Bliss, Idaho

This photo is one that was among many in my Great Grandmother’s possessions.  Since I don’t have a clue who she is, I thought I would make it available with the information that is written on the back.

“Sweet Dorothy J Gruel”  (This may be Gruett, Cruett, Gruell, or some other variation in cursive writing.)

“Bliss, Idaho”

“Box 175”

“Age 14”

I recognize the building because it is still there and Bliss doesn’t have many buildings.  I don’t know if it was all grades in one, or just a high school.  Either way, I assume Ms. Dorothy knew my Great Grandmother, Lillian Coley, and sent the photo to her.  There is a chance this photo was sent to Lillian’s mother, Martha Christiansen Coley, and could be a niece or something to her.  I do not have her in my family file, cannot find her name anywhere, and hope this will be useful to someone.  My Great Grandmother Lillian was born in 1898, so if this girl is roughly the same age, this photo would have been taken around 1912.

Sweet Dorothy J Gruell Bliss, Idaho Box 175 age 14

Wilburn Norwood Jonas

Similar as I have done with other family members, I thought I would make available all the pictures I have of Grandpa.  I won’t write much, just present the few photos and documents I have in chronological order, as best I can tell.

Wilburn Norwood “Nor” Jonas was born 15 May 1924 in Lewiston, Cache, Utah to Lillian Coley and Joseph Nelson Jonas.  The fourth child of eight to his parents.  He married Colleen Mary Andra 27 September 1946 in Elko, Elko, Nevada.  Three children were born to him and Colleen; Douglas in 1952, Sandra in 1954, and Jackie in 1960.  He died 14 March 1975 in Burley, Cassia, Idaho and was buried 19 March 1975 in Richmond, Cache, Utah.

From the Richmond South Ward, Benson Stake

I think this is the youngest picture I have of Grandpa.

This picture shows some of his youth.

He graduated from Primary in 1936.

Richmond South Ward, Benson Stake Primary Graduation Certificate

A couple of pictures taken as a teenager.

His Certificate of Promotion to the High School, North Cache.

Promotion to North Cache High School

A promissory note to attend North Cache Seminary.  I was a bit surprised signed a promissory note for $1.35 to attend Seminary.

North Cache Seminary Promissory Note

He worked for Western Coal in 1943, I don’t know if he lived in Carbon County or if this was closer to Richmond.

He had a hernia operation in 1945.  Here is the bill.

Hospital Bill

Somebody tried to get a liquor license dishonestly.

Logan City Court misdemeanor.  City Attorney L Tom Perry.

Grandpa also worked for the government during the war.

Termination at Fort Mason, San Francisco, California

His metal Social Security Card.

The rejection of his liquor license in 1946.

A wedding portrait.

A picture given to me, of lesser quality scan, of Norwood and Colleen in Yellowstone in 1946.  I understand this was from their honeymoon.

His chauffeur’s license from 1951, luckily the photograph is still attached and you can see his signature.

Utah Chauffeur’s License 1

Utah Chauffeur’s License 2

His insurance card from Mr. Skidmore in Richmond, Utah.

This photo was taken on 17 April 1950 in Richmond, Utah after the funeral and burial of Kent Jonas, Ellis and Geri’s son.

Back (l-r): Lowell Andersen, Evan Jonas, Norwood Jonas. Front: Joseph Jonas, Spencer Jonas, and Ray Talbot.

A picture from a mid 1950’s Jonas Family Reunion.

Back (l-r): Ellis, Joseph, Lona, Norwood. Front: Evan, Spencer Jonas.

A picture from an Andra Family Reunion about 1957.

Norwood and Colleen with Doug and Sandy in Preston, Idaho

A formal portrait in the mid to late 1960’s.

A family photo taken somewhere around 1970.

Norwood and Colleen Jonas Family. Children, oldest to youngest, Doug, Sandy, Jackie.

A picture of a visit to City of Rocks in the early 1970’s.

Zella and Marion Hazel, Norwood Jonas at City of Rocks

A couple of the newspaper articles around Grandpa’s death.

Norwood’s Funeral Program

Evan Kay Elliott

For Evan’s birthday, and since he provided me some photos and I do not know what else to do with them, I will post them on here.

He is not technically my relative and I have held on to the photos because he knew I did family history and would make them available to family.  He provided these photos to me in the summer of 2004.  I scanned them and have kept them safe since them.  These are all the photos he provided for me.  I am including a few others that I have that include my Grandmother, Colleen.  I do not know the status or whereabouts of any of the other individuals in the photos.  I have put them in chronological order as much as I can.  These individuals are named as Evan gave them to me.

Evan Kay Elliott was born the fourth of six children on 19 June 1934 to Ethel Helen Heath and William Henery Elliott in Soda Springs, Caribou, Idaho.  His father was born in Lago, Bannock, Idaho (now Caribou County) and his mother was born in Liberal, Seward, Kansas.  He graduated from Paul High School.  He married Beatrice F Lamoureau 9 May 1961 in Elko, Elko, Nevada.  They were divorced shortly afterward.  He married Colleen Mary Andra, a widow of Wilburn Norwood Jonas, 9 April 1976 in Burley, Cassia, Idaho.  They were later sealed 5 May 1978 in Idaho Falls, Bonneville, Idaho at the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.  They were divorced about 1987.  He then married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Jeanette Loebsack, 6 April 1989 in Elko.  They lived together until she passed 30 September 2003 in Twin Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho.  Evan lived alone until he passed at home in Twin Falls 24 October 2007.  He was buried 3 November 2007 in Paul, Minidoka, Idaho.

Evan Kay Elliott about 1938

William (Bill) and Ethel Helen (“Helen”) Elliott with son Melvin standing on their doorstep in Paul, Idaho about 1947.

William (Bill) Elliott with wife, Helen, and sons Evan (back) and Melvin about 1947.

Bill and Helen Elliott with daughter and son, Carol and Melvin about 1947.

Evan and Melvin Elliott, his brother, about 1947.

Evan high school portrait, about 1950

1948 Elliott family reunion at Shoshone Falls

Evan’s military photo, about 1951. He served in the Korean War, I believe in the Navy.

(l-r) Bill Elliott, Melvin, Evan about 1952

Bill and Helen Elliott with Melvin.

Loucilla Loebsack, 1953, Shirley’s sister.

Loucilla Loebsack

Shirley kneeling in 1953

Evan and Shirley Loebsack, Christmas Eve 1953

Shirley Loebsack, Christmas Even 1953

Evan and Melvin Elliott with Virgil Rocko in September 1955

Evan and Colleen about 1977

About 1979

Colleen and Evan about 1982

Evan fishing near Portland, Oregon on 5 July 1998

Shirley Elliott, 5 July 1998

The Elliott home in Twin Falls.

Evan and Shirley Elliott, 16 July 2000

Evan and Shirley in 2003

Evan at Andra Ross’ wedding 27 May 2005 in Rupert, Minidoka, Idaho

Parley & Eliza Wagstaff

This is a bit of a peripheral line for me, but since a cousin made the information available, I am happy to share it here.  All the credit goes to Julee Hicks for this post.  Nearly everything in this post will be from the biographies and photos she forwarded.

Eliza and Parley Wagstaff

From the Autobiography of Parley:

“I, Parley LeRoy Wagstaff was born April 9, 1903, in Glendale, Oneida (now Franklin) County, Idaho, to William Addison and Mary Magdalina Wanner Wagstaff.  The fifth child to join this union, I was blessed May 10, 1903.

“My earliest recollection was when I went to the Logan Temple to be baptized on April 18, 199 by Joseph M. Smith and confirmed April 18, 1911 by Thomas Morgan.  At the age of six I started school which was in a one-room building which served as a church and school with a black stove to keep it warm.  Father, being the custodial, it fell my lot and my brother Bill’s to go and build the fire in the mornings and at night we had to sweep and dust so it would be ready for school the next day.

“The school house being two and a half miles away we had to walk or ride a horse.  A horse fell on my leg and my Dad put a splint on it and I stayed in bed while it healed.

“At the age of 12, I was ordained a Deacon, May 3, 1914 by Joseph M. Smith.  I served as president for awhile.

“In the summers I worked for neighbors for very little money and my board.  In September 1919, we moved to West Weber; I and Bill drove a team of horses with our belongings from Idaho to West Weber.  In October or November, we were quarantined with a disease and didn’t start school until the first of 1920, then we went to Wilson, I graduated on May 29, 1920.

“I was ordained a priest March 1, 1925 by David Hancock.  I spent my time helping on the farm in the summer and running a grain binder all over Weber County.  In the winter I helped feed cattle for Lu Keller and helped Dad milk cows.

“On January 17, 1928, I was ordained an Elder by Francis F. Stratford Sr.

“On March 14, 1929, I was married to Eliza Blanch in the Salt Lake Temple.  We have been blessed with five children, two boys and three girls.  One passed away at birth.

“We have lived all our lives in West Weber, running a diary farm.  On January 5, 1964, I was ordained a Seventy by Spencer W. Kimball, and on August 9, 1970, I was ordained a High Priest by Francis E. Stratford Jr.”

This is all I have of Parley’s autobiography.  Here is his funeral program.

Here is the biography of Eliza:

“Eliza Dorthea Blanch Wagstaff was born August 2, 1908 in West Weber, Weber County, Utah.  She was one of nine children born to Joseph and Laura May Etherington Blanch.

“Like most young girls she attended school, participated in church activities and helped her parents on the farm.

“Eliza considered it a privilege to work in various homes before her marriage.  She says to know people is to love them.

“Her marriage to Parley L. Wagstaff took place in the Salt Lake Temple, March 14, 1929.  They moved several times; the last time into the old family home where she was born and reared.  They were the parents of five children, Duane LeRoy, Elelyn  W. (Purdy), LaNea W. (Rawson), Brent William and an infant daughter who died at birth.

“Before her marriage Eliza taught a Sunday School Class with Mary Penman for five years.  For 25 years she has been an ardent worker in the Primary; starting in 1933 as a teacher.  She was appointed second counselor to President Isabell Wagstaff in 1943.  Two years later she was released.  She held this same position twice under President Una C Greenwell; first, from March 1957 to August 1958 and from 1962 to 1964.  From 1949 to 1957 she helped the 11 year old Guide boys become second class scouts and graduate from Primary before they were ordained Deacons.  She was appointed by President Thomas O. Smith to work in the North Weber Stake Primary Board, February 3, 1958 and was assigned tot he Guide Patrol Department.  She was released August 20, 1962.

“Sister ELiza had the privilege of teaching Evelyn during her three years as Mother Bee Keeper, daughter Beehive girl.

“Sister Wagstaff was appointed second counselor to President Leila C. Heslop in the Ward Relief Socity January 3, 1965.  She was changed to first counselor September 12, 1965, and is currently working in this capacity.  She has been a visiting teacher for several years.

“Parley and Eliza were called to work on the Old Folks Committee in May 1955 and are still working on this assignment (1968).

“Eliza has been a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers since 1947 and has held the following positions in the organizations: Captain from 1953 to 1955 and Historial from 1961 to the present time (1968).

“The following quotation is from Sister Wagstaff:  “The crowning glory of my life came with motherhood.  Children of angels of God in disguise; they are idols of hearts and households.”

This photo was taken at a birthday party for Sarah Judkins in 1941.

Back (l-r): Eve Baxter Blanch(1904-1992), Voletta Belnap Blanch(1905-2000), Lee Stoker(1910-1998), Laura Blanch Hancock(1903-1963), Wilford Newell Judkins(1881-1956).  5th Row: Alta Bailey, Albert Bailey(1919-2009), Parley Wagstaff(1903-1996).  4th Row: Nina Judkins(1924-2010), Laura Mae Blanch(1873-1942), Eliza Blanch Wagstaff(1908-1992).  3rd Row: Lynn Judkins, Ruth Hancock(1922-1998), Ethel Blanch Stoker(1910-1987), Don Blanch(1913-1997), Heber Hancock(1902-1960).  2nd Row: Newell Judkins(1917-1979), Myreta Judkins, MaryBell Judkins(1919-2000), Sarah Judkins(1899-1974), Keith Stoker(1930-1990), Val Hancock(1929-2010), Gene Hancock.  Front: Bobbie Blanch, Jesse Stoker(1932-1997), Joyce Judkins, LaNae Wagstaff, Evelyn Wagstaff, Duane Wagstaff, Reed Hancock, Jerri Blanch.

Eliza died 12 March 1992 in West Weber.  She was buried 15 March 1992 in the West Weber Cemetery.  Parley died 18 January 1996 in Bountiful, Davis, Utah.  He was buried 22 January 1996 beside his wife.

Colleen Mary Andra Jonas Lloyd

For my Grandmother’s birthday today, I thought I would put together a picture history of her life from the photos I have.  I don’t think I will write a whole lot, just share photos of her life in chronological order, as much as I can.  I hope you enjoy it.

Colleen Mary Andra was born 27 May 1928 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho to Mary Louise Wanner and William Fredrick Andra.  The fifth child to her parents.  She married Wilburn Norwood Jonas 27 September 1946 in Elko, Elko, Nevada.  Three children were born to her and Norwood; Douglas in 1952, Sandra in 1954, and Jackie in 1960.  After he died in 1975, she remarried Evan Kay Elliott 9 April 1976 in Idaho Falls, Bonneville, Idaho.  After their divorce around 1987, she married Ivan “Bud” Walter Lloyd 31 January 1998 in Dingle, Bear Lake, Idaho.  She died in Boise, Ada, Idaho 14 November 1999 and was buried in Dingle on the 18th.

Enjoy!!

About 1940.

High school, about 1943.

Andra siblings Colleen, Larry, Ross, Dale, Sergene, about 1945.

Graduation from Preston High School, 1946.

Yearbook picture from Preston High School, 1945.

Teacher Training Certificate from the Deseret Sunday School Union Board, 1946.

Norwood and Colleen Portrait, about 1947.

Andra Family Portrait, 1947; back (l-r): Bill, Golden; middle: Sergene, Millie, Colleen, June; front: Don, Larry, Bill, Dale, Mary, Ross.

June, Millie, Mary, Colleen, Sergene, about 1956.

Norwood, Colleen, Doug, Sandy at Jonas Reunion, about 1957.

1959 Andra Reunion, Phyllis (Don), Utahna (Golden), Sergene, Mary, Colleen, Millie, Edith (Bill).

Colleen, Sandy, and Doug Jonas, about 1959.

Notice her signature, 1962.

Colleen holding Jackie, Jonas Reunion, 1962.

June, Millie, Colleen, Sergene mid 1960's

June, Millie, Colleen, Sergene mid 1960’s

 

Portrait, late 1970’s.

Portrait, middle 1960’s.

Ross Andra Wedding in 1965: (l-r) Bill and Mary Andra, Norwood and Sandy Jonas, Ross and Adelaide Andra, Phyllis Merrill, Edith Andra, Phyllis Andra, Millie Beck, Colleen.

Andra Reunion, 1967, Sergene, Colleen, Millie, June, Mary.

Broken Arm, early 1970’s

Colleen with lamp, early 1970’s

Middle 1970’s smile.

Evan and Colleen Elliott, Andra Reunion, 1976.

Colleen, Millie, June, Sergene, 1977.

Idaho Women’s Bowling Champions, 1977.

Evan, grandson Brook Jonas, and Colleen, 1977.

Side profile with grandson Paul Ross, 1979.

Colleen, Jackie, Sandy about 1980.

Colleen and her grandson, Paul Ross around 1981.

Millie, Colleen, Sergene

Millie, Colleen, Sergene

 

About 1982 Andra Reunion; (l-r) Brook, Doug, and Linda Jonas, Evan and Colleen Elliott, Jackie Jonas (kneeling), Sandy, Andra (baby), Milo, and Paul Ross (hanging).

Water-skiing about 1983.

Andra Reunion at Minidoka Dam, 28 July 1984, (l-r) Siblings Ross, Colleen, June, Millie, Bill, Golden, Don, Larry.

Evan and Colleen Elliott, about 1982.

Jonas Reunion, 1986, with Paul and Andra Ross, grandchildren.

Colleen with her mother, Mary Andra, 1986.

Jackie Jonas Wedding in 1987; back: Milo Ross, Willie Melycher, Doug Jonas, Brook Jonas; middle: Sandy Ross, Jackie Melycher, Colleen Jonas; front: Paul and Andra Ross.

Colleen Elliott, Milo and Sandy Ross at Scott Ross’ wedding, 1987.

4 Generations, Mary, Jackie, Colleen, holding May. About 1989.

Picture taken the same day as the 4 generation picture, 1989. Her beloved 1976 Mercury Marquis in the background. Notice also her famed turquoise.

Portrait, 1990.

Sisters at Bert Sorenson’s funeral, 9 March 1991, Burley, Idaho, Colleen Jonas, Sergene Sorenson, June Johnson, Millie Beck.

Sergene and Colleen in San Diego

Sergene and Colleen in San Diego

Colleen and Jim Merrill, about 1992.

Portrait, 1993.

Sworn in as Burley Does President, 2 April 1994.

Bud and Colleen at Jackson Hole, 1994.

President of the Burley Does and Delegate to the Does National Convention, 1995.

Combined Insurance Business Card, about 1995.

(l-r) Judy’s daughter holding Jesse Melycher, Jackie Melycher, Sandy Ross with May Melycher in front, ?, Judy Jonas, Doug Jonas, Colleen Jonas, Fred Thrall in Chugiak, Anchorage, Alaska, 1996.

Jackson Hole, 1997.

1998 Andra Reunion, Milie and Vance Beck, Sergene Jensen, Colleen Lloyd.

Colleen and Bud Lloyd, 24 July 1998 at Deer Cliff in, Mapleton, Franklin, Idaho.

Mrs. Rue’s Class

Back (l-r): Larry Weitzstein, Becky Kuhlman, Jane Garcia, Donald Bodily, Allen Llewellyn, Kim Maier, Kirk Carpenter, David Hill.  Middle: Mrs. Rue, Val Patterson, Randy Harris, Jenny Ford, Kim Barlow, Trudy Mills, Todd Anderson, Robert Fairbrother.  Front: Faye Smith, Jeanette Bellafullin, Bruce Harper, DeeLon Jones, Mark Bonner, Pam Draper, Kathy Larson, Jackie Jonas.

Here is another class picture of my Aunt Jackie.  As the sign tells, this picture is from Southwest School in Burley, Cassia, Idaho taken in April 1970.  The names were written on a piece of paper inside.  If they are incorrect, please let me know.  I would be happy to update the information.  First, a copy of letter from Ms. Rue.

Larry Weitzstein

Becky Kuhlman

Jane Garcia

Donald Bodily

Allen Llewellyn

Kim Maier

Kirk Carpenter

David Hill

Margaret Jane Daven Rue (1914-1985)

Val Paterson

Randy Harris

Jenny Ford

Kim Barlow

Trudy Mills

Todd Anderson

Robert Fairbrother

Faye Smith

Jeanette Bellafullin

Bruce Harper (1959-1975)

DeeLon Jones

Mark Bonner

Pam Draper

Kathy Larson

Jackie Jonas

Hiram Milo Ross

We are happy to share the birth of our new baby: Hiram Milo Ross.

He was born at 3:47 PM on 15 May 2012.

He weighed in at 7 pounds, 15 ounces, 20.5 inches long.

Ross & Adelaide Andra Wedding

(l-r): Bill and Mary Andra, Norwood and Sandy Jonas, Ross and Adelaide Andra, Phyllis Merrill, Edith Andra, Phyllis Andra, Millie Beck, Colleen Jonas

This is the wedding photo for the Ross and Adelaide (Gonzalez) Andra wedding taken 14 June 1963 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho.

Ross, Millie, and Colleen are three of the children of Bill and Mary (Wanner) Andra.  Norwood Jonas is the husband of Colleen and Sandy is their daughter (my mother).

Edith (Gudmundson) and Phyllis (McKinney, the one on the right) are spouses of two other Andra boys, Bill Jr and Don respectively.

Phyllis Merrill was a missionary who served in Brazil and became a very good friend to Adelaide.  She helped teach Adelaide English and spent the day interpreting for her as she went through the Logan Temple.

I particularly like this photo because of the golden smile Great Grandpa has on his face.  This is the best photo I have of his smile.