Joseph T. Surrage

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Joseph T. Surrage

OGDEN a€" Joseph Taylor Surrage, a man of honor, strength and courage, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 in the arms of the family that loved him.

He was born September 29, 1923 in West Weber, Utah, the third child of Joseph and Martina Taylor Surrage. He attended Weber County schools and graduated from Weber High School in 1941.

On August 31, 1947, Joe married Norene Hadley in Harrisville, Utah. Their vows were later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Together they raised their family on the family farm, always instilling in them a strong work ethic and commitment to their beliefs.

He grew up in West Weber farming the land with his father and had been a dairy farmer his entire life. Until recent years, he continued to work alongside his son on the farm, always feeling grateful for that opportunity.

Joe was employed with the Amalgamated Sugar Company, retiring in 1989 after 48 years of dedicated service.

Joe always had a love for horses and had bred, raised and shown Registered Clydesdale horses and judged horse shows throughout the intermountain west.

He had been an active member of the community and provided many hours of service at events throughout the state. He was one of the original Board members for the Weber County Fair, and served for several years as the superintendent of the Draft Horse show. He was honored by the Ogden Pioneer Days committee to receive the "Spirit of the West" award for his contribution in promoting and preserving the western and rural way of life, and the following year, was the Grand Marshall of the Ogden Pioneer Days.

Joe always had a special place in his heart for the community where he spent his life and for the many good friends and neighbors there.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in many callings including the Weber North Stake YMMIA for 22 years. He was the last Bishop of the West Weber Ward prior to its division, a member of the High Council and served many years with his wife as an Ogden Temple ordinance worker.

Joe was dedicated to his family and considered them his greatest treasure.

He is survived by his loving wife Norene, whose care for him was his greatest blessing in these final years, and his three children, Ron and Dana Surrage, West Weber; Julie Ann Thornton, Cedar City; and Connie and Richard Judkins, Warren; five grandchildren, one step-grandchild, 11 great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister, Lorna Skeen, Warden, WA.

Preceding Joe in death were his parents, his brother John William "Bill", his sister Ellen Orme, his son-in-law Robert L. Thornton and his great-granddaughter Traeya Phillips.

The family wishes to thank the special people from Applegate Hospice: Julie, Nicole, Jessica, Launi and Peter for their excellent care and service to Joe.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the West Weber 1st Ward Chapel, 4100 West 900 South.

Family will meet with friends at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday at the Ward Chapel 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Interment, West Weber Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Joe''s name to Primary Children''s Medical Center or the LDS Church Missionary Fund.

Email condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com