Their story is one that is familiar in many Sanpete communities–a story of two people who came to the valley, made it their home, raised a family and spent much of their lives giving back to the communities that had given them so much.

Scott was born in Gunnison to John Philo and Kathleen Day Bartholomew and has been a lifelong resident of Sanpete County. He graduated from Gunnison Valley High School in 1971 and, except for two years serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Indiana-Michigan Mission and his college years, has spent his entire life in the valley.

After high school, Scott attended Southern Utah State College, now Southern Utah University, where he earned an associate’s degree in electronics in 1975.

His professional life was closely tied to another institution that has been an important part of the Gunnison community. Scott began working for Gunnison Telephone Company when he was just 16 years old and remained with the company throughout his entire career.

Over the decades, he watched the telecommunications industry change dramatically and embraced the challenges that came with keeping pace with new technology. He earned numerous endorsements in telecommunications and helped Gunnison Telephone Company grow and adapt through years of technological change.

But for Scott, the job was about more than technology.

He valued the opportunity to work alongside what he considered a wonderful company and, perhaps more importantly, to serve the people of Gunnison Valley.

Finding a lifelong partner

While attending Southern Utah State College, Scott met Lila Bender. The meeting would eventually lead to a marriage and partnership that has now lasted 50 years.

Lila was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, and spent her early years in Riverdale and Minot before moving with her family to Las Vegas, Nevada, when she was 9 years old.

She graduated from Southern Nevada Vocational Technical School, where she earned both her high school diploma and a Certificate of Excellence in Accounting, along with a scholarship to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Her educational journey eventually brought her to Southern Utah State College, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in biological sciences and received her teaching certificate. She later continued her education and earned a master’s degree in education from Grand Canyon University.

Lila would go on to dedicate 42 years to the South Sanpete School District.

She initially worked part-time before becoming a full-time educator, eventually spending decades teaching and working with generations of Sanpete County children.

For Lila, teaching was much more than a career. She treasured the opportunity to work with the children of the community and considered teaching one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Building a family in Fayette

Scott and Lila were married in March 1976 and made their home in Fayette.

Together, they established their home, raised five children and worked the family farm. Their children–Jed, Greg, Jay, Lisa and Kasey–became the center of their lives.

Today, the Bartholomews are also the grandparents of 14 grandchildren, and they consider watching their family grow and thrive to be among their greatest joys.

Through the years, family life, work and community service were closely intertwined.

The Bartholomews’ home in Fayette became the foundation for a family built on the values of faith, responsibility and helping others.

A life of community service

Those same values eventually led both Scott and Lila into years of public and community service.

Scott served as a Fayette city councilman and later as mayor of Fayette. For the past 14 years, he has served as a Sanpete County commissioner, giving him the opportunity to work on issues affecting residents throughout the county.

His years in local government have allowed him to see Sanpete County from a broader perspective while remaining grounded in the community where he was raised and the small town where he and Lila chose to build their home.

Lila also contributed to the community through public service, spending many years working as Fayette’s clerk/treasurer.

Their service has extended well beyond elected and appointed positions.

Both Scott and Lila have faithfully served in numerous callings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have also devoted countless hours to committees, community organizations and service projects.

For the Bartholomews, service has never simply been a title or position. It has been part of the way they have chosen to live.

A lasting Sanpete legacy

Looking back over their lives together, Scott and Lila have experienced many of the changes that have shaped Sanpete County over the past half-century.

Scott witnessed tremendous changes in the telecommunications industry during his career with Gunnison Telephone Company. Lila spent more than four decades watching generations of Sanpete children grow through the South Sanpete School District.

They raised their family, worked their farm, served their church and contributed to their communities–all while maintaining the strong ties that have connected them to Sanpete County for generations.

Their story is not defined by a single accomplishment or a single position. Rather, it is measured by decades of steady service and the countless relationships they have built along the way.

Their greatest legacy may be found in their five children and 14 grandchildren, but it also lives in the students Lila taught, the residents Scott served, the coworkers they worked beside, the neighbors they helped and the many people who have benefited from their willingness to give their time.

After 50 years of marriage, Scott and Lila Bartholomew continue to represent the values that have long defined Sanpete County–faith, family, hard work, service and a willingness to look after one’s neighbors.

Their lives are a testament to what can happen when those values are practiced consistently over a lifetime.

The impact of that commitment will not end with their years of service. It will continue through their children, grandchildren and the many lives they have touched throughout Sanpete County.

For a community built on generations of families helping one another, the Bartholomews’ story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful contributions are made quietly, one day, one family and one neighbor at a time.