Class of 1945~Honorary


Alphabetical Alumni
Ballif, George Eggertsen

Ballif, George Eggertsen
Provo, Utah US

George and Ruth Ballif

Class of 1945 ~ Honorary. George E. Ballif. Married Ruth Macdonald. ~ ~ ~ ~ HIS OBITUARY: Judge George Eggertsen Ballif died Sunday morning, January 19, 2003. George was born on June 19, 1927 to George Smith Ballif and Algie Eggertsen Ballif, the third of four children. He grew up and was educated in Provo, attending the BY Lab School, BY High and Provo High schools. He was passionate about sports; excelling at basketball. He contracted polio during the epidemic of 1942; its devastating effects haunted him the rest of his life. He attended Brigham Young University, Stanford, and the University of Utah. He graduated from the University of Utah Law School in 1954. George met Ruth Macdonald while both were serving as freshman class officers at BYU. They were married in 1950 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary two years ago. Their marriage was solemnized in the Provo Temple in 1999. Following graduation, George practiced law with his father for 17 years in Provo during which time he served as Assistant City Attorney and Deputy District Attorney. He was appointed to the Fourth Judicial District Court by Governor Calvin Rampton in 1971 and enjoyed a distinguished 21-year career on the bench. He developed a close and satisfying working relationship with his capable staff and this friendship continued beyond his retirement. George retired in 1992, but continued to serve as a senior judge for three additional years. He was a respected and wise jurist, known for his patience and equity. George continued his love for sports throughout his life - adopting golf as his passion; he could boast two holes in one. He loved to shoot pool and follow the BYU teams. He was always a dedicated fan of his children and grandchildren and closely followed their activities. George is survived by his wife, Ruth; three children: Georganne Arrington (David), Philip Ballif (Cindy) and Jennifer Usher (Tim); three sisters: Algene Ballif Marcus, Joan Ballif [BYH Class of 1944](Darrell) Jensen, and Grethe Ballif (Chase) Peterson [BYH Class of 1950]; and 11 grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 in Provo, Utah. Interment, East Lawn Memorial Hills. [Published in the Deseret News, Tuesday, January 21, 2003.]

Borgeson, Lavina

Borgeson, Lavina
Ft. Worth, Texas US

Lavina Borgeson

Class of 1945~Honorary. Lavina Borgeson. ~ ~ ~ ~HER OBITUARY: Lavina Borgeson, January 3, 1927 ~ October 4, 2019 (age 92). Necoline Lavina Borgeson, the second child of Andrew A. Borgeson, Sr and Johanna Van Tussenbroek Borgeson, born in Tropic, Utah January 3, 1927, passed away October 4, 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas. During her lifetime she lived in the Utah cities of Monticello, Fountain Green and Santaquin. She also in her adult years lived in the states of New Mexico and Texas, many of those years in Fort Worth, Texas. Her growing up years were principally spent in Santaquin, Utah, where she was educated in elementary and junior high schools, graduating from Payson, Utah high school, then went on to BYU, attending on a musical scholarship. Along with being very musically talented, especially on the trumpet, she also excelled in many ways including helping on her father’s farm, caring for animals and working with horses. After graduating from BYU, she served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Spanish American mission, becoming fluent in the Spanish Language, and increasing her love for the Southwest area of her country. When she returned home, she taught school close by for a year later moving to New Mexico where she taught first grade helping Spanish speaking students with learning in English. She also continued using her talents in the community. When the New Mexico schools began to insist that only English be used in the schools, she was disappointed. It was at that time than she decided to be a professional musician, and chose to play with a combo based in Texas. Along with performing she again taught school in Fort Worth, Texas where they welcomed her ability to help Spanish-speaking first grade children. The combo she joined was led by Mari Leito. They purchased a home in Fort Worth and Lavina lived there until the time of her death, performing on flute, trumpet, guitar and singing even well into her 80s. In fact, both she and Mari continued to perform and make records long after other fellow musicians retired. Though she lived far from Santaquin she often spent time frequently with her parents and helping them where needed. After the death of her father, she even spent more time with her mother especially being certain all was well. Her suitors were many but she remained single, caring for others who were in need of a friend and helper. Many children had a better start in education because she chose to teach and lives were also made brighter as she shared her talents. Another gift of service was carrying for ill-treated animals. She worked patiently with them and loved them. Two of those sweet dogs shared her love and were near her during her last days on earth. Lavina’s parents and siblings Jo Marie Bray, Clara Goudy, and June Hubner welcomed her in Heaven. Carolyn Shelley, Cane Beds, Utah; Andrew A. Borgeson, Jr. Mona, Utah; and Nellie Morgan, Santaquin, Utah; plus her good friend Mari Leito in Fort Worth Texas will miss her for a time but know that Families are Forever. Graveside services will be held Wednesday October 30, 2019 at 11:30 A.M. at the Santaquin City Cemetery. Source.