(MESQUITE, Nev.) - Ruth Mathews, 87, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2013 in Mesquite, Nevada. Ruth was born to Manuel Mathews and Claire Darling on June 28, 1925 in Caliente, Nevada. She was a widow at the time of her death. Ruth spent most of her time living in her home state of Nevada, but lived in Roseville, California for several years before returning to Nevada. She was a loving and generous lady who loved to travel and be with her family. She is survived by a sister, Helen Smith and nephew, Randy Smith both of Nevada; a daughter, Tona (Douglas) Brown of Arizona; and a grandson, Anthony Schairer of California. She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Manuel (Sonny) Darling. The family thanks Mesa View Hospital and Highland Manor for all the loving care they gave her. She will be greatly missed by numerous family members and friends.

(ST. GEORGE, Utah) - Johanna Reber passed away at the age of 92 on June 9, 2013 in Dixie Downs, Utah. "Jo" was born February 5, 1921 in Rotterdam, Holland along with her twin brother Dirk. Their parents were Leendert and Roelofje (Fennema) Grotepas. Jo had 12 brothers and sisters: Adrianna, Ralph, Willem (died in infancy), Bill, Alice (died in infancy), Wilford, Alice, Lena, Alma, Johanna Hendrika (this sister died in infancy, Jo was named after her), Dirk, and Alma. In 1928, the Grotepas family emigrated to the United States because of their religion and a great desire to be sealed in the L.D.S. Temple. Jo grew into her teens in Salt Lake City where she met her 1st husband, Harold S. K. Owens, on a blind date. Hal was in the military for 30 years. This allowed Jo to travel and meet many new people. Jo's two children: Alice Elizabeth (Betty) and Harold III (Hal) were the light of her life. She loved to bowl and won many trophies. She also loved music and had a beautiful soprano voice. After divorcing, Jo moved back to Salt Lake City. She bought a home and worked in the school lunch program in West Valley City. Though alone for 17 years, her dogs were her companions until she met Jack Reber in 1988. After a short courtship they were married in Ivins by Jack's son-in-law, Bishop George Mackley Feb. 27, 1988. They were sealed in the St. George Temple exactly two years later. Jo is survived by her husband of 25 years, Jack Reber, Ivins; her children: Betty (Mike) Aaron, West Valley City, Harold (Goldie) Owens, Cashion, Oklahoma; Jack's children: Robert (Penny), Ridgecrest, California, Caroline (Dick) Payne, Queen Creek, Arizona, Norene (George) Mackley, Ivins, Annette (Ron) Densley, Ivins, Steve (Trudy), Cedar City, Shirlene (Dean) Peterson, Rexburg, Idaho; also numerous grandchildren from both sides of the family who adored her. A sister, Alma, still living. Jo will be greatly missed but there is rejoicing on the other side now that she is finally "home." She will be remembered as a fun-loving person with a jovial personality, a peaceable and loving spirit. Her favorite saying when parting was "Be of Good Cheer!" Funeral services will be Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ivins LDS 10th Ward Chapel, 15 North Main Street, Ivins, Utah. Visitations will be Friday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and Saturday, prior to services, at 9:30 a.m. at the Chapel. Interment will be at the St. George City Cemetery. We thank Hospice and all of the staff at Platinum Care Center for their compassionate and loving care given Jo the past few months. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary.