Dearest Brothers and Sisters, We invite you to attend our Stake Conference this weekend. The primary purpose of stake conference is to strengthen members’ faith in Jesus Christ. Our meetings will be face-to-face and virtual. Saturday, January 15, 2022 4:00 – 5:30 pm - Stake and Ward Council Leadership Meeting Attended by: Bishoprics, Branch Presidencies, EQ Presidencies, RS Presidencies, YM and YW Presidencies, Primary Presidencies, and Stake Council 6:30 – 8:00 pm - Saturday Evening Adult Meeting Attended by: All members 18 years and older Sunday, January 16, 2022 10:00 am – 12:00 pm - Sunday General Session Attended by: All stake members, investigators, and friends of the Church All meetings are being held in the: Mesquite Nevada Stake Center 100 North Arrowhead Ln. Mesquite, NV. All meetings can be viewed remotely: http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/mesquitenevadastake I look forward to seeing you and worshiping together. President David Anderson

The 145th anniversary of the settling of Bunkerville was celebrated on Saturday, January 8, 2022 with a program of music and stories shared by descendants of the settlers with a backdrop of the American flag, Nevada State flag and the cemetery headstones of the early settlers. It was on Sunday January 7, 1877, that Edward Bunker, Sr. called everyone together and lifting his hands to the sky - with wheat in one hand and soil in the other hand, letting the wheat and soil sift through his fingers onto ground as he dedicated the land that it might be fertile and rich and that water would be applied to the land and that there would be peace in the valley. Mike Waite introduced the program observing “With determination they dug the ditches, with bent backs and callused hands plowed the fields; we want you to meet some of the people with great faith that created this valley and community.” Paula Bunker Perez shared a brief history of Edward Bunker Sr. who traveled to Kirtland, Ohio, then to Nauvoo and on to Garden Grove and Winter Quarters. He joined the Mormon Battalion and in 1847 mustered out and returned to find his wife, Emily, and baby son in Garden Grove living in a half-finished cabin. Together they traveled to Ogden and later to Santa Clara. He and brought his family with 2 wagons, 2 teams and a tent. To Bunkerville. Due to the heat, they traveled in the early morning and in the cool of the evening. Not long into their journey, Edward Bunker Sr. stopped suddenly and said that they were not going any further that day even though it was much earlier than when they usually stopped for camp. As setting up camp took a lot of time, the children complained that they had just packed the wagons. The next day they came to the place they had planned to camp and found the still smoldering wagons and the teamster who had been killed by Indians. Edward and others began work January 8, 1877, to clear the land of heavy scrub trees using scrapers and looking forward to the land becoming very productive. He was referred to as “father” Bunker because he had the pioneering spirit and helped so many people. Edward Bunker’s son, Edward Jr., followed his father’s example of service. He was called to the office of bishop in 1883 and served for 23 years; he farmed, had bees, fruit trees, grapes and a general store. They rarely dinned alone as travelers who passed through were always welcome at their table. His house served as a hospital or hotel for weary travelers. Marlene Leavitt Duty shared a brief history of Lemuel Leavitt. They all valued their neighbors and everyone treated each other as family; the children referred to everyone as aunt or uncle even if they were not related. Lemuel was able to find the hiding places of outlaws and by persuasion and by his honest and trustworthy reputation get them to come with him and stand trial by a traveling judge. Marlene said he had a magnificent voice; he sang so well that he was offered a contract with the New York opera but, as his family needed to be grounded in the valley, he declined. He always wore blue bib overalls and had pink mint candy treats in his pockets for the kids and could play the harmonica. David Leavitt spoke about Dudley Leavitt’s history that is presented in the book, Living on the Ragged Edge, by Juanita Brooks. David told about the long journey that started in Canada in 1880 when they sold everything they owned and traveled 800 miles to join the church in Nauvoo, Ill. Dudley, age 16, went with his father out of town to work and earn money for the family. His father became ill and shortly before he passed, he sang “Come Let us Anew” our journey pursue”. This hymn has been an anthem to his posterity. In 1848 his family found an empty house in Winter Quarters, Nebraska, and his mother said it was the nicest place they had lived since Canada – an empty house! One day Dudley found a wallet with a sizeable amount of money and tried to find the owner but after several months he used the money to buy animals and a wagon and with his mother and siblings traveled with the Milo Andrus wagon company to the Salt Lake Valley arriving on Dudley’s 20th birthday. They settled for a while in Toole and then moved to Santa Clara, then Hebron and Gunlock and finally settling in the area now known as Bunkerville. Dudley became good friends with Jacob Hamblin and Dudley was well respected by the Indians. He saved the lives of a wagon train by talking with the Indians. The unusual title of the book, The Ragged Edge, comes from his mother saying that all she wanted was to live in a town with a nice house and a library but she said she had lived on “the ragged edge” ever since they had left Canada in 1830. Pres. Laren Abbott told the story of Myron Abbott and Laura Josephine Allen who came to Bunkerville to a hostile climate and new social order. They had a large family of 8. They had to work hard on watering from the ditches, plowing the fields, gathering cane seed, hauling hay and making adobes to build a house. Myron was a teamster and would travel to St. Thomas to get salt and haul it to St. George to sell – the round trip would take 10-12 days to get the salt, sell it and return home. When Myron was eight and they were still in Nauvoo his father, Stephen, died of pneumonia leaving Abigail with nine children. They had no money or food. Abigail and the children knelt in prayer, then got up and went outside. While working in the garden the day before, they had burnt and old bush. Myron, sifting through the ashes, found ten cents and was so very excited. His mother was able to buy a sack of flour and along with the milk they had from their cow, they had breakfast and gave thanks for the food. The Adams and Hardy families are the ancestors of Vern Pollock who told the story of Heber Herbert Hardy. It was an Easter picnic when Betsy Leavitt, Dudley’s daughter, met and fell in love with Heber the first time she saw him. She and 2 other girls needed a ride home after the picnic and Heber, having a 3 seated buggy invited to take them home. Betsy had to sit in the front seat with Heber and she was so mad that the others girls got the back seat. He offered her some candy and she refused because she was so taken with him, she was afraid to say anything. Later Heber asked Dudley if he could marry his daughter and Dudley laughingly said, “I’ll bring a load of them on my next trip down and you can have your choice!” Heber boldly replied, “I know which one I want.” Heber bought one acre close to the town for a barrel of molasses and built a two-room home and later a two-story home. He also worked on the St. George Temple hauling black rock for the foundation. Heber was known as “Honest Heber” because he could be trusted measuring the grain from the thrasher. His daughter, Emerene, said he paid his tithing twice – he paid it on the grain, then he paid on the cream from the cow that ate the grain, and he paid on the pigs that ate the grain!” He had so much grain he bought the house across the street and they stored the grain there but, his daughter said the grain was flowing out the door! What would they do with all that grain! Her dad replied, “Did not the Lord say he would open the windows of heaven and there would not be room enough to contain it all.” Thomas Adams and his wife Mary built the stone house in Bunkerville where David and Nancy Leavitt live. One day he and his sons went home at noon and saw the raw eggs, raw potatoes, and bread dough were on the table and Mary lying on the bed resting! What is going on? Mary calmly said, “Look at the wood box!” It was empty. Thomas went directly to the barn where the boys were and made sure they knew that the wood box was to be filled before they left for the fields next time! Rebecca Gibbons Waite Leavitt is the great grandmother of Gail Waite Frehner. Rebecca and her husband and 4 children left England and traveled by ship and then traveled across the country to Utah and St. George to work on the temple. Her husband died in an accident leaving her with 6 children. She remarried and moved to Bunkerville. She had faith, fortitude and in spite of all her hardships and loss of family, she found ways to have fun. She cooked, baked, sewed and did beautiful handiwork. She enjoyed hayrides with the whole community and swimming in the big ditch or the river with her children. She loved singing with family and friends in the evenings after the work was done. She knew they would need to remember the fun times when once again the floods, disasters, and other tragedies came. Jonathan and Susan Hunt, the ancestors of Joy Hunt Noel, first settled in Gunlock raising cane, corn and melons. When Jonathan died leaving Susan with six children, Bishop George Crosby invited her to move to Bunkerville about 1885. They were able to buy a few acres with a one room frame shack just above the cemetery. They farmed but because there were no fences, the cows would eat the hay and wheat. Grandpa George worked doing many things to make extra money from running cattle on the Mormon Mesa, working at Key West mines, Bonelli’s Ferry and freighting all the while still farming in Bunkerville. The people in Bunkerville loved one another and helped anyone in need in those days of hardship and they became one big family. Everyone enjoyed Adam Anderson on guitar singing, “When It’s Night Time in Nevada.” Many thanks to Mike Waite and Andrew Jensen for organizing the program and to the family members who shared stories of their ancestors. By Cheryl Jensen

Adult Sisters are invited to attend an emotional resilience class starting Jan 9, 6-8pm at the Stake Center.

Dixie LaVern Bowler, age 79, died Monday, December 20, 2021 at her home, surrounded by her family in Bunkerville, Nevada. She was born September 7, 1942 in Salina, Utah to Milton Lee Sr. and LaVerne Forsyth Taft. On September 15, 1962 she married Joseph LeGrand Bowler in the St. George LDS Temple. Dixie grew up in Bicknell, Utah. Always active in dance and drama, she spent her first year of college on the Songleader team at BYU. She transferred to Dixie College where she met and dated Joe while earning her Associates Degree. She later earned her Bachelors and Masters Degree from SUU. She worked as a school teacher for over 26 years, with breaks as she raised her children. After ten years in Las Vegas, Bunkerville and Mesquite would become home. Dixie loved being involved in everything. She coached dance teams, organized a drama club, directed plays and musicals and served in many different church callings. She loved working with young people at school and church. She volunteered as an EMT. She enjoyed playing softball, making ceramics, reading and traveling with Joe. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, caring mother and grandmother, teacher and loyal friend. Survivors include three sons and three daughters: Joey (Karen) of Mesquite, NV; Richard (Tiffani) of Bunkerville, NV; Russell (Kami) of Henderson, NV; Angela (Greg) Walker of Bunkerville, NV; Rochelle (Glen) Rolfe of El Centro, CA; Kimberly (James) Eves of Stuttgart, Germany; 26 grandchildren; six great grandchildren and one brother, Milton (Gerri) Taft of Bicknell, UT. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Mesquite Stake Center, Mesquite, Nevada. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 6 - 8 p.m. and again from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. prior to services, both at the stake center. Interment will follow in the Mesquite City Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to sign our online guest book at www.virginvalleymortuary.com

George E. Prince, a handsome, kind and gentle man unexpectedly passed into the spirit world with a smile on his face on December 28, 2021 at Mesa View Hospital in Mesquite, NV, ready and able to play another round of golf. George was born at home in St. George, Utah on October 11, 1941 to George Evlyn and Mary Lund Prince. He was the eighth and cutest of nine children. George spent his childhood on a ranch at Trout Creek, Utah, in the remote west desert, living with his family in an old log home without running water or electricity. The outhouse was it! His life was very simple and was filled with hard work from sun up to sun down. He milked cows at age 6 and fed hogs, chickens and other farm animals. He loved dogs and always had a dog in his life and on his lap. Chester was his last and most beloved. He was slow to anger and never got upset with anyone. He exhibited total calmness and never raised his voice, even while driving – no kidding! At age 16, George first met Judy at Mueller Park at a ward weenie roast. She describes it like this - I knew that someday my Prince would come! The sun was getting lower in the horizon. The fire pit was starting to burn down and becoming just right for roasting hot dogs. As I skewered my hotdog onto the stick, and as I was starting to hold it close to the flames, I looked across at a handsome guy dressed in Levis, cowboy boots, and hat! I couldn’t take my eyes off the dark-haired dude. He was introduced by his older brother who said, “This good looking’ guy is my little brother, George, who has moved to Swede Town from the family ranch at Trout Creek. Hope you’ll get to know him.” I loved him madly and instantly the first time I saw him. My eternal companion had arrived! My life was never the same after that moment. George and Judy were sweethearts at West High, where he graduated in 1959. They were married October 27, 1961 in the Salt Lake Temple. George and Judy welcomed to their family daughter Holly in 1963 and their son Blaine in 1968. George worked the graveyard shift for Union Pacific Railroad as a machinist for almost 40 years. His years in Bountiful were his great golf years, which brought many friends into his life. He coached Little League baseball for Blaine’s team and loved and adored his little Holly. He loved going to Utah Jazz games. Being with his kids and grandkids at Prince’s Moose Creek Lodge at Pine Meadow Ranch, he enjoyed cooking and making the most amazing pancakes. He’s blessed us with the sweetest memories. He was a loving, thoughtful, and devoted husband. He loved Judy with all his heart and it was obvious. They held hands whenever they were near one another. He carried a photo of their wedding day in his wallet for 60 years. After retiring to Mesquite, Nevada, he lived the dream by playing golf and found immense pleasure traveling the world with Judy and their best friends, Ralph and Marjie Page. Tropical islands, adventures to China, Egypt, Scandinavia, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, brought immense joy and love for many cultures around the world. In October, our entire family enjoyed a seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise, celebrating George and Judy’s 60th wedding anniversary and George’s 80th Birthday. We are grateful for our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, the loving patriarch of our family. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Lund, Jay, Gale, Ted, and his sisters Helen, Dorene, and Nelda. He leaves behind his wife, Judy; daughter, Holly (Keven) Weaver; son, Blaine (Stacey) Prince; Grandchildren: Taylor (Nicole) Weaver; Codi Hansen; Braydon, Bridger (Madie), Jaxson, and Logan Prince. Great Grandchildren: Jordan, Jurni, Aspen, Everleigh, and Olivia who is still in the oven; a sister, Beverly Succo; an uncle, and several nieces and nephews. Because of Covid, and honoring his final request, there will be no memorial service. He will be laid to rest at Bountiful City Cemetery. Bon Voyage until we sail again!

Mesquite Nevada Stake Adult Religion Thursdays at 6:00 pm Stake Center - 100 North Arrowhead Ln. The class will begin on 13 January 2022 at 6:00 pm at the Stake Center chapel. President David Anderson Date Lesson Readings & Scriptures 1/13/22 Seek Learning By Faith Seek Learning by Faith; Elder David A. Bednar; Sept. 2007 Ensign 1/20/22 A Reservoir of Living Water https://speeches.byu.edu/.../davi.../reservoir-living-water/ 1/27/22 Jesus Christ Called Twelve Apostles Matthew 10:1–8; 16:15–19; 17:1–8; Acts 1:21–22; 2:22– 24, 32; 3:12–16; 4:31–33; 5:29–32; Doctrine and Covenants 107:23. Boyd K. Packer, “The Twelve,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 83–87. 2/3/22 Jesus Christ Is the Messiah Matthew 21:1–11; Luke 4:16–24; John 6:5–15, 31–32, 49–53, 66–69. G. Homer Durham, “Jesus the Christ: The Words and Their Meaning,” Ensign, May 1984, 14–16. 2/10/22 Jesus Christ Instituted the Sacrament Matthew 26:26–28; Luke 22:17–20; 1 Corinthians 11:27–30; 3 Nephi 18:1–11, 28–29; 20:8–9; Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79. Dallin H. Oaks, “Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 17–20. 2/17/22 NO CLASS 2/24/22 The Savior Atoned for the Sins of All Mankind Mark 14:33–36; Luke 22:39–46; John 15:13; 1 Peter 3:18; 2 Nephi 9:21; Mosiah 3:7; Alma 7:11–13; Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–20. David A. Bednar, “The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality,” Ensign, Apr. 2012, 40–47. 3/3/22 The Savior Suffered and Died on Calvary’s Cross Matthew 27:26–54; Luke 23:34–46; John 10:11–18; 19:10–11, 19–37; 1 Nephi 19:9. Jeffrey R. Holland, “None Were with Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 86–88. 3/10/22 The Savior Ministered in the Spirit World Luke 23:39–43; 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6; Doctrine and Covenants 128:15, 22; 138:1–37. Spencer J. Condie, “The Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World,” Ensign, July 2003, 32–36. 3/17/22 He Is Risen Luke 24:1–48; John 20; 1 Corinthians 15:1–29, 54–58. Dallin H. Oaks, “Resurrection,” Ensign, May 2000, 14–16. 3/24/22 The Savior Ministered to His “Other Sheep” John 10:11–16; 3 Nephi 11:1–17; 15:16–21; 16:1–3. Ronald A. Rasband, “One by One,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 29–30. 3/31/22 Jesus Christ Organized His Church Matthew 10:1–4; 16:19; 17:3–7; 18:18; Acts 2:1–6, 14–26; 4:1–13, 18–21; Acts 10:9–20, 25–28, 34–35, 44–48; Acts 15:1–11, 13–19; Ephesians 2:19–20; 4:11–14. Jeffrey R. Holland, “Prophets, Seers, and Revelators,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 6–9. 4/7/22 The Father and the Son Appeared to Joseph Smith Joseph Smith—History 1:5–26. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Fruits of the First Vision,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, 36–38 4/14/22 NO CLASS 4/21/22 The Savior Restored His Priesthood, Church, and Gospel Doctrine and Covenants 1:17, 38; 18:33–35; Joseph Smith—History 1:17–20. Tad R. Callister, “What Is the Blueprint of Christ’s Church?” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../what-is-the... 4/28/22 A Personal Witness of Jesus Christ Matthew 5:14–16; 2 Nephi 25:26; Mosiah 18:8–11; 3 Nephi 18:24. D. Todd Christofferson, “Becoming a Witness of Christ,” Ensign, Mar. 2008, 58–63

Dan was born January 18, 1968, in St. George, Utah. Danny lived in Las Vegas until September 1972, then moved to Bunkerville, Nevada with his family. He was the 8th child of Joseph and Betty Dodenbier’s twelve children. He loved Bunkerville and it will always be home to him. Danny loved water and could be found wherever a source was: the tub, the pool, the lake and especially the Virgin River & Bunkerville falls where he spent as much time as possible during the summer. Danny was the perfect picture of a little Dutch boy. As a child he had blonde curly hair that his mom had a hard time cutting the first time. In 1977 Danny became ill and was life flighted to Salt Lake City where he began his lifelong struggle with seizures. Danny’s mom expressed her gratitude to a loving Heavenly Father for extending his life at that time. Dan was always kind and caring to the elderly. He loved them and they in turn returned that love to him. Danny attended school at Virgin Valley High School. He loved his high school years. He assisted Mr. Glen Crowther with the special needs classes and found joy helping those students. He graduated in 1986. He then served a mission in the Texas Dallas Mission. After his mission he met the love of his life, Laura Hansen, through their mutual friend, Lynne Yocom. They were married October 13,1990 in Lehi, Utah. They settled in Pleasant Grove, Utah and began their family. They had two sons- Sean Daniel and Braden Ronald. They loved the mountains of Utah and enjoyed spending time there. Dan and his father-in-law, Leland, enjoyed each other’s company and could be found sitting and sharing memories in front of the big picture window. When the room went quiet, you could find them both snoring in the big side chairs. He helped his dad, Joe, doing odd jobs and loved to work with his hands. In 2010 they moved their family to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where they now reside. Dan was always involved with his boys and spent many hours with them. Dan loved playing video games with them and was their friend as well as their dad. His favorite sports team was the Utah Jazz and he was an avid fan. He spent time watching old TV shows and movies. He loved his collection of lighters and pocket watches. He enjoyed cooking and shared recipes with his sisters when he would do his weekly phone check on his mom in the last years of her life. Dan is survived by his wife, Laura; and their sons, Sean and Braden; his siblings, Diana (Bryce) Frehner, Donna (Bevan) Reber, Denise (Ray) Whittier, Darryll (Janet) Dodenbier, Darlene (Mike) Lister, Dina Bowers, Daphne (Scott) Storie, Deborah (Karl) Mulitalo, Dale Dodenbier; his in-laws, Leland Hansen, Gary (Vickey) Hansen, Dennis (Michelle) Hansen, Trudy (Mike) Nielsen. He has numerous nieces and nephews. Dan was proceeded in death by his parents, Joseph and Betty; siblings BettyJo and David; mother and father-in-law, Leland and Betty Hansen; his brothers- in-law, Doug Bowers and Ronald Hansen; and his sister-in law Connie Williams. “Sometimes the pain is too much, and I shed a tear or two. But I remember what sacrifice will bring in a year or two. Leaning on belief, seeing demons in my sleep, But I’m waking every sunrise pulling wisdom from the deep. Found comfort in the darkness an angel amongst the heartless, Cloaked in a slight smile, consoling my ‘right now’. Cause I’ve seen the future. I felt it press against my lips. Least I can do is give heaven back its kiss.” By J.S. Memorial service will be announced at a later date. Interment will be in the Bunkerville Cemetery.

James Earl Memmott 60, passed away on December 18, 2021, from complications due to heart disease. He was born on May1,1961, in Gardena, CA. to Tom and Marie Beck Memmott. When he was 2 months old, his parents moved the family to Nephi, UT, where he attended school, graduating in 1980 from Juab High School. He worked hard to become an Eagle Scout and was also a member of the Nephi Jaycees where he was given several awards. James worked in Nephi, UT. at a service station and a cafe as a Cook. He also worked at the Norbest Processing Plant in Moroni, UT. where he was given the nickname Rosebud. He moved to Mesquite NV. for better job opportunities. One of those jobs was a security guard at a casino where he dropped a bag of quarters on his foot and broke it. He was also an EMT. James loved the outdoors, riding ATV’s, hunting and was an avid gun collector. While living in Nevada he worked at several gas stations that helped him build his gun collections. People would come in after losing all their money at the casinos, James would make a deal with them to trade their guns for gas money. He loved to tease his brother Mark, sister Tammy, and cousin Deb until they cried. His most favorite tease was when his Uncle David, and his Grandpa Earl would tell them that they was going to trap the Easter Bunny, or set a bear trap for Santa Claus. James was involved in a very bad car accident that almost took him from us, but he fought through it. After that he loved the fact that he would set off metal detectors with the rods and screws in his legs. On February 16th, 2003, at a friend’s NASCAR party, he met Janice Ruffner. They were married on May 14th, 2005, at the Wolf Creek Golf Course in Mesquite, NV. They were sealed in the St George Utah Temple on January 5th, 2013. He loved to tell stories, especially the one about the night he was out on his dirt bike when he was younger, and a policeman started chasing him. After he lost him, he thought he was home free and headed home, but after sneaking in the back, he found that the policeman was there waiting for him, talking with his dad. James was a bit of a hell-raiser when he was younger. He had a temper, but he had a big heart and was passionate about keeping his family safe, especially his mom after his dad passed away. He is survived by his wife, Janice of Mesquite NV; mother, Marie Beck Memmott of Nephi UT; sister, Tammy Memmott of Brigham City UT; Mark Memmott of Nephi UT ;Nephews, Joshua and Michael Kerkhoff. He is proceeded in death by his father, Tom Memmott; father and mother-in-law, John and Joanne Juergens; grandparents, Earl and Ilena Edmunds Beck, and James and Vinnie Angel Memmott. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center, 100 N. Arrowhead Ln, Mesquite, NV 89027. Cremation rites have been accorded.

William “Kirk” Sessions, age 51, returned home to his family in Heaven on Monday, December 28, 2021 in St. George, Utah following a battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends. He was born March 20, 1970 in St. George, Utah to William “Bill” Sessions and Gloria “Kay” Bundy Sessions. He was raised in Henderson and Bunkerville, Nv. He worked hard throughout his life, starting at 16 when he went and worked for his family’s business and later on was a business owner for the last 20 years. He was an anchor in his family and enjoyed being a father and big brother. He loved to spend time with his children. He collected cars and raced them in his free time. He loved to take his friends and family out to eat. He was a generous and giving person and would do anything he could to help whoever needed it. He was preceded in death by his mother Gloria “Kay” Sessions and he will be greatly missed by those he is survived by, his children; Luke (Alicia) Sessions, Caleb Sessions, Abigail Sessions and Wade Sessions. Two sisters and two brothers; Sonia (Clint) Smith, Sara (Chris) Allen, Scott (Ali) Sessions, Terry (Cristina) Sessions and his father Bill Sessions. Funeral services will be held January 8th at the Whipple Chapel; 121 Whipple Way, Mesquite, NV 89027 at 11:00. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their Guest Book at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.

Sister Sage Bundy has served her mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the San Bernardino California Mission. Her parents are Ryan and Angie Bundy of the Mesquite 6th Ward. Sister Sage Bundy will speak Sunday, January 9, 2022, 10:30, in the Whipple Chapel. ( 121 Whipple Way, Mesquite, NV 89027) Welcome Home! Sister Bundy Testimony: I want to testify to you that the church is true! Jesus IS the Christ! Joseph Smith was the Prophet of the Lord. If you haven't found out these things for yourself, please, please find out. Pray and ask God. I can promise that a knowledge of these things can change your life.

Dearest brothers and sisters of the Mesquite Nevada Stake Today people around the world are preparing for Christmas. As families gather together and share memories of Christmases past, often we remember gifts that were so fun and so perfect. Sometimes, if we stop and think about it, we realize that the sacrifices of our parents and others were no easy thing. And if we ask why the sacrifice, the answer is usually “I just wanted you to be happy” or “That’s what parents do for those they love”. Feelings like these make it easier to understand scriptures that speak of God’s love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (See John 3:16) Most of us can recall the most memorable Christmas in our mortal lives. For many of us, that Christmas was not one of expensive gifts and far away vacations. It was a time that someone gave us something of themselves or a time when we gave something of ourselves. It may have been a child’s first attempt at painting, a neighbor’s Christmas card with a personalized note of appreciation, a grandfather’s handwritten letter of encouragement, a mother’s shared rocking chair and Christmas lullaby, or a father’s reading of the Savior’s own birth to his child. We can learn much from the Christmases of the past and from stories of our ancestors’ devotion to the Savior. The ancient prophets, before the birth of Jesus, told of the glories of His atonement and the miracle of His resurrection. They foretold His coming to open the way for a literal resurrection for all humankind - the “greatest of all gifts” (See D&C 6:13). In the spirit of those ancient prophets and of the Savior’s own words, may we prepare for this year’s observance of His birth. Some of the guidelines He has given us are: “ . . . Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matt. 5:44) “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) “Be of good cheer.” (John 16:33) “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25:40) May this be a joyful season for all! President David Anderson