Eva W. Conover
“Grandma Eva”
HUNTINGTON- Eva Aleen Westover Conover, age 96, died peacefully in Sandy, Aug. 16, 2005. She was born in Huntington, Nov. 2, 1908, to George and Alice Westover. She married Harry Conver of Ferron, May 18, 1933, in the Manti Temple.
Eva led a full life of activity and service to her family, community, county, church and state. She graduated from the University of Utah and began her teaching career in Ferron, teaching grades 1-12.
Eva loved learning and was continually studying and writing, publishing many short stories in the Salt Lake Tribune, her family’s histories, and several books. She also wrote and directed many community and school plays.
She was a leader throughout her life, instrumental in developing and beautifying Ferron City parks and cemetery, in getting the telephone into Emery County, obtaining electric power for Ferron Canyon, organizing many social and service groups.
She was active in the Democratic party serving as Democratic Chairwoman and serving two terms in the State Legislature working hard to secure the power plants in Castle Dale and Huntington.
Eva and her husband were fortunate to travel to Egypt, representing the Farmers and World Affairs Good Will Exchange Program. She was listed in Who’s Who of America, was chairman of Emery County’s Cancer Society and started the Castle Valley Historical Society, serving as the charter president.
Eva was active in the LDS Church, serving in many positions, including Gospel Doctrine instructor, Relief Society teacher for 30 years and Stake Gleaner Leader.
She is survived by her three children Carolyn (Jack) Lewis, George (Florence) Conover, Linda (Gordon) Staker, 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and sister Roxie Nelson. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters Zena Westover, Caroline Bott, Lina Walker and brother Elden Westover.
Funeral services will be held Sat., Aug. 20, 2005, at 1 p.m. in the Ferron, Millsite Ward, LDS Chapel, 200 North State Street. A viewing will be Friday evening from 7-9:00 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary, 710 North Center Street, Castle Dale, and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Ferron Cemetery.
Abel Martinez Jr.
HELPER – Abel Martinez Jr., age 81, passed away Aug. 15, 2005 at Castleview Hospital in Price.
Born June 29, 1924 in Tioga, Colo., to Abel and Rebecca Martinez. Married Lillian Ann Kvaternick Aug. 29, 1952 in Raton, N.M.
Member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and Helper Lions Club. Served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific.
Resident of Carbon County since 1940, where he graduated from Carbon College and Utah State University in 1966.
He was a former employee of Royal Coal and later taught school at Price Elementary where he retired in 1986.
“The King” enjoyed fishing, visiting with family, watching Notre Dame football and playing cards with his family and friends.
Survived by wife, Lillian Martinez, Helper; two sons and two daughters, Michael (Anna) Martinez, Spring Glen; Rose Mary (Mark) Liddiard, Mark (Kelly) Martinez, both of Price; Annette Sadler, Helper; sisters, Jennie Olguin, Denver, Colo.; Mollie Solano, Pueblo, Colo.; brother, Joe “Moose” Martinez, Mesquite, Nev.; eight grandchildren, Eric, Lacey, Adam, Nathan, Nick, Stephen, Jennee, Katee; and great-granddaughter, Reeannen. Preceded in death by parents; infant daughter, Linda; and brothers, Lido and Benny.
Funeral Mass Thurs., Aug. 18, 10 a.m., at St., Anthony Catholic Church. Vigil service was Wednesday evening in Helper. Family will be at St. Anthony’s Thursday one hour prior to services. Committal service, Mountain View Cemetery, Helper. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 5 South Main, Helper.
Gwynneth Castagna
WELLINGTON- Gwynneth Harrison Williams Castagna, age 73, passed away Aug. 20, 2005 at the Castle Country Care Center in Price.
She was born Dec. 9, 1931 in Wallasey, Birkenhead, England to Rees Owen and Elsie Alexandra McCormick Williams.
Married Charles C. Castagna on Jan. 14, 1953 in Birkenhead, England; and they later renewed their vows on May 12, 1997. He passed away on June 20, 1997.
“Gwen” loved crafts, cooking, yard sales, caring for her family and spending time with her great-granddaughter Danyelle Hutson. She especially loved her special granddaughter Nathina Castagna who was at her side from the time she became ill until the angels came to take her home.
Survived by two sons and two daughters; Charles (Deona) Castagna, Price; Gwen (James) Abney, Techachapi, Calif., Candy Castagna, Palm Springs, Calif., Jason Castagna, Salt Lake City; sister-in-law, Leann Castagna, Helper; two brothers and one sister, Arthur Williams, New Zealand; Winnie Williams, Kenny Williams, both of England; 16 loving grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by parents, husband and son, Mike Castagna.
Funeral Service, Wed., Aug. 24 at 10 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home. Family will be at Mitchell’s Tuesday evening from 7-8 p.m. and Wednesday one hour prior to service. Interment, Price City Cemetery.
Dennis Blanton Sr.
PRICE – Dennis Lavern Blanton Sr., age 52, passed away Aug. 17, 2005 at his home in Price.
He was born Aug. 21, 1952 in Scottsbluff, Neb., to Elmo and Beverly Loveland Blanton. Married Marie Escoubat Jan. 8, 1972 in Price.
He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and being with his family. Dennis enjoyed working and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
He worked in various coal mines in the area for 30 years and was on the mine rescue teams.
Dennis enjoyed coaching Little League for many years. He will be dearly missed by his family and a community of friends.
Survived by wife, Marie Blanton; six sons, Dennis Jr. (Melissa), Rickie (Natalie), all of Price; Timmy (Hilary), Kenilworth; Danny (Patricia), David, Bowdy, all of Price; mother, Beverly (Paul) Smith, Hanna, Wyo.; father, Elmo Blanton, Douglas, Wyo.; brother, Doug (Pam) Rawlins, Wyo.; and sister, Dema (Flip) Greenfield, Eagle, Colo. Also survived by 11 grandchildren. Preceded in death by brother, Daniel Blanton.
Funeral service Sat., Aug. 20, 11 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home. Family will be at Mitchell’s Friday evening, 7-9 p.m. and Saturday one hour prior to services. Interment, Cliffview Cemetery, Price.
Gary Edward Van Wagoner
Gary Edward Van Wagoner, 68, passed away Aug. 20, 2005. He was born Oct. 19, 1936 in Wellington to Afton and Rubelle Thompson Van Wagoner. As the fifth child of a family of ten, he learned at an early age the meaning of hard work.
At the age of 17, he joined the Air Force and served for eight years, during which time he met and married Mary June Whitt, Aug. 19, 1956. She passed away four years later.
He married Diane Russell on Nov. 5, 1966 and they made their home in Salt Lake City for a time, after which they moved to Cleveland, where Gary had been raised.
He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and simply sitting around the breakfast table, giving advice and counsel to his family and many friends that stopped by each day. Gary was a jack-of-all-trades and there was not a thing on this world he could not fix.
Gary is survived by his wife Diane of Cleveland and children; Dan of Castle Dale, Terry of Ogden, Jerry and Gary of Salt Lake and Tammy and Steve Lyons of West Jordan, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also survived by brothers David, Dan, Dale and Greg and sisters Lorraine, Helen and Judy. Preceded in death by brother Ronald and sister Virginia.
Gary leaves behind an inspiration of wisdom, honesty, friendship and caring to all those whose lives he touched.
At his request, private services will be held under the direction of Fausett Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Primary Children’s Hospital or the Utah Downs Syndrome Association.