Lois Bergum

Joseph, Utah - Ester Lois Marie Cunningham Bergum, age 89, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, joined her sweetheart and eternal companion on January 24, 2007 at the home of her son in Austin, surrounded by her family. She was born May 24, 1917 in Fort Towson, Oklahoma, a daughter of Thomas Mangrum and Genevie Belle Rose Cunningham. She spent her childhood in the hills of Choctaw County, Oklahoma. She moved with her family to Coolidge, Arizona in 1934. Lois married Ode Wilkerson on September 24, 1934 and they were later divorced. They had two children together. She married John Boyd Bergum on September 17, 1946 in Lordsburg, New Mexico. They had three children together. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple on August 26, 1967. They were sealed as a family in April of 1968. John died January 22, 2006. Lois and John had several business adventures that included a bakery, a second-hand store and real estate investments. Lois was an accomplished seamstress and loved to garden. She loved music, canning and the cabin in the White Mountains of Arizona. In 1965, John and Lois moved to Joseph, Utah with their family, where they joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lois and John served three full time proselyting missions and three missions in Sevier County. Lois had numerous callings in the church, which included Relief Society President and dedicated teacher. Her strength was evidenced in her testimony of Jesus Christ, which she bore often. The most important thing in her life was her family. She loved unconditionally and will be remembered for her feisty spirit and love of life. Until we meet again, we love you Mama and will miss you. Lois is survived by her children: Yvonne Wilkerson Dyal of Joseph; Nancy Dexter of Salina; Cindy and Richard Morrey of South Jordan; John Jr. and Zoe Ann Bergum of Austin; daughter-in-law: Ada Wilkerson Culwell of Coolidge, Arizona; 25 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brothers and sister: Thomas Cunningham of Joseph; Troy and Edith Cunningham of Arizona; Rossie Parker of Texas; Evelyn Selley of Logan; Dolly and Earl Simmons of Texas; Ronald Cunningham of Oklahoma and brother-in-law, Bill Bergum of California. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Boyd Bergum Sr.; a son, Glenn Oris Wilkerson; son-in-law: Wilford Dyal; two granddaughters: Melody Rose Dexter and Andrea Zoe Bergum; also her parents and four brothers: Jim, Andrew, Ira and LeRoy Cunningham. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 12 Noon in the Joseph LDS Ward Chapel in Elsinore. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Monday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the Joseph Ward Chapel in Elsinore, Tuesday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Joseph Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield, Salina and Gunnison, Utah.