Melbadeane (Scott) Walton passed away July 5, 2015.  She was born Oct 2, 1926 in Holladay, UT.  She served as a missionary in the Central States Mission.  She married and was sealed to her loving husband Eldon Leonard Walton in the Salt Lake Temple on March 17, 1950. She was well known for her ceramic talents and owned related businesses in Salt Lake City with her sisters.  She moved to Tucson, AZ in 2001 with her son and most recently lived with her daughters in Mesquite, NV where she met many wonderful friends whom she loved dearly.  She was an avid golfer and loved to travel and visited many cities around the world and just recently returned to the place she loved most, her home in Salt Lake City.  Her husband Eldon and daughter Shauna Forsberg (Richard) preceded her in death.  She is survived by her daughters, Susan Odell (Les), Sherry Hunt (Allen), Saundra Ludwig (Kevin); and son, Corey.  She loved each and every member of her family.  She has 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.  The family wishes to thank all of her many family and friends for the wonderful love and companionship given to her over the years.  We would also like to thank the angels at Alta Ridge Assisted Living Center and Millcreek Hospice for the loving care given her the last two weeks. Viewing will be on Friday, July 10 at 10 a.m.  Funeral services following at 11 a.m. at the LDS ward house, 4147 W. 9800 S. (Skye Drive).  Internment will be at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive in Salt Lake City.

Judith Marie Bonds, 74, passed away peacefully in Las Vegas, NV on Friday, July 10, 2015 at Mountain View Hospital, with her three loving children by her side. She succumbed to complications from liver cancer. She was born on February 16, 1941 in Norwalk, CT to Douglas Elmore Lowndes and Leona Cecelia Weller (Roth).

Judy lived a full life, living in nearly every state working a multitude of professions from waitressing to co-owning a construction company. Her greatest accomplishments were her children and grandchildren, with whom she was very close.

On April 17, 1990, Judy married William L Bonds in Reno, NV. They continued their careers in La Pine, OR, camping, bowling and golfing as time would allow. They retired to Mesquite, NV in March 2009. In her retirement years, Judy enjoyed traveling and playing Bingo with her friends at the local Casinos.

Judy is survived by her husband, William; son, Dennis (Ruth) Hintz of Quincy, CA; daughters Cynthia (Stephen) Hintz-Westerfield of Bloomington, IN, and Stephanie Frehner of Mesquite; brothers, Douglas (Mary) Lowndes Jr. of Bend, OR, Gary (Gloria) Lowndes of Castle Rock, CO, Richard Lowndes and Ronald (Marina) Lowndes of La Pine, OR; four granddaughters; five grandsons; two great-granddaughters and many nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Kristina Hintz.

Per Judy’s wishes, there will be no services held and her ashes will be spread in Oregon as they were with her daughter and mother. Those wishing to send condolences to the family may mail them to Stephanie Frehner, 320 Vineyard Lane, Mesquite, NV 89027; or visit www.virginvalleymortuary.com.

Together Again

Colleen Wittwer Reber, age 86, died on Saturday August 1, 2015. She was born on July 10, 1929 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Elizabeth Leavitt and Merl Harmon Wittwer. She spent her early years in the Virgin Valley and two days after graduating from Virgin Valley High School, married her sweetheart, Larry Reber on May 23, 1947 in the St. George Temple.

Colleen and Larry were the parents to 6 children: Larry Dean, Velma Lynn, Dennis Wittwer, Gregory L., Teresa Faye and Lori Ann. They raised their family in a great neighborhood in North Las Vegas.  In 1969, they had an opportunity to purchase a home in Bunkerville and they moved back home, just across the street from where she was raised.

Mom was a hard worker. When dad hurt his back and couldn’t work, she took on the job as custodian at the Lola & White Chapel. She had bountiful gardens and beautiful manicured lawns and flower gardens.  Mom was a great cook. Her family swarmed her house when she made her banana cream pies, divinity, roast, potatoes and gravy. Anything she made was delicious.

While dad served as Stake Clerk in the Bloomington, Utah Stake, when the Stake presidency had meetings all day long, mom would fix them a lunch – usually roast, potatoes and gravy, vegetables, home made rolls, and always included a fancy dessert. The Stake Presidency was always anxious to get there and slow to leave. But left with full, content bellies, able to finish out the day of church meetings.  Colleen was active in the LDS church, serving in many organizations including R.S. president and ward organist.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Merl and Elizabeth Wittwer; brother, Gerald; her eternal sweetheart, Larry; three children, Larry Dean, Gregory L., Lori Ann; and one great grandson, Treyson Chidester.

She is survived by her children, Dennis of Springville, UT, Velma Leavitt (Johnny) and Teresa Woods (Gary), both of Bunkerville; one sister, Faye Thompson (Albert); one brother, Harold; 26 grandchildren; 57 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren with one more on the way.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 1 p.m. in the Bunkerville Chapel, with a viewing from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. prior to the service at the chapel.  Interment will follow in the Bunkerville Cemetery.  The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their “Guest Book” at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.

Marilyn Louise Meacham passed away August 3, 2015.  She was born August 12, 1937 in Iowa to Claude Merle Cox and Leona Grace Corbin.

Marilyn loved to watch sports and spend as much time as she could with her friends and family. She also loved to play bingo and enjoyed the casino life.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Sr; son, Bobby Jr; and daughter, Robin.  She is survived by her 2 sons, Scott (Shandy) Meacham of Mesquite and Merle Sr. (Lana) Meacham of Oregon; 2 daughters, Paula (Ian) Cazabat of Kansas, and Loraine Pitteruff of New York.  Marilyn is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren whom all loved her deeply.

A memorial service will be held August 14, 2015 in the Mesquite Methodist Church, 420 Pioneer Blvd., at 10 a.m.  At 11:30 a.m., following the services, everyone is invited to attend a reception in Marilyn’s honor at the “Town Square” in the Eureka Casino, 275 Mesa Boulevard. The family invites family and friends to leave a message or memory in their “Guest Book” at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.

Kleo Kay Goforth, aged 75, died peacefully on the morning of August 4, 2015 at her home in Mesquite, NV, after a long battle with cancer. Kleo was born on February 25, 1940 in Scottsbluff, NB, the daughter of Cleo A. Rodocker and Mary Elinor (Jolly) Rodocker.

Kleo was raised in Nebraska and Wyoming, graduating from Newcastle High School in Newcastle, WY in 1957. She married and moved to Valdosta, GA where her daughter was born. Later she moved back to Newcastle, WY where her twin sons were born. She lived in Rangely, CO for several years where she managed the Montgomery Ward store and was actively involved in the Rangely Jaycees serving as an officer on several occasions.

Kleo also assisted her husband Dr. Phillip Goforth opening several Chiropractic offices in New Mexico, Mississippi and Colorado where she managed staff, welcomed patients and oversaw the successful operation of the business. Kleo spent a short time as a trainer and speaker for the Chiropractic Association of New Mexico.

In 1986, Kleo attended cosmetology school in Grand Junction, CO and planned to begin a new career but a life-changing car accident prevented her from completing her dream.  As part of her therapy, following the car accident, she began designing costume jewelry. She thoroughly enjoyed designing exquisite, custom pieces, often traveling with her husband to art shows to sell her highly sought-after jewelry.

Once retired, Kleo moved to Mesquite, NV where she continued to design and sell her custom jewelry, began entertaining and having get-togethers for neighbors and friends. She was a great cook and loved baking favorites for family and friends.

Most importantly, Kleo loved her family, often spending her vacations visiting her children and enjoying the special events in her grandchildren’s lives.

Kleo is survived by her husband Dr. Phillip Goforth; her sister Pat (Stuart) Childs; daughter Katreena (Jeff) of Glendale, AZ, sons, Dr. Dirk (Carla) Hayes of Olathe, KS, Dr. Doug (Cindi) Hayes of Broken Bow, OK and Dr. Darin (Francesca) Goforth of Albuquerque, NM; five granddaughters Lindsay (Brandon) Rupp, Lesli (Heath) Green, Krysten Hayes, Kelli Hayes, Fiamma Goforth; two grandsons, Keaton (Kristy) Wood and Kalab (Shanon) Wood and three great grandchildren Alyssa, Max and Lily. There are also a number of other relatives and close friends.

There will be a private service for immediate family members in Mesquite, NV.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to Mesa View Hospice, 330 Falcon Ridge Pkwy, Mesquite, NV 89027. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their “Guest Book” at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.

Gerald “Jerry” Richard Baldwin, retired United States Navy Veteran of Mesquite, Nevada, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones, on June 12, 2015 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 76.

Gerald was born on September 19, 1938 in Afton, Wyoming to the late Oliver F. Baldwin and Kathaleen M. Orme; also preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Baldwin and grandson, Charles Slone.

He served in the United States Navy for 20 years as a Gunners Mate. He was an OTR truck driver for over 20 years earning an award for 1 million safe miles driven.

He is survived by the love of his life, Sonia Cherco of Illinois; brother, Frank Baldwin of Washington; sister Lois Ann Shedden and her husband Albert Shedden of Wyoming;  daughters, Lakrissha Spence and her husband Larry Spence of Kansas, Lee Black of Washington and Bambi Baldwin of Washington; niece, Carmen Dean and her husband Mike Dean of California; granddaughter Danielle Meissner and her husband Matthew Meissner of Nevada; grandsons, Donald Slone of Nebraska and Austin Black of Washington; great-granddaughters, Savannah Meissner, Caroline Meissner and Charlotte Meissner of Nevada, many more family and friends.

His love of life and friendly smile will be sorely missed by his family and friends. A “Celebration of Life” luncheon will take place on August 15, 2015 from 1-3 p.m. at the Mesquite Senior Center in Mesquite. Please help find the cure to Pancreatic Cancer by making donations in honor of Jerry to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Johnny Kay Leavitt, age 64, died August 11, 2015 in Bunkerville, Nevada. He was born September 12, 1950 in Nampa, Idaho to John Edward and Clara Louise Hardy Leavitt. On October 11, 1969 he married Velma Reber. On June 23, 1972 they were sealed in the St. George Temple.

Johnny graduated from Virgin Valley High School in 1968. He worked as a mechanic in the family owned business. He was proud to have his dad teach him everything he knew, then as a father to pass that knowledge onto his own sons. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, metal detecting and arrowhead hunting. He loved spending time with his sons restoring 1972 Chevy Pick-Ups and time doing motocross with the family. He served faithfully in the LDS Church as a Ward Clerk and in other callings.

Survivors include his wife, Velma of Bunkerville; three sons and six daughters: Todd (Stacy) of Bunkerville, Shaunna (Sam) Lee of Mesquite, Kim (Duane) Linge of Bunkerville, Lorie (Juan) Dominguez of Scenic, AZ, Melanie (Stuart) Lee of Mesquite, Landon of Mesquite, Larry (Candice) of Scenic, AZ, Jenny and Amber, both of Bunkerville; 33 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren with one on the way; mother, Louise Leavitt; one brother and two sisters: Valorie (Jay) Davis of Cedar City, UT; Gay (Sean) Shirley of Bunkerville and Ron (Carolynn) of Veyo, UT; and his four beloved Chihuahuas, Chico, Ella, Daisy and Rosie.

He was preceded in death by his father, John; in laws, Larry and Colleen Reber; and one grandson, Treyson Chidester.

Funeral services were held Saturday, August 15, 2015  at the Bunkerville LDS Chapel. Interment followed in the Bunkerville Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to sign our online guestbook at www.virginvalleymortuary.com

Donald Anthony Ciaffone, age 77, died peacefully at his home in Mesquite, Nevada on Thursday, August 20, 2015.  He was born December 28, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to Girardo and Marie DiCanio Ciaffone.  On September 3, 1960 he married Janet Marie Venuto in Chicago.

Donald grew up and started his family in Chicago.  He moved his young family to San Diego, California where he owned and operated Mission Bay Plumbing.  Don passed on his knowledge by teaching the young apprentices for over twenty years.  He developed a reputation of not only his skill and knowledge, but also his temperance. Don and Janet retired to Las Vegas before settling in Mesquite, Nevada over ten years ago, where he opened Mesquite Mechanical.  He was a fun, loving, kind husband and father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He enjoyed working with and building computers as a hobby.  It should also be mentioned that he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his devoted wife, Janet; his loving children, Laura and John; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Florence.  His unconditional love will be missed tremendously. Friends and family are invited to sign our online guest book at www.virginvalleymortuary.com

Gary Leon Bartlett, 73, passed away at his home in Mesquite, NV on August 28, 2015. Gary was born June 18, 1942 in Kemmerer, WY to Kenneth and Marcelle Black Bartlett. He married Sharon Ann Burnett August 11, 1962 in Kemmerer, WY.

Gary is survived by his dear wife, Sharon Bartlett of Mesquite, NV; his two children, Cathy (Greg) Littlepage of St. George, UT, and James (Kendra) Bartlett of Mesquite, NV; his grandchildren, Emalee (Cade) Stubbs, Quentin Littlepage, Paytan Williams, Brok Williams, Tyler Williams, and Jace Williams; his great grandson Rhett Jay Williams; his brothers and sisters, Georgetta (Corky) Pollard, Louis Bartlett, Kenneth Bartlett, Marcelle (Greg) Koritnik, Jerry Bartlett; and several nieces and nephews who loved him. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marcelle Bartlett; his brother Tom Bartlett, and his grandparents.

Gary always cared most for his family. He deeply loved them and he will be missed greatly. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their “Guest Book” at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Cassell Christensen, “Pat”, as she was known to friends and family. She peacefully passed away August 28, 2015 in her sleep.

Pat was born to Harry Turner and Viola Burkman on November 21, 1937. She lived throughout Utah and Nevada, where she loved working with people. Her passion for socializing led her to excel at various positions in retail, real estate and banking. After retiring from Nevada State Bank in 2008, Pat had time to pursue her passions of time with family, winning big at Bingo, doting on her precious furry family, crafting gifts & cooking treats, gardening or spending a day out with friends.

Pat married Byron “Bud” Lee Cassell in 1956 and was overjoyed with him for 24 years. During those years they had three beautiful children, Tracy, Brett and Patrick, who loved to cause mischief and were deeply adored by their parents.

After Bud’s passing on May 22, 1980, Pat went on to raise her kids and eventually met and fell in love with Karl Christensen, who she married in 1984. They spent their years traveling, visiting family, boating, and enjoying each other’s company. They shared a deep love until Karl passed in February of 2015.

To say that Pat will be missed is to underestimate our sorrow. Pat was always making everyone laugh. This life grew a little dimmer without her smiling face. We know that Pat is in an ever loving embrace with her beautiful daughter Tracy, husbands Bud and Karl, and her parents. Pat loved and was loved by many. She will always be remembered.

Pat was preceded in death by her daughter, Tracy. She is survived by her two sons, Brett & Penny Cassell; their children, Amber (Austin), Byron, Mathew and Kinsey; Patrick & Kathy Cassell; and their children, Alex and Andrew; Tracy’s children, Ryan (Leslie), Chelsee Lee and Riley; and five great-grandchildren.

There will be a Grave side gathering at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E. 4580 S., Salt Lake City, UT. 84117 on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 2 p.m. (MST) where friends and family are encouraged to share their stories and cherished memories of the times they’ve shared with our mom, Pat.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their “Guest Book” at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.

Donald Lee Byers, 76, passed away peacefully September 7, 2015 at his home.  He was born June 4, 1939 in Glendale, California to James Gallagher and Catherine Lilly Byers.  He married Jaquita Mae Johnson on January 22, 1972 in Salinas, California. 

Donald grew up in California and attended schools there.  He later moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona and worked as a machinist.  He returned back to California, where he was a truck driver and owned his own business.  After selling his business Don and Jaquita made their home in Mesquite for the past 24 years.  They were the owners of the Mesquite Manor Mobile Home Park for 10 years.  After selling the park they did a lot of fun things together.  They loved to travel in their motor home.  They would travel throughout the country but really love the Oregon coast in the summer.  He loved to fish with friends and family.  Donald is a member of the Christian Community Church.  He will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Jaquita of Mesquite; son, Mark Byers (Gwen) of Spanish Fork, Utah; daughter, Lisa Jean Elmer (Jay) of Orem, Utah; step-son, Chris Allen Johnson (Christina) of Salinas, California; seven grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his son, Donald Lee Byers (Donnie).

We as a family would like to say Thank You to the Mesa View Hospice for their loving care of our dad.

A viewing will be held Friday, September 11, 2015 from 10-11:30 at the Virgin Valley Mortuary.  After the viewing there will be a graveside service at the Mesquite City Cemetery.

The family would like to invite their friends and family to leave a message or memory in their “Guest Book” at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.