Lark Cheesman

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