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Ben Watnes Obituary
Payson, Utah-Ben M. Watnes, 87, passed away on January 10, 2014 in Payson, Utah. He was born November 24, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York, to Ragnhild Vennesland and Mearl Watnes. He married Sherril Kjelstrom on April 17, 1954. Although Ben was born in Brooklyn, he was raised in Norway. Ben served as a Sargent in the Army, received his associate degree and served as an insurance underwriter for many years. He loved to go fishing, skiing, and was a ski instructor. He served as a volunteer for many years helping 2nd graders learn reading and math. He is survived by his six children, Dale (Debbie), David (Samantha), Terry (John) Smallwood, Karen Marin, Robin Painter and Paul; 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, parents and brother Cyril. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 18 at the Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 E. 7800 S. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, January 17 at the mortuary and 1 hour prior to the services. Interment will be at Mountain View Memorial Park. Please share a memory of Ben at www.memorialutah.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ben Watnes
Brittany Pollock/Hadfield
January 19, 2014
Uncle Ben wasa great example of putting family first. He is adored and appreciated and I am grateful for his life. I will miss Uncle Ben dearly.
Mary Lou Crane
January 18, 2014
I really appreciated all the help that "Grandpa Ben" gave so freely to all the children in my 2nd grade classroom. It was a privilege to work with him, and the students and I all loved him. His volunteering made my classroom so much better, and he was always willing to help in any way. Loving thoughts and prayers are with Ben's family at this time. We will all miss him! Mary Lou Crane
January 18, 2014
I appreciated Ben's life. He was a hard worker, very knowledgeable, and had a lot of integrity. This Earth is losing a good man and Heaven is gaining a better one.
Val Pollock
Former Inlaw
Shirley Gylling
January 18, 2014
"Grandpa Ben" volunteered almost every day for several years at Oquirrh Hills Elem. to read with our second graders. He was such a delight and so devoted. He was a great friend! Love you, "Grandpa Ben."
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January 17, 2014
To the Family of Ben Watnes...I was so Sorry to hear of Bens passing. He was a wonderful person and donated many hours of time at Oquirrh Hills Elementary. I was privleged to know him and work with him in the 2nd grade. The kids loved him...We all did. May you be blessed with peace and comfort at this time. Sharlene Blake
January 16, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. you will be in my heart and in my thoughts.
aftermath-Melissa M. Mahoney-Donnelly
January 16, 2014
To my cousins ,,so sorry for your loss,,Uncle Ben was my poka partner at all our family reunions,,will miss him dearly,,my love an prayers with all of you,,Cousin Bonny Ingle
linda laverne
January 15, 2014
Uncle Ben, You are like a bright candle burning with such a beautiful glow. We will miss you. Each time I light a candle I will smile and think of you.
Linda LaVerne
January 15, 2014
To my cousins,
I am very sadden that we have lost such a great man, although he is no longer with us on this earth we know that he is much happier now that he is reunited with Aunt Sherril and his parents. Uncle Ben has always been very special to me. Growing up with him was a memory that I will always keep close to my heart. I will always remember his big bear hugs. I will miss him dearly. God Bless to you all and may God keep you in his grace. Love Always Linda
NICK & TONYA HAMBY
January 15, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Heidi Haggard
January 15, 2014
So sorry for your loss. When I taught second grade, Ben was a much-loved volunteer in my class. He sure helped a lot of students.
cindy alexander
January 15, 2014
Dear Cousins... I'm so sorry for your loss. Uncle Ben left behind a wonderful legacy of "Family". Now who will wash the dishes after our family Christmas and Thanksgiving parties? Now who will play the piano (by ear) and entertain us? Now who will give us those unforgettable hugs? I will miss him and he will live on forever in our family memories. I love you all dearly, Cindy
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, Cemetery - Cottonwood Heights3115 Bengal Blvd. (East 7800 South SLC), Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
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