Orvis M. Allred

Orvis Miles Allred, born September 15, 1924, died January 4, 2018 from causes incident to age.  

Orvis began life close to the land in Hayden, Utah- the first child of James Allred and Fern Mitchell Allred. He worked with them and his seven siblings on their farms in the Uintah Basin during the years of the Great Depression and the opening of the Second World War. Orvis could tell many tales of joyful times and hard times with family, friends, and neighbors: harvests, hunts, fishing; the mischief of youth; horses and dogs he loved, bulls he didn't; sun and snow and irrigation ditches; the dependable support of the community for its members. 

Orvis thought life in the Basin was his future, until he was drafted to serve in World War 2 and went to Calcutta, British India, where he met Amelia- Babs, or Barbara, as she was known. They fell into a lasting love, from their December wedding in 1945, through their years making a life back in Utah (the Basin, where Marina was born in 1946; Utah County, where Norman and Gerald were born in 1958 and 1961, and Salt Lake) to their retirement with Marina and Brent in Phoenix, Arizona. Early in their marriage, Orvis learned the trade of dry cleaner, which he plied with honor and competence- owning his own shop from 1968 until he and Barbara retired in 1989. Orvis made so many friends there, among the people with whom they square danced, at St. Ann's Parish- most anywhere he went. His warm, easy smile and way endeared him to many.

His Barbara was always his great love. They enjoyed their working years, but especially their long retirement. Orvis found great joy in attending Barbara in the months of her last illness, and in his memories of her since her death in 2012. He has been looking forward to seeing her again. During these last years as a widower, Orvis was able to spend time living in Utah with Gerald and Tammy, and Norman and Joanne. They so enjoyed his company. He returned to Phoenix in 2015, to Marina and her family.

Orvis was preceded in death by Barbara, his sister Marie and brother Howard, Marina's husband Bruce Feise, and Norman's wife Joanne Mooney. 

He is survived by daughter Marina and her family; sons Norman and Gerald (Tammy); grandchildren Lisa, Angie, Jason, Joshua, Michael, Brittany, and Kylie as well as their families; and former son-in-law, Brent Littlefield. 

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the work of St. Jude Children's Hospital, which Orvis greatly admired.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, January 12, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 10:30 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 450 East 2100 South, Salt Lake City. Interment to follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave 'T' Street, Salt Lake City.