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Lark Cheesman

10/01/1946 - 05/08/2017
Service Date: 05/12/2017
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1550 N. Val Vista Dr., Mesa, Arizona

Lark Gilbert Cheesman left mortality on May 8, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona surrounded by those who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Carol. She was born October 1, 1946 in Provo, Utah to Mary Deane Peterson and Arthur Gene Gilbert. She was eight months old when her father tragically passed away. Her mother wrote about this time, “You were a special baby because you came to us after much fasting and prayer. I don’t think there was ever a baby wanted more than you were.”

Lark grew up in Provo in a blended family after her mother married Harold Glen Clark and she gained six additional brothers and sisters in a blended family. He wrote about his new daughter, “How fortunate Art, your father, will feel when he takes you in his arms. I hope he will love you as much as I have over the years and still do—proud to own you as my daughter in this life.”

After graduating from Brigham Young University in library science, she was the librarian in a middle school, then became the librarian at the Brigham Young University Law School. Following her marriage to Douglas Arthur Cheesman in the Latter-day Saint Utah Provo Temple on December 19, 1973, she had four children: Jennifer (Frank Castillo), Melissa (David Smith}, Paul Douglas and Todd Arthur.

The family lived in Provo and Heber, Utah; Las Cruces, and have lived in Mesa, Arizona for 33 years. Lark has eight beloved grandchildren who are the joy of her life: Armando, Davaya, Elias, Elise, Jackson, Londyn, Maya, and Noemi.

Lark was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and happily provided significant service for many years in multiple capacities. She was truly a disciple of Jesus Christ. For example, she created heirloom blessing blankets for numerous newborns and shared the joy of the creation of new life. She was greatly loved by many whom she cared for. One friend wrote, “You live the Gospel to the fullest. You teach through word and example. You serve and love everyone! You always have kind words to say. You know our Savior. We want to be like you.”  

Lark was the consummate educator, influencing the lives of thousands of children as a school librarian, enthusiastically sharing her love of learning and her enthusiasm for reading. Her zest for life and learning was contagious.

To the completion of her mission here on earth, she demonstrated strength and faith that inspired many who witnessed her courage. She taught us much by her example, lessons of life, and love.

 Family visitation will be held Thursday, May 11, 2017 6-8 pm at the Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona, 85213. Services celebrating her life will be held Friday, May 12, 2017 at the Mountain View LDS Stake Center, 1550 North Val Vista, Mesa, Arizona, 85213 at 11 a.m. There will be a viewing prior to the services at 10 am. Interment following the services will be in the historic Mesa Arizona.

Donations may be made of children’s books to be shared with disadvantaged children.

Bunkerfuneral.com

Condolences

  • Patrisia Magallon

    May fond memories of your loved one bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Look back on all the good memories you were able to have and smile at the fact that you were able to share these before she passed away. My hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. God has promised us that we will soon be reunited with our loved ones. “There is going to be a resurrection,” the Bible confirms at Acts 24:15. “Do not be amazed at this,” Jesus assures us, “for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” (John 5:28, 29)

  • Ray & Diane Tuckett

    Doug and family….
    Our hearts were crushed to learn of Lark’s passing. The distance in time and location has not diminished our love and admiration for you and for Lark…she has always been such an example of the pure love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our long distance friendship over many years has deep ties to the memories we have of Lark when you lived in Utah. We love you and your family and pray blessings of peace and comfort will surround all of you through the coming weeks and months ahead.
    With sincere love and deep sympathy,
    Ray & Diane Tuckett

  • Linda Lou Nelson

    My dear sweet cousin. Friend of my youth. I am sorry for Doug & your family but happy for you. The love of your many Peterson cousins is great. We will greatly miss you. Our bond is strong. Say hello to my mother, your mother & all the aunts. Your great love of the Savior & his gospel is exemplified of your service to & for him. As a teenager you always showed much kindness to other & with that wonderful smile & twinkle in your eyes made others glad they knew you. What a wonderful blessed reunion you are having. Love you sweet lovely cousin. Linda Lou Brooks Nelson

  • Grant and Vicki Massey

    We are so sorry for the passing of sweet Lark. Her name was befitting of someone who was always cheerful and positive. Our prayers are with your entire family. We love you!

  • Joanna Garney

    My deepest sympathy for Doug and family. I will always remember Lark’s beautiful smile and sense of humor. What a valiant Lady!

  • Rosemary Vasquez

    Thank you for allowing me to have that visit with Lark. I am very sorry and pray for comfort of your family for Larks passing. Share all the love and memories of this special woman whom I will miss very much after 30 years of having the honor of her company. What a great mentor and friend, whom I admired so much. Hugs and love your way. God Bless you all.

    Vasquez Family

  • Marlene Oberan

    To the Cheesman Family,
    I am saddened to hear of the passing of Lark. What an amazing woman she is! Her smile is infectious and her love of life is inspiring. May you feel her spirit with you always.

  • Marlene Oberan

    To the Cheesman Family,
    I am saddened to hear of the passing of Lark. What an amazing woman she is! Her smile is infectious and her love of life is inspiring. May you feel her spirit with you always.

  • Stan and Sharon Miller

    Hello Doug. Sharon and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Lark. My sister, who lives in Mesa, sent the obituary on Facebook today. We loved knowing you as we served with your parents in the BYU 7th Stake back all those years ago. We also have fond memories of a fun trip with you to Israel. Please accept our love and sympathy.

    Stan and Sharon Miller

  • Dear Doug, I just saw Lark’s name listed among deceased students in BYU Magazine. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. You and she were wonderful examples and friends to me while you were my counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency in the summer of 1974. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. If you have a chance sometime, I’d love to reconnect with you. Love and best wishes, Eric Monson

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