Retta James Obituary (1935 - 2019)

Retta Mortensen James, of Tooele of Utah, passed away on October 27, 2019 at the age of 83. Retta and her twin sister Etta were born on November 20, 1935, in Parowan, Utah to John William and Clara Mary Garzand Mortensen. She attended Parowan Elementary and graduated from Parowan High School in 1953. Retta lived in Cedar City, Utah and worked at Jensen’s Laundry, as a maid at several hotels and sewed at Coleman’s Sewing Factory. She married Kenneth Judd in 1952, they later divorced. This union was blessed with 5 children, Teresa, Lorraine, Kendell, Marilyn and Bruce. She married Will Shoppman (deceased), and Larry Leavitt (divorced). She later moved to Tooele, Utah where she met and married the love of her life, Larry Ovell James on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1982 in Elko, Nevada. Retta loved to take rides with Larry. They enjoyed traveling to beautiful places, short trips to the mountains to see deer, and each other’s company. She helped raise many of her grandkids. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed watching her grandkids play sports, was an avid Jazz fan, and loved to quilt. She is survived by her husband Larry, her children; Teresa (Gary) Potter, Lorraine Rollo, Kendall (Jeanie) Judd, Marilyn (Randy) Dennis, and Bruce Judd, her Bother Lloyd (Helena) Mortensen, and sister, Etta McBride, 14 grandchildren, 24 great- grandchildren and 3 great- great- grandchildren and her precious dog Bandit. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers; Jack and Alfred Mortensen, Sisters; Norine Johnson and Cleo Smith, and son in law, Rugene Rollo. She died doing what she loved, taking a peaceful ride with Larry to see the mountains and the deer. She was a very loving Wife, Mother, Aunt, Sister, and Grandmother. She will be greatly missed by many. Viewings will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at Tate Mortuary, 110 South Main Street, Tooele, Utah, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., again on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 12:00-12:45p.m. at the Southern Utah Mortuary, 15 East 100 North, Parowan ,Utah, with service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place after the service at the Parowan City Cemetery. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Retta Mortensen James please visit our Sympathy Store.