We extend our love and condolences to the family and friends of our departed Classmates.

Becky Williams Thomas

May 26, 1951 - April 13, 2024

Becky Williams Thomas was born May 26, 1951, the first child of Rex Winder Williams, Jr., and Rosemary Brandley Williams. For nearly 73 years she was a loving and kind mother, child, and sister. She sadly passed away on April 13, 2024, after a brief illness. She spent her last days in the presence of friends and family.

Like the books she loved so dearly, Becky’s life was lived in chapters connected by evolving common themes.

As a child Becky was known for her appetite for the written word. She read anything and everything. She fondly related stories of her father giving her books that were, at the time, swathed in controversy. She learned crafts, cooking, and sewing from her mother. Her family fostered her desire for knowledge and splendor. She excelled as a scholar (a label that remained apt even in her final days). She was a member of the East High School Class of 1969, where she met David S. Thomas, to whom she was married for 30 years. She obtained a degree from the flagship school of higher learning in her hometown of Salt Lake City and went on to a brief career assisting patients at Primary Children’s Medical Center in the psychiatric ward. She then transitioned to motherhood where her intelligence, thirst for knowledge, and creativity shined.

Becky was a devoted mother of three. She spent the late 1970s and early 1980s traversing the streets of Los Angeles with one child held by the hand, another in a stroller, and the third on her back. Relocating back to Salt Lake City in the mid-1980s, Becky and Dave fostered a home in which each child was given the confidence and means to follow their passions, whether academic, physical, recreational, or artistic, wherever it took them. Becky raised her children knowing that each was different and boosting each accordingly. She imparted to each child a sense of possibility. On the verge of scary change, she was known to advise: “Anyone can do anything for at least a year.”

Becky employed motherhood to advance her own academic and artistic interests. She dove into her kids’ research projects and assignments, many of which might as well have borne her name when completed. She served as a modiste, designing and sewing children’s cocktail dresses and Halloween attire from whole cloth. She took her love of the written word to a different level by writing reviews of children’s books for Parent Express and becoming all too well-known at the King’s English Bookstore.

As her children grew and left home, Becky rededicated herself to scholasticism, art, and the wilderness. This last chapter is perhaps where Becky’s life took on its most complete form which, consistent with her evolved persona, led to the adoption of the new moniker “Bebe”, bestowed by her grandchildren to whom she was devoted.

Becky, in non-traditional fashion, re-enrolled at her alma mater to obtain a bachelor’s degree in English and then moved on to higher levels of academia in the fields of poetry and book arts. She was at home spending time in the atelier with her cohorts, many of whom were less aged than her own children, and who became another family. She wrote poems and fashioned the books in which they resided. She fabricated the paper, the spines, the covers, and the content. She delved into poetry. She was known to talk at length on the topic of literary constraints and the glory of La Disparition, in which Perec avoided the letter “e” in its entirety. She went so far as to rationalize not repairing a broken oven as application of constraints in cooking. She took the skills inherited from her mother to evolve from “seamstress” to “fiber artist”, creating works displayed in galleries where she was embraced by the academic and artistic relationships she so cherished. These friendships persisted to the end, providing comfort at her bedside in her final days.

In this phase, Becky also embraced the wild world. She climbed, cycled, and hiked among the redrocks near Moab and in the City of Rocks. She swam in clear cenotes and sat on beaches abroad watching birds for what seemed to be eons. She wandered the foothills in contemplation and to find the new. These exploits became a part of her and her work as she wove with native grasses and incorporated organic objects into her art. It’s no wonder that, to Becky, the Spiral Jetty reflected a near perfect expression of majesty.

Becky passed away amid her loving family and closest friends listening to readings of poetry and French existentialists. She asked her grandchildren what they were reading and what escapades were on the horizon. She passed away at dawn ensconced in the atmosphere she fostered for herself as well as others. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Becky is remembered by her children, Nate (Jinna), Abby (Rob), and Libby (Sebastien) and her grandchildren, Matilda, Stella, Otto, and Sage, each of whom embodies her spirit in different ways – the thrill of the open air, the love of books and art, and otherwise. She is also remembered by her siblings, Brooke and Terry Tempest Williams, Rex (“Joey”) and Jann Williams, Nan and Steve Hasler, and Thomas and Amy Williams.

A celebration will be held at a later date. In the meantime, in place of flowers, the family asks either that donations be made in Becky’s honor to Grow the Flow to aid the Great Salt Lake or, perhaps, people back a local emerging artist in some manner. Both are fitting ways to honor Becky's memory.

A final note: Pardon any inelegance in the foregoing. In honor of Becky’s passion, literary constraints were attempted. One certain vowel has been avoided in crafting this abridged digest of Becky’s life. This proved awkward when describing the life of a native of the Beehive State. It is, however, something that all involved agreed, is something Becky, too, might have tried, appreciated, and known to be an expression of love.

Karen B. Chamberlain

June 30, 1951 — December 24, 2023

North Salt Lake, UT

Our loving Mother and Grandmother Karen B. Chamberlain passed away on the morning of December 24, 2023, at the age of 72. She was found by her youngest child Minda Taylor, who describes her as resembling someone who laid down peacefully to take a nap, despite her odd location on the floor. This is a testament to her humorous personality, and at times quirky behavior.

She passed away in her home in the city of North Salt Lake, Utah where she spent most of her adult and mothering life. The last years of Karen's life were spent surrounded by her loving family. Karen was born to Avard W. Booth and Carol G. Porter in 1951 in Salt Lake City. She graduated from East High School in 1969 and later attended Utah State University and Stevens Henager College. At the age of 22 she married Dennis Chamberlain on March 1, 1973.  They had 3 children, Casey, Tiffany, and Minda. Dennis and Karen later separated and divorced in early 1985.

Karen was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served others selflessly, always being one of the first to volunteer for anything the ward may need. She loved to go to church every Sunday and would visit the Temple whenever she could.  Karen had many callings throughout her life and was currently serving as the Relief Society Secretary and a member of the ward Choir at the time of her passing.

She is survived by her younger brother Chadwick Booth (Ria), her three children; Casey (April) Chamberlain, Tiffany (Patrick) Welch, and Minda Taylor (Daniel Messersmith). As well as her grandchildren; Nathan, Mason, Ashton, Kaytlin, Olivia, Tanner, Kylee, and Kendra. She was also expecting her first Great-Grandchild this spring. As well as an enormous collection of people she considers family. Karen’s humor, animated story telling, and memory will live on through all those that knew and loved her.

She loved to tell the story of her childhood home in Cotton Wood and the playhouse her father built for her in their front yard. She would tell the story with great animation of her arms and long pauses filled with thought. She loved the fact that her father had hooked up water and other various features to her playhouse, adding to the realism to which she adored. She also describes the huge pine tree across from where she would play and how she remembers the upkeep her father did for the tree. Years ago, my grandma dragged me and my little sister to her old house, which is no longer in the family, and ducked under caution tape, just to peer into her old playhouse. The day she passed she was to sing in the church choir, which is something that she loved to do. Though she never made it out of her room that morning. We can all take comfort in knowing she spent her last hours getting ready for a day full of what she loved in anticipation of the coming holiday. Karen is reuniting with her mother, father, and all of those whom she loved that have passed before her. Her presence is already so deeply missed. However, her guidance and words of wisdom will remain in the hearts and minds of all that were close to her.

A viewing will be held Thursday, January 4th, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. The Funeral will be held on Friday, January 5th, 2024, at 11 a.m., with a viewing prior from 9:45-10:45 at the Orchard 13th ward located at 261 East Center Street, North Salt Lake, Utah 84054. Burial will take place at Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah 84010 following the services.

Steven Wayne Snyder 

1951-2023

Redmond, OR- Steven Wayne Snyder (Steve) passed away at home in Redmond, Oregon on November 14, 2023. Steve was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 3, 1951, to Hugh A. and Gladys Reid Snyder.

Steve attended the University of Utah but left to pursue a music career. He was also a professional musician (guitar and vocals) and played in bands for several years. Two of his bands were Louie Drambuie and 911 Emergency in Salt Lake City.

He relocated to Portland, Oregon, and performed with a country/western band, playing rhythm guitar, until he got "tired of the same 4 chords". He discontinued his music career after suffering significant hearing loss. Later Steve pursued a career as a retirement plan administrator, working for various firms right up until his death.

Steve married Patricia Mavor on 31 August 1986, in Salt Lake City, and later divorced. He married Elizabeth St. John on 31 July 1993, and later divorced.

An optimist by nature, Steve married Denese Lovaas on 20 June 1999. Steve became a husband, stepfather and step-grandfather all on that same day. Steve and Denese made their home in Bend and then Redmond, Oregon.

Steve had four stepsons, Denese's sons by a previous marriage: Tony (Thomas Anthony) Starr, Tim (Timothy Adam) Starr, Nick (Nicholas Arnold) Starr and Rick (Ricky Dean) Starr. As the saying goes, "the third time's the charm", as Steve and Denese had 25 years together loving life and each other.

Steve had the ability to make lifelong friends from grade school on and maintained those friendships throughout his life. After relocating to Oregon, Steve became an expert at white-water rafting, and ran the Deschutes River every summer.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Sharon Snyder Kamerath, a brother, Clyde Reid Snyder, and stepson, Tony.

Steve is survived by his widow, Denese Lovass Snyder and stepsons, Tim, Nick and Ricky Starr, a sister, Bobby (Barbara) Snyder Colton, and brothers Ron (Ronald) and Ken (Kenneth) Snyder. He is also survived by several grandchildren: Savannah Starr Sutfin, Jonah Starr, Micah Starr, Jonathen Starr, Emily Starr, Brenden Starr, Jaxon Starr, and Mandy Starr. He is also survived by one great-grandchild, Malaki Joseph Sutfin.

A memorial service with friends and family will be held at the family home on November 29th at 1 pm. Steve has chosen cremation, so there will be no graveside service.

Gerri Grime Allgood

Deceased April 29, 2023

William Reed Larson
1951 - 2023

Salt Lake City, UT-Bill Larson or "Dr. Bill" was a force of life. He passed away on June 14, 2023, after many years of cancer, lung disease and finally Covid. Bill was born January 31, 1951, firstborn of Reed Parkinson Larson and Lennox Adamson. He was always positive and not much could stop him. He had a sharp mind, never-ending energy, and an adventurous and generous spirit. After serving in the Japan Central mission, he met the love of his life, Robin Ririe at the University of Utah (U of U). After their temple sealing, they set out on their first adventure to Seattle, Washington for Dental training. They were a good team for 50 years.

Bill was a natural athlete, excelling in golf (hole in one at the Highland High golf tryouts), tennis, skiing, motor sports and water skiing with flawless starts and stops on the dock. Bill was also a born leader, serving at East High, the U of U, and in callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout his entire life. Bill had a firm belief in the Gospel and was a disciple of Jesus Christ, constantly ministering to those in need. He was especially dedicated to developing the youth. He served in Scouting for over 30 years, receiving the highest recognition a local council can bestow upon leaders (Silver Beaver) for shepherding dozens of young men to their Eagle rank and attending multiple national Jamborees. He was a distinguished mentor to his children's friends, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews; always providing fun and work for all! He planned the first Parley's Stake Trek in 1997, complete with a little hardship for the youth. Bill served on several boards for non-profit organizations and public-interest groups, including The Rotary Club of Salt Lake City, The Hope Alliance, and the U of U School of Music. He enjoyed his associations with his friends in Dinner Set, Great Basin Study Club, and the Newstate Duck Club.

Bill was one of a kind with candy in his pockets and always with a bag or a box with articles, jokes, and survival supplies. He never wanted to be caught waiting in a line without something to read.

Bill also served the Salt Lake City community as a dentist for over 40 years and was renowned for his integrity and dedication to his trade. He was a compassionate professional, regularly treating those in need while discreetly refusing compensation. He taught at the University of Utah Dental school for 10 years-beginning with the first incoming class-and loved passing on his knowledge of Dentistry and his motto, "the patient is first." He was always interested in the students' personal lives and development, offering genuine guidance and counsel beyond the classroom.

His retirement found him at his computer, making and losing money in equal measure. In 2012, he developed a passion for the sky and completed airplane pilot training with his loyal co-pilot (Cooper the dog, complete with headphones) and navigator, Robin (who may or may not have been biting her nails during some of their expeditions). Bill loved being airborne as much as he loved being on the lake. Family time almost always involved adventures on the water; troubleshooting houseboat repairs at Lake Powell or directing cabin improvements at Bear lake.

Through silver skies and over silver waters, Bill was always gliding.

Bill and Robin are the parents of 6 amazing children and their amazing spouses: Russell (Lisa), Scott (Gina), Katharine Lee (Scott), Graham (Carly), Ellen Bush (Gabe), Preston (Natalie) and 17 grandchildren with 2 more on the way. Siblings Brent Larson (Mary) and Eric Larson (Lori). Preceded in death by his sister Ann DeMill and his parents.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 23 at Parley's 3rd Ward, 2615 E Stringham Ave. Family and friends are welcome Thursday, June 22nd, 6-8 p.m. and on Friday, 9:30 -10:30 before the funeral. You may watch the service online through Zoom using the following Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83557905337

You must be logged into your Zoom account to be able to watch the service. To create a free account, please visit www.Zoom.us.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the University of Utah Dental School, Hope Alliance, the Rotary Club of Salt Lake City, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Fund.