Ray Larcher
PRICE-Raymond Larcher, age 91, passed away in the early morning of Dec. 31, 2004 in Price.
He was born Dec. 16, 1913 in Sunnyside to Andrew and Catherine Yanes Larcher. In 1908 Andrew and his young wife settled in the farming lands east of Price.
Ray was a graduate of Carbon High School and an accordion instructor and band director for most of his early life. From 1942 to 1945 he served as corpsman in the US Coast Guard.
On July 17, 1947, he married Gemma Saccomanno at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Helper. In 1962, Ray opened a small motorcycle shop and, with his family, guided the expansion of the business.
As a lifelong member of Notre Dame Parish, Ray served as a reserve organist and frequently played at the Saturday afternoon mass. He was a regular member and entertainer at the Carbon County Senior Center and Castle Country Care Center where he shared his love of music. He continued with his love of music, playing the organ and accordion at home until his death. His music will live on and be greatly missed by his family, students and a community of friends.
Survived by his wife Gemma Larcher, Price; two sons and one daughter, Robert (Wendy) Larcher, Augusta, Ga.; Paula (Jim) Peterson, Salt Lake City; Jerry (Catherine) Larcher, Bountiful; seven wonderful grandchildren, Philip, Kristen, Kathryn Larcher of Augusta, Ga.; Mike Peterson, Salt Lake City; Libby, Nicky, Natalie Larcher of Bountiful.
Preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Ernest, Gene, Fred; two sisters, Edith and Irene.
Funeral Mass, Tues., Jan. 4, 10:30 a.m., Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church. Vigil service will be Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the church. The family will receive friends at the Notre Dame church Tuesday at 9 a.m. Committal service, Price City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Notre Dame church or Rocky Mountain Hospice. Under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home.
Mary Louise Ghirardelli
HELPER-Our loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to all, Mary Louise Howa Ghirardelli, age 74, passed away Jan. 1, 2005 at her daughter’s home in Sandy. She was born Oct. 23, 1930 in Helper to Mose and Sophie Gazelle Howa. Our family was truly blessed with the gift of Mary Louise. She dedicated her life to her husband and family. She was married to her best friend and partner, “Joe Joe” for 53 years. She married Joe Ghirardelli, Jr., Dec. 23, 1951 at Notre Dame Catholic Church and their relationship exemplified true love.
She always had a smile in her heart and on her face. She never met a stranger and was loved by all whose life she touched. Her great example, passion for life, and family traditions are legacies that are truly treasured.
She was a lifelong resident of Carbon County and member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. She attended St. Mary’s of the Wasatch and graduated from Carbon High School in 1948. She loved working as a librarian and teacher at Notre Dame School and as a medical staff secretary at Castleview Hospital. “ZZ” you are our hero. We love you tons!
Survived by her loving husband, Joe Ghirardelli, Helper, son, John (Colleen) Ghirardelli, Springfield, Mo. daughters, Jody (Sam) Milovich, Sandy; Jill (Johnny) Pappas, Wellington; five grandchildren, John, Joseph and Michael Ghirardelli; Morgan and Daniel Milovich; brothers, John (Kathryn) Howa, Ed (Bernice) Howa; sisters -in-law, Ruth and Nona Howa and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by parents, brothers, Joseph and James Howa. Funeral Mass will be held on Jan. 6, 2005 at 11 a.m. St. Anthony Catholic Church. Vigil service Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home. Friends are welcome at Mitchell’s daily. Committal service, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper.
Gilda Ward
CLEVELAND/PRICE-Gilda Weeks Ward, age 84, passed away Jan. 2, 2005 in Price.
She was born April 27, 1920 in Roosevelt, to Wallace LaVern and Jennie Caldwell Weeks. Married Archie Thomas Ward, 1939 in Heber; later divorced.
Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gilda loved traveling and she made some wonderful trips to Hawaii, North Carolina, Missouri and California. She enjoyed going to the Emery County Senior Center and playing in the band. For the past four and one half years she resided at Turnquist Retreat where she will be dearly missed by all.
Survived by her son, Tom (Sandy) Ward, Price; five sisters and two brothers, Reva Richards, San Bernardino, Calif.; Illa Searle, Midvale; LaVern Loveless, Taylorsville; LaVar Weeks, Grand Junction; Jennie Pinegar, West Jordan; Gene Weeks, South Jordan; Calla Rae Loveless, Provo; six loving grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Graveside service, Wed. Jan. 5, 1:30 p.m., Cleveland City Cemetery. Family will be at Mitchell Funeral Home in Price, Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.