Mortensen, Robert Bevan

1929-2017 Robert Bevan Mortensen, 87, of Albuquerque, N. M., died Sunday evening, February 19, 2017, at his home.

Bevan was born October 26, 1929, in Virden, N.M. He was the oldest of 7 children of Robert and Katie Jane McDonald Mortensen. He received his Eagle Scout rank and graduated from Virden High School in 1947. There, he was student body president and enjoyed playing basketball. He attended Arizona State University for two years, followed by a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and two years of Army service in Korea.

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, 1953, a day after he turned 24, he married Leola Rae Payne in the LDS Mesa Arizona Temple. They have 3 sons & 3 daughters.

From 1956 until 1979, Bevan was a partner with his father and brothers in the farming and cattle business in Blythe, Calif. He continued the family tradition by later going into business with his sons.

He was actively involved in church service throughout his life. He served two full-time missions, one in the Northwestern States Mission and another in 1993 with his wife in the London England Mission. He worked in LDS temples for more than 20 years.

Bevan is survived by his wife, L. Rae Mortensen; his children: Robert V. (Lori), Keith (Lorie), Marjorie Rhodes, Maureen (Cory) Ottesen, Arlene (Jace) Larsen, and Gregory (Catherine); 21 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and brother, Taylor Mortensen. He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister.

Funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2017, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 11750 San Victorio NE, Albuquerque, with a viewing before from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Graveside service and interment will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017, at the Virden, N.M., Cemetery. The family is grateful for the caring staff at La Vida Llena. An online guest book for Bevan is available at www.FrenchFunerals.com