Pelaki Latu
EAST CARBON- Pelaki “Lucky” Latu, age 49, passed away very suddenly on May 21, 2008 in Price of natural causes.
He was born Oct. 29, 1958 in Haateiho, Tongatapu, Tonga, to Fakaosi Folau and Poleo Luisa Mafi Latu.
Married Deborah Ann Robinson, Nov. 21, 1985 in Salt Lake City.
Pelaki graduated from Tonga College in Tongatapu specializing in carpentry and blue prints. He was a licensed general contractor, and he loved designing and making furniture. He was an excellent artist and a perfectionist at everything he did. He was a man of many talents and while living in Tonga he helped build the family home.
When his mother suffered a stroke Pelaki and Debbie lived in Aukland, New Zealand for a year while caring for her.
Pelaki was a friend to all, he enjoyed helping others, and he especially loved children. He enjoyed playing with and teaching Marriah, Izzy and Amberia his native language and Tongan dancing. He was very fluent and spoke Samon, Tongan, and English.
Pelaki was employed with Pacific Central Steel Fabrication since July of 2007. He was a sand blaster, and worked there until the day of his passing. He loved his job, and really liked his co-workers. He was a dedicated and hard worker, who never missed a day of work, or complained about working in the cold.
Pelaki is survived by his loving wife, Debbie, East Carbon; step-children, Leila Michelle Wilson, Hyrum, Johnnie Darty, East Carbon; three brothers and two sisters who are mostly living in New Zealand and California; grandchildren, Marriah Michelle and Izabelle Ann Darty, both of East Carbon; and many nieces, nephews and other family members living in the islands.
Pelaki will be dearly missed by everyone that knew him, especially his wife of 22 years. They were constant companions and did everything together. But now he’s with his mother, dad and brother, and someday will be with his wife again.
Ofa Lahi Kea Koe
Love you always,
Debbie (Tepi) Latu
Funeral service was held Friday, May 30, 2008, 2 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home. Family was Mitchell’s Thursday evening 6-8 p.m. and Friday one hour prior to service. Friends are welcome at Mitchell Funeral Home daily. Interment, Cliffview Cemetery, Price.
Clark DeFriez
EAST CARBON – Clark William DeFriez, age 87, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2008 due to a fatal car accident. He was born Dec. 20, 1920 to Henry William DeFriez and Beatrice Palmer in Wattis, Utah. He married VeLoye Gunderson on July 3, 1941; their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple.
Clark lived a full and happy life. He loved to teach. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he loved the gospel. He served in three bishoprics, was a member of the high council, served three missions, and held various other callings.
Clark served in World War II as a chief machinist in the Merchant Marines Service. He worked in the Carbon County coal mines, the Texas Gulf Sulphur Company in Moab for 30 years and was a builder and professional cabinetmaker.
His family loved him – and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, VeLoye; two sons: Troy Clark (Trish Meyer) DeFriez and Tim William (Karen Lee) DeFriez; three grandsons; and four granddaughters.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and son, Todd DeFriez.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the East Carbon LDS Chapel. Viewing was one hour prior to services at the church. Interment in the Ferron City Cemetery at 3 p.m.
Service in the care of Fausett Mortuary.
Toni Vigil
SUNNYSIDE-Our beautiful precious wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Toni Louise Heath Vigil returned to her Heavenly Father on May 30, 2008.
A very special gift to our family, a darling daughter born to Lloyd Allen and Genevieve Dunn Heath on March 15, 1960 in Dragerton, Utah.
Toni was raised and lived all her life in Sunnyside, she graduated from East Carbon High School.
Married her first love, Daniel Andrew Vigil, July 22, 1978 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in East Carbon. They were blessed with two incredible children. A son, Easton Daniel and daughter Hailee Jill. In her words “the greatest gift of my life.”
Toni had amazing talents and creativity that showed in every aspect of her life, creating a beautiful home and garden sanctuary. She worked hard all her life at various occupations and you could always count on her for anything. She was always there when needed to comfort, coach and cheer us on through life’s trials and accomplishments.
Toni loved and served her church in many capacities as well as serving the community as City Council Woman. She served as chairman of beautification and was passionate about beautifying Sunnyside City. Toni also enjoyed interior design, crafting, reading, camping and she was an awesome cook.
She is survived by her husband, Danny; son, Easton (Camie) Vigil, Hailee Vigil and Jerad, brothers and sisters, Gary (Mary Jo) Heath, Jack (Karen) Heath, Mike (Margaret) Heath, Carol Ann (Brett) Harvey, Barbara (Philip) Jaramillo, and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
We have been blessed by her love, taught through her example, and strengthened through her trials.
Funeral Mass, Tuesday, June 3, 2008, 12 noon, Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Vigil service Monday evening 7 p.m. at the church in East Carbon. Family will be at the church Monday and Tuesday one hour prior to services. Committal service, Valley View Cemetery, Sunnyside. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home.
Loving Mother, Loving Wife, Fallen Angel, Reclaimed Life…. By Toni.
Roger Torres
HELPER- Our loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Roger Torres, age 81 passed away peacefully May 31, 2008 at his home in Helper.
He was born May 22, 1927 in Gallina, N.M. to Fidel and Josephina Martinez Torres.
Married Rosie Carrasco May 26, 1967 in Grants, N.M.
Dad was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict. He worked as a hard rock miner and mined most of the Western U.S. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, watching wildlife and anything to do with the outdoors especially when he was with family and friends.
Roger was known by many and loved and respected by all for his gentle spirit and loving soul. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survived by his loving wife, Rosie Torres, Helper; 11 children, Robert (Sarah) Torres, West Valley; Richard Torres, Las Vegas; Joyce (Jim) Goodall, Bosque Farms, N.M.; Dorothy (Volney) Scanlon, Las Vegas; Pat Mcullough, Albuquerque, N.M.; Julie (Dave) Callahan, Grants, N.M.; Lisa (Mike) Miller, Beaverton, Ore.; Joe (Lisa) Torres, Price; Ruben Torres, Albuquerque, N.M.; Veronica (Shane) Holmes, Panama City, Fla.; Manuel (Stacey) Torres, Santaquin; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Leroy and Roger Torres.
Memorial service, Friday, June 6, 2008, 12 Noon, Price United Methodist Church, 10 North 200 East, Price. Family will be at the church one hour prior to service. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price.