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Show The Ogden Valley News Page 6 Volume XXX Issue XI August 15, 2023 Announcements Happy 80th Birthdays Luana Creamer Middleton Luana Middleton Luana Creamer Middleton, or “Lu,” as she is affectionately referred to, has reached the milestone of 80 years young! Family and friends would like to invite you to a shindig in her honor! Put on your jeans, hats, and boots, saddle up, and join us for a rip-roaring good time, Saturday, September 23, 2023, from noon to about 4:00 p.m. at: The Smith Family Park Pavilion, #2 2500 W. 4000 N. Farr West, Utah Penny Ogle Penny Michelle Bunce was born August 9 , 1943 in San Bernardino, California to Lyle and Ellen Bunce. She grew up in the orange groves and neighborhoods of southern California, started dancing at the age of two, and took care of her little brother Dale and Penny Ogle sister Elyse. She graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1961 where she was a cheerleader and active in her school’s theatre program. She continued dancing and modeling and was a finalist in the Miss Rialto Pageant. Penny met Gilbert Ogle at church camp, and he became her Chemistry tutor. They married in October 1961 and built their family of four children: Michelle, Melissa, Damon, and Derek. She was an amazing stay-at-home-mom, dedicating most of her time to creating a fun and loving home on a shoestring budget. The Ogle family moved from California where she had grown up, to Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. for nine years, then to Butte, Montana where they lived in Evel Knievel’s house; then to Irvine, California; Grass Valley, California; and finally Eden, Utah where she lives now. Penny is the ultimate mom. She made homemade clothes, cooked everything from scratch— including her famous burrito beans that everyone requested for special meals. She volunteered as youth group leader, choreographer for sixthgrade operettas, seamstress for anyone, soccer coach, and chaperone for beach week. She created costumes, made officer election posters and “buttons,” put together after-prom dinners, and attended every football game— whether it was to watch the cheerleaders or the players or the trainers. She typed papers, she drove us to our softball and soccer games, and nursed our fevers and scrapes and knocked out teeth. She created magical holidays with traditions we carry on with our families. She led us in singalongs on road trips, made us epic Barbie houses under our dad’s workbench, and took us to our favorite concerts. Even though we never had excess money, we kids somehow always got what we needed when it came to uniforms, team fees, or school extras. She attended George Mason University, starting when Derek, her youngest, started full-day first grade and graduated the same month her oldest, Shelly, graduated high school in 1982. Penny earned her BS in Business Management 37 To know Lu is to love her. Many cherish her friendship and appreciate that she is always available to lend a helping hand. She has a special place in her heart for all animals great and small, and has rescued many, providing love, food, rehabilitation, and shelter for them. Lu has enjoyed being a school crossing guard for 15 years and is fond of the children who cross daily. Over the years, she has listened to many sad tales, helped with those being bullied, and put Band-Aids on “owies.” She loves each child and is sad when they move on to junior high. Lu cherishes her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and over the years has worked as a den leader and primary teacher, and has been involved in the music for her ward. She is the 5th of her 14 siblings to celebrate their 80th birthday! All five are still kickin’, just a bit slower than in days past. We hope that you can join us to celebrate Lu and, per her request, “no gifts please!” while being a mom and wife. She worked in Hotel Event Sales, managed Temp Services, was the Human Resources Manager at Law-Crandall, and ran the Art Chateau in Butte. She moved to Eden to help John and Melissa Lewis start Lewis Homes, Inc. and helped get it organized and off the ground. She helped open and manage the Red Moose Lodge here in Eden and then worked for the Weber and Davis County Medical Society and then for Dynacycle where she managed sales and the recycling of refrigerants. Her greatest heartbreak was the loss of her youngest son, Derek, when he was 36. She has carried on and always shares her sweet and cherished memories of him. She was a caring daughter to her mother Ellen Eden, who she lovingly helped in her last years—dancing in the kitchen and handing down her beloved recipes. She recently lost her little brother Dale to dementia. She and her little sister (ten years younger) Elyse share a special bond and friendship. Penny is grandma to eight-plus grandchildren: John Michael, Jacob, Julianne, and Jessica Lewis (Eden, Utah); Elisabeth, Kimberley, and Christine Zak (Palos Verdes, California); Avery Ogle (Eden, Utah); and Rebekah Adams (New Zealand). She also has four bonus grandchildren: Lou, Delaney, Ian, and Dane MacGreggor, brought into our family when Amy married Damon Ogle. She is an attentive, fun, and loving grandmother. She was a favorite babysitter, adoring audience member, laundry goddess (rescuing stained and soiled beloved clothing), and creator of Jedi capes, Little Red Riding Hood ensembles, custom dresses for performances, and so many other costumes upon request. She will drop everything to whip up some Swedish pancakes or French toast for anyone who sits at her table. She volunteered at Valley Elementary, drove grandkids when needed, and went on road trips with kids or grandkids. Gil and Penny live in Fairway Oaks in Eden, and they adore their neighbors and friends. She is always up to hosting a tea or party to welcome new people, or to say farewell to those moving. She has planned neighborhood socials, parades, and costume contests. She loves to be with people and people love her. She is willing to dance with anyone at any time. Happy Birthday to this amazing mom, grandma, sister, daughter, and neighbor. Love, Melissa, John, John Michael, Jacob, Julianne, and Jessica Lewis (Eden); Shelly, Bill, Elisabeth, Kimberley, and Christine Zak (Palos Verdes, California); Damon, Amy, and Avery Ogle (Eden); Lou, Delaney, Ian, and Dane McGreggor (Utah); and Rebekah and Kelley-Ann Adams (New Zealand). Come join us for dinner! Welcome Back to School! For a complete menu go to www.timbermine.com Mouth of Ogden Canyon 1701 Park Blvd. Ogden 801-393-2155 Open Tues-Thurs. 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 4:30 - 9:00 p.m. Closed Sun. & Mon. CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE Obituaries Lila Gay Felt McKay January 24, 1931 ~ July 26, 2023 Lila Gay Felt McKay, 92, of Twin Falls, received her wings July 26, 2023 and returned to her Heavenly Father to have a grand reunion with her husband Leon and all her siblings. Gay was number five of eight girls born to J. Earl and Myrtle Felt in Huntsville, Utah on January 24, 1931. Gay was always an adventurous soul. And loved to explore and be her dad’s helper on the farm, especially with the animals. She had a soft spot with all animals except snakes and spiders. Gay was musically inclined playing the violin, piano, and having a beautiful voice. Gay was also an accomplished ballroom dancer and performed in many shows in her younger years. She actually met her husband Calvin Leon McKay at a New Year’s dance when she was 15. Gay graduated from Weber High and Weber College with a two-year certificate in music. She worked at the Weber library, a grocery outlet, and a bank in Ogden. After Leon returned from his tour in the Korean War, they were married in the Latterday Saint temple in Salt Lake City on October 22, 1953. They moved to Hayward, California where they worked and started their family. In 1956, they moved to Idaho and became farmers. They had farms in Kuna, Caldwell, Wilder, and Fairfield and settled in Jerome in 1972. Mom was Leon’s right-hand man. She worked right alongside him in the fields, milking cows, and doing many other tasks all while taking care of her family, cooking three meals a day, and keeping an immaculate house. She was the first to rise and the last to go to bed. Mom had an active life on the ranch being kicked by cattle, bucked off horses and even experiencing motorcycle accidents. Her first broken bone didn’t happen until she was 92. Gay and Leon retired to city life in Twin Falls in 1988. Gay lost her husband, Leon, just short of 40 Scott Walter Ballif Scott Walter Ballif quietly slipped away from this earth on Saturday, July 29, 2023. His last week on earth was spent surrounded by his four children, their families, as well as other close friends. For years, Scott had valiantly fought against the effects brought on by dementia, and even in Scott Ballif this challenging stage of his life made new friends, was a favorite of aides and nurses at Lotus Park Care Center and continued to love and support his ever-growing family. Scott was born December 8, 1935 to Mark Squires and Edna Dixon Ballif. He was the third of three children, with an older brother and friend Mark Dixon Ballif and his sweet older sister Barbara Wade, who he adored his whole life. Scott was born into a family who loved sports. Scott spent his childhood chasing around the neighborhood of North Ogden, a house and area he would hold dear to his heart throughout his life. With a father as a coach, Scott excelled at many sports as a youngster. A self-described shy child, Scott found his comfort on the ballfield and basketball court. No doubt, he spent many a day involved in neighborhood games. As he approached high school age, he chose to follow his dad Mark to Ogden High School, rather than attend Weber High School, where his sister Barbara attended. Little did he know, but along with many athletic successes he’d have, this move would have an even bigger impact on his life. This is where he’d meet the love of his life, and the two of them would become an amazing team. High school sweethearts, Scott and Sherma would be best friends from that point on, becoming almost inseparable. Scott was a great athlete at Ogden High, earning eleven varsity letters during his three years, along with being awarded the “Gold Watch.” He loved telling the story about his sophomore year. The basketball team, coached by his dad Mark, was playing in the state tournament. Frustrated by the team’s performance early in the first game, Mark yelled for Ballif to report in. Scott hadn’t played much in many games, but went in and scored sixteen points, though he was scared to death. He ended up making the all-tournament honorable mention team. He also proudly told stories of playing quarterback in the “old single wing offense” as he’d call it. With no face masks, and handling the ball every play, he’d have a scab on his nose the whole football season. He spoke highly of his high school years and talked often of the many close friends made during high school. Some of these remained good friends right up until the day he died. Following high school, Scott headed to BYU to play football, having earned an athletic scholarship. His college career ended after his freshman year due to some injuries sustained during the season. He remained a BYU fan for the rest of his life, often referring to BYU as simply the “BY”, or the “Y”. Sherma and Scott were married June 6, 1956. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple. They would move from Provo to Logan, and both Scott and Sherma attended and graduated from Utah State University, both in Physical Education. Scott got his first careerrelated job at Wahlquist Jr. High, where he taught P.E. and Math, as well as other subjects. He then moved on to Bonneville High, where he continued to teach and coach. Basketball became his true passion, and he coached many years at Bonneville. He loved his time as a coach, but knew it wasn’t a great years of marriage in 1993. Mom always loved to go on adventures and see where a road would take you. After Leon passed, she was able to go to Israel, Hawaii, on an Alaskan cruise, and on many other trips with her sister Alice and her friend Irene. She had many road trips with her daughters JoAnna and Stacy, exploring the Wild West. She was also fond of going to the cabin in Island Park. She loved her weekly drives with Stacy and other family members when they could go, especially the ice cream stops in Shoshone at the Snack Bar. The last couple of years her memory was failing, so anywhere she went was a new adventure. Mom was the Uno Queen. She could play for hours, and she would win 80 percent of the games. Even her great-grandson Jaxon would play with her giving her a few tips when she would forget in the last few years. Gay loved being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony of her Savior Jesus Christ. She held many positions, but her favorite was stake dance director and teaching the children songs about Jesus in Primary. Gay was a member of the Wild Bunch and enjoyed her association with these sweet women for the last 25 years, especially her dear friend and neighbor Irene. Mom would say her kids may be loud and rough around the edges, but they were all kind, loving, successful individuals and treated her well. She felt that she must have done something right. Gay was a beloved mother to her five children: JoAnna (Aaron) Rhoades of Orem, Utah; Kevin (Julie) McKay; Rodney (girlfriend, Connie,) McKay, Bryan (Shawna) McKay all of Jerome, Idaho; and Stacy McKay of Twin Falls, Idaho; along with 11 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great-greatgranddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon; parents; seven sisters; and two great-grandsons. Mom was a great example of hard work, patience, forgiveness, love, and gratitude to all those around her. An emptiness will be felt in our lives, and she will be greatly missed. We would like to offer a special thanks to all those who took care of her at DeSano Place Village in Jerome and Auburn Crest Hospice. A visitation was held Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave., Jerome, Idaho. A graveside service was held at Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at the Huntsville Cemetery, Huntsville, Utah. We love you, Mom; till we meet again. Condolences may be shared at farnsworthmortuary.com/obituaries/lila-mckay. living. Along the way, he took a break from coaching/teaching for two years, during which time he helped his brother Mark build Patio Springs Golf Course, later changed to Wolf Creek Golf Course. He soon returned to coaching, and with the advice of a close friend, started on a path to administration. For one year, Scott served as an assistant principal at Bonneville and still coached. He then moved on to Roy High where he served as an assistant principal. That was followed by several years as principal at South Ogden Jr. High, Valley School, and finally found his real niche as an elementary principal, finishing out his career at Plain City Elementary. He loved these young kids, and was often seen playing basketball, kickball, dodgeball, and just about any game they were playing. He loved listening to the kids singing songs in the lunchroom, and would lead them often in many patriotic songs and other popular hits, his favorites being “Angels Among Us,” by Alabama, and “God Bless the USA,” by Lee Greenwood. A highlight of his last year was when on his last day the students sang to him as he prepared to leave. Scott truly loved kids and made many great friends throughout his years in the various schools. Following his career, Scott enjoyed his free time very much. He spent most of those days in search of fish in beautiful lakes and rivers, chasing golf balls at local golf courses, and taking many trips with his sweetheart “Shermie” to the family cabin near Jackson Hole. Family trips were one of Scott’s favorite things to do, and he would drop everything and anything to hook up the camper and boat, throw some food in, and head out. These were great times for him and his family. He also loved woodworking, and built many wonderful things, his specialty being birdhouses, that he gave to many people. Scott was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved serving in many callings, but his favorite by far would be when he and Sherma had the chance to serve as Mission President in the Oregon-Portland Mission. After that amazing experience, he again had a wonderful opportunity to serve. He was called to serve as MTC President in Auckland, New Zealand. They met wonderful people and missionaries during these years. Oregon and New Zealand held a special place in his heart. Scott and Sherma were the proud parents of four children, Becky (Vern) Garner, Brian (Jann) Ballif, Debbie (Don) Quinton, and Bryce (Pam) Ballif. They were also blessed with fifteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Scott’s grandkids loved playing games with him, and he often blended in as what Sherma called, “a great big kid.” Scott is survived by his sister, Barbara Wade; in-laws Paul and Joan Nixon; and sister-in-law Kay Ballif. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mark D.; and in-laws Deb and Catharine Craven; sister-in-law Peggy Doughty; and brotherin-law Blaine Wade. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Lotus Park Care Center, as well as the A+ Hospice team, who have cared for him for the past eight years. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery, North Ogden. Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Scott’s obituary page at lindquistmortuary. com, where condolences may also be shared. |