St. George, UT - Arvilla Bauer Jennings James passed away on December 19, 2017 at the age of 91, in St. George, Utah. She was born on March 20, 1926, in Enterprise, Utah. She was the eighth child of William Bauer and Irene Elliker.  She married Raynel Jennings on September 27, 1947 in Las Vegas, Nevada and they were sealed three years later on their anniversary in the St. George Utah LDS Temple.

Arvilla spent her school years in Enterprise, graduating from Enterprise High school in 1944.  She spent her early married life in Enterprise, but due to the tragic death of her husband she moved her young family to St. George, where she raised her four children. She was a devoted Mother and taught her children the importance of serving others and gaining a testimony of Jesus Christ.  She was an active member of the LDS Church and served in many organizations throughout her life.

Arvilla enjoyed antiquing, crafting, sewing, cooking, bowling, gardening, professional tennis and serving her family. She especially enjoyed spending time with her sisters.

On October 10, 1968 she married Melvin D. James in the Logan Utah LDS Temple.  Together they served a mission in Detroit, Michigan. They enjoyed traveling and spending summers in Yellowstone at the James family cabin.

Arvilla is survived by her daughters and son: Deborah (James) Ence, Allyson (Stan) Blake, Jillynn (James) Rasmussen, Shawn Raynel (Calista) Jennings, and her sister Noriene Barnum.  She has 20 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, spouses and siblings: Douella McCarley, Rosella Jones, Wilford Bauer, Viola Jones, Erna Thompson, Adriene Roberts, Raymond Bauer, June McAllister, and Gerald Bauer.

The family would like to thank Zion's Way Hospice and especially, Michelle and Kameron for the help and care of their Mother.

Funeral services will be held   Friday, December 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. George LDS East Stake Center, 449 South 300 East, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and Friday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Enterprise City Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit our website www.metcalfmortuary.com .