LaWona Helen (Dix) Charles

LaWona Helen Dix Charles, 78, passed peacefully from this life, after battling cancer for 16 years, July 9, 2015 at home with family members.

LaWona was born in Hailey, Idaho March 3, 1937. She the first of two children born to Ross and Berniece Peck Dix.

She lived the first 14 years in Carey, Idaho. At that time her father was killed in a farming accident. Her Mother took the two children and moved to Provo, Utah. LaWona attended two years at Provo High and then the final year at BY High School.

After working on campus and taking classes at Brigham Young University, she met her future husband Bill Charles in September 1958. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple June 5, 1959. She worked for a physician the next two years while Bill concluded his Bachelors Degree at BYU in 1961.

They, and their first daughter, left for San Francisco, CA for Bill's new employment. They resided there for eight years, blessed with four more daughters. They left there in August 1969, moving to Springville, Utah. They were then blessed with a son.

LaWona worked at school lunch and then at Beehive Clothing, becoming the manager. She retired from there to spend more time with the children and cared for Bill's Mother for over 10 years.

LaWona dedicated her life to loving and serving her family and extended family. Also served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including, visiting teacher, organist, pianist, chorister, Relief Society Presidency, Primary President, teacher and Provo Temple Ordinance Worker for 11 years.

She served a church mission with her husband in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, then attended a YSA Ward with him as he served in a Bishopric.

She loved to sing in choirs and played the saxophone in a high school band. Some skills include sewing, crocheting, knitting and quilting. She is best remembered for unconditional love, tolerance, faith, humility and smiles.

We want to thank Summit Hospice for their tender care, especially Leandra Weech, RN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father Elmo Croft and step-brother, Alan Croft.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bill; sister, Adelia Jepperson; her six children: Debbie (Steve)Nixon, Lisa (Greg) Ross, Helen (Mike) Day. Patrick, Brenda (Craig) Bybee, Anita (Clair) Jolley; 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 17, 2015 at 11:00 am in the Spring Creek 2nd Ward chapel, 350 N. 400 E, Springville, UT. Friends are invited to viewings Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at Wheeler Mortuary in Springville, 211 E. 200 S. or Friday morning from 9:45-10:45 am in the church prior to the services. Interment will be at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery, 1926-52 S. 400 E. Condolences may be sent at www.wheelermortuaries.com