Walter & Elda Tasker
Richfield, Utah
Rarely separated for nearly 67 years, Elda’s passing on July 27, 2012 preceded Walter’s passing on July 31, 2012 by only 3½ days.
Walter was born November 8, 1920 in Sioux City, Iowa to John Barton Tasker and Mary Ann “Marie” Wallen. In 1938, graduated Central HS in Sioux City and attended University of Denver for 3 years. Drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1942 and served his country during World War II. He was one of 50,000 soldiers transferred from the Air Corps to the Infantry to cover losses suffered in the Battle of the Bulge. Selected for OCS and commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, then honorably discharged from the Infantry in 1946. While stationed at Kearns, Utah, met Elda Myers and they were married September 6, 1945 in Sioux City, Iowa; later sealed for eternity in the Manti LDS Temple. Walt completed his degree, passed the CPA exam, and moved to Richfield, Utah in 1947, where he had his own accounting practice for 40 yrs. Walt’s drive and talents earned him many personal achievements, but he is best remembered by family, friends, and business associates for the legacy of community and church service which he rendered: 55+ years serving in Rotary—“Service Above Self”; 34 years umpiring Little League baseball; 28 years as secretary/treasurer for Salvation Army; honorary member of Richfield Fire Department; an on-call volunteer for Magleby Mortuary, riding shotgun in the hearse to make pickups at all hours; Richfield stake and ward organist for over 55 years. It’s impossible to count the number of funerals where he provided music.
Elda was born April 9, 1925 in Panguitch, Utah, to James W Myers and Grace Clark, who taught her an amazing work ethic. A 1943 graduate of West HS in SLC, Utah. Elda loved learning: 1st woman pilot in Sevier County; completed cosmetology and floral arranging schools; mastered gardening, canning, crocheting, and collecting. Elda loved doing; her hands were busy every waking moment. She gave countless hours of compassionate service to the sick and infirm. Junk furniture became works of art. Sevier County Deputy Treasurer for 13 years. Worked long hours in Walt’s office. She and Walt served as ordinance workers in the Manti LDS Temple for 5 years. Thank you, Mom, for teaching us how to work hard and caring for our father during his 13-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Thank you for your devotion to us all. Over the years, Walt and Elda played hard together too—bowled, flew airplanes, golfed—including a hobby of hunting golf balls, traveled, hunted, camped, and fished, with Elda always out-fishing the entire boat.
Our family expresses sincere appreciation to the unselfish friends and longtime neighbors in Richfield. We owe a debt of gratitude to the deeply caring owner, staff, and LDS ward at Country Care in Farmington, Utah. We thank the heaven-sent hospice nurses from Symbii who provided dignified daily care for our parents and loving guidance to us. Our family needed all of you on this journey.
Survived by children: Tom (Carol), Dorothy Ann, Lynette, Ralph (Chris), and Malcolm; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; Walt’s brother, Allen E (Eleanor); Elda’s brother, Van J; Elda’s aunt, Mary Alvey; numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by their parents; Elda’s sister and brothers, Fern (Wilson), Lewis W, Zeth Clark; precious great-granddaughter, Piper Quist.
Funeral services will be held Monday, August 13, 2012 at 11:00 am, in the Richfield 7th Ward Chapel, 159 N 400 W. Friends may call Sunday from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Magleby Mortuary, 50 S 100 W, Richfield and Monday from 9:30-10:30 am at the ward chapel. Interment: Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Richfield Chapter of Rotary, P.O. Box 951, Richfield, UT 84701, or any LDS charitable fund.