Mourning the Passing of Our Friend

 

Patsy “Pat” Huff

May 17, 1944 - March 7, 2025

In This Week’s Edition of The Payson Chronicle

 

It’s story time. 

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Mourning the Passing of Our Friend

 

Neal Alvey Porter

September 26, 1934 February 26, 2025

Neal Alvey Porter, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Payson, Utah, on February 26, 2025, at the age of 90. Neal was the son of Ellis and Agnes Wright Porter. Born on September 26, 1934, in Escalante, Utah, the 9th of 13 children.

 

While still a young boy, his family moved first to Salem and then to Payson. He was a proud graduate of Payson High School Class of 1952. After graduation, he married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Mary Estelle Howard, and shortly after enlisted in the Army. Together they made their first home in Clarksville, Tennessee. Neal honorably served his country as a paratrooper in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division known as “The Screaming Eagles.” It was at this time, he developed a lifelong hatred and fear of flying after being forced to jump from a plane experiencing engine failure, which crashed, taking the lives of both pilots.

 

Neal was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held the office of a High Priest. On June 6th, 1978, Neal and Estelle were sealed in the Provo Temple. Together they built a life filled with love, family, and a lot of fun adventures. Later they were called and served as Temple Patrons for many years.

 

Neal was a hard worker in supporting his family. He worked various jobs including, The Fish and Game planting fish in Utah’s lakes and rivers. He also worked as a milkman and as a part-time gas station attendant once a week for many years while being employed at Pacific States Cast Iron. He retired after more than thirty years with them.

 

Neal had a passion for all sports both playing and watching them. He was an exceptional bowler and was even featured on TV for his skill. Neal loved watching all sports, but the Utah teams were always his favorite. He spent time coaching Little League and Pony League baseball, mentoring his sons and young players and sharing his enthusiasm for the game. Neal and Estelle were their children and grandchildren’s biggest fans. Rain or shine, they never missed a game supporting them. He loved fishing, classic old cars, and long drives, especially his daily ride around Utah Lake with Estelle, which began in 1981. It was always a treat for family members when they got to ride along.

 

Neal cherished and loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Estelle, and their children: Steven (Kerry) Porter, Terri Lee Jones, Craig (Laurie) Porter, Kelly (April) Porter, and Mary Jane (Ed) Ballard and his sister Denise (Les) Youd. He was a proud grandfather to 21 grandchildren and one exchange student who called him “Grandpa,” 50 great-grandchildren, with one great-great-grandson on the way.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Vernal, Orvil, Sarah, Raymond, Clell, Ted, Marion, Arleane, Odell, Verold Dean, and Donetta; two infant children: Janette and Larry Blake; son-in-law Willie Jones; grandson Michael Jones; and great-grandson Chase Dylan Jones.

 

His inviting warm nature, humor, hugs, smile and infectious giggle will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

 

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 12:00 pm. Prior to the service, there will be a viewing from 10:00-11:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 274 South Main Street, Payson, Utah. Following the service, Neal will be laid to rest with military rights at Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.

 

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the health care providers for their exceptional care and support they have received. Please share your memories of Neal’s life at www.WalkerMemorials.com. 

STATE CHAMPION LIONS

 

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend

 

Hyrum Jeremy Meldrum

February 8, 2002 - February 20, 2025

CONGRATULATIONS PAYSON LIONS

 

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend

 

Marianne Hillman Evans

May 19, 1932 - February 20, 2025

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend

 

JACQUELINE RAE PEAY JOHNSON SCHLAMP

 

Highlights From February Payson City Council Meeting

Highlighted February 5 Payson City Council Minutes

Approved February 19, 2025

CONDUCTING: William R. Wright, Mayor
ELECTED OFFICIALS: Taresa Hiatt, Brian Hulet, Anne Moss, Ryan Rowley, William R. Wright 

EXCUSED: Brett Christensen

STAFF PRESENT: David Tuckett, City Manager; Cathy Jensen, Finance Director; Kim E. Holindrake, City Recorder; Brad Bishop, Police Chief; Robert Mills, Assistant City Manager
Travis Jockumsen, Public Works Director/City Engineer Jill Spencer, Development Services Director; Tracy Zobell, Parks & Golf Director; Karl Teemant, Community Services Director; Shawn Black, Power Director; Shelby Bohling, Communities That Care Coordinator 

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS 

CTC: Mayor’s Youth Recognition

Mayor Wright and Shelby Bohling presented Mayor’s Youth Recognition Awards.

Public Forum No public comments.

Staff and Council Reports Staff Reports:

RECREATION – Karl Teemant reported the Gran Fondo National Series cycling race event just put out a press release on the Payson series, which will also go out on Facebook. Several locals have registered for the event. The winter programs and upcoming spring programs are moving forward.

Council Reports:

Councilmember Hulet noted there hasn’t been much snow in the valleys but some in the mountains. He would like to see any savings on snow removal go into fixing roads. The first Adventure Days meeting was held today with events scheduled in June.

Councilmember Rowley reported that he, Shelby Bohling, Mayor Wright, Robert Mills, and Dave Tuckett went to the state capital with the Youth City Council. They met with the lobbyist, had lunch with the Lt. Governor, and participated in mock debates. He thanked the snowplow drivers and staff for answering his questions.

Mayor Wright stated the Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) and the Municipal Planning Organization (MPO) have been addressing the transportation needs for Utah County. There is a national group for the MPO and each year a representative goes back with MAG to coordinate with them. It has been his honor to be the chair for the MPO this year, and as such, they have invited him to go back to Washington, DC from February 8 through the 13.

Councilmember Moss thanked staff who answer her calls and questions. She was excited to attend the Chamber Gala.

Councilmember Hiatt agreed with the previous comments. There’s not much going on.

ACTION ITEMS

Public Hearing/Ordinance – Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget

Staff Presentation:
Cathy Jensen presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget amendments, which is the first for this fiscal year.

   

MOTION: Councilmember Hulet – To open the public hearing. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rowley. A roll call vote was taken as follows and the motion carried unanimously.

Public Comment: No public comments.

MOTION: Councilmember Rowley – To close the public hearing on the amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget. Motion seconded by Councilmember Hiatt. A roll call vote was taken as follows and the motion carried unanimously. 

Council Discussion:
Councilmember Hulet understands there is $3 million more coming in for the Downtown project that take almost $2 million from the General Fund.

Cathy Jensen explained that $8.125 million has been spent on the project with $8 million in grants and $3.3 million from fund balance. The project continuation was not budgeted this year.

Mayor Wright has talked with the city’s lobbyist to find additional funds to finish the project to 500 East.

Dave Tuckett clarified that not having a firm bid on the Library parking lot was a challenge, which came in at $1.5 million and includes all the infrastructure under the parking lot. The city budget $300,000 just for pavement.

Councilmember Hulet explained he has had a little bit of heartburn because a lot of money has already been spent, which great things were done. He would like to look at other funding sources such as Utah County or maybe create a CRA or RDA in the area. It’s another $1.5 million above what the city thought it would cost. The parking lots needs to be finished as well as going to 500 East.

Dave Tuckett noted if the parking lot is tabled, construction may go into the summer and may need to be rebid. The contractor is Red Pine.

Travis Jockumsen explained that the library parking lot is expensive because the Peteetneet Creek runs on top of the sewer. The creek will need to be repiped through the parking lot, replace the sewer, and add a water line. Everything underneath needs to be replaced.

Councilmember Hulet suggested completing the parking lot as a priority and then do the street later if additional funding is received.

Councilmember Rowley questioned the lobbyist increase, selling the old golf carts, and the fire truck.

Dave Tuckett explained that the lobbyist is the same as approved before. A new contract was approved and this is the budget adjustment.

Tracy Zobell stated the old carts are bought back by the company and included in the new purchase.

Cathy Jensen explained that the fire truck was budgeted last year. Prepayments have been made through revolving loan because the exact cost was unknown. This is the same scenario with the ambulance; the city doesn’t know when it will be ready.

Dave Tuckett clarified the fire truck is ready and needs to be driven back. The price is locked in now.

MOTION: Councilmember Hulet – To approve the (ordinance) Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget amendments subject to doing just enough funds for the library parking lot and find other funding sources to go from 300 South to 500 South. Motion dies for no second.

Further Council Discussion:
Discussion regarding the street bid will go up in cost. Allowing the contractor to start on the parking lots while looking for additional funds. Other streets may be in more need of reconstruction. Just table the street portion so another public hearing isn’t needed.

MOTION: Councilmember Hulet – To approve the (ordinance) Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget amendments with funds to do the parking lot and tabling the funds from 300 South to 500 South on Main Street and look for additional funding sources for a couple of weeks. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rowley. A roll call vote was taken as follows and the motion carried unanimously. 

Resolution – Utah County Interlocal Agreement regarding the High Line Canal Project Trail Head 

Staff Presentation: Dave Tuckett stated this agreement deals with the Vincent property, which the purchase has been closed. Utah County will pay half. The park will be constructed in 2028 with an additional agreement with Utah County. The City will maintain the park once built.

Council Discussion: Councilmember Rowley stated this is a great asset for this area.

MOTION: Councilmember Rowley – To approve the (resolution) Utah County Interlocal agreement regarding the High Line Canal Project Trail Head. Motion seconded by Councilmember Moss. A roll call vote was taken as follows and the motion carried unanimously.

Ordinance – Amendments to Titles 1.08.040 When Ordinances Take Effect-Publication Proof and 2.24.010 Ordinances

Staff Presentation: Dave Tuckett stated when the city passed an ordinance, it didn’t become effective until published in the newspaper because of the requirement in the city code. The state code moved away from newspaper publishing a few years ago. These amendments modify the city code to align with the Utah Code. Publication is now just on the city and state websites and at the city center. These amendments are just cleanup to make the city code consistent with state code.

MOTION: Councilmember Hulet – To approve the (ordinance) amendments to Titles 1.08.040 When Ordinances Take Effect-Publication Proof and 2.24.010 Ordinances. Motion seconded by Councilmember Moss. A roll call vote was taken as follows and the motion carried unanimously.

 ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

MOTION: Councilmember Rowley – To adjourn the regular meeting and go into closed session on February 5, 2025, at 6:36 to discuss the purchase, exchange, sale, or lease of real property. Motion seconded by Councilmember Hiatt. A roll call vote was taken as follows and the motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN FROM CLOSED SESSION

MOTION: Councilmember Rowley – To adjourn from Closed Session and the regular meeting OR reconvene the regular meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember Hiatt. A roll call vote was taken as follows and the motion carried unanimously.

February 5, 2025 Meeting:

 

February 19, 2025 Meeting:

 

In This Week’s Edition

 

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend

 

Merton L  Moon

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In This Week’s Edition

 

Happy Valentine’s Week.

#inthisweeksedition #paysonchronicle #thepaysonchronicle #readthepaysonchronicle #valentines #paysonutah #starsofthewest #ebeneezerbeesley #denverriograndewestern #emmelinewells  #emmelinebwells

This Week’s Edition

 

Mourning The Passing Of Our Friend

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

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

~ Helen Keller

Wilford G. Pierce “Bill” 

                                         December 27, 1951 - January 28, 2025

On January 28, 2025, Bill passed away, held by his loved ones.

Bill was born December 27, 1951, in America Fork, Utah. He was the oldest Son of Elva Nelson Pierce and Arlo E. Pierce. Bill learned the Pierce ways at a young age and became a gifted tradesman and a successful business owner. He took great pride in both his personal and professional work.

In 1972, Bill married Carol Madsen Pierce (Jody). Together, they began building his legacy. They raised 4 amazing children: Robert, BillieJo, Dallas, and Cari. Bill took great pride in his children and grandchildren and bragged about them every chance he could.  Another thing Bill cherished was restoring classic cars and trucks. He and his family shared many memories of working on his masterpieces and showing them off at car shows. His latest project, a 1941 Chrysler Hot Rod, will be completed in his honor by his children.

In 1999, Bill and Jody parted ways. Bill later married Stacy Roper, and his family grew. Bill and Stacy enjoyed many activities together, but their favorite was traveling to Hawaii. We should also mention the many dogs they have loved and spoiled.

Bill is survived by his Children: Robert (Tara) Pierce, BillieJo (Jeremy) Mitchell, Dallas (Dani) Pierce, Cari (Justin) Batty, Jessica (Clint) Eastwood, Marcy (Troy) Robertson, Marlo (Jeff) Smith, and Matt Robertson, (25) grandchildren and (10) great-grandchildren (#11 is on the way), brother Eldon (Joyce) Pierce and sister Cindy (Kent) Childs.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Arlo and Elva Pierce, his wife, Stacy Pierce, his sisters, Kathy and Annette Pierce, and his two closest friends, DeVan Pierce and Sam Houston.

We love you, dad! Now it is time for you to rest with the angels and fly with the Eagles. As we say our goodbyes, let us remember, “With great love, there is great pain”, and that proves true with your passing.

You will be held in our hearts and missed terribly until we meet again.

A memorial service to honor Bill will be held on February 22, 2025

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Prayer and Tribute at 12:00

Bridal Up Hope Mapleton

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In This Week’s Edition

 

In This Week’s Edition

 

 

Coming up in The Payson Chronicle:

The STARS of the WEST

“A Band Is Born”

Stand for the right, oppose the wrong,

And ‘neath oppression ne’er recoil;

For truth and honor let your mien

Be lofty as the mountain crest;

Keep Utah what she’s ever been,

The brightest star of all the west.

— From the hymn “Utah, the Star of the West” by Orson Pratt Huish

A constellation of musicians gathered in 1880 to form the Huish Band. Born in the Payson home of James William and Helen Nesbitt Huish, the band was composed of seven of the couple’s children and musicians with whom they were acquainted.

#payson #utah