Melba Ann Park Jensen
1928-2021

Melba Ann Park Jensen, 92, passed away the morning of February 3, 2021 at the Central Valley Medical Center. Melba was born April 23, 1928 in Nephi, Utah to Stanzius Passey Park and Nellie Fern Lunt. She was raised in Nephi where she attended school graduating from Juab Seminary in 1945 and Juab High School in 1946. After graduation she went to work for Allen’s Cash Grocery Store where she worked for 3 years. She then went to work for The Commercial Bank of Utah which later became First Security Bank then Wells Fargo. She worked there for 55 years retiring in 2004.

She married Elbert Orrin Jensen September 6, 1957 in the Manti LDS temple. They were married for 46 years until Elbert’s passing in 2003

She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holding various positions. She served as Mia Maid leader for 10 years earning the Leader’s Award each year. She taught Sunday School for a few years before being called as the first librarian in the Nephi 7th ward, a position she would hold for more than 20 years.

Melba loved sports and would closely follow her three favorite teams: the Utah Jazz, the BYU Cougars, and the Juab Wasps. Some of her favorite memories came from watching her many nieces and nephews compete. It didn’t matter which sport, if her family was playing she was cheering.

She was preceded in death by her husband Elbert Orrin Jensen; father Stanzius Passey Park, mother Nellie Fern Lunt; brothers: Kenneth (Eva), Neil (Ann), Boyd (Thearl), sisters DeNee (Ray Stephenson), Daphne, Sharon (Michael Smith). She is survived by countless nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 9th at 11:00 am in the Nephi 7th Ward LDS Chapel (222 South 100 East Nephi, Utah). Interment will be at the Nephi City Cemetery.

Eugene Martinez
1955 ~ 2021

Eugene Mark Martinez (Mark) was born on March 20, 1955 in Durango, Colorado. He was the only son of Leo and Josephine Martinez. He married the love of his life Tammy Martinez on October 9, 1974 at the age of nineteen. They share a love that has endured for over forty-six years. Together they share four children: Virginia, Marcos, Joshua and Lacey. He also has a son Jamie Estes whom he was united with in September 2017. Later in life Mark and Tammy adopted seven of their grandchildren: Joshua, Andy, Colton, Zachary, Taizha, Jimmy and Makenzi.

His greatest loves were his wife, children, grandchildren and great-children. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, riding ATV's, and motorcycles. He is known for his infectious smile, his unconditional love, and acceptance of others, and his humor.

Mark served in the Army and spent most of his working life as a truck driver and equipment operator. He and Tammy also served as camp hosts for the US Forest Service. He had a love of animals, especially horses, and dogs. He always had a dog by his side and shared that they always brought him joy, comfort and companionship.

He will be missed by all those who ever met him. He has been reunited with his Mother and Father who he has never stopped missing. He has also been reunited with his infant grandsons, Zion Everest and Jackson Leo. He is survived by his wife Tammy Martinez, his children: Jamie Estes (Sabrina), Virginia Warner (Jackson), Marcos Martinez (Floralyn), Joshua Martinez (Carolyn), Lacey Evans (Tyler), Joshua Martinez (Toni), Andy Martinez (Shelly), Colton Martinez (Hailey) Zachary Martinez (Sammy), Taizha Martinez (Travis), Jimmy Martinez, Makenzi Martinez. He is also survived by his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his four sisters: Evelyn, Virginia, Leora, Janice, and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. 

A graveside service will be held on February 12, 2021 at 2pm at East Lawn Memorial under the care of Rasmussen Mortuary.

Harry Sherill Newell
1939 ~ 2021

Harry Sherrill Newell (Shorts), age 81, of Mona passed away February 4, 2021 as a result of medical conditions incident to old age. He passed comfortably in his own home.

He was born in Mona, Utah to Harry K and Shirley Ellertson Newell. His family is blessed with warm memories of a man who loved to hunt, fish and work the farm. He spent many happy days with his wife and children engaged in these activities.

Sherrill grew up in Mona and graduated from Juab High School. In his graduating class there were 52 students, as in a deck of cards. His classmates labeled Sherrill the “joker.” He bragged on his hometown to friends and acquaintances whenever the opportunity presented itself. If you knew Harry, then you also knew that Mona had the best hunting, the tastiest potatoes, the sweetest corn and the most refreshing water that you could ever drink. He made his career and home in Salt Lake but his heart was always close to his hometown and the family farm.

Harry was dedicated to his career and was a highly skilled and experienced optician. He was integral to introducing the concept of “60 minute” eyeglass service in Utah. After a career lasting 42 years in the optical business, he was proud to say that he “never missed a single paycheck.”

Harry liked to break out with a big toothy grin and quick two-step whenever the attention was turned to him. The Western Two Step served him well as he danced his way into his wife Celia’s heart. His life is best characterized by the service he rendered and his desire to please those whom he loved and respected. He faithfully served God, his community and his family. He was a big cheesy romantic with a cheerful, genuine and kind demeanor that is desperately missed by those he leaves behind.

Harry is survived by his wife Celia C. Newell and five children: Tim (Karen) Newell of Nephi, Norman Todd Newell of Herriman, Kimmerle Newell Mason of Washington, Billy (Ann) Woolslayer of Nephi, Shane (Stephanie) Woolslayer of Mona. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; brother, Thomas M. Newell of Mona; sister-in-law, Marolyn Newell of Mona; and first wife: Kathleen Kimmerle Redd.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Shirley; brother, Day Leroy; sister, Teresa Dee Jacobsen and granddaughter Shayna Kimmerle Mason.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the following: Dr. James Besendorfer for years of special care; Julieann Parkin, our hospice angel disguised in scrubs, for her exceptionally warm and compassionate care shown to Harry and his family; Stewart Clark for his humble, stalwart and selfless sacrifice to support his sister and the family with anything asked of him.

A family funeral service will be held Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Mona 1st Ward Chapel (65 East 100 North) with a public viewing Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Anderson Funeral Home (94 West 300 North). Interment at Mona City Cemetery. There will be a live stream of Harry’s funeral service on YouTube, search “Harry Newell’s Funeral”. Please wear masks and social distance.

Verl Thomas
1937 ~ 2021

Former Nephi resident Verl Clifford Thomas, 83, died January 26th, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona.

Verl was born May 20, 1937 in Goshen, Utah, to Verl L. and Mable Thomas. He was the oldest of 4 sons and grew up on the family farm.

Mr. Thomas volunteered for many years for the Nephi County Extension Office teaching leathercraft and helped with the Juab County Fair annually. He and his wife, Shirley, married on December 17, 2009 blending their families. In 2019 they moved to Washington, Utah as he required a lower elevation due to chronic medical conditions from his many years working in the uranium mines. Verl was a retired Federal Mine Inspector.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children: Kerri (Ray), Bruce (Kathy) and Lori. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren (which all lovingly called him “Grandpa-Great”) and 4 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his blended family children: Kim (Shane), Sherrie (Shane), Josh (Jennifer), Shawn (Kelsey) and Kenny (Emily). Verl also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Verls is also survived by two brothers, Paul (Lisa) and Grant (Martina), and sister-in-law Ruth, and many extended family members and close friends. He will truly be missed by each and every one.

Verl was preceded in death by his parents, wife; SuzAnne, a son and daughter; Tracy and Arlene, brother; Richard, and two great-granddaughters and most recently a great-grandson.

Graveside services were held on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 11:30 am at the Goshen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a charitable contribution be made to the charity of your choice.