Death info on John W Weist

John William Weist was Birda's brother-in-law.

He was the 3rd husband to Birda's sister, Annie.

Photo found at findagrave.com

According to these documents the following dates apply:

BIRTH: 4 Aug 1880- Randolph, Rich, Utah

DEATH: 16 Aug 1969- Vernal, Uintah, Utah

He was 89 years old when he died.

Obituary:

SOURCE: SL Tribune 1969, Aug 17, p.C6

Obituary transcribed:
John W. Weist
VERNAL- John William Weist, 89, died of natural causes Aug. 16 in a Vernal rest home.  Born Aug. 4, 1880, Randolph, Rich County, to Carl and Ernestina Blumell Weist.  Married Myrtle Wamsley.  She died.  Married Annie Lewis Carroll.  She died Nov. 5, 1964.  Farmer, stockman.  Survivors: sons, daughter, Harry H., Pe Ell, Wash.; Henry J., Lebanon, Wash.; Eugene, Mrs. Ann King, both Vernal; 10 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren.  Funeral Tuesday 11 a.m., Vernal Mortuary, where friends call Monday 7-9 p.m., Tuesday prior to services.  Burial Maeser Cemetery, Vernal.

Death notice:

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1969, Aug 21, p.7

Death notice transcribed:

John Wm. Weist Funeral Services

Funeral services Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Vernal Mortuary were held for John William Weist, 89, of Vernal, who died of natural causes Saturday in a Vernal rest home.

Mr. Weist was born August 4, 1880 in Randolph, Rich County, to Carl and Ernestina Blumell Weist.  He married Myrtle Wamsley.  She died in 1916.  He married Annie Lewis Carroll.  She died November 5, 1964.

He was a farmer and stockman during his life.

Survivors include his sons, daughter, Harry H., Pe Ell, Washington; Henry J., Lebanon, Washington; Eugene, Ann King, both Vernal, 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren.

The funeral services were conducted by Bishop Bryce Caldwell.  Bishop Harvey McKee gave the opening prayer.  Chellus Caldwell sang, "Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" and "Old Rugged Cross".  Harold Hullinger was the speaker.

Arza Adams gave the benediction.  Eva Hatch played prelude and postlude music.

Bishop Caldwell dedicated the grave.  Pallbearers were Floyd, Lynne and Kirby King, Marion and Ron Weist and Pat Sullivan.  Burial was in the Maeser Cemetery.

Attending from out of town were Floyd King, Casper, Wyoming, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Weist, Pe Ell, Washington; Mr. and Mrs. Axle Birch, Springville; Mr. and Mrs. Velda Carroll, Idaho and Marion Weist, Salt Lake City.

*Spelling and punctuation adjusted wherein I was aware.

Photo from the personal albums of Patty Stewart.
Cropped from a larger photo.

Because John died in the last 50 years his death certificate will not become publicly available until around the year 2019.  When it is available I will post it here.

Death info on Rulon Hansen

Rulon Kershaw Hansen was Asher's brother-in-law.
He married Asher's younger sister, Margret.

Rulon Hansen
From the personal albums of Becky Stewart

According to these documents the following dates apply:

BIRTH: 20 Dec 1902- Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah

DEATH: 3 Sept 1950- Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah

He was 47 years old when he died.

Obituary:

SOURCE: Deseret News 1950, Sept 4, p.8A

Obituary transcribed:
Funeral Rites For Broker To Be Held Wednesday
Funeral services for Rulon Kershaw Hansen, 47, 2122 Garfield Ave., Salt Lake City, real estate broker who died Sunday in a Salt Lake City hospital, will be conducted Wednesday at 12:30 p.m., in the Beacon Ward chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2051 Ramona Ave.
Mr. Hansen was born Dec. 20, 1902, in Salt Lake City, a son of Nelson James and Henrietta Kershaw Hansen.  He married Margret Jane Merkley, April 28, 1927, in the Salt Lake Temple.
He received his early education in Salt Lake City, after which he moved to Vernal.  He and his wife made their home in Alamosa, Colo., for several years.
In 1935 Mr. Hansen moved to Farmington, N.M., to become manager of a J.C. Penney store.  Where there he was president of the Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club and at one time was a ward bishop.
In Salt Lake City he has been active in the Park Stake Sunday School superintendency and in the presidency of the high priest group in Beacon Ward.
He has been owner of the Olympus Realty Company for the past four years.
Survivors include his wife and mother, two sons, and a daughter, Ruel Merkley, David Nelson, and Lois Rose Hansen, all of Salt Lake City; five sisters, Mrs. Florence Childs and Mrs. Ruby Jacobsen of Orem, Mrs. Grace Young and Mrs. Evelyn Hansen of Vernal, and Mrs. Norma Gardner of Billings, Mont.
Friends may call at 260 East South Temple St. Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
*Spelling corrected wherein I was aware.

Funeral notice:

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1950, Sept 7, p.4

Funeral notice transcribed:
Mr. and Mrs. Kermit Young, Mrs. N.J. Hansen and Mrs. Evelyn Evans attended the funeral services of Rulon Hansen held in the Beacon ward chapel Wednesday in Salt Lake City.

Death Certificate:

SOURCE: Utah State Archives

Photo from the personal albums of Sarah Neilsen
Cropped from a larger photo

Death info on Isabrand Sander

Isabrand Sander was Asher's brother-in-law.  He married Asher's sister, Mary.

From the personal albums of David Ahrnsbrak

According to these documents the following dates apply:

BIRTH: 21 Feb 1890- Ogden, Weber, Utah

DEATH: 4 Aug 1962- Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah

He was 72 years old when he died in an auto accident.

Article:

SOURCE: Deseret News 1962, Aug 4, p.B1

Article transcribed:

S.L. Car Crash Kills Truck Firm Founder

Isabrand Sander, 72, 117 E. 3rd South, oil trucking executive and churchman, was killed at 9:40 a.m. when his automobile struck a Jordan river bridge abutment at 1135 W. 4th South.

Investigating officers said Mr. Sander was westbound on 4th South on his way to his office.  He was president of I. Sander, Inc., 1815 W. 5th South, a petroleum products transportation firm which he founded over 30 years ago.

Police said the vehicle crashed into the bridge structure with terrific force, smashing the front of the car around the victim and pinning him inside.  The car's dashboard and steering wheel were partially wrapped around the lower part of his body.

Alone In Car

Although police believe the accident to be a traffic fatality, they are seeking a postmortem to determine if Mr. Sander may have suffered a heart attack.

Rescue workers took more than half [an] hour to remove the victim's body.  Officers said Mr. Sander apparently died instantly.  He was alone in the automobile.

Mrs. Katherine Workman, 1129 W. 4th South, in her house a few yards from the impact scene heart the crash, looked outside and saw the wreckage and phoned police immediately. 

The vehicle remained upright, pointed westward against the abutment on the right side of the street.

Native Of Utah

A native of Utah, Mr. Sander had formerly resided in Provo and Heber.  He moved to Salt Lake City more than 10 years ago where he established an office for the Sander firm.  He founded the trucking firm originally in the Uintah Basin.

He served during 1959 and 1960 as first counselor in the South Thirteenth Ward bishopric, University Stake, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Years earlier he had served as a ward bishop in Heber.

Surviving are his widow, Mary Merkley Sander, Salt Lake City, four daughters and grandchildren.

*Spelling and punctuation adjusted wherein I was aware.

Obituary:

SOURCE: Deseret News 1962, Aug 6, p.B8

Obituary transcribed:
Car Victim's Funeral Set
Funeral services for Isabrand Sander, 73, 417 E. 3rd South, churchman and transportation executive, will be conducted Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the South Thirteenth Ward Chapel, 4th East, and 1st South.
Mr. Sander died Saturday when his car struck a Jordan River Bridge abutment at 1135 W. 4th South.
Founder of the I. Sander, Inc., a petroleum products transportation firm, Mr. Sander was president of the company which was located at 1815 W. 5th South.
Active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mr. Sander served in the high council of the Uintah Stake, and was bishop of the Heber Ward for five years.
Friends may call at 255 South 2nd East Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday from 11:30 until 12:30 p.m.
Burial will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Death notice: 

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1962, Aug 16, p.3

Death notice transcribed:

Funeral Honors Auto Victim; Ex-Merchant

Funeral services for Isabrand Sander, 72, former Vernal merchant, were held Wednesday of last week in Salt Lake City.

He was killed Saturday at 9:40 a.m. when his auto struck a bridge abutment at 1135 West 4th South in Salt Lake City.  He was pronounced dead on arrival at Salt Lake General Hospital.

Mr. Sander was a former manager of the old Ashley Co-op in Vernal.  He opened the first Golden Rule store here in 1917.

He was the president of I. Sander, Inc., Salt Lake City, a petroleum products transportation firm which he founded more than 30 years ago.

Mr. Sander was born Feb. 21, 1890, in Ogden, a son of Izebrand and Harmana Roghaar Sander.  He married Mary Elizabeth Merkley in 1917 in the Salt Lake temple.

He was a World War I veteran and served with the 148th Field Artillery.

An active member of the LDS Church, he had served in a bishopric in Salt Lake during 1959 and 1960.

Survivors include his widow; four daughters, Mrs. Chad M. (Kathryn) Bertelson, Chicago; Mrs. George M. (Elizabeth) Sullivan, Mrs. Gregory F. (June) Hosford, and Mrs. Carolyn S. Broberg, all of Salt Lake City; ten grandchildren and three sisters, Miss Maggie Sander, Mrs. Albert W. (Jane) Bell, both of Ogden, and Mrs. C.G. (Minnie) Teerlink, San Jose, Calif.

Burial was in Salt Lake City cemetery.

From the personal albums of Jane Haugsoen

Because Isabrand's death occurred in the last 50 years, his death certificate will not become publicly available until sometime around the year 2012 (... I just check the site and they're behind a bit- not yet finished with 1961 deaths to date...)  When it is available I will post it here.

Death info on Edward W Evans

Edward William Evans was Birda's brother-in-law.

He married Birda's older sister, Leonora (or Nonie) and was her 2nd husband.

E.W. Evans outside his harness shop in Vernal, UT
Photo from the personal albums of Phil Foster
Image cropped from larger photo

According to these documents the following dates apply:

BIRTH: 10 Mar 1869- Nephi, Juab, Utah

DEATH: 3 Mar 1966- Provo, Utah, Utah

He was just shy of his 97th birthday when he died (wow).

Obituary:

SOURCE: Deseret News 1966, Mar 4, p.B8

Obituary transcribed:
Edward W. Evans
PROVO- Edward William Evans, 96, 130 S. 400 East, died Thursday, 5:15 a.m. in a Provo rest home of causes incident to age.
Born March 10, 1869, Nephi, to William Minshall and Charlotte Jarrold Evans.  Married Louise Burton Feb. 14, 1889.  She died Jan. 5, 1902.  Married Leonora Lewis Watkins Feb. 24, 1904.  She died Jan 8, 1948.  Married Mary Jane Brookes Long July 14, 1958.  She died Oct. 5, 1954.
Harness and saddle maker.  Attended Nephi schools, before becoming saddle and harness makers' apprentice in 1882.  Owned saddle and harness shop Vernal in 1899.  High Priest, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Member Provo Senior Citizens' group.
Survivors: one son, one daughter; James Burton Evans, Provo; Mrs. George J. (Ephia) Foster, Columbia, Carbon County; one step-daughter, Mrs. Hazel Rodems, San Carlos, Calif.; 21 grandchildren; 62 great-grandchildren; 42 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral Monday, 10 a.m., Berg Mortuary Drawing Room Chapel where friends call Sunday 6-8 p.m., and Monday before services.  Burial Vernal Memorial Park, Vernal.

Local obituary:

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1966, Mar 10,  p.10

Local obituary transcribed:

Services Honor E.W. Evans, Former Resident

Funeral services for Edward William Evans, 97, former Vernal resident, were held Monday at 10 a.m. in the Berg Drawing Chapel in Provo with Bishop Gordon M. Weight of the Provo 7th LDS Ward officiating.  Mr. Evans died in the Central Utah Convalescent Center Thursday of last week of causes incident to age.

Mr. Evans was born March 10, 1869 in Nephi, Utah to William Minshall Evans and Charlotte Jarrold Hyder Evans.  He married Louise Burton February 14, 1889.  She died January 5, 1902.  He married Leonora Lewis Watkins February 24, 1904 and she died January 8, 1948.  He married Mary Jane Brooks Long July 14, 1950, she died October 5, 1954.

Mr. Evans attended the Nephi Schools and at the age of nine his father died leaving him the family responsibilities.  In 1882 he became an apprentice, learning the harness and saddle trade.  During his apprenticeship he repaired the harnesses for the famous twenty-mule Borax team that traveled through Nephi.

He admired the beauties of the Uintah Basin and in 1899 he purchased a harness and shoe shop from McIntire and Meadows.  He was an early booster of the proponents of water development at dream that was fulfilled by the completion of Flaming Gorge Dam and Steinaker Reservoir.  He participated in many culture projects at the turn of the century, also participated in musical productions and beautification of the Vernal City Park.

Mr. Evans was an active member of the LDS Church and was a High Priest at the time of his death.  Ne was a member of the Senior Citizens of Provo and attended their regular parties and dances until November 1965.  He lived from the days of hitching posts and wooden sidewalks to the space age with a keen and alert mind.

Survivors include a son and a daughter, James Burton Evans of Provo and Mrs. George J. (Ephia) Foster of Columbia, Utah; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Hazel Rodems of San Carlos, Calif.; 21 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren and 42 great-great grandchildren.

Burial was in the Vernal Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Berg Mortuary of Provo.

Photo from the personal albums of Bryce Merkley

Because E.W. died in the last 50 years his death certificate will not become publicly available until sometime around the year 2016.  When it is available I will post it here.

Death info on Crystal Lewis

Crystal Dean Potter Lewis was Birda's sister-in-law.

She married Birda's brother, Charles.

Photo from the personal albums of Patty Stewart
Cropped from a larger photo

According to these documents the following dates apply:

BIRTH: 9 Jun 1892- Snyderville, Summit, Utah

DEATH: 25 Mar 1978- Roosevelt, Duchesne, Utah

She was 84 years old when she died.

Obituary:

SOURCE: SL Tribune 1978, Mar 28, p.C6

Obituary transcribed:

Crystal Dean Lewis

VERNAL- Crystal Dean Lewis, 84, died March 25, 1978, in a Roosevelt nursing home.

Born June 9, 1892, Snyderville, Utah, to Wallace Edwin and Harriet Susan Kempton Potter.  Married Charles P. Lewis Oct 30, 1912, Vernal.  Marriage later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple.  Uintah County school teacher for 15 years.  Librarian.  Charter member, Camp Vernal DUP.  Member National Historical Society, National Wildlife Federation.

Survivors: husband, Vernal; son and daughters, Mrs. R.D. (Lenore) Nielson, Mrs. Max (Patricia) Stewart, both Vernal; Retired Lt. Col. Charles Howard Lewis, Hansville, Wash; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mrs. Amelia (Millie) Briggs, Redding, Calif; Mrs. Ruby Valantine, San Francisco, Calif.

Funeral Wednesday 11 a.m. in the Vernal 3rd Ward chapel.  Friends may call at the Vernal Mortuary Tuesday 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday 10-10:45 a.m. Burial in the Maeser Cemetery.

*Punctuation added wherein it was deemed necessary.

Local obituary:

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1978, Mar 30, p.15

Local obituary transcribed:
Services honor Crystal Lewis
Funeral services for Crystal Dean Potter Lewis, 84, 262 South 2nd West, Vernal, were held March 29 in the Vernal LDS Third Ward Chapel.  Mrs. Lewis died at Stewart's Convalescent Villa in Roosevelt on March 25, 1978.
Bishop Brian O'Niel conducted.  Family prayer was given by Leo Hacking; prelude and postlude music, Ruth Walker; duet, "Whispering Hope" Marva Lent and Lois Erickson, accompanied by Mrs. Walker; invocation, Todd Johnson; remarks by Bishop O'Neil; speaker, William (Bill) H. Lewis; solo, Marva Lent, "Songs My Mother Taught Me", accompanied by Mrs. Walker; speaker, Edgar Jones; trio, "I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen" Mrs. Lent, Mrs. Erickson and Don Walker, accompanied by Mrs. Walker; benediction was by Leslie Thacker.  Don Pearce dedicated the grave.
Burial was in Maeser Cemetery as directed by Thomson Vernal Mortuary.  Vernal Third Ward Relief Society were in charge of luncheon and flowers.
Pallbearers were Preston Stewart, Todd and Jeff Johnson, Kenneth, Royal and Ray Allen.  Honorary pallbearers were Camp Vernal DUP and the Utopia Club.
Mrs. Lewis was born June 9, 1892 in Snyderville, Utah to Wallace Edwin and Harriet Susan Kempton Potter.  She married Charles P. Lewis October 30, 1912 in Vernal.  The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
She was a teacher in Uintah County schools for 15 years and a librarian.  As a member of the Vernal Third LDS Ward she served on the Stake Relief Society Board, Stake Sunday School Board, was a teacher in the Sunday School for 35 years and also taught Primary, MIA and Ward Relief Society.  A charter member of the DUP, Camp Vernal, Mrs. Lewis had written many pioneer and local histories, and was a member of the National Historical Society and the National Wildlife Federation.
She is survived by her husband, two daughters, Mrs. R.D. (Lenore) Nielson, Mrs. Max (Patricia) Stewart, all of Vernal; one son, retired Lt. Col. Charles Howard Lewis of Hansville, Wash.; ten grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Amelia (Millie) Briggs, Redding, California and Mrs. Ruby Valantine of San Francisco, California.

Photo from the personal albums of Patty Stewart

Because Crystal died in the last 50 years, her death certificate will not become publicly available until around the year 2028.  When it is available, I will post it here.

Death info on Byron Owen Colton

Byron Owen Colton was Asher's brother-in-law.

He married Asher's sister, Helen.

Photo from the personal albums of Sarah Neilsen

According to these documents, the following dates apply:
BIRTH: 15 Feb 1882- Provo, Utah, Utah
DEATH: 5 Nov 1973- Orem/Provo, Utah, Utah
He was 91 years old when he died.

Obituary:

SOURCE: SL Tribune 1973, Nov 7, p.50

Obituary transcribed:

Byron O. Colton

ROOSEVELT- Byron Owen Colton, 91, Roosevelt, died Nov. 5, 1973, in an Orem nursing home of causes incident to age.

Born Feb. 15, 1882, Provo, to Byron Oliver and Sarah Myria Smith Colton.  Married Helen Merkley, June 29, 1910, Salt Lake Temple.  She died Oct. 24, 1961.  County surveyor and civil engineer for Duchesne County; member Utah Water and Power Board for 16 years; water commissioner, retiring in 1962, member Uintah Stake high council; former bishop of Maeser and Avalon Ward; Roosevelt stake president in the 1940s; Roosevelt stake patriarch.
Survivors: sons, daughters, Mrs. Harold (Lula) Dudley, Randlett; Merrill, Salt Lake City; Mrs. Glenn (Margaret) Wyler, St. George; Elmo, Salem, Ore.; Miles, Pleasant Grove; Mrs. Calvin (Sarah) Neilsen, Mona; Mrs. Vern (Grace) Berrett, Granger; 37 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Thursday noon, Roosevelt 4th LDS Ward Chapel.  Friends call 4330 S. Redwood Rd., Salt Lake City, Wednesday 6-8 p.m., chapel Thursday hour prior to service.  Burial, Maeser Cemetery, Vernal.
*Spelling & punctuation corrected wherein I was aware.

Local Obituary:

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1973, Nov  15, p.14

Local obituary transcribed:

Byron O. Colton, dies in Orem

Funeral services were held Thursday at noon in the Roosevelt Fourth Ward Chapel for Byron Owen Colton, 91, who died in an Orem nursing home November 5.

He was born February 15, 1882 in Provo to Byron Oliver and Sarah Myria Colton.  He married Helen Merkley, June 29, 1910 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.  She died October 24, 1961.

Mr. Colton was a county surveyor and civil engineer for Duchesne County; member of the Utah Water and Power Board for 16 years; water commissioner, retiring in 1962; former bishop of Maeser and Avalon Wards; Roosevelt Stake President in the 1940's; Roosevelt Stake patriarch.

Survivors: sons, daughter, Mrs. Harold (Lula) Dudley, Randlett; Merrill, Salt Lake City; Mrs. Glen (Margaret) Wyler, St. George; Elmo, Salem, Oregon; Miles, Pleasant Grove; Mrs. Calvin (Sarah) Neilsen, Mona; Mrs. Vern (Grace) Berrett, Granger; 37 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren.

Burial was in the Maeser Cemetery.

Funeral notice:

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1973, Nov 22, p.7

Funeral notice transcribed:
Last rites honor Byron O. Colton
Funeral services were held November 8, 1973 in the Roosevelt Fourth Ward for Byron O. Colton, who died November 5 at a Provo nursing home of causes incident to age.  Bishop Byron Gilbert officiated.  Prelude and postlude musicwas played by Elaine Hullinger, who accompanied the other music also.
Prayer for the family was given by Calvin Neilsen.  Opening prayer was by T. Golden Collins, followed by a male quartette, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives".  History and the obituary was given by Louie Galloway, followed by speaker President Paul Murphy.  A musical selection "King of Glor" was by Nancy Carter.  Speaker William E. Berrett and remarks by Bishop Gilbert.  A musical selection "Sometime We'll Understand" by a ladies group was next and the closing prayer way by Leland Angus.  Internment was in the Maeser Cemetery, under the direction of the Olpin Mortuary.  The grave was dedicated by President Calvin Kowallis.
He was born February 15, 1882 in Provo, the son of Byron Oliver and Sarah Maria Smith Colton, Two year later, the family moved to Vernal and the Uintah Basin has been his home since.  He has spent the last few years in the homes of his children.
He married Helen Merkley June 29, 1910, she preceded him in death 12 years ago.  He is survived by seven sons and daughters: Mrs. Harold (Lula) Dudley, Randlett; Merrill B., Salt Lake City; Mrs. Glenn H. (Margaret) Wyler, St. George; Elmo S., Salem, Oregon; Miles M., Pleasant Grove; Mrs. Calvin E. (Sarah) Neilson, Mona; and Mrs. Verne R. (Grace) Berrett, Granger.  He also has 37 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.
Much of Mr. Colton's life, since completing school, has been spent in public work.  He has contributed much to the growth and development of the Uintah Basin.  Among his contributions are surveying for construction of highways, buildings and mainly that of canals and reservoirs located in the central and eastern area of the reservation.
For many years he spent many hours of service to the schools in the basin.  He served as a trustee in the Uintah School District, soon after leaving school, and a board member on the Uintah School District Board of Education many years after that.
He was a member of the LDS Church and served in many capacities over a period of about 60 years.  He was bishop of the Maeser Ward, bishop of the Randlett Ward, counsellor in the Roosevelt Stake Presidency under William H. Smart and as stake president of the Roosevelt Stake for some 19 years.  He later served as stake patriarch, which position he still held at the time of his death.
Mr. Colton was active in water matters over much of the state of Utah, serving in the Utah Water and Power Board until he retired at the age of 80; at which time he also retired from his job as water commissioner on the Lakefork and Uintah River systems.
*Spelling adjusted wherein I was aware.

Final resting place of B.O. Colton, and wife, Helen
Photo from the personal albums of Sarah Neilsen

Because Byron died in the last 50 years, his death certificate will not become publicly available until sometime around the year 2023.  When it is, I will post it here.

Photo from the personal albums of Sarah Neilsen

Death info on Georgiana L Fuller

Georgiana Lewis McClelland Fuller was one of Birda's older sisters.

She also went by "Georgie", "Georgia", and "Georgianna".

Photo from the personal albums of Bryce Merkley

According to this document (and family records) the following dates apply:

BIRTH: 12 July 1889/1890- Midway, Wasatch, Utah

DEATH: 10 Aug 1961- Oakland, Alameda, California

She was 71 years old when she died.

SOURCE: Oakland Tribune 1961, Aug 11, p.41E

Obituary transcribed:

McCLELLAND, Georgia L., at rest August 10, 1961, loving mother of Mrs. W.J. Amonio and Gordon T. McClelland; devoted grandmother of Lynne and Kerry McClelland.  A native of Utah; aged 71 years.  A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Friends are respectfully invited to attend the services Sunday, August 13 at 4 p.m. at the New Colonial Chapel, 2626 High Street.  Services conducted by the Second Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Entombment, private. (For further information please phone KE 6-5454.)

Photo from the personal albums of Bryce Merkley
Cropped from larger family photo

Georgia should have a death certificate available publicly, but because she died in California, it may be some time before I can procure it here.  Her birth date needs to be verified in some way, and her marital info could be clarified further as she was named in the newspaper as a McClelland but she had remarried a second time in 1949 to a Mr. Francis J. Fuller.  Why her Fuller surname was not used is a mystery.  I shall have to investigate...

Asher & Birda serve a mission

Asher and Birda Merkley served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Texas from 1963-1965.

Photo from the personal albums of Bryce Merkley

Newspaper notice:

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1962, Dec 27, p.4

Newspaper notice transcribed:

Missionary Farewell Testimonial Sunday for Asher & Birda Merkley

Asher and Birda Lewis Merkley will be honored at a missionary farewell testimonial at Vernal's 5th Ward Chapel, Sunday at 5 p.m.

Opening prayer will be offered by their son, Douglas L. Merkley.  Speakers will be Harold E. Hullinger, President Wm. B. Wallis and LaMond Tullis.  A response will be given by the missionaries, Asher and Birda Merkley.

Special musical numbers will include a duet by Tamera and Edwin Hacking, and an organ solo will be played by Mable Stagg.  A duet will be sung by Pat Stewart and Virginia Hacking.

Mr. and Mrs. Merkley have worked in the LDS Church for many years.  They both have served stake missions.

Mrs. Merkley has worked with the children in Primary, Sunday School and Mutual.  She has also been in a stake capacity.

Mr. Merkley has worked mainly with the young men in the priesthood.

The Merkleys will enter the Mission Home January 7.  Their mission address will be Texas Mission 5514 Caroline Street, Houston 4, Texas.

Texas mission photo, taken 8 Jan 1963
Asher and Birda are on 3rd row, 7th and 8th from right
Photo from the personal albums of Bryce Merkley

The following are a handful of letters Birda wrote home to her family, from various dates.  I include them here because they may be of interest to her posterity, but because they are personal letters, I am not transcribing them.  Click on the images for a better look at them, and good luck reading them as her writing has faded a bit and scanning could only pick up so much.  You can zoom in a little, but it takes some work to decipher the text.  From these letters I learned that Asher was called to be a Bishop while serving in Texas, something I would not have known otherwise... so preserving these letters has proved valuable, and I'm glad to have them here.
All letters come from the personal albums of Bryce Merkley.

Asher & Birda on 14 Nov 1965
(after their missionary service)
Photo from personal albums of Bryce Merkley

Death info on Minnie Pearce

Minnie "C" Lewis Pearce was one of Birda's older sisters.

From the personal albums of Bryce Merkley
Image is cropped/edited from a larger family photo

According to these documents the following dates apply:

BIRTH: 21, Sept 1880- Holladay, Salt Lake, Utah

DEATH: 22 Feb 1926- Vernal, Uintah, Utah

She was 45 years old when she died.

Obituary:

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1926, Feb 26, p.1
Also found in the personal albums of Mark Foster

Obituary transcribed:
Final Tributes Tendered Mrs. Minnie Pearce
(From Glines Correspondent)
The man friends of Mr. and Mrs. William Pearce are grief stricken at the death of Mrs. Minnie Lewis Pearce who died at the home of her sister, Mrs. E.W. Evans at Vernal, Feb 22.
Minnie Lewis Pearce was born on September 21, 1880 at Holladay, Salt Lake County, Utah.  She was the fourth child of Siney and Elizabeth Coleman Lewis.  She came to Vernal with her parents in the year 1896 and here met and married William Pearce in the year of 1899.  The them has been born four boys and four girls all of whom with her aged parents, three brothers and four sisters are left to mourn her loss.
Funeral services were held Feb 24 at 11 a.m. at the Glines chapel.  Bishop John B. Eaton presided.  The building was crowded to overflowing with friends paying their love and respect for one of their departed number.  The casket was a garden of flowers.
The opening prayer was by John Hair Jr.  The Glines choir furnished the following numbers "Jesus Lover of My Soul" and "I Know My Redeemer Lives"  J.H. Prows rendered two solos and Mrs. Margaret Collins sang a solo.  The speakers were James Hacking, Bishop Ivy of the Duchesne stake, Joseph A. McKee, Ernest Eaton and Bishop Eaton.  All spoke of her disposition, her noble character and gave consoling words to her bereaved loved ones that were to mourn her loss.  The benediction was by D.O. Jacobson, interment was in the Maeser cemetery.  Thomas Caldwell dedicated the grave.
Surviver her are her husband, 8 children, her parents, 6 sisters and four brothers.  All were present at the services but her son, William, who is in the mission field as a missionary for the L.D.S. church, her daughter, Venice, who was very ill and unable to attend, her sister, Mrs. Georgia (McClelland) of California and brother Charles Lewis of Hiawatha.  Mr. Pearce's brother and wife, a sister and her husband and two daughters were also present.
The many friends of the bereft sympathize with them in their hour of grief.
*Spelling, dates, and punctuation corrected by me wherein I was aware.

Death Certificate:

SOURCE: familysearch.org

Photo from the personal albums of Bryce Merkley
Image cropped from a larger family photo.

Death info on Charles P. Lewis

Charles Preston Lewis was one of Birda's older brothers.

Photo from the personal albums of Dallas Workman

According to these documents the following dates apply:

BIRTH: 3 Mar 1892- Midway, Wasatch, Utah

DEATH: 18 May 1980- Vernal, Uintah, Utah

He was 88 years old when he died.

Obituary:

SOURCE: SL Tribune 1980, May 20, p.D3

Obituary transcribed:

Charles Preston Lewis

VERNAL- Charles Preston Lewis, 88, of Vernal, died May 18, 1980 in Vernal.

Born March 3, 1892, Midway, Wasatch County to Siney and Elizabeth Coleman Lewis.  Married Crystal Dean Potter Oct. 30, 1912, Vernal.  Marriage later solemnized in Salt Lake LDS Temple.  She died March 25, 1978.  Attended University of Utah on scholarship and graduated with bachelor's degree in 1915.  Taught school for 37 years at Maeser, Glines, Ashley, Central, Whiterocks, and Carbon elementary schools.  Completed last 22 years at Uintah High School.  Played in dance orchestras and in the first dance orchestra at Imperial Hall.  Also leader of band of 30 local citizens.  Instrumental in organization of Uintah County Senior Citizens Group and in locating their present building.  Scoutmaster of Troop 232, which won many honors.

Survivors: son, daughters, Ret. Lt. Col. Charles Howard Lewis, Hansville, Wash.; Mrs. R.D. (Lenore) Nielson, Aptos, Calif.; Mrs. Max (Patricia) Stewart, Vernal.  10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Mrs. Jennie Hullinger, Vernal.

Funeral services Wednesday 11 a.m. Vernal 3rd LDS Ward Chapel.  Friends may call at Vernal Mortuary Tuesday 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday 9:30-10:30 a.m. Burial, Maeser Fairview Cemetery.

*Spelling corrected wherein I was aware.

Local obituary:

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1980, May ?
Found in the personal albums of Patty Stewart
Same text as obituary above,
exempting funeral information.

Photo from the personal albums of Patty Stewart

Because Charlie died in the last 50 years, his death certificate will not become publicly available until sometime around the year 2030.  When it is available I will post it here.

Death info on Frances P Lewis

Frances Elizabeth Paxman Lewis was Birda's sister-in-law.  

She married Birda's brother, Frank.

"Frances Lewis swimming at Saltair"
Cropped from a larger image
From the personal albums of Dallas Workman

According to these documents, the following dates apply:

BIRTH: 23 July 1886- Manti, Sanpete, Utah

DEATH: 14 Dec 1964- Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah

She was 78 years old when she died.

Obituary:

SOURCE: Salt Lake Tribune 1964, Dec 15, p.28

Obituary transcribed:
Frances E. P. Lewis
VERNAL- Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Paxman Lewis, 78, 284 S. 1st West, Vernal, died of natural causes Monday at 12:45 a.m. in a Salt Lake hospital.  Born July 23, 1886, Manti, to George F. and Martha Evans Paxman.  Married to Franklin Lewis Sept. 18, 1924, Salt Lake LDS Temple.  Active member LDS Church.  Survivors: husband; son, daughter, Robert, Rangely, Colo.; Mrs. Geneve Workman, Centerville; six grandchildren; sister, Mrs. LeRoy (Georgetta) Pay, Salt Lake City.  Funeral Thursday 11 a.m. Vernal LDS and Ward Chapel, 145 S. 1st West.  Friends call 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Tuesday 6-8 p.m. Vernal Mortuary Wednesday 7-9 p.m., Thursday prior to services.
Burial Vernal City Cemetery.
*Punctuation corrected wherein I was aware.

Local obituary:

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1964, Dec 17, p. 21

Local obituary transcribed:
Funeral Set Thursday for Frances Lewis
Funeral services will be held Thursday (today) for Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Paxman Lewis, 78, in the Vernal Second Ward LDS Chapel at 11 a.m.
Mrs. Lewis fell on the ice and broke her arm about two weeks ago and had been recuperating in Salt Lake City at the home of a sister.  She became suddenly ill and was taken to the hospital where she died.
She was born July 23, 1886 in Manti to George F. and Martha Evans Paxman.  She married Franklin Lewis Sept. 18, 1924 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple and was an active member of the LDS Church.
Survivors include her husband of Vernal, a son, Robert Lewis, Rangely, Colo., a daughter, Mrs. Geneve Workman, Centerville; six grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. LeRoy (Georgetta) Pay, Salt Lake City.
Friends may call at the Vernal Mortuary Thursday prior to services.  Burial will be in the Vernal City Cemetery.

Funeral notice:

SOURCE: Vernal Express 1964, Dec 24, p.4

Funeral notice transcribed:
Rites Held for Frances Lewis December 17
Funeral services were held for Frances E. Paxman Lewis, 78, in the Vernal Second Ward Chapel on Thursday of last week.  Mrs. Lewis died in a Salt Lake hospital.
Richard Henrikson gave the prayer at the mortuary.
Services were under the direction of Bishop Ben W. Lindsay.  Clarence Palmer gave the invocation.  Remarks were given by Bishop Lindsay.  "Softly and Tenderly" was sung by Mrs. Glade Sowards, Mrs. Max Stewart and Mrs. Richard Ufford.  They were accompanied by Mrs. Ben Lindsay.
Phillip Watkins and Douglas Pay were the speakers.  An organ solo was played by Mrs. Harold R. Sargent.
V. Fred Washburn gave the benediction.  Harold Call dedicated the grave.  Burial was in the Vernal Memorial Park Cemetery.
The flowers were taken care of by members of the Second Ward Relief Society.
Pall bearers were Max Stewart, Douglas Pay, Ray Workman, Brigham McConkie, Douglas Jones and E. Joseph Winder.
Out-of-town visitors were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lewis and son, Rangely, Colo.; Dallas, Geneve, Susan, Kathleen, Ray, Michael, and Michelle Workman of Centerville; LeRoy, Georgetta, and Douglas Pay of Salt Lake City; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Call, Heber City and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Henrikson, Salt Lake City.

Final resting place for Frances
Photo from the personal albums of Bryce Merkley

Because Frances died in the last 50 years her death certificate will not become publicly available until sometime around the year 2014.  When it is available I will post it here.

Photo from the personal albums of Bryce Merkley