Ivins, Utah - Orville William Chigbrow, III passed away at the age of 72 in Ivins, Utah.

Orville retired after 25 years of service in the U.S. Military, nine years in the U.S. Navy, and 16 years in the U.S. Army.  He and his wife Mary Lou spent most of those years overseas and visited many other countries during their time abroad.  He retired with the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Joint Service Achievement Medal among others.

After retirement Orville and Mary Lou settled in Missoula, Montana where Orville obtained a Master's degree in Fine Arts. During his time at the University of Montana, he taught pottery classes and showed his ceramic artwork in many exhibitions. The Missoula Museum of Art has one of his pieces in their permanent collection.

In 2016, Orville and Mary Lou moved to Ivins, Utah to enjoy the milder climate.

Orville was passionate about archery and was out most days shooting. He won several medals at the Huntsman Senior Games in St. George, Utah.

He was also passionate about playing the Native American flute. He bought his first flute when he was visiting his brother in New Mexico. He taught himself to play and attended flute camps and took classes to improve his playing. He loved to teach and helped beginning flute players for several years.

Orville leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Mary Lou of Ivins, Utah; mother, Barbara Chigbrow of Great Falls, Montana; brother, Eric Chigbrow (Pam) of Great Falls, Montana; sisters-in-law: Barbara Chigbrow of Los Alamos, New Mexico, Ev Merriman of Great Falls, Montana, Cheryl Gies (Bob) and Pat Bauerle (Bob) of Missoula, Montana; brother-in-law, Mike Dawson (Jeanet) of Middle Ridge, Queensland, Australia; and nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Orville "Bill" Chigbrow; and brothers: Fred and Larrie Chigbrow.

A Celebration of Orville's life will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.

He will be buried in the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery in Missoula, Montana at a later date.

Orville Chigbrow, III Service Program