http://www.blackburnvernalmortuary.com/

Blackburn Vernal Mortuary, 15 E 100 N, Vernal, UT (2026)

03/29/2026

Christine Y Smith
July 12, 1951 — March 27, 2026
Vernal

Christine Y Smith, 75, passed away peacefully in the company of her husband George and two granddaughters, Molly and Megan, on March 27, 2026, after a long fight with COPD and Dementia. Her struggle has ended, and she is at peace.

Christine was born on July 12, 1951, in Midland, Texas, to Alvin and Josephine Ebright. She married the love of her life, George A Smith Jr on December 19, 1976; and, together, they built a life centered on family, service, and community.

Christine was deeply committed to giving back and was actively involved in numerous organizations throughout her life including the Boy Scouts of America, Trees for Charity, Relay for Life, and the Uintah Arts Council. She was also a devoted member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, where she held many offices including serving as Seneschal of her local branch. In recognition of her dedication and service, she was honored with a Golden Pillar award and named a Baroness of Artemisia.

Christine found joy in many hobbies, including horseback riding, photography, genealogy, and rapier (sword) fighting. Above all, she cherished her family and especially treasured her time with her grandchildren.

Christine will be remembered as a kind and loving woman who believed deeply in serving others and strengthening her community. Her warmth and generosity touched the lives of many including those who came to know her as an “adopted mom.”

Christine is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Josephine Ebright.

She is survived by her loving husband, George A Smith Jr.; her brother, Joel Ebright; her sons, Anthony (Marvin) R Smith & significant other Laura Mobley, Daniel L Smith and significant other Heather Schurz; her eight grandchildren, Dane S Smith, Molly R Smith, Megan L Smith, Tim Mobley, Missy Mobley, Evelyn Schurz, Sam Schurz, and Gabe Schurz; one great-grandchild, Conner Mobley, plus two adopted daughters, Olivia Smith and Heather Sizemore.

Her legacy of love, service, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew her.

Funeral Services for Christine will be conducted Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 11 AM at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with a viewing 9:30-11 AM prior to services.

Burial will be in the Rock Point Cemetery.

03/26/2026

Perry V Johnson
December 4, 1946 — March 25, 2026
Vernal

Our wonderful, loving father, Perry Venil Johnson, completed his mortal journey on March 25, 2026, returning to the arms of his sweetheart where he has longed to be for almost 4 years. A day, maybe not even a minute, went by that she was not at the forefront of his thoughts and in his heart. He came into this mortal world on December 4, 1946 to Gae Rose Johnson and Venil P Johnson in Vernal, UT. Until high school he grew up in Roosevelt, UT getting into all kinds of boyhood mischief. Then his family moved to Vernal where they conveniently moved in across the street from his soon to be high school sweetheart, Sharon Zufelt and her family. He attended Uintah High School, graduating as part of the 1965 class. After serving two years in the North Western States mission, he came home and married his thankfully still available, Sharon on June 7, 1968. Perry and Sharon brought 3 amazing children into the world, Camille, Andy, and Amanda. They were the focus and joy of their lives. After they were married they lived in Logan while Perry completed his bachelor's degree (and several years later his Masters) at Utah State University and remained a loyal alumist for the rest of his life. Go Aggies! After graduating from USU they relocated to Tinywood Village in Sandy, UT where Camille and Andy were born. While there, he taught at Midvale Jr. High teaching shop and a plastics class for several years. The next move was to Kearns where Amanda was born. Perry then took a job at Alta High School where he taught drafting and AutoCAD. His next career move, in 1992, took his family to Gardnerville. NV where he accepted a position as a college professor teaching AutoCAD at Western Nevada Community College in Carson City. He really enjoyed teaching college, saying he felt like he had retired after teaching highschoolers for about 15 years. After retiring from WNCC, and as empty nesters, they moved to Vernal to be closer to and to assist their aging parents.Perry was a card carrying member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His testimony and love of the Savior burned bright and he enjoyed serving in various callings such as Bishop, High Priest Group Leader, High Councilor, and scouts. But as a natural born teacher, his favorite calling by far was being a Gospel Doctrine teacher. Perry's love of teaching carried over into the home as he and Sharon taught the principles of the gospel to their children and created an environment where they knew they were loved. And following the example of Book of Mormon prophets, he taught us kids to love each other as well so we could grow up to be friends.Perry and Sharon longed to serve a mission after retirement, but their mission became taking care of their aging parents and serving for several years in the Vernal Temple, a calling they both treasured, loved and where they could still serve the Lord together. Something else Perry and Sharon loved to do together was going on motorcycle trips. They would take off for days traveling though Jackson Hole, the Tetons, Yellowstone, and up the California coast through the Redwoods, Oregon, and Washington stopping at every lighthouse along the way. Other hobbies that Perry loved involved spending time in his beloved shop. Whether turning pens, building wooden cars, tinkering, fixing, organizing, or dreaming of future projects he'd seen in woodworking/pen magazines, that was his happy place.Perry is survived by his children Camille (Todd) Griffith, Magna; Andy (Ann) Johnson, Silver Springs, NV; and Amanda (Brad) Buehner, North Salt Lake; 8 Grandchildren; Brothers Darwin Johnson, Paul (Jacque) Johnson, Erik (Kaleen) Johnson, and Paul (Lori) Loman and many other family members.Perry was preceded in death by his sweet wife, Sharon, parents Venil and Gae Johnson, mother and father in-law Margret and Cliff Zufelt, sisters in-law Marcie Johnson and Carol Bodily, brother in-law Larry Allred, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11:00 m at the Maeser Stake Center, 2745 W 1000 N, Vernal, UT under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. There will be a viewing Thursday 6-8pm at the Blackburn Vernal mortuary and Saturday 9:45am prior to services at the chapel. Internment will be at the Maeser Fairview Cemetery, Vernal.The family wishes to express their great gratitude and love to the family members living nearby, the Maeser 7th ward family, and amazing neighbors that have been an incredible support system to him over the years. We are also grateful for the loving care provided by Canyon Home Care.

03/25/2026

Brian Levi Lewis
March 26, 1982 — March 21, 2026
Rangely

A private family viewing will be held, followed by cremation.

03/21/2026

Harry Miyoshi
May 31, 1931 — March 15, 2026
Maeser/ Denver

Harry Y. Miyoshi, 95, beloved father and uncle, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026 in Adara Living in Broomfield, Colorado. He was born on May 31, 1931 in Atwood, Colorado to the late Hirokichi and Kiju (Yamash*ta) Miyoshi, the seventh of eight children.

Harry graduated from Sterling High School in 1949. After graduation he continued farmwork with his family in Hillrose, Colorado, until he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Japan during the Korean War. While in Japan he met and fell in love with his future bride, Mitsuko (Mitzi) Miyoshi (née Miyata). They remained happily married for ___ years until her death in 2017.

Upon Harry’s return to the U.S. after his discharge from the Army, he and Mitzi briefly moved to Hillrose, Colorado before relocating to Glendive, Montana where Harry worked for Halliburton as the chief dispatcher sending trucks and crew into the oil fields. In 1964 they welcomed their two-year-old adopted nephew, Noriyuki Miyata, the son of Mitzi’s brother and sister-in-law into their home. His name was changed to Dana Miyoshi.

Later Harry applied for a transfer within Halliburton to Vernal, Utah where he and Mitzi lived for 25 years. During this time, Harry was very active in the local chapter of American Legion and was very proud of his support in securing the installation of a decommissioned Cobra AH-1 helicopter in Vernal. In 2012, Harry and Mitzi moved back to Colorado.

Harry was always positive and upbeat and his presence uplifted all who met him. He enjoyed trips to Black Hawk just as much as his many card games with his siblings in the basement of the home of his brother, Richard (Dick) Miyoshi. When he worked for the Maeser Water District, he made sure to write personal notes on the bills he sent out to their customers, which brought smiles to the faces of those who received them.

Mitzi and Harry moved to Westminster, Colorado to be closer to family. Harry was devoted to Mitzi visiting her every day in the nursing home when he could no longer take care of her in their apartment. He was a favorite visitor volunteering in various activities to brighten the day of the residents with his jovial demeanor. After Mitzi’s passing, Harry’s health began to decline and he was a resident of a series of facilities starting with Ralston Creek Senior Living transitioning to Kipling Meadows and finally to Adara Living. At each stop he was one of its most popular residents enjoying line dancing for as long as he could and making new friends in his nineties.

Harry is survived by his son, Dana Miyoshi and his wife, Loren Stephens of Los Angeles, California, and five nephews and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife and was the last surviving member of his seven siblings.

Honors for Harry will be posted Saturday, March 21, at 3 pm at the Military Plaza ( by the helicopter) at the Uintah county Building

03/17/2026

JC Emma Slaugh
June 6, 1996 — March 15, 2026
Dutch John

JC Emma Slaugh left her earthly home to be with her beloved daughter on Sunday. March 15, 2026.

JC was the loving daughter of Wesley Scott Slaugh and Jackie Lee Bartels, born June 6, 1996, in Craig, CO. She was named after her grandpa, J Charles Brewer. Her parents later divorced, and she gained six step- and half-brothers, a stepsister, and several sisters- and brothers-in-law who all loved her very much.

JC was met with a lot of hardships that she always overcame no matter how hard they proved to be. She graduated from Sanpete High School in 2014 after having brain surgery due to Mastoiditis. She never stopped learning afterwards. She went on to veterinary school and became a Vet Tech. She dearly loved saving and comforting the animals. Later, she went on to learn and became an amazing Dialysis Technician, where she worked side-by-side with her mom. The patients all loved and trusted her.

JC lost her joy, EmmaLee J Unferdorfer, on September 30, 2017. She never fully recovered, and that is where she formed her love for foxes. Emma was “her Little Fox.”

JC married her high school sweetheart, Adam Unferdorfer on May 1, 2021. They shared several happy years together before growing apart and going their separate ways.

JC found happiness living in Dutch John and shuttling for River Runners Rafting. She could back a trailer better than any man. She loved being outdoors with her family and friends. Her wholehearted laughter and smile were very contagious. JC will be deeply missed and loved forever.

JC is survived by Jackie & (Daniel) Bartels, Wes & (Shaney) Slaugh, J & Kathy Brewer, Katie & (Travis) Bradshaw, Lindy Johnson, Kayla Johnson, Scott & (Shay) Slaugh; stepbrothers Tucker & (Shaela) Bartels, Dalton & (Taye) Bartels, Dallen Bartels, Taryn Byrd, Dillon & (Janessa) Pease, and Dominic & (Takota) Pease.

JC is preceded in death by EmmaLee Unferdorfer (daughter) Stew & Lynda Leith and Gene Scott (grandparents).

Funeral Services for JC will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026 @ 12:00 noon at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with a viewing Friday, March 20, 2026, from 6:00pm—8:00pm and Saturday at 11:00 am prior to the service.

Burial will be at the Maeser Fairview Cemetery.

02/28/2026

Marynell Snow
September 3, 1931 — February 27, 2026
Jensen

Funeral Services for Marynell will be conducted Saturday March 7, 2026 at 10 AM at the Jensen LDS Chapel in Jensen

Viewings will be Friday 6-8 PM at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary and Saturday at the Church 9-9:45 burial in the Jensen Cemetery.

02/24/2026

Carolyn Ruby Goodwin
November 1, 1935 — February 21, 2026
St George/ Vernal

Carolyn Ruby Goodwin born to Abram Chavez and Rose Ulibarri Chavez on November 1, 1935 passed away due to a long battle with Alzheimer's on February 21, 2026.

She grew up in Farmington, New Mexico where she met and married the love of her life Delbert Goodwin. They later moved to Vernal, UT and raised their five children. She was an active member of the LDS church. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was loved by so many. There was not one person who met her that did not love her.

She is survived by her sister Diana Pacheco and brother Kenneth (Cathi) Chavez, daughter Kathleen Choate, her son Kelvin (Lori) Goodwin, Kendall (Christy) Goodwin, and Kory (Melinda) Goodwin. Her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband Delbert Goodwin, her son Kelly Goodwin, her son-in-law Lee Choate, her brother Abe (Patsy) Chavez, her beloved twin sister Marilyn (Mendal) Haynes, and her brother-in-law Tony Pacheco.

A viewing will be held on Saturday February 28, 2026 in Vernal, UT at 10:30-11:30 at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary followed by a graveside service at 12 PM (noon) at the Vernal Memorial Park where she will be laid to rest next to her son Kelly.

We want to give special thanks to the staff at Ridgeview Gardens Assisted Living, St. George, UT for loving our mom and taking such good care of her.

02/12/2026

DeWayne "Pink" Chivers
October 22, 1944 — February 10, 2026
Vernal

Pink” DeWayne A Chivers passed away on February 10, 2026, in Vernal Utah.

Pink was born on October 22, 1944, in Vernal, Utah, to Acel and Pearl Pace Chivers. He completed his education through the nineth grade. He met Mary Clay, and they were married on May 17, 1985. Together, Pink and Mary loved their family. Their children include Michelle “Mikki” Chivers and Chris Burchinal of St. George, Utah; Sharlene “Charlie” Chivers and Brad Murray of Vernal, Utah; and Kalee Grothe Chivers of Farmington, New Mexico. Later, Pink and Mary added their beloved friend, Crystal Reecher and Randy aka “Dipsh*t” of Roosevelt, Utah, into the family. Pink has eleven grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Pink was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

One word to sum up Pink Chivers. “Work.” He loved going to work, talking about work, and later in life when it was harder for him to do the work he enjoyed, he would be in charge of others working.

Pink truly loved his job as a company man. He may have been hard to please at times, but many people that had the opportunity to work for him tell stories of how much they learned from him and how much he was looked up to.

Soon after Pink’s mom passed, he insisted on moving the house to the mountain. With the help of his sister and brother-in-law, they made it happen. After the cabin was placed, it became the new home for the Chivers Family Reunions. Many great memories were made there.

Pink retired from work in his 70s, but he truly could not retire. He picked up a new line of work. He liked to tell people working on the farm about his “hardheaded grandson.”

He liked to say “Honest and truthfully. All Joking aside” when he felt strongly about the way something needed to be handled.

He really loved the years that he and Mary raised and raced quarter-horses and found themselves in the winning circle many times. And, we cannot forget Pink’s prayer: “Amen Holy Ghost who’s the fastest gets the mostest.”

Pink is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Clay Chivers; an infant son, John Lee Roy Chivers; his parents Acel and Pearl Pace Chivers; in-laws Jim and Mildred Clay; his sisters Lorraine Lewellen, LaReta Kimball, Wanema Butcher, and Dora Cameron.

He is survived by his daughters: Mikki, Charlie, and Kalee; his sisters Hazel Biesinger of Vernal, Utah; Faye Dudley of Montrose, Colorado; and sister-in-law Johnnie (Todd) Searle, of Vernal, Utah.

Funeral Service for Pink will be held Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11 am at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary, with viewings Thursday, 6-8 pm and from 9:45- 10:45 am prior to services all at the Mortuary. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park under the trusted care of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

02/12/2026

Carol Ann Newman Olsen
January 21, 1953 — February 10, 2026
Vernal

Carol Ann Newman Olsen passed away on February 10, 2026, in Vernal, Utah.

Carol was born on January 21, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was a high school graduate and belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She was married to Jerry Boomer, and her children are Jennifer Moss Wright and David Wright of Sandy, Utah; Megan Cherie Hardman and Brandon Hardman of Vernal, Utah; and Jared Michael Olsen and Britney Jade Olsen of Roosevelt, Utah, along with eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Carol was a free spirit with a loving heart and a true hippie soul. She lived life on her own terms—with music in the background, the open road ahead, and nature all around her. As a truck driver, she embraced the freedom of the highway and the independence it brought her.

She found her greatest joy in the simple and beautiful things in life such as fishing at a quiet lake, camping under the stars, and sharing laughter and music with those she loved. Carol had a warm generous spirit, and she will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, husband, and family.

Carol is preceded in death by her former husband, Warren K. Olsen; her father, Keith Newman; and her father Farrell Lewis.

She is survived by her mother, Barbara Lewis; her sister, Terri Olsen; and her current husband, Jerry Boomer.

Funeral Services for Carol will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2 PM at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with burial in the Neola Cemetery.

02/08/2026

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02/05/2026

Diana Lynn McConnell
September 16, 1948 — September 25, 2025
Tridell

Diana Lynn McConnell was born on September 16, 1948, at the Uintah Ouray Indian Hospital in Fort Duchesne, Utah, to Elda Hackford and Henry Hedricks. Her mother was born and raised in Utah surrounded by a large extended family.

Diana later lived in Vernal, Utah, where she passed away on September 25, 2025. Her death certificate lists the cause of death as malnutrition.

Her son, Jason McConnell, was born March 18, 1977; and he passed away in July 2021.

Diana had been keeping his ashes, and now both of their ashes will be buried together in the family burial plot. Diana is now at peace and reunited with her son and mother.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help with burial expenses and a headstone for Diana and Jason. Any contribution, no matter the amount, would be greatly appreciated and will help provide them with the resting peace they deserve at the Tridell Cemetery. Contributions can also be made directly to Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

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