planted in the city.

Several trees that are either planned for or in the process of being planted, said Mayor Bill Wright, include one that replaces a dying tree removed by crews in Memorial Park and another that the Scottish Festival committee wishes to plant and dedicate in memory of the festival’s co-founder, the late Helen Scott.

As for Arbor Day tree planting, Karl Teemant, Community Services Director, remarked that Community Events Director Janeen Dean will host a small event year with the Parks Department and few others.