UPDIKE, Earl Franklin

Earl Franklin Updike, our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and Friend, passed from this life, Wednesday April 11, 2007 at the age of 85. He was born to Lisle Chandler Updike and Janet Jarvis in Idaho Falls, Idaho on February 16, 1922. Earl lived in twenty-five towns during his first ten years of life. His father was a professional photographer who produced baby contests in numerous towns throughout the United States. His parents settled in Phoenix, Arizona in 1934 and began operating a photography studio under the name of JenDike Studios in the downtown Phoenix area. Earl was involved in the family photography business from a young age. After graduating from Phoenix Union High School in 1940, Earl began to work full-time in the family photography business. After serving a mission for the LDS Church in the Southern States Mission from 1942 to 1944, he returned to work with his father and brother. In 1950, Earl purchased the family business and renamed it UpDike Studios and Camera Center. Earl worked hard and eventually operated a number of studio and school photography operations in both Arizona and Utah. In 1944, he met Ethel Crosby in Eager, Arizona, where his mother was spending her final days. They were married September 26, 1944 in the Arizona Temple. Earl and Ethel are proud parents of five children, three sons and two daughters: Lorraine Kay, James Earl, Alan Franklin, David Craig, and Karen. In later years, Earl became convinced that a proper diet would improve health and extend life. He developed a passion for maintaining good health through diet and exercise, and wrote several successful books on nutrition and healthy eating. He also was very involved in the LDS Church, and served in many capacities and devoted much time to his religion. Earl and Ethel enjoyed many deep and marvelous friendships. They loved Colorado, and spent much of their later years in the Durango/Bayfield area, where they owned a home. Ethel passed from this life May 10, 1993 after dad had spent years at her bedside seeing her through a debilitating disease. After months of heartache, Dad met Cherrial Morris. Earl was "swept off his feet" by Cheri, and they were married September 2, 1994. Cheri has been Dad's sweetheart for nearly 13 years, and during that time they traveled extensively, and found great pleasure in life. Earl is survived by his wife, Cheri; five children: Lorraine (John) of South Carolina, Jim (Valerie) of Arizona, Alan of Utah, David (Susan) of Utah, and Karen (Tom) of Colorado; step-children: Stanley (Patty), Dan (DeLayne) and Marissa (Randall); 31 grandchildren, and 44 great grandchildren. A viewing for family and friends will be held on Wednesday April 18, 2007 from 6-8:00 PM at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 N. Macdonald in Mesa. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday April 19, 2007 at the East Ridge LDS Chapel, 3025 S. Hawes Rd in Mesa at 11:00 AM. Family and close friends may call at 10:00 AM prior to the service. Interment will be at the Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield, Colorado on Monday April 23, 2007 at 11:00 AM. Dad, we will miss you! After all, you are Our Hero!!!