Larry Irven Orton

Larry Irven Orton passed away peacefully at his home in Fairview, Utah, on November 21, 2025. He has been joyfully reunited with his sweetheart and the love of his life, Sonja Fay Sidwell Orton.

Larry was born in Fairview, Utah, on January 11, 1938, to Irven Leroy Orton and Ileda Rose Garlick. He spent most of his childhood in Fairview, where he developed a strong work ethic helping local farmers with milking and other daily chores. During his early teenage years, he met the girl who would forever hold his heart—Sonja Fay Sidwell. The two were married on June 28, 1958, and later sealed in the Manti LDS Temple on June 29, 2004.

After graduating high school, Larry joined the National Guard. Realizing it wasn’t the right fit, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1957, where he proudly served for four and a half years. While stationed overseas, Larry welcomed his first child, a daughter, Tammie Faye, born in May 1959. After his honorable discharge in June 1962, Larry and Sonja moved to Salt Lake City, where they spent the next 14 years. During that time, Larry worked for Federated Milk Producers and Brightling Brothers Construction, and in April 1963 they welcomed their son, Dennis Irven.

In 1976, Larry and Sonja moved their family back to Fairview, Utah. Larry began working for the Utah Department of Transportation in Road Maintenance, where he remained until his retirement in 2004. Even after retiring, Larry continued to stay active, working part-time with Christensen Brothers Construction.

Larry and Sonja cherished their retirement years, spending several winters as snowbirds in Yuma, Arizona. Many of those treasured trips included their grandchildren, Joshua Comstock and Kayla Orton Westlund, creating memories that will last for generations.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Irven Leroy and Ileda Rose; his beloved wife, Sonja Fay; and his brothers Jerry E. Orton, Keith Lamont Orton, Ronald Ezra Orton, and Ralph Leroy Orton.

He is survived by his two children, Tammie Faye Jensen (Kenneth Comstock) and Dennis Irvin Orton (Katherine Orton); four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brothers Roger Lynn Orton (Pam Orton) and Tony Gene Orton (Mari Layne Orton); his sister Lois Ann Poole (Dick Poole); and by his loyal four-legged companion and “girlfriend,” Suzie, who was a real dog in every sense and a true source of joy in his later years.

Larry will be remembered for his steady dedication, his quiet strength, and the deep love he held for his family. His legacy of service, resilience, and devotion lives on in all who knew and loved him. 

Graveside services will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. in the Fairview City Cemetery with a viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Fairview 2nd & 3rd Ward Church (131 E 100 N).

To Watch Graveside Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 12:15 p.m. MST prior to services.