Samuel Alvin Reber, 82 years of age, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 15, 2024, and was reunited with his eternal companion Pat, on Valentines Day (Nevada Time) He was born on April 8, 1941, in St. George, Utah, to Ralston Virden Reber and Myrtle Jensen, of Mesquite, Nevada. He was sealed in the St. George Temple to his sweetheart, Patricia Lee Edlefsen, on August 20, 1960. They resided in Mesquite until their passing. Sam was the fourth of seven children born to Ralston and Myrtle. He was a tender-hearted boy from the beginning. One story his mother told about him was that “He was at the dining table and an uncle was eating with them. He said, ‘Don’t look at Sam or he will start bawling again.’” When he was in the third to the fifth grade, he lived with his Grandma Reber during the school year to help her with the chores. He said that she was alone and needed some help. She also helped him with his schoolwork. He had difficulty reading and needed additional support. For Sam, this was the beginning of a life of serving others. Growing up on the family farm taught him responsibility and a good work ethic which he tried to teach to his children. They all had chores to do and responsibilities on the farm. After the boys had all left the farm, he bought a mechanical bail wagon. When asked why he hadn't bought one years earlier he said, “It’s not about farming, it's about raising boys.” During school he enjoyed FFA, basketball, boxing, singing and dancing. In 1958, he met a new teacher in his school that would change his life. Pat (Miss Edlefsen as she was called) was teaching dance and PE at the high school. After they were set up on a date, things began to be serious. His father said to him, “You can’t go wrong marrying a school marm.” After their wedding they moved to Reno, Nevada, where he attended college at the University of Nevada Reno. Since he had dairy experience, he worked several jobs at the University and local dairies. While there he was called into a bishopric and ordained a High Priest at the age of 19. He enjoyed school and did well with Pat’s help. He joined the Sierra Singers, a UNR men’s choir, and was privileged to sing in the World Fair. He enjoyed singing his whole life and sang often in the ward choir and duets with his sister Darlene. When his father Ralston was hurt and couldn’t take care of the farm on his own, Sam quit school and moved back home to be partners on the farm with his dad. Sam worked at the local dairies in Mesquite and became a herd manager and breeding technician. Then he became a park manager and cared for the Mesquite City cemetery and local park. He continued to farm and care for the Beaver Dam ranch and the Grape farm at the same time. When Mesquite incorporated, he continued to work for the Clark County Parks, and he went on to manage facilities in Vegas and then the Clark County fairgrounds until his retirement at age 55. Sam enjoyed hunting, which was one of his favorite activities. With his friend, Val Woods, he started The Beaver Dam Guides and Outfitters. He always had horses. He enjoyed breaking them, riding them, roping, hunting on them, and driving them. He participated in several wagon trains with his teams of horses. He especially enjoyed the reenactment of the Mormon Trek from Winter Quarters to the Salt Lake Valley. In fact, most of his children and their families were able to join him and Pat at this reenactment. Sam was a great Dutch-oven cook and liked to share his cooking skills with others, regularly cooking for ward functions and fundraisers. His specialty was Dutch-oven chicken and potatoes and cobbler. His son, Matt, has since become the family Dutch-oven expert and continues to use some of his dad’s recipes. Sam was active in civic affairs and volunteering. He worked for the Clark County ambulance and both the culinary and irrigation water boards. He served as Clark County Farm Bureau president, Clark County ASCCS member, and as an Arizona Soil and Water Conservation Committee member. Sam was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as Bishopric counselor and secretary, Sunday School and primary teacher, ward mission leader, home teacher, Stake Sunday school president, and High councilman. Sam and Pat served 2 full time missions: Cove Fort in 2000, and Nauvoo, Illinois in 2010. They also served in the St George temple for 12 years. Sam is survived by his children; Keith (Rebecca) Springville, UT, Kaelyn (Dan) Spencer of Bloomington, UT, Van Cluff (Melanie) of Panaca, NV, Larry (Jennifer) of Mesquite, NV, Matthew (Brandi) of Axtell, UT, Elizabeth (Aaron) Bleak of Riverton, UT, as well as 36 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren, with 4 on the way. He is also survived by his sisters Darlene Reese of Wells, NV, Mary (James) Andrus of Bloomington, UT, Helen (Wayne) Bunnell of Provo, UT, and his remaining brother Grant (Kathy) of Far West, UT, two sisters-in-law, Lynn (Dennis) and Marlene (Glendon) Reber and one brother-in-law, James Edlefsen (Patricia’s brother). Sam and Pat have been blessed with 36 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren, with 4 more on the way. He is preceded in death by his loving eternal companion Patricia Edlefsen, his parents at Ralston and Myrtle, brothers Dennis and Glendon, grandsons Dane Reber (Larry and Jennifer) and Brett Cluff (Van and Melanie) and great-grandchildren, Braxton and Tate. Services will be held Saturday February 24, 2024, at 12:00 pm (Nevada time) at the Mesquite, Nevada Stake Center, 100 N Arrowhead, Mesquite, NV 89027. A viewing will be held from 9:30 - 11:30 am prior to the funeral service. The internment will immediately follow at the Mesquite City Cemetery, 301 Hillside Drive, Mesquite NV 89027 Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Sam’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com

Elder Connor Boatright has returned after serving his honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Idaho, Idaho Falls Mission, 24 months. Brian and Nicole Boatright of the Heritage Ward, West Stake, are Connor's parents. Elder Connor Boatright will return home on February 22. He will be speaking on February 25th, 1:30 pm, in the West Stake Center located at 100 N. Arrowhead Ln. Welcome home! Elder Boatright Testimony: I know that heavenly father and his son Jesus Christ lives and they are helping us through the hard times and being out on a mission really helped me feel their love throughout our day.

Dear Sisters, We were delighted to see so many of you at Women's Conference on February 3rd and hope you found it helpful and educational.  We promised we would send you some of the resources we used in planning our conference: Life Help (Gospel Library or lds.org) https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/families-and-individuals/lifes-challenges/hope-and-help?lang=eng Addressing Mental Health by Elder Erich W. Kopischke, Oct. 2021 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/25kopischke?lang=eng#title1 Like a Broken Vessel by President Jeffrey R. Holland, Oct. 2013 Through Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide With Me! by Sister Reyna I. Aburto, Oct. 2019 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/31aburto?lang=eng#p3 In addition, we have attached a list of local resources here in Mesquite. We love you, sisters! You are amazing daughters of God, who are doing the best you can despite the challenges of life in these latter days.   We pray that you will find solutions to difficult situations; that you will have peace and comfort as you need it; that you will not become discouraged and that your faith will be strengthened.  The Lord is concerned with every aspect of your life and loves you! Kathy Abbott, Kathryn Burrows, Valorie Lystrup, Chelsie Abbott Community Resources Senior Assistance Programs Mesa View Hospice, LLC Palliative Care (O) 702-346-3088 (C) 702-610-3786 Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of people with serious or life altering illnesses. It addresses both the symptoms and stress of living with a chronic illness. Adult Protective Services 702-486-3575 Ask for Intake Supervisor Nevada Care Connections – Jewish Family Services 702-732-0304 Similar to 211. Resources and services specific to seniors Mesquite Senior Center/Meals on Wheels 702-346-5290 Community Services Salvation Army 702-345-5116 Victims of Crime 702-486-2740 Safe Nest 702-204-2911 Mesquite Police Victims Advocate 702-346-5244 Mental Health Services Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 CARE Team (Crisis Line – Adults) 877-283-2437 Children’s Mobile Crisis Response Team (Crisis-Children/teens) 702-486-7865 NAMI Warmline (non-crisis peer support) 775-241-4212 Mesquite Behavioral Health Center 702-346-4696 Steps to Healing 702-465-1462 Virgin Valley Mental Health 702-807-3289 Ascend Counseling and Wellness 435-688-1111 Core Mental Health (ask for Ren Abbott) 725-735-2700 Behavioral Health Solutions 702-587-4871 Intermountain Behavioral ACCESS Center Program provides assessment to determine if adult psychiatric inpatient unit is needed or if mental health stabilization services are needed. Go to St George Regional Hospital emergency room and request ACCESS program. 435-688-4343

President Mindy Hughes Cristin Nelson,1st Counselor Jamie Wakefield, 2nd Counselor Kasey Abbott, Secretary

Area Seventy Elder Richard Heaton will be presiding at the Mesquite West Stake Conference, February 17th and 18th. He was called as a Seventy during the April 2020 General Conference. Elder Heaton is the managing director of Priesthood and Family Department and is currently serving as Sunday School President in the Pleasant View, UT 7th Ward. Elder Heaton is a former bishop, branch president, mission president, stake presidency member, and stake president. His wife is Valerie and they have nine children.

Most recent position: Green Bay Packers defensive line coach and running game coordinator (not retained) Age: 44 Playing background: A two-sport athlete during his time at Virgin Valley High School in Mesquite, Nevada, Montgomery was a standout defensive tackle for the Bulldogs. He was named All-American two straight years to close out his high school career, and was the Nevada Player of the Year in 1997. In total, he recorded 38 career sacks, including 16 as a senior, and scored 10 touchdowns. The New England Patriots have started filling the vacancies on their coaching staff beyond the coordinator level. The first domino to fall is Jerry Montgomery, who the team hired as its new defensive line coach on Monday — filling a spot that was previously occupied by new defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. Way to go VVHS Bulldog!

Filipe and Kristi Tausinga of the East Stake are the facilitators for the Addiction Recovery Program meetings that are held in Mesquites. The meetings are on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM in the Seminary Building and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM AZ time (6:00 PM NV time).

Women's Conference was a joint activity with YW. The YW Presidency arranged 2 classes for them,but they spent the rest of the day with the RS sisters. Sisters enjoying one of the Young Women's class.

We would like to invite all members and friends of the Mesquite Nevada West Stake to join us for our Stake Conference next Saturday and Sunday (Feb 17 & 18). We testify that making the effort to attend these meetings will help you learn more about Jesus Christ and strengthen your personal relationships with the Savior. We promise that if you come prepared to listen to the Spirit, you will receive personal revelation that will guide your life. We hope all will attend. What Is a Stake Conference? A stake is the name of a regional administrative unit in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It comprises multiple congregations called wards and branches. The word stake is taken from Isaiah 54:2 in the Old Testament, and alludes to an image of a large tent (the Church of Christ) being supported by many stakes.  The purpose of a stake conference is for members and friends of the Church to come together to be taught doctrines of the restored gospel, to feel the Spirit, and to experience the peace that comes through following the Savior. There are two public meetings during the Stake Conference. Who Speaks in Stake Conference? The speakers at the conference are brothers and sisters from worshiping units within the Mesquite NV West Stake. Each speaker has prayed and studied to give inspired messages. What Is the Meeting Schedule? -Leadership Session: Saturday at 4:00 - 5:30 pm for all members of Stake and Ward Priesthood leaders (youth and adult complete presidencies). -Adult Session: Saturday at 6:30 - 8:00 pm for all members over 18 years old and their invited friends. -Youth Session: Sunday Morning at 8:00 am to 9:00 am. Any youth (12 and older) are invited. Parents and leaders can attend. -Sunday General Session: Sunday at 10:00 am for all members of the Stake, the community, and their invited friends. Can I Attend If I am Not a Member of the Church? Yes. We invite all members of the community to attend the Adult Session (Sat at 6:30pm) and the General Session (Sunday at 10am). Where Are the Meetings Located? The meetings are located at 100 North Arrowhead in Mesquite. Can I Watch the Conference? Although we prefer members to be present so we can worship together, we understand that not all situations allow for this. The Adult and General Sessions will be streamed on Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/94779739532#success). Will There Be Translation? The speakers' messages will be translated into Spanish for anyone who attends face-to-face. Questions: If you have any questions, please contact Rich Rushton (rhrush7@gmail.com), the stake representative over Public Relations. He will guide you to your answer.

Mesquite Nevada West Stake held a Women’s Conference titled ‘Mental Health Matters’ on Feb. 3, 2024. The young women had two classes to attend – ‘Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience by thinking Celestial’; these were taught by Ehrin Johnson, Anna Bullock, Mindy Hughes and Jennifer Brotherson. The young women were reminded that even when bad things happen, Heavenly Father will be there. The teachers asked the young women to do self-reflection and acknowledge all the good things in their life - not to make a list of things they are bad at or comparing themselves to others. They were reminded, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help; talk to parents and leaders. The song, ‘Peace in Christ’ was played to remind them find hope and joy through our Savior, Jesus Christ. The young women all received stickers with “Think Celestial” and a bracelet. ‘Identifying Your Children’s Struggles’ taught by David Taylor was about open communication to help with emotional and mental well—being. ‘How to Alleviate Stress in a Full House’ was the title of Emily Waite’s class. She gave suggestions on looking at situations in a different perspective. She presented ideas on simplifying home chores and organizing schedules and routines to alleviate stress in homelife. Glen & Kelle Horlacher titled their class ‘Identifying and dealing with’ Moods, Depression, Anxiety.’ They spoke about the signs of anxiety, telltale signs of moods and their effect. They emphasized that “your soul is bigger than all of it!” Bob Lystrup spoke about ‘Caring for the Caregiver’ and how to seek help for yourself that is vital when you are caring for another family member. “There is a life jacket to save and strengthen; they spoke of resources to help care for loved ones who are ill. ‘Lightening and Brightening your Path’ was the subject of Jodi Hughes’ class. She spoke about looking for joy and expressing gratitude. Look to the Lord and He will help us lighten our path. Keep life in perspective. She had the class visualize the juggler twirling the plates on the end of sticks – some day we feel like the juggler and that we have to get everything done. She reminded the sisters that hope can always be found - hope helps with challenges. For more resources see Life Help in the Gospel Library app. Life Help A delicious breakfast including pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham and orange juice was served by the stake presidency, high council and missionaries. Thank you was expressed to Pres. Hollingshead and the men that served, set up tables and took down. Thank you to Mitsi Bender who shared piano music during breakfast. Thank you to the stake Relief Society presidency for organizing this conference – it was a learning time, a time to visit and greet other members of the stake.