Blackburn Vernal Mortuary

05/01/2026

David John Morgan
September 25, 1951 — April 29, 2026

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10 am at Vernal 3rd Ward Chapel (475 West 100 South Vernal UT 84078) with viewings held Friday, May 15, 2026 from 6-8 PM at the Blackburn Mortuary and 1 hr prior to service at the Chapel. Burial in the Vernal Memorial Park.

04/28/2026

Dan Hill Richens
July 30, 1935 — April 27, 2026
Vernal

Dan Hill Richens passed away April 27, 2026, at the age of 90 surrounded by his family at his home in Vernal Utah.

Dan was born to Lynn and Nellie Richens in Vernal Utah on July 30, 1935. He was the fourth of five children. Hugh, Glen, Lorn and Fern. He lived his entire life in Vernal.

Dan and Marlene Redding were married June 5, 1957. She was the love of his life for the last 68 years and he has missed her every day for the last 15 years. They were life partners in everything they did from day one.

He loved to have his family around and always had time for every one of them. He knew exactly what all the Grands, Great Grands, and Great Great Grands were doing with their lives. How they were doing in school, with their jobs, and what kind of hobbies and projects they were doing.

Dan enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping with his family every chance he had. Easter was always a campout in the pasture at his house with all his family there. He would always cook the Saturday meal of meat and potatoes in a buried Dutch oven cooked with ceder wood coals. Lots of memories were made at these camp outs.

Dan worked as a heavy equipment operator and a mechanic for most of his life to pay the bills, but farming and ranching was by far his favorite occupation. He always had a saddle horse, a team of draft horses and a dog. One of his great pleasures was to hitch the horses and give rides to family and friends. In the winter he would feed the livestock with the team whenever he could. He raised cattle and sheep but would always say sheep is where the money was at. After his retirement in 2005 Dan spent a lot of time on Diamond Mountain riding his horse with his dog checking on cows. He loved being on his horse on the mountain.

In his later years Dan enjoyed making things in his wood shop. Dan completely restored an old sheep camp and made it as good as a new one, he built a trap wagon to pull behind it. Then he built a honeymoon sheep camp from scratch. He milled all the wood for these with his sawmill. His last big wood project was a chuck wagon which he completed with Brady’s help just a few months ago. He made many small things too, clocks, salt and pepper shakers, coffee scoops, paper towel holders, trivets, picnic boxes… the list is long. He would build it and give it away to his family and friends.

Dan is survived by his son Brady (Louise) Richens daughter Sue (Tony) George, 5 Grandchildren 18 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Marlene, parents and all his siblings.

Graveside Services for Dan will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 11 am at the Vernal Memorial Park with a viewing held Monday, May 4th 2026 from 6-8 PM at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. Friends may meet at the Cemetery Tuesday.

04/28/2026

04/28/2026

Michael Ray Hall
April 20, 1968 — April 25, 2026
Vernal

Michael Ray Hall, of Vernal, Utah, passed away on April 25, 2026, at the age of 58. Born on April 20, 1968, Michael was a lifelong resident of Vernal, where he built a life defined by his quick wit, his love for the outdoors, and his incredibly tender heart.

A 1986 high school graduate, Michael spent his career working as a pumper in the oilfield, a role that suited his hardworking nature. However, those who knew him best knew that his true passions lay outside of work. Michael was a man of remarkable intelligence; he was a trivia enthusiast who could have easily been a Jeopardy! champion. He possessed an adventurous soul, always ready for an unplanned road trip or a spontaneous journey, never needing much of a plan to find a good time.

Although, Michael seemed tough at times he will be remembered for his kindness. He had a deep, unwavering love for animals, with a particularly soft spot for cats, often finding joy in the simple, quiet company of his furry companions. Whether he was casting a line into his favorite fishing hole or spending time with those he held dear, Michael lived life on his own terms.

He is survived by his devoted girlfriend of nine years, Sheila Slaugh, along with her children and grandchildren, whom he cared for deeply. He leaves behind his loving sister, Janet Davis (Sam ); his nephews, Greg (Maria) Montgomery, BC (Erika) Davis, Trapper (Heidi) Davis, and Jason (Mandie) Bigelow; his nieces, Anginette Pola and Jessica Davis; his many cherished great-nieces and great[1]nephews; and a wide circle of dear friends.

Michael is preceded in death by his mother, Alice Freestone; his father, John Thomas Hall; his sister, Gail Montgomery (Hall); and his great-grandparents, Ruby and Charles Freestone.

A time to gather and honor Michael’s life will be held on May 4, 2026, at Blackburn Mortuary (15 E 100 N, Vernal, UT 84078). A viewing will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed immediately by funeral services. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

04/22/2026

Cammie Heiner Thomas
April 17, 1975 — April 19,
Vernal

Cammie Heiner Thomas was born on April 17, 1975 in Murray, Utah to Daniel and Cathy Heiner. She died of congestive heart failure on April 19, 2026 at home.

Cammie was a sweet kind child. When she was little, she and her siblings earned a little money gathering newspaper and aluminum to sell so they could donate to help build the Jordan River Temple. She always considered the Jordan River Temple to be her temple. She tried to help others and be kind to everyone. She was always writing loving notes to her family. She always tried to be cheerful and laughed at herself and with others. She loved her Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

In 1983 her family moved to Vernal. She attended Uintah County schools and graduated from a wilderness trek in Arizona for two months. She learned many life skills there that helped her all her life.

After high school Cammie went with her sister Christy to college at Utah State University. For a while they would go to USU in Logan, then come back to Vernal, and attend the USU extension. She graduated from USU with an associate degree in business. She liked traveling and working summer jobs in different places.

Later she got a job at Deseret Generation and Transmission. Her dad taught her how to operate big equipment and to drive semi trucks. She was good at it. She met and later married Stewart Thomas on June 29, 2001 . They were devoted to each other. Cammie felt blessed to have three step daughters and worked hard to be a good mom.

She studied to be an LPN and later an RN. She worked for Ashley Valley Medical Center. Then she was hired to be a case manager there. New government laws added lots of work and she couldn’t find enough employees to help the extra work. Cammie and Stewart retired in the same year. They had a lot of illnesses and surgeries since retirement.

She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Cammie played the piano for Primary and also the clarinet.

Cammie loved camping, fishing, four wheeling, hunting, gardening, reading, and crafts with her family. She also liked planting flowers.

Cammie is survived by her husband Stewart Thomas of Vernal, stepdaughters Natasha Thomas of Vernal, Shalene (Stephen) Elgiar of Far West Utah, and Mikaela Harrison) Elwell of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, 8 grandchildren, parents Daniel and Cathy Heiner, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is preceded in death by all her siblings Luke, Alan, Lacey, and Christy Heiner and all her grandparents.

She will be missed by her family.

Blackburn Mortuary will be handling arrangements. Friends may visit with the family from 2-3 pm on Friday April 24, at the Blackburn Mortuary.

04/20/2026

Patsy Zufelt Parry
May 22, 1944 — April 19, 2026
Pleasant View

Patsy Louise Zufelt Parry passed away on April 19, 2026, in West Valley City, Utah, at the age of 81, following complications from a stroke she suffered a year and a half earlier.

Pat was born on May 22, 1944 in Pleasant Valley, Utah to Lloyd Zufelt and Mildred Cottrill. She married Bruce Parry in 1961, and together they made their home in Vernal, Utah.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Parry; her daughters, Sandy (the late Brian) Whittaker and Christie (Barton) Brierley; her grandchildren, Ross (Josie) Whittaker, Jesse Whittaker, Amanda (Matthew Denison) Brierley, and Addison Brierley; and one great-grandchild, Evelyn Whittaker. She is also survived by her siblings: Joyce (Gerry) Follette, Independence, Missouri, Dan (Mellodie) Zufelt, Vernal, Utah, Kathy (Larry) Ivie, Pinedale, Wyoming, and Anne (Robert) Watson, Murray, Utah; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Zufelt, and her son in law Brian Whittaker.

Pat enjoyed many forms of handwork and was especially talented in knitting, crocheting, plastic canvas, and cross-stitch. She created beautiful doilies, tablecloths, blankets, sweaters, and treasured pieces for her family. She also loved camping, traveling and spending time with her family.

She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various callings throughout her life, including in the ward library, where she was known for sharing her homemade fudge with others.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Cedarview Cemetery.

04/20/2026

Lawrence Leo Triebwasser (Larry) was born in Harvey, North Dakota on October 21, 1943 to Leo and Vera (Suelzle) Triebwasser. He passed away in Rangely, Colorado on April 16, 2026. He is survived by a daughter, Tamara Morgan in Rangely, Colorado, son in law Henry Morgan in Rangely, Colorado, daughter in law, Paige Boyce Triebwasser in Pascagoula, Mississippi, grandson Troy Murray in Rangely, Colorado, granddaughter Faith Murray-Jackson in Rangely, Colorado, granddaughter Isabella Morgan in Rangely, Colorado, grandson in law Daniel Jackson in Rangely, Colorado, sister Paulette Reiswig in Bismarck, North Dakota, sister Monica Bradford in Guthrie, Oklahoma, sister Tina K***z in Bismarck, North Dakota, and brother Delvin Triebwasser of Arizona. He is preceded in death by his father Leo Triebwasser, mother Vera (Suelzle) Triebwasser, wife Mary (Magrum) Triebwasser, son Stace Triebwasser, brother Paul Triebwasser, sister Sandra Mills, and infant siblings-brother Cordell, and sister Nina.

Larry served as a combat engineer in the Army. He was stationed at Fort Richardson in Alaska, and was honorably discharged in 1968. He married Mary Ann Magrum in December 1970. They made McClusky, North Dakota their home and raised 2 children-Stace and Tamara. Larry worked as an auto mechanic in several auto shops. Later in life, Larry and Mary moved to Rangely, Colorado. While here, he worked at the Dinosaur National Monument as a mechanic and made many good friends. He also had an auto mechanic business which he ran from his home garage. Larry and Mary moved to Lucedale, Mississippi for a few years to be closer to their son, after Stace’s retirement from 20 years in the Navy. After moving back to Rangely, Larry enjoyed retirement, by keeping up with politics, and spending time with his family, watching hockey games, and NASCAR races. He also enjoyed daily phone calls with his sister and brother in law, Paulette and Stanley Reiswig. His most favorite activity was spending time in his grandson Troy’s garage, helping him work on race cars.

For most of his life, Larry was known for his unrenowned knowledge and ability to fix many different cars/trucks, with people even coming from other states to have him work on their car or truck. Many mechanics contacted him when they were stumped while trying to fix something. Larry was a great friend to everyone, a jokester, never had a bad day, was very loved by his family, and will be missed every day.

No services will be held at this time.

04/17/2026

Evelyn Steadman Kirk
December 17, 1930 — April 16, 2026

Evelyn Steadman Kirk was born on December 17, 1930 to the joy of Herbert and Roxey Steadman. She began life gifted with love. Sister, Mom, Grandma, Great and Great-Great Grandma Kirk passed on April 16, 2026 once again gifted with and surrounded by love at the home of her daughter in Overton, Nevada.

Evelyn met Shirl Kirk in 1947 while attending Jordan High School. She sat behind him in seminary class and occasionally nudged his chair after he would doze off. They married on February 13, 1948. Within eight years their family had grown to six with the births of Lynn Herbert, deceased (Tom Norris, deceased), Ned Alan, deceased (Connie Conder), Shirlene (Casey Mascaro, deceased) and David (Barry Henderson). Her brothers Neal (Diana, deceased) and Kenneth (Ruth) survive her. She was honored and grateful to have 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 7 (soon to be 9) great-great grandchildren. They were a great source of joy to her, each in their own special way.

Some of her early memories include watching Herb and Roxey at home laughing, dancing and singing along with music from the radio. She loved going for car rides as a girl when singing and harmonizing were a regular occurrence. She was awed by the beauty of nature and became quite the fisherwoman (favorite) and huntress. Whenever Shirl would ask if she wanted to go for a ride, go fishing or go hunting she’d start packing and filling a cooler with food.

Evelyn was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous callings while living in Sandy, South Jordan and Vernal, Utah. She and Shirl served a mission in Charlotte, North Carolina 1992-1994.

We are especially grateful to Shirlene who shared her home with and lovingly cared for Evelyn these past 3+ years. Special gratitude goes out to the many family members who have helped in innumerable ways. Our (and Evelyn’s) thanks to the many medical and hospice providers for their compassionate care.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May, 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rock Point Cemetery, 2250 W 2500 N, Vernal Utah.

04/17/2026

Cannon Burton Braveheart
November 22, 1999 — April 15, 2026
Lapoint

Cannon Burton Braveheart
November 22, 1999 — April 15, 2026
Lapoint

Edward Burton was born on November 22, 1999 in Roosevelt, Utah. Sadly, he died on April 15, 2026 near Lapoint, Utah, after a long and devastating battle with mental illness. Cannon grew up mainly in Layton and Bountiful Utah. As a child he kept everyone laughing and happy with his amazing sense of humor and zest for life. He was so funny. He always had the family laughing on road trips and in every day life. Cannon was an Eagle scout and loved all of his scouting adventures. He loved poetry and wrote many poems. He was also a talented musician, playing several types of saxophones, the piano, and the ukulele. He also loved to sing, and wrote many songs. He played in bands and jazz bands all through his junior high and high school years and beyond. He was amazing on the saxophone. He played in the jazz bands called the Hooligans and Junkyard Brass, winning many awards and contests along the way. During high school, he began to suffer from severe depression and anxiety. Despite his illness, he graduated from Bountiful High School in 2018. He served in an LDS mission in Vancouver, Canada, speaking Mandarin Chinese. After coming home, Cannon attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Along the way, he met and married Ashley Kohler of North Salt Lake, Utah in 2020. They loved their cats, Chip and Obi. Cannon received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Utah State. After graduating from college, they moved to North Salt Lake. In 2023, Cannon came out as transgender and began living life as a woman. She changed her last name to Braveheart, fitting for such a bright soul with a brave heart. She loved playing her saxophone and the piano and singing at open mic in Bountiful on Friday nights. In 2025, she and Ashley divorced, and Cannon began to go by the name “Crystal”. Her mental illness continued to progressively worsen. She went to many therapists and doctors but was never able to get it managed well. In the last year of her life, she struggled intensely. She tried so hard to get a handle on the depression, but just could not seem to get any better. She wanted to live and feel better and agonized about her illness.

Cannon (Crystal) Braveheart is survived by her father, Theron Edward Burton, mother Karen Lee Burton, brother Porter Burton, brother Sander Burton (Carley), sister Lucy Anderson (Hans), grandparents Ed and Diane Burton, grandparents Alton and Bonnie Vernon, grandmother Kathleen Muir, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her niece Serenity Angel Anderson

Services will be conducted Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 10 am at the Lapoint LDS Chapel friends may call at the church Saturday 9:00 - 9:45.

Burial in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery.

04/17/2026

Scott E Baese
April 10, 1961 — April 14, 2026
Vernal

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Scott E Baese, who left us on April 14, 2026, at the age of 65.

Scott was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend. He found his greatest peace in the wide-open spaces he called home. He owned and operated a sheep ranch along the Green River, where he built his ideal life through hard work, dedication and perseverance.

For 20 years, Scott worked in the oil field, earning the respect of those around him through his strong work ethic and steady determination. The last several years were spent working on Schmidt’s Ranch in Monte Vista, Colorado where his skills, reliability, and quiet strength left a lasting impression.

Scott will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his commitment to his work, and the simple, honest way he lived his life. He was someone who showed up, worked hard, and cared deeply in his own way.

He is survived by his father Karl, sisters Teri (Ryan) Jensen and Brooke, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Preceded in death by his mother LaRae, and grandparents.

Graveside Services for Scott will be Saturday May 2nd 2026 10 am at the Vernal Memorial Park

A private family viewing will be held in April so meet at the Cemetery

04/16/2026

Donna Joy Powell Merrell
March 22, 1939 — April 14, 2026
Vernal

Donna Joy Powell Merrell, age 87, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, in Naples, Utah. She was born on March 22, 1939, in Vernal, Utah, to Owen Powell and Florence Akhurst.

Donna spent her life rooted in the Uintah Basin, where she built a legacy of service, faith, and family. She attended LDS Business College prior to her marriage, gaining skills that supported her throughout her life. She later worked for many years for the Uintah School District as a finance secretary at Vernal Junior High, where she was known for her reliability, dedication, and care for students and staff, as well as her mischievousness and love of a good water fight.

On the night of her high school graduation, she accepted a proposal from Norman R Merrell, beginning a love story that would span eternity. They were married on August 25, 1958, in the Salt Lake Temple. Donna later reflected, “Norman was quiet, shy, patient and kind, and I loved him—and I would for eternity.”

Prior to their marriage, Norman joined the National Guard to fulfill his military duty. In 1960, Norman and Donna built their home in Naples, Utah. After living there for a year, Norman was called into active duty and transferred to Fort Lewis, Washington, where they lived for two years. Upon completion of his service, they returned to Naples, where they raised their family and remained for the rest of their lives.

Donna was deeply devoted to her community and played a significant role in the early development of Naples City, serving as a City Councilwoman and helping guide the community through its incorporation.

Donna converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was 12 years old. Her life was defined by faithful service. She served in numerous callings, including Primary President, Relief Society President, Young Women’s President, Young Women’s Camp Director, Ward Chorister, and Ward Choir Chorister. She was known for her strength, compassion, and unwavering testimony. Donna was profound in her faith and shared it through small, meaningful acts of kindness—a letter in the mail or a thoughtful gift sent with a message to remind others that Christ loves them, and so did she. Her life was a true testimony of what she believed.

Donna had a deep love for the outdoors and cherished time spent hiking and camping with her family and church youth groups. She had a profound love of music, which brought joy to her life and to those around her. She found great joy in creating warmth for others—crocheting blankets for new babies and quilting for newly married couples, each made with love. She lovingly tended her garden and delighted in sharing its bounty with family and neighbors, and she canned countless jars of fruit and vegetables for her children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors.

She is survived by her children: Debbie Wilson (Paul), Janet Merrell, Lois Stratton, Lynnette Allred (Jerry), Cindy Smith (Rian), Ken Merrell (Mindy), and George Merrell; as well as 20 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman R Merrell; her daughter, Annette Merrell; her grandson, Robert Foster; her parents, Owen Powell and Florence Akhurst; her sister, Eva May Anderton; and her brother, Norman Powell.

Donna will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her faith, her service, and the enduring love she shared with all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with a viewing prior from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Naples Chapel, 2313 South 1500 East, Naples, Utah 84078. Interment will follow at the Maeser Cemetery. A Zoom link for those wishing to attend remotely will be available through Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.