Thursday, January 26, 2017

Irene McGee Despain 1925-2017

Irene McGee Despain is my dad's older sister.  First child of grandpa's second family.


Irene McGee Despaiin

St. George

Irene McGee Despain, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away the morning of Wednesday, January 25, 2017 in St. George, Utah at the age of 91.

Irene lived a long life of dedication to her family and the LDS Church. She was known as a fastidious homemaker and seamstress, a loyal friend with a subtle yet sharp sense of humor, and a dedicated and faithful member of her church, serving in countless callings.

Irene was born in St. George, Utah on February 20, 1925 to Ross and Elsie Gifford McGee. When she was three years old her family moved to Draper, and at the age of 13, moved to Granite, Utah.

It was while living in Granite that she met Ward, the love of her life, at the old LDS church. Their life together was a classic love story. Legend has it Ward arrived a little late to sacrament meeting that fateful day, saw Irene's beautiful red hair shining in the sunlight near the front of the chapel, and declared that she was the girl he was going to marry someday—without having yet seen her face.

Ward and Irene were married toward the end of her senior year in high school and were inseparable from that day forward, only spending time apart when Ward served in World War II. As Ward struggled with Alzheimer's during the last years of his life, Irene stayed dedicatedly by his side, caring for him even as she struggled with her own health.

During nearly 70 years of marriage together, Irene and Ward shared many wonderful adventures, most of which were centered diligently on their church service. They were tour guides for large groups in the Middle East and Europe, as well as a LDS Church history tour through the Eastern United States.

They moved several times for educational and career pursuits while raising their young family and finally settled in St. George where they would call home for almost 50 years.

They left their home for Hilo, Hawaii from 1983 to 1987 for four wonderful years of service until Ward retired from the LDS Church Education System. When they returned to St. George, they continued their church service for another 15 years as temple workers, a period of time that they cherished and made many new friends.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann (Terry) Blackburn and her two sons: Steven (Evelyn) and David (Shelly); sixteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd. St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Saturday, prior to services, from 1:00-1:45 p.m. Interment will be at the St. George City Cemetery.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Lloyd R McGee 1926-2017

Obituary on Legacy.com



BRIGHAM CITY—Lloyd Ross McGee, 90, passed away with his family by his side on January 7, 2017.
He was born on October 18, 1926 in St George, Utah to Ross Solon McGee and Elsie Gifford McGee.
Lloyd served in the Army from 1945 to 1948 and was stationed in Germany. He attended the University of Utah where he received a PHD in Chemistry and worked at Thiokol.
He married Marna Maynes on January 17, 1952 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They shared almost 65 years together. Lloyd and Marna moved their young family to Wilmington, Delaware for three years, then returned to Utah in 1959.
Lloyd was an active member of the LDS church, and faithfully served in many callings. He served a temple mission at the St. Louis temple, a Senior Couple mission to Boston, Massachusetts, he served in the Bishopric, High Council, and served for 20 years as an ordinance worker in the Ogden Temple and also in the Brigham City Temple. 
His interests were his family. He was active in scouting and as a Young Men Leader for his 4 sons. The children are widely scattered and he and Marna traveled often to visit the grandkids on their special occasions including a baby blessing at a Coast Guard Light House in Washington State and baptisms in Delaware, Florida, North Dakota, California and Alaska.
Lloyd enjoyed serving with the Brigham City Soup Kitchen in cooperation with the wider Brigham City community. He also substituted as a Meals on Wheels driver. He invested in his kids by getting them paper routes which he then helped deliver. He was a scientist who had a deep innate faith in God and he lived his life consistent with his faith.
Surviving are his sweetheart, Marna; his children, Larry (Michele) McGee, Pacifica, CA; James (Carla) McGee, Neola, UT; Linda (Dave) Anderton, Palmer, AK; John (Julie) McGee, Riverside, CA; Robert (Rachel) McGee, West Jordan, UT; Patti (Frank) Kasten, Phoenix, AZ; Heidi (Monty) Pickrell, Ogden, UT. Thirty grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Sisters Irene Despain; Colleen (Fred) Maynes; and Myrna (Kale) Smith. 
Preceded in death by his parents, brother LaRaine, and sister Leola, daughter Karen, and two grandsons Clarence and Derek.
Funeral services will be Friday, January 13, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Box Elder Stake Center, 420 South 800 West, Brigham City, Utah. 
Viewings will be Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Myers Mortuary, 205 South 100 East, Brigham City, UT and Friday from 10:00 to 10:40 am at the Church.
Interment will be in the Brigham City Cemetery with Military Honors Accorded by Combined Veterans.

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So much was left unsaid. To those reading this, please add a memory. From my Dad and Mom I learned to love the Lord. Dad was my example and when faced with major decisions, the question 'what would Dad do?' was always a good place to start. I was blessed to be there when he passed from this life. I have his example of being well-prepared to move on. He had full confidence that life is eternal and approached that transition with joy and some excitement, moderated by his love for those he leaves behind. He fully accepted the Grace of Jesus Christ in his life. His service in the Church and community came from his love and gratitude to God and his Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks Dad for these last examples that I'll use when I consider 'What would Dad do?'