WESTOVER, Martin Russell

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 11/02/2004 M. Russell Westover, 88, died Oct. 29, 2004, in Lakeside. Russell was born and raised in Joseph City and he lived there all of his life. He attended elementary school in Joseph City and high school in Holbrook. After high school he was called to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northwestern States, including Alaska. He then attended Brigham Young University for two years. He was raised on the family dairy and when his father became ill, Russell left college to take over the Westover dairy with his brother Earl. He spent the rest of his working life in the dairy business. In the late 1950's they merged with the other dairies in the area and it became known as the Midway Dairy. Russell was the Co-op Manager. After he retired from the dairy he worked as the Maintenance Supervisor and drove the Sports Bus for Joseph City High School for several years. He was a life long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many different capacities including Bishop's Counselor, Stake High Counselor, Young Men's President in the Ward and the Stake, Scout Master and Home Teacher. He also served on the Joseph City School Board for a total of 30 plus years. Russell was a great neighbor and family man and taught his children work ethics and to honor and respect their fellowmen. Russell is survived by his wife, Merle Westover of Joseph City; four sons, Boyd (Marlene) Westover of Joseph City, Conley (Nancy) Westover of Flagstaff, Neil (Denice) Westover of Taylor, and Larry (Diane) Westover of Corona, CA; three daughters, Analee (Theo) Hunsaker of Vernon, Gloria (Ken) Murphy of Peoria, and Carolyn (Tom) Goodman of Flagstaff; one son-in-law, Joe Childers of Preston, ID; 30 grandchildren and 52 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Alisa Childers, and one daughter-in-law, Judy Westover. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the L.D.S. Perpetual Education Fund. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Joseph City Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 at the Owens Mortuary in Holbrook and from 9-9:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Joseph City Cemetery. To send private condolences or to sign an online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.