Juanita May Brunson

Delta, Utah-Our loving mother, Juanita Brunson, 81, passed away Friday, February 19, 2016 at the Millard Care Center in Delta, Millard, Utah from Dementia and underlying complications.  On May 21, 1934 in Osgood, Bonneville, Idaho she became the third child born to her parents Rural William Gifford and Jennie Thornton.  The family lived in various places in Idaho.  While attending B.Y.U. her brother Leo introduced her to Richard Melvin Brunson (Dick) whom she later married on June 11, 1953 in the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located in Idaho Falls, Bonneville, Idaho.

From this union she gave birth to 4 children Pennie, born in Fort Riley Geary, Kansas, Lynnette, Brian David, and Ivan Keith who were all born in Nampa, Canyon, Idaho.  Together they lived in Kansas, Nampa, Boise and Gooding Idaho, and Chugiak and Anchorage Alaska before moving to Delta, Utah where they made their home for over 34 years.  

Juanita loved to crochet or make things with beads or other crafts and then decorate her house with them.  She was also a gifted seamstress and loved to make clothes for her children and grandchildren.  She had a big heart and loved to serve others.  She befriended many children and adults throughout her life especially those who needed a hand up.  Each person she met became very dear to her.  She and Dick are known for their huge garden by all who received free handouts from all the fruits of that garden.  Most of all she loved her husband, children and grandchildren and devoted her life to teaching, loving, and serving them.  They were her treasures here on earth.  There was nothing more important to her than her family and her Savior and she was a living example of this.

She is survived by her husband Richard, Delta, Utah, her 4 children Pennie (John) Sutherland, Utah, Lynnette (Alex) Twin Falls, Idaho, Brian (Trina) Highland, Utah, and Cindy, Menifee California, 1 sister LaReve (Jim) living in Idaho and many grandchildren and great grandchildren living in various places in the United States.  She is preceded in death by her parents Rural and Jennie Gifford, her brother Leo Gifford, and 1 great grandson.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, February 26, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the LDS First Ward Building located at 222 W. 200 N., Delta.  The viewing will be Thursday, February 25, 2016 between 6 and 8 p.m. and again Friday, February 26, 2016 between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. also at the First Ward Building. Interment will be in the Delta City Cemetery under the care of Olpin Stevens Funeral Home.  Online condolences can be expressed at www.olpinstevensfuneralhome.com.