Historic Payson

 Barber Shop at 12 South Main Street, Payson, Utah 

In This Week’s Edition of The Payson Chronicle

 

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend

Susan Hope Neill Gillham

1947 - 2026

Susan Gillham passed away on February 28, 2026, after a long, hard medical fight. A viewing will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Payson 6th Ward, 5237 West 10400 South, Payson, UT.

Sue will be missed by her family. She and her husband Dick brought broasted chicken and home cooking to The Old Bonnet Factory in Mayfield, UT 20 years ago. They enjoyed the people and community; settling in Gunnison after they retired. They moved to Payson as their health needs increased and they were given care and support from the Payson 6th Ward. We are grateful for love and kindness extended to them.

To read the full obituary  please visit https://www.springerturner.com/obituaries. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to the IMC Liver Transplant Team and their efforts to help others.

Payson Co-Op

 

The Payson Cooperative Mercantile and Manufacturing Institution was organized in 1869. The co-op was originally located in the Hancock Building on the southeast corner of today’s Main Street and 100 North. In 1872 a new building was erected at 11 South Main, just south of the Payson Exchange Bank. The organization was reorganized and T. H. Wilson was appointed manager. Years later, in 1898, Mr. Wilson bought the business and it continued as T. H. Wilson and Sons until about 1922. He then sold his stock to ZCMI in Salt Lake City. His son, Stanley, served as manager for about eighteen months.

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Photo ID

A longtime Chronicle reader and friend brought in a new-to-us photograph of the old Payson High School that preceded the campus at 1050 South Main. This building occupied the block where, today, we enjoy the Payson Aquatic Center, on the east side of Main Street between 6th and 7th South.

Based on the style of dress worn by the people appearing in this image, the photo was probably taken prior to the Roaring Twenties, and yet sometime after the high school first opened for classes in January 1913.

We would love to know the names of the people. If you happen to recognize anyone from old family records please let us know. Email it to: paysonchronicle@gmail.com.

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Our American Story

PICTURED performing at the White House in 2009: East Los Angeles, California-based Mexican American rock band Los Lobos (“The Wolves”), composed of musicians David Hidalgo, Louis Pérez, Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, and Steve Berlin. Los Lobos formed in 1973 and rose to international stardom in 1987 after their version of “La Bamba” peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in the United Kingdom, as well as several other countries. In 2015, they were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They were inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in 2018 and the California Hall of Fame in 2024. They have been nominated for twelve Grammy Awards and have won four. In 2021, Los Lobos became a recipient of the National Heritage Fellowship awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the United States government’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.

The 250th anniversary of our nation is not only a time to look back, but also to look forward. Many see 2026 as an opportunity to confront the country’s imperfections while honoring its resilience. Conversations about democracy, equality, and freedom are as vital today as they were in 1776.

Join the conversation.

We want to know what being an American means to you. What are your hopes for our nation’s future? 

Send us your American story in essay form, as an original poem, or composed in lyrics to a song—all for consideration of publication in The Payson Chronicle in the weeks leading up to America’s 250th birthday celebration. 

Send your submission to paysonchronicle@gmail.com, or submit in person or by mail at 145 East Utah Avenue #5, Payson, Utah 84651.

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend

 

Susan Claudia Enslow Stevenson

Church Leader, Missionary, Educator

Susan Claudia Enslow Stevenson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend – perhaps one of the noblest people to walk this earth – passed peacefully into the arms of her eternal Heavenly Father attended by her husband, Douglass E. Stevenson at 4:17 am on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at her home in Payson, Utah.

Susan was born on October 10, 1947, at Saint Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco, California to Catherine May Walker and Lawrence Claude Enslow.

Susan had a vivid memory of her early childhood in San Francisco and times she spent with her grandparents, Frank and Bessy Walker. She recalls their townhouse in San Francisco and their garden. She often tells of her grandmother’s cooking and her flower arrangements made from the flowers in her garden. She recalls her grandfather and his many home projects derived from lifetime work with Pacific Gas and Electric. She recalls spending many holidays at her grandparents’ home surrounded by family members.

In 1952, Susan moved with her parents to San Mateo, California where she started kindergarten at Baywood Elementary. After 5th grade, she then went to Borel Jr. High School from 6th to 8th grade. After that she went to Aragon High School from 9th to 12th grade and graduated with the Class of 1966. She liked Aragon High School, which was brand new and opened for her 9th grade year.

Susan recalls that when she was seven years old, one of the most significant days in her life occurred when two LDS sister missionaries called at her house. Susan recalls that it was like a great warm light suddenly filled her world. She also remembers how disappointed she was when her mother and older sisters and brother were baptized and she was not because she was too young. She had to wait until she was twelve years old.

After she turned twelve, Susan began to seek a spiritual connection. She attended several congregationalist churches in San Mateo. However, she never felt as welcome as she did in her mother’s LDS congregation. Her father, who was hostile to all organized religion, reluctantly gave her permission to be baptized with the statement, “Go ahead if you want to ruin your life.”

Susan only heard the “Go ahead” part and was overjoyed. She was baptized in 1959. From that year on, her life revolved around her Church activities. Since then, she has busied herself with callings in Primary, Relief Society, Young Women, and Sunday School.

By the time Susan was in 7th grade she had already grown to her adult height, and she often tended her younger brother John and sister Nancy. That may have been at least part of the reason she received a call to help teach a Primary class. It was the first of more than 38 years of callings in the Church.

When Susan started high school at Aragon High in San Mateo, she also signed up for early morning Seminary. She completed four years in Seminary and received her graduation pin with the 4-year guard on a chain. That was somewhat uncommon in 1966 when many LDS Seminary programs in states with 3-year high schools and no early morning Seminary only awarded a 3-year pin.

At Aragon High School, Susan excelled in athletics. Because of her size and athletic ability, she made the Aragon Dons Varsity Girls badminton, softball and tennis teams in 9th and 10th grade. She made the Varsity Girls Volleyball and Varsity Softball team in all her last three years. They won many games in the Peninsula Athletic League (PAL), one of 140 high schools in the Central Coast Section (CCS) of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Northern Region. Susan earned Varsity letters in all her four years in high school.

Susan also participated in the Medical Professions Club and the Latin Club, and excelled in both Concert and A Capella Choirs, participating in choral festivals and competitions coordinated by the California Music Educators Association (CMEA). They did so well that a record company in San Francisco pressed a record album of the songs they performed at a CMEA choral festival.

Susan graduated from Aragon High School with the Class of 1966. She had achieved a great deal with her athletic teams, choirs, and club activities. Her father had abandoned the family several years earlier, and her mother had developed a short-term health problem. So, Susan helped with her 9-year-old sister and 7-year-old brother. She also went to work immediately in a San Francisco photo processing laboratory printing photos from roll film.

Things were somewhat hectic for the next year moving with her mother. All the while, Susan worked and helped with the family. In 1967, when her mother’s divorce was final, she moved with her mother and siblings to Provo, Utah.

After settling down in Utah, Susan got a job at Bayly’s Manufacturing Corp., which had a clothing and sportswear factory nearby Pleasant Grove. She operated a steam press for pressing pants and other garments while simultaneously inspecting them. Susan’s excellent hand–eye coordination made her fast and good at her job.

Susan bought a little Nash Rambler to commute from Provo to her work in Pleasant Grove. She liked her Rambler because it was her own little car, which she drove wherever she wanted to go.

Susan often recalls eating at the Purple Turtle in Pleasant Grove, which was not far from the Bayly’s factory. She says that it was a welcome break from breathing the formaldehyde in the steam from the garment press.

Susan’s faith was the foundation of her life. Like her mother, she cherished her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in several Primary callings. And in 1969, about six months after her twenty-first birthday, Susan decided to take a break from worldly concerns and give her life to the Lord on a full-time proselytizing mission.

In the spring of 1969, Susan received a mission call from LDS Church President David O. McKay to the Chilean Mission. She entered the Salt Lake City Mission Home in the late spring. While there she received her personal endowment in the Salt Lake Temple and was set apart as a missionary by Elder Thomas S. Monson of the Quorum of the Twelve.

From the Salt Lake Mission Home, Susan was assigned to the Language Training Mission (LTM) in Provo Utah. There she spent two months of intensive instruction in the Spanish language, memorization of the missionary lessons and in the customs and religions of the people of Chile.

Susan departed for Chile in July to serve the remainder of her 24-month full time mission. Her mission president was J. Donal Earl, who assigned her to areas in the cities of Limache, Osorono, Puente Alto, Curicó and Talca.

Susan experienced many successes on her mission despite the chaos and upheaval of Chile’s brief experiment with communism. In March 1971, President Earl informed Susan that the Church policy had changed the duration of missions for women from two years to 18 months.

Nevertheless, Susan elected to finish out her 24-month mission. Susan returned home in July 1971, two years from the time she left on her mission. The seeds of truth she planted have grown and will continue to grow in hearts she touched.

Once again at home in Provo, Susan went back to work at Bayly’s but soon enrolled at BYU to get credit for her ability in Spanish. Next, she attended Hollywood Beauty College in Provo on a scholarship, graduating as valedictorian of her class.

Susan met her eternal companion, Douglass Edward Stvenson, on October 26, 1972. Her friend and classmate, Cheri Barnett, took her to a Halloween party for Nebo Stake M Men and Gleaners in Payson. Cheri, an inveterate romantic matchmaker, had been trying for two months to get Susan and Doug together, but neither responded right away. Eventually Susan gave in and went with Cheri to prepare a “spook alley” in an abandoned house near Payson.

Even after the Halloween party, Cheri had to arrange double dates with Susan and Doug from Thanksgiving through the Christmas Holidays. Eventually Susan and Doug became friends and started dating without help from Cheri and her boyfriends. Most dates centered around Church activities in both of their wards and stakes.

Since both were endowed, many dates included Temple sessions at the Provo Temple with Susan’s Single Adult ward’s Temple Night or weekly meetings with the Nebo Stake M Men and Gleaners. Friendship eventually turned to romance, and a temple courtship began. During a temple date on December 18, 1973, Doug gave Susan a diamond engagement ring in the Celestial Room of the Provo Temple. Everyone present that evening gave Susan exuberant congratulations. Doug and Susan were married in the Provo Temple four months later on April 27, 1974.

Susan’s life revolved around her family, Church callings, and occupational responsibilities. Susan is survived by her husband Doug and her four daughters Cynthia Marie Stevenson, Provo, Utah; Linda Sue Stevenson, American Fork, Utah; Jane Amanda Lavea (J.R.), Spanish Fork, Utah; and Kathryn Claudia Gipson (Josh), Bryan, Texas. She also is the grandmother of 6 grandchildren. She celebrated her golden wedding anniversary on April 27, 2024.

In 1973, before her marriage, Susan passed her state board exam and received a license as a cosmetologist, a profession she practiced for the next 15 years. In 1988, after moving to Texas, Susan changed her profession to education, where she worked as an Instructional Media Specialist for the College Station Independent School District. She retired in 2006 and moved back to her home in Payson.

In the Church, Susan served in the Primary in various wards and stakes for more than 38 years. She held positions such as President, Counselor, and a teacher of Primary children and of adult Primary teachers in the Payson Third LDS Ward of the Payson Utah Stake and as Primary President in the Fort Stockton LDS Branch of the Odessa Texas Stake. In the College Station Texas Stake, she was called as a Counselor to the stake Primary President. She also served with her husband as a Stake Missionary in the Bryan Texas Third LDS Branch (Spanish-speaking) in Bryan, Texas.

She also served in the Relief Society and Young Women organizations in the Payson Third LDS Ward of the Nebo and subsequent Payson Utah Stake. In her senior years, Susan was called first as ward Librarian in the Payson 11th LDS Ward and later as Stake Librarian in the Payson Utah West Stake. She enjoyed serving in whatever position to which she was called.

Susan will always be remembered for her loving personality, her tireless energy in work, and church calling. She delighted in her grandchildren during the time of her retirement. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Another viewing will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at the Payson West Stake Center, 780 West 500 South, Payson, Utah. The grave dedication and interment will follow at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 “N” Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. Arrangements are entrusted to Walker Funeral Home. To offer condolences please visit www.WalkerMemorials.com. 

In this week’s edition of The Payson Chronicle

 

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Pictured: Little George and Martha Washington, circa 1950s Santaquin. 

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COMMON SENSE

Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine

1775-1776

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OUR American Story

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Our  American  Story

PICTURED: American journalist, editor, poet, women’s rights advocate, and diarist Emmeline B. Wells (1828-1921). She was a plural wife of Newel K. Whitney and, later, Daniel H. Wells. For 37 years, she worked as the editor of the Woman’s Exponent. She represented Utah at both the National and American Women’s Suffrage conventions, and as president of the Utah Woman’s Suffrage Association. She served as the fifth Relief Society General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1910 until her death in 1921.

The 250th anniversary of our nation is not only a time to look back, but also to look forward. Many see 2026 as an opportunity to confront the country’s imperfections while honoring its resilience. Conversations about democracy, equality, and freedom are as vital today as they were in 1776.

Join the conversation.

We want to know what being an American means to you. What are your hopes for our nation’s future? 

Send us your American story in essay form, as an original poem, or composed in lyrics to a song—all for consideration of publication in The Payson Chronicle in the weeks leading up to America's 250th birthday celebration. 

Send your submission to paysonchronicle@gmail.com, or submit in person or by mail at 145 East Utah Avenue #5, Payson, Utah 84651.

In this week’s edition of THE PAYSON CHRONICLE

 

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend

 

Archie Alexander 

 

It is with tender sorrow and profound gratitude that we announce the peaceful passing of Archie D Alexander, age 86, of Santaquin, Utah, who returned home to his Heavenly Father on January 31, 2026.

Archie was born August 22, 1939 in Panguitch, Utah, to Fred C and Celesta Campbell Alexander, in a small log cabin built by his grandfather—a structure that still stands today as a preserved historic site in the Panguitch City Park. When he was only three years old, his father passed away unexpectedly, and his mother moved the family to Provo. He was raised in Provo and Santaquin, where he learned to work hard, serve others, and live with integrity. Those early lessons helped shape a love for God and family that never wavered, or faltered. He graduated from Provo High School in 1957 as part of the first full graduating class from the new building, with his name appearing first in the local announcement of graduates.

On October 14, 1961, Archie married the love of his life, Nadine Westover. Their civil union was later solemnized for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple on May 4, 1963. Those eternal covenants became the foundation of their marriage. Together they built a Christ-centered home filled with faith, sacrifice, service, and love.

Archie was a man of steady, quiet faith in Jesus Christ. He carried in his heart a testimony of the gospel, and he knew—really knew—that its principles are true. Meeting him felt like being with a longtime friend—he put people at ease immediately, listened attentively, spoke with genuine kindness, and showed sincere interest in others. His warmth was authentic, his presence always steady and reassuring. He spoke kindly of everyone and taught most effectively through the quiet example of his life. He accepted every call to serve with willingness and humility—including as a bishop—where he especially cherished guiding the youth with patience and heartfelt interest. His deep love for people deepened his discipleship of Jesus Christ, and the good he did continues to bless all who knew him.

His home was a happy place, filled with humor and genuine affection. Visitors felt instantly welcome and deeply loved. They learned the gospel not from words alone, but from the way he lived each day. He trusted the Savior’s promises completely, honored his covenants fully, and in the most gentle way possible, his life quietly uplifted everyone around him.

Archie showed his faith through simple, daily service. He often whistled while he worked—always a familiar tune—and found real joy in honest labor. He loved telling stories, playing gentle pranks, and teasing those he loved, bringing laughter into ordinary moments. He taught enduring lessons that stayed with you: “Leave things better than you found them,” and “Take what you want, but eat what you take.” When sacrifice was required, he gave willingly.

He was remarkably good with his hands and could tackle just about anything—often with nothing more than bailing wire, duct tape, and a prayer. He enjoyed wood carving, tending his small farm, and caring for his fruit trees. He loved the outdoors—hunting, exploring, and staying active. He had fond memories of “Dry Mountain,” the mountain most visible from his front porch—where he hunted and hiked for many years. Throwing horseshoes was a cherished family tradition; he was cheerfully competitive and always thrilled to bring home the trophy at family reunions. He also delighted in metal detecting, treasure hunting, and panning for gold—the thrill of the unknown turned every outing into an adventure. He ran an upholstery business and took pride in his craftsmanship. He also took pride in his beautiful penmanship. He was a devoted fan of BYU sports and embraced his pioneer heritage. With a smile, he liked to say that potatoes are “celestial food.” He also loved participating in community plays and was often cast as the villain—even Scrooge—and he had a wonderful time with it, revealing his playful side.

Archie loved the beauty of God’s creations and the rich opportunities life offered him. He cherished family trips to Mexico, he hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with several of his children and their spouses, he later traveled to Australia with a grandson, and six months ago he fulfilled a long-held dream by traveling to Alaska with his sweetheart Nadine and many of his adult children—memorable trips the family will always remember with deep gratitude. These are just a glimpse of the many adventures he enjoyed over the years, too many to list them all.

He also cherished his time working at Utah Technical College (now Utah Valley University) and retired feeling grateful for the meaningful work he did and the wonderful people he met there.

Archie and Nadine were called to serve a mission together for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as humanitarian welfare directors in the Czech/Prague Mission, with a special assignment in Slovakia (living in Košice while traveling throughout the region for humanitarian projects). Upon returning home, they served faithfully for 4½ years in the Santaquin 17th Branch (Care Centers).

Archie was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Hial Brown Hales; his father- and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Laura Westover; his brother, Ben C Alexander; his sister, Winafred Jones; his grandson, Justin Alexander; and other grandchildren who passed away before birth and are now in the loving care of Heavenly Father.

He is survived by his eternal companion, Nadine Alexander; his children: Lisa (Paul) Terry, Shauna (Kent) Butler, Brian (Cindy) Alexander, Scott (Traci) Alexander, Laurie (Curtis) Blanchard, Becky (Gary) Jackson, Andy Alexander, Wesley (Samantha) Alexander; his niece, Renae (Tim) Anderson, who was raised in their home during her teenage years and remains every bit a part of the family; his brothers, Earl Alexander and Chad Hales. He is blessed with 48 grandchildren and 68 great-grandchildren (this includes five more on the way).

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 90 South 200 East in Santaquin, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7th. A viewing will take place that morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.. Interment will follow at the Santaquin City Cemetery.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Bristol Hospice for their compassionate care, with special appreciation to Heidi for her loving kindness and support during this tender time.

We find comfort in knowing Archie lives on through the memories we shared and the sure promise that we will be with him again someday. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, death is not the end. Archie honored every covenant he made with the Lord and gave his life in faithful service. He now rests in the peace the Savior has promised to those who love and follow Him. His life stands as a witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Right up to his passing, his last words of wisdom and hope were for his posterity to stay close to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mourning the Passing of Our Friend

 

Shane Daley

 

On the evening of January 31, 2026, surrounded by his family, Shane Donald Daley set off into the golden mountains, reuniting with his beloved dog, Opie, for a long awaited hunt. 

Shane lived for the sky, a dog at his heel, and the moment a bird broke cover. A legendary bird hunter, Shane leaves behind a legacy written in fields, feathers, family, and friendship. He was a mentor, a storyteller, and the man you wanted at your side when the birds finally came up. 

Shane was born July 14, 1955, alongside his twin sister, Susan. He was the first son of Gaylia and Donald Daley. Shane came into the world a bit of a troublemaker, and he never really outgrew it—but that was part of his charm. He loved to joke, stir things up just enough, and make sure everyone around him was smiling.

Shane married his loving wife Carol on December 6, 1974. They recently celebrated 51 years of marriage and built a life marked by love, hard work, and devotion to family.

Together Shane and Carol welcomed their children: twins Alysia and Malysia Daley, Greg (Julie) Daley, Raquel (Billy) Painter and Dustin (Sophie) Daley. Shane took his children on many adventures throughout their lives, enjoying time camping, fishing, and hunting, creating some of the best memories on Boulder Mountain.

Perhaps his greatest calling in life was being Grandpa Shane. His grandchildren were among his greatest joys, and he cherished every moment with Caiden (Halee), Jarrett, Parker (Erika), Saige, Cierra, Kanyon, Irelyn, Elias, and Barrett. That joy multiplied when he welcomed his great-grandchildren, Luna, Sawyer, and Rainy.

Shane spent his life in service to others. His first jobs were in food service where he shared his love of food by flipping burgers at the Daley Freez, frying chicken at Chicken Time and perfecting prime rib at Sheriff Hardy’s. In 1983 Shane began working for the United States Postal Service, where he served the public for 30 years. Shane was far more than a mail carrier; he was a friend to all. He took time to talk with everyone, and looked after the residents on his route all while being the fastest carrier in town. He cared deeply for the community he served. His dedication went well beyond his job, even stepping in to help put out a fire on his route—an act that reflected his quiet bravery and commitment to others.

Shane was a passionate conservationist who cared deeply about Utah’s wildlife. He played a key role in helping establish wild turkey populations across the state and proudly served for several years as secretary and treasurer on the National Wild Turkey Federation State Board. His dedication to conservation and his steady support of wildlife in Utah left a lasting mark that will be felt for generations.

Shane is survived by his wife, Carol, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his siblings: Donna (Steve) Tipton, Lanna Lafferty, Susan (Ron) Lowe, Mary Jo (Tom) Sorensen, and Arthur Daley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Gaylia Daley, and his two daughters Alysia and Malysia.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Brown Family Mortuary in Santaquin, Utah. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 6th at 11:00 am at The Barn at Wall Brothers Orchards in Santaquin, with a viewing from 9:45 to 10:45 am prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Santaquin City Cemetery.