I was trying to find some photos and stumbled upon my Mom’s graduation pamphlet I had scanned a few years ago. Thought maybe it was time to share it, especially where I have seen some of her classmates have passed away recently.
1972 Baccalaureate and Commencement – Burley High School – Burley Idaho
These programs courtesy of the following Public Spirited Business Concerns
Amalgamated Sugar Co.
Burley Processing Co.
Burley Reminder
Cassia National Bank
First Federal Savings & Loan Assn., Burley Branch
First Security Bank
Guys ‘N Dolls
Idaho Bank & Trust Co.
Idaho First National Bank Burley Office
McCaslins
Ponderosa Inn
J. R. Simplot Food Processing Division
South Idaho Press
Class Officers
President Garth Beck
Vice President Bud Hoffbuhr
Secretary Jill Hinz
Executives Peggy Wood, Peggy Larson, Kaye Dawn Larson, Jeananne Gruwell, Jean Graham
Class Adviser Mr. David Peck
Baccalaureate Sunday, May 21, 1972 2:30 P.M.
Mr. Tom Gruwell , Principal, Presiding
Processional High School Band Mike Chesley, Conducting
Welcome Garth Beck Class President
Invocation Bud Hoffbuhr
Special Number Bel Canto Choir Elden Wood, Conducting “Battle Hymn of the Republic”
Address Dr. Walter R. Peterson
Cherubim Song Senior Octet
Benediction Calvin Pearson
Recessional High School Band
Commencement Monday, May 22, 1972 8:00 P.M.
Mr. Tom Gruwell, Principal, Presiding
THEME: “I Dream Dreams that Never Were and I Ask, Why Not” – George Bernard Shaw
Processional – High School Band – Mike Chesley, Conducting
Invocation – Connie Smith
Welcome Address – Garth Beck, Class President
Greetings from Austria – Marianne Koch – Exchange Student
“Man and His World” – Senior Choir
Valedictorian – Julieann Kerbs
Trombone Solo – Doug Nichols
Salutatorian – Edi Lou King
“The Halls of Ivy” – Senior Sextet
Presentation of Diplomas – Mr. Norval Wildman, Mr. Albert Klink, Mr. Dave Peck, Mr. Tom Gruwell
Class Song “Crescent Moon” – Class of ’72 – Gwen Bowen, Conducting
Benediction – Wayne Johnson
Recessional – High School Band
Adams, David Ratelle
Allen, Kathryn Marie
Allred, Anthony Jon
Allred, Howard Lynn
Amen, Joanne Marie
Andersen, Debra
Anderson, Roxanne
Anderson, J. DeLayne
Anderson, Jay S
Angus, Joyce Ann
Baker, Cheryl
Baker, Rell Dean
Banner, Marc
Barkdull, Marlene
Bewan, Lynnette
Beard, Patrick Scott
* Beck, Garth Warren
Beck, Reid Belliston
Beckham, George Benjamin
Bedke, Douglas Herman
Bell, Larry W
Bench, Michael R
Berkenmeier, JoAnn
Bishop, Gregory Lynn
Black, Don Reid
Bodily, Ted
Bowcut, Bruce V
Bowen, Gwen
Bowers, Gloria
Bradshaw, Bill A Jr
Breeding, SHelly Marie
Brill, Russel Dean
Brown, Julieann
Burgi, Lysene
Burton, Arlen Lynn
Call, Milo Jay
Campbell, Debbie Kay
Cargill, Elwin Verl II
Carey, Mirian June
Castillo, Yolanda Hernandez
Christian, Debbie Lynn
Clark, Bradley Hales
Clark, Tony
Coleman, Rick Lynn
* Crane, RoZann
Cunnington, Gaylene
Darrington, Jerilyn
Davids, Michael Lynn
Davis, Donna Emily
Day, Debra E
Dayley, LaNae
Dayley, Lee K
Delaney, William W
Dille, LuRene
Draney, R. L.
Duncan, Rocky Gale
Dunn, Rodney K
Dunn, Roger
** Eames, Lou Ann
Eldredge, Debbie
Fairchild, Aleta Ann
Fenton, Wayne J
Ferlic, Beth Anne
Ferlic, Robert James
Filger, Thomas W
Fillmore, Louise
Fletcher, William Kent
Forschler, Laura Lynn
Forschler, Melody
Frazier, Lon Mitchell
Frost, Verlynn
Funk, Barbara Elaine
Gallegos, Linda K
Garcia, Don J
Garrard, Vickie Lynn
Goodwin, Irene C
Graflt, Duane B
Graham, Jean
Green, Michael Dan
** Green, Sharon
Gregersen, Denice
Gruwell, Jeananne
Guiles, Randy Andrew
Gunnell, Brent Udell
Hanks, Gary Thomas
** Hansen, Rae
Hansen, Sondra
Harper, Leslie C
Hatch, Karal
Haycock, Con D
Hazel, Stanley J
Heiner, Paula Jean
Hepworth, Linda
Hess, Steven Lerlan
Heward, William Alex
Hill, Michael Gordon
Hinz, Jill Marie
Hinz, Kathleen Ann
Hobson, Sheryl
Hoffbuhr, Vern S Jr
Holm, Steve D
* Holmes, Thomas J
Holt, Phillip L
Holyoak, Kenneth Reid
Hunt, Timothy Lynn
Hunter, Richard A
Jackson, Kelly Ann
Johnson, Becky A
Johnson, Jack Wesley
Johnson, Mary Beth
Johnson, Wayne RIchard
Jolley, Patricia
Jonas, Sandy
Jones, Steven
Judd, Rockland K
Karlson, Kerry
Kawamoto, Becky
Keen, George E
Keen, Vickie Rae Funk
Kelly, Pat
** Kerbs, Julieann
Kidd, Cory Vaughn
** King, Edith Louise
King, Gary
Knight, R Dano
Kober, Glen R
Koch, Marianne
Koyle, Garth H
Koyle, Shanna
Kunau, Nancy Rae
* Lamb, DeEsta Marie
Larsen, Brent
* Larsen, Scott William
Larsen, Vickie Esther
Larson, Vickey Irene
Larson, Kaye Dawn
Larson, Peggy
Lee, Roxanne
Lopez, Manuel Campbell
Lynch, Gary D
McBride, Anita Marie
McMurray, Susan Mary
* Mackley, Sally Irene
Mai, Kelly
Malloy, Michael John
Manning, Roger D
Marston, Della Kathleen
Martin, Greg
Martin, Stephanie Lyn
Martin, Stephen William
Maselter, Denise Ann
Matthews, Ennis Eugene
Merrill, Kaye Ellen
Miller, John Edward
Moore, Debra L
Moorman, David Edgar
Navejar, Oscar
Nichols, Doulgas Arthur
Nielson, Alice Ann
Nielson, Allan
Obermiller, Cynthia Jean
Olsen, Ricky Ross
Olson, Donna Gaye
Ostrander, Diane Kay
Ostrander, Greg
Otte, Royce Oliver
Page, Linda Marion
Patteron, Peggy Ann
* Pearson, Calvin H
Peterson, Edith Victoria
Pitchford, Debra Faye
Poulton, William Arthur
Powell, Dean
Priest, Roger Kirk
Ramirez, Adelita
Ramsey, Glenn Douglas
Randall, Steven Grant
Redder, Karen Lea
Reedy, Pamela Hannah
Rehn, Scott Leonard
Rendla, Gary M
Rich, Diane S
Richardson, LuAnn
Rickert, Janice Norene
Ritchie, Neil B
Roberts, Kelly Jo
Robinson, Beth
Ross, Norman Clyde
Russell, Patricia B
Sager, Kent Leslie
Sandmann, Michael Remund
Schorzman, Anne
Severe, Rhonda
Short, David G
Silcock, Richard Donald
Simcoe, Steve Bryan
Sivley, Mary
Smith, Connie Sue
Sowers, Bill A
Spann, Debora
Stephenson, Julia
Taylor, David A
Taylor, Russell Price
Thaxton, Stephen Craig
Thompson, Carlene Diane
Thornburg, Deborah
Telley, Marsha Ann
Tolle, Kent Ray
* Tollefson, Kathryn M
Tracy, Perry
Vannatian, Frances Ruby
Vorwaller, Kristine
Wardle, Diane
Wardle, Pamela Kaye
Warr, Paul K
** Weirich, Yvonne Denese
West, Monte M
Wetzstein, Lynette Kay
White, Kristine
Whittle, Ferol Kristine
Wickel, Lee Roy
* Winward, Brenda Arlene
Wolf, Richard Patrick
Wood, Peggy Ann
Woodland, Kirk
Woolstenhulme, Steven Leo
Worman, Barbara Ann
Wright, Edward R
Wyant, Ronald Lee
Wyatt, Marla Jean
Young, Richard L
Zollinger Janene
National Honor Society Members
** Gold Cord – with 3.8 average or above
* Blue Cords – with 3.5 average to 3.8
The sketch of the Burley High School on the front of the Diploma case.
Sandy Jonas Burley High School Diploma
Mom’s actual Diploma.
Burley High School – Burley, Idaho
This Certifies That Sandy Jonas has satisfactorily completed a Course of Study prescribed for Graduation from this School and is therefore awarded this Diploma.
Given in the month of May, nineteen hundred and seventy-two
I was working through some old mission photos and realized I have not shared many of those photos. I thought I might start out with the places in which I lived and what photos I have of those locations. This will be a little bit of everything of what I could find.
Our MTC District, I only know four of the 11. From l-r, #5 is Elder Olson, #9 Elder Scow, #10 Elder Young, #11 Elder Ross. The rest were going to Peoria, Illinois if I remember correctly.
Usually the first place a missionary stays is at the Missionary Training Center (“MTC”). I went to Provo for the MTC. I have written previously and shared other photos I have from the MTC. I thought this photo was interesting because the Provo Temple is going to be renovated and will look entirely different.
Once arriving in Manchester, England my first stay was in the posh Mission Home in Altrincham, England. Here is the only photo I have from that occasion. I didn’t go search my journals, but I believe we arrived in England on 22 December 1998.
President H Bruce and Cheryl Stucki, and Elder Paul Ross
My first area in which to serve was Liscard, England in the newly created Moreton Ward. At this point I am focusing more on physical locations. Here is a photo of my sleeping area/space on the third floor of our flat at 6 Belgrave Street, Liscard, Wallasey, England.
My study space, bed with used duvet, closet, and heater. The door on the left went down the stairs.
There were six of us in the flat on Belgrave Street. That wallpaper did not cause any nightmares that I am aware. My companion could not stand my wind-up alarm clock and so it was locked away. I am standing at the foot of his bed to take this photo. Some of my little Christmas presents from the Duncan family are on the shelf. My coat, backpack, it was frigid in that little room. I first read Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People cuddled in that duvet. My companion, Elder Harris snored loud, so I was often fully inside my duvet. I remember such irony that my little clock kept him awake, but yet his snoring must have kept up the whole flat.
Elder Ross, Elder Harris, Elder Mueller, and Elder Lewis at Belgrave Street flat, my transfer day
This is the same flat I arrived at days before Christmas to find more than a dozen boxes of reject Cadbury chocolates given to us by the members. We literally poured ourselves bowls of chocolate and would pour milk over them for breakfast. I still cannot stand mint or orange chocolate to this day. There were six in the apartment, yet only four are shown above. Here is a photo of the six of us going Christmas caroling in our whites.
(l-r) Elders Llewelyn, Lewis, Harris, Mueller, Ross, and Knight
Elder Bert Llewelyn, Lewis, Jeremy Harris (my trainer), Nathan Mueller, me, and Knight. Some day I will have to see if I have Knight and Lewis’ first names and update. Last, here is a picture of the house across the street from my third floor flat window.
1 and 3 Belgrave Street, Liscard, England
Then it was off to Dukinfield to serve in the Hyde Ward and Glossop Branch. Jumping across Liverpool and Manchester headed for the Moors.
Elder John Peters before 37 Dukinfield Road
There were four missionaries in this flat when I arrived. Elder John Peters, Christopher Giddings, and Elder Moreton. This apartment had problems. It was musky, moldy, and only had a bath tub. It had the water storage in the attic and nothing seemed to work right. When the buses drove by you could see the curtains move with the air. Sometimes even dust and such would fly. And the bathroom… Imagine four missionaries trying to bath in a tub presumably every day for years. No amount of cleaning would ever get it clean, and we did not try very hard. I don’t have any photos inside 37 Dukinfield Road. But I found this one that was on the canal walking to church that was not far behind our flat. Which, looking at Google Earth, is no longer a large factory behind our row of homes.
Elder John Peters moved on and both Elders Giddings and Moreton were shotgunned out. Elder Jarem Frye moved in as my companion and we were the only two in the apartment. He had some illnesses and missing limb, so it was a slower time. It was a great time for work though and in the mornings I was able to read the Book of Mormon more than once a month and the entire History of the Church in the downtime.
Elders Ross and Peters on canal between Dukinfield and Hyde England
My next flat was in Patricroft, England serving in the Eccles Ward. This one was in a fairly rough neighborhood. We had a number of issues we had to avoid and had a few run ins with yobs. I replaced a British Sign Language missionary and was paired with a BSL missionary (who was native Spaniard, which made for some interesting mis-translations). I was expected to learn BSL in addition to the more interesting learning some Spanish and Swedish.
Looking at our apartment of 24 Lewis Street, Patricroft, England
This photo is from St. Johns St looking at our apartment at 24 Lewis Street. Ours is the one with the old slatted windows, not the newer windows of those on both sides. This is the flat I learned about my Grandmother’s passing. This is the apartment that crazy kids fired fireworks in through the mail slot of our door on Guy Fawkes Day 1999. This is where we played an epic prank on greenie Elder Theobald. My first bedroom with a sink in the corner which I have desired ever since.
Elder Wood eating a famous kebab in our Patricroft apartment
There were four of us in this flat. I was first serving with Elder Jose Hernandez from Ibiza, Spain. Then my companion was Elder Jason Wood from Roy, Utah. Poor Elder Hernandez is the missionary who got really upset one night on the way home about always talking about the gospel so he sat by himself half way up the bus. I told him we still were supposed to sit together, even if he was upset. He still moved. Somewhere around Irlam a brick came through the window and knocked him out cold. Elder Wood was in love with the Spice Girls, particularly Sister Halliwell.
Elder Hernandez sorting through garbage
As you can see from the above picture, Elder Hernandez accidentally threw something away and thought he would bring the garbage in to sort through it. It stunk and we were not happy with him. I do not recall if he found what he lost.
Zone Meeting in Eccles. Sitting on the floor is Elder Cory Meehan. The four of us in the back are Elders Van Hensen Van Unigen, Klomp, Ross, and Jose Hernandez. Then sitting from Elder Van Hensen Van Unigen are Elders Matthew Dean (face partially hidden), Richard O’Dea, Mark Cutler, Jake Smith (Red), Nick Smith (Black), Jarem Frye, Tracy, and Mark Thatcher with Vicente Garcia kneeling before him.
We had a Zone Meeting in Eccles for some reason. However, we liked to do Zone Meetings in Levenshulme for the Pakistani kebabs there, so I do not know why they ventured up to Eccles on this occasion. My journal probably tells, but I have not spent the time to research it.
Another photo of me enjoying some Jello shipped in by someone from the United States.
Elder Ross eating stateside Jello
And a picture of one of my bruises after a good couple of punches in my arm with an idiot. But you can see the wallpaper at the top of the stairs.
Only real damage after a few punches with an idiot.
Here is a photo of me about to get a haircut by Elder Wright in the front room of our flat, downstairs. That mirror and location are the same in which we blessed a deaf man to be healed. We used the mirror so he could read our lips while blessing him. He began to gain hearing and then I was transferred and I lost contact shortly afterward. Wish I knew the rest of the story.
Elder Wright about to cut my hair over pages of the Church News.
Elders Thaddeus Wright and Viktor Johansson were together when I arrived. Elder Wright was replaced by Elder Brad Theobald.
Elders Johansson and Theobald
The next area was Runcorn for the Runcorn Ward and Northwich Branch. There we lived at 29 Handforth Lane, Halton Lodge, Runcorn.
Elders Ross and Hales at 29 Handforth Lane, Runcorn, England
This one has a couple of photos in it. Here is where we prepped and weathered Y2K. Also, my second Christmas in the UK.
1999 Christmas haul for Elders Ross and Hales. Also see our Handforth Lane kitchen.
Elder Brad Hales opening Christmas gifts at 29 Handforth Lane
This poor area had to put up with me for 7.5 months! Elder Hales for 6 months!
Elder Paul Ross opening Christmas present 1999 at Handforth Lane, still wet from the rains
Elder Paul Ross at Handforth Lane bus stop
The time serving in Runcorn and Northwich was a very prolific time of the mission. There was a time our District and Ward had baptisms every week with ongoing interviews and visits to companionships. We loved this Ward and we believed they loved us. It was a spell of excitement and growth in this area, both personally and for those we served. Very fond of my time here.
Elder Paul Ross and our flat after a heart attack. I still have all these!
Trying on Elder Hales’ present, a Royal Mail Postal Carrier’s bag and jacket
29 Handforth Lane, Runcorn, Cheshire, England
Last area of the mission was off to Scholes for the Wigan Ward. This flat was located at 2 Lorne Street, Scholes, Wigan. This flat was owned by the same owners in Runcorn, the Pass family. They took good care of us even though this flat had a number of issues. You can see the wall on the end had to be fortified and I understand the one that stood beside it had to come down, but I second guess that knowing our flat was #2. Who knows?
Elders Dean and Cutler in front of our apartment and the mission Vauxhall Corsa.
This was my last area. Initial memories was a bed bug problem for Elders Dean and Cutler just in their bedroom. My Romanian companion fighting off a cold with an entire head of garlic in one meal, Elder Gheorghe Simion. Training my last companion Elder Garrett Smith. Some pretty amazing personal revelations, of which both companions also were able to partake. Very blessed in this area.
Elders Wright and Smith goofing off in front room
Elder Gheorghe Simion pondering
Elders Dean and Cutler were shotgunned out the same day bringing in Elders Wright and Hulse.
Elders Ross, Dean, Cutler, and Simion in front of St. Catherine’s on Lorne Street, across from our flat
Here is another shot of our flat looking up the street.
Rose and John Byrom stopped by on their way through Wigan
For the last area of the mission, these 3 Elders became brothers to me. Closer than the other areas in which I had served. Like Runcorn, we engaged well with the Ward. One of the best kebab houses in the whole mission was located here, Kebab King. I tried to stop in 2008, but it was closed both days we stopped. Wasn’t sure it had been open for a while.
Well, there are all 5 areas of the mission. All the photos I could find of our flats in which we stayed. I will have to work on sharing and telling the stories of the other photos I have.
This wasn’t intentional. Not sure why or how it happened, but it did.
Anyone who knows me knows that I stop and visited deceased people and ancestors anytime I am in the neighborhood. Kinda like stopping in to visit any other cousin or friend when you are driving through, are in town, and have some time. Ancestors are very accommodating whenever you want to stop in and visit. Maybe COVID-19 just gave us more time.
I have the following ancestors who are buried somewhat nearby, western United States. I will link each ancestor I have written about previously if you want additional information. Here are my ancestors and where they are buried.
As of this writing, I see there are two ancestors that I haven’t stopped and visited in the last few years and got pictures with the kids and the tombstone, Christiana Andra in Salt Lake City and William Sharp in Ogden (I now have the goal to get it done before the end of the year). I also have a couple of known ancestors without tombstones, David and Gwenllian Jordan in Ogden, Utah, Hubert Jonas in Ellensburg, Washington (but we got pictures at the grave), and Damey Ross in Olivehurst, California (who we visited after hours and couldn’t even locate the grave). We should remedy that but we may just have to stop and get pictures with their grave locations.
I also cheat and use the 2016, 2018, and 2019 photos with three ancestors, Johanna Benson in Spring City, Utah in 2018, John William Ross in San Bruno, California in 2016, and James Thomas Ross/Meredith in Fresno, California in 2019. I could do a 2020 photo for Johanna, but I am not going to California just to redo a tombstone photo with the two Ross ancestors.
Lillian (in background by Wanner tombstone), James, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Mary Louise Wanner (1901-1991) and William Fredrick Andra (1898-1990) on 26 July 2020.
Aliza, Paul, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Mary Ann Bailey (1828-1913), Mary Ann (Lillian “Lillie” Musgrave) Stoker (1861-1935) and Milo Riley Sharp (1857-1916) on 23 May 2020. Mary Ann Bailey is the mother of Milo Riley Sharp, don’t confuse mother Mary Ann with spouse Mary Ann. We shorten our Lillian’s name to Lillie’s spelling in her honor.
Aliza Ross with tombstones for Hermina Jansen (1860-1921) and George Henry (Gerhardus Hendrick) Van Leeuwen (1856-1932) on 28 June 2020.
Joseph Jonas – Richmond, Utah
Tombstone of Joseph Jonas (1859-1917) on 26 July 2020. The S is a mistake put there by someone. Some have put his mother’s maiden name “Schumacher” there, but we have yet to find any evidence of that middle initial or name.
Annie Jonas – Crescent, Sandy, Utah
Lillian and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Annetta Josephine Nelson Jonas (1864-1907) on 11 July 2020.
Herbert & Martha Coley – Richmond, Utah
Lillian Ross with tombstone of Martha Christiansen (1879-1961) and Herbert Coley (1864-1942) on 26 July 2020.
Christiana Andra – Wasatch Memorial, Latona Section, Salt Lake City, Utah
Aliza Ross, Jill Hemsley, Lillian Ross with tombstone of Christiana Wilhelmina Knauke (1869-1957), widow of Friedrich Theodor Andra, on 6 September 2020. She went by Wilhelmina in the United States and married Johann Wendel, as I have written previously. The other grave is her daughter-in-law and grandson, Rebecca Emelia Christensen (1904-1931) and Otto Carl Andra (1929-1929).
Lillie, Paul, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of William Sharp on 27 November 2020. This was the first time I had ever been to William’s grave.
Mary Sharp – Plain City, Utah
Aliza, Paul, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Mary Ann Bailey (1828-1913), Mary Ann (Lillie Musgrave) Stoker (1861-1935) and Milo Riley Sharp (1857-1916) on 23 May 2020. Mary Ann Bailey is the mother of Milo Riley Sharp, don’t confuse mother Mary Ann with spouse Mary Ann. We shorten our Lillian’s name to Lillie’s spelling in her honor.
Aliza, Lillie, Paul, James, and Hiram Ross at the graves of Gwenllian Jordan (1842-1900) and David D Williams (1832-1911) on 27 November 2020. Neither have a tombstone.
Hubert Jonas – Holy Cross, Ellensburg, Washington
Lillian Ross with tombstone of Emma Schriber Jonas (1855-1898), wife of William Jonas on 5 August 2020. William and his father Hubert both do not have tombstones and are buried next to Emma.
Hiram, James, Lillian, and Aliza Ross with tombstone for Agnetta Benson (Bengtsson)(1832-1873) and John Nelson (Johann Nilsson)(1827-1902) on 25 July 2020.
Paul, Aliza, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Constance Josephine Eliza Jorgensen Christiansen (1857-1932) on 8 August 2020. Portland apparently isn’t watering their cemeteries this year.
Paul, Aliza, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstones for Margret Watkins (1816-1902), David Jordan (1820-1893) and Thomas Jordan (1857-1880) on 23 May 2020. Thomas is the son of David and Margret.
Paul, Aliza, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Johanna Johannsson Benson (Bengtsson)(1813-1897) on 7 September 2018. I know I am cheating, it wasn’t 2020. But it was recent.
Aliza Ross with tombstones of Hanna Mathea Christensen (1831-1900) and Olavus Jorgensen (1830-1904) on 26 July 2020.
Others visited this year.
Garrett Lee Smith – Weston, Oregon
Paul Ross with tombstone of Garrett Lee Smith (1981-2003) on 9 August 2020. Garrett was my last missionary companion.
Eli Benjamin Stoker – Mullan, Idaho
Tombstone of Eli Benjamin Stoker (1870-1952) on 3 August 2020. Eli is the half-brother to my Mary Ann Stoker Sharp.
Mary Nelson Jonas – Holy Cross – Ellensburg, Washington
Aliza Ross with tombstone of Mary Nelson Jonas (1885-1899) on 5 August 2020. Mary is the sister to my Joseph Nelson Jonas.
Ezra & Flora Benson – Whitney, Idaho
Aliza and James Ross with tombstone of Flora Smith Amussen (1901-1992) and Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) on 26 July 2020. Many know Ezra as the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower.
Spackman Plot Marker – Lewiston, Utah
Aliza Ross with the Spackman Plot Marker. She recognized and wanted a picture with the Pacman tombstone on 26 July 2020.
Walter Theodor Andra – Logan, Utah
Aliza, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Walter Theodor Andra (1896-1967) on 25 July 2020. Walter is brother to my Bill Andra.
Charles Wilson Nibley – Logan, Utah
Aliza, Hiram, James, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Charles Wilson Nibley (1849-1931) on 25 July 2020. Charles is known for various positions and business interests, but most will know him as a member of the First Presidency (non-apostle) to President Heber J Grant of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Moses Thatcher – Logan, Utah
Lillian, Hiram, and Aliza Ross with tombstone of Moses Thatcher (1842-1909) on 25 July 2020. Moses is known for various positions and business interests, but most will know him as a an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Allison Ann Parker – Logan, Utah
Tombstone of Allison Ann Parker (1976-1997) on 25 July 2020. Allison is a friend and brother of my high school friends Ryan and Russell Parker. She passed away after a tragic accident driving back to Utah after our Senior Prom date night in 1997.
Peter Maughan – Logan, Utah
James, Aliza, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Peter Maughan on 25 July 2020. Peter is known for various positions and business interests, as one of the founders of Cache Valley, Utah.
Ezra Benson – Logan, Utah
Aliza, James, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Ezra Taft Benson (1811-1869) on 25 July 2020. Ezra is known for various positions and business interests, but most will know him as a an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Nels Nelson – Crescent, Sandy, Utah
Hiram and Lillian Jonas with tombstone of Nels August Nelson (Nilsson)(1857-1935) on 11 July 2020. He is the brother to my Annetta “Annie” Jonas.
Stanley Spatig – West Warren, Utah
Tombstone of Stanley Hazen Spatig (1940-2013). Son of Eva Virtue Wanner Spatig, sister to my Mary Louise Wanner Andra.
Joseph & Ann Wayment – West Warren, Utah
Bryan Hemsley, Amanda, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstones of Ann Reed (1852-1931) and Joseph Wayment (1844-1931). Amanda’s Great Great Great Grandparents on 24 May 2020.
Louis & Martha Hansen – West Warren, Utah
Bryan Hemsley, Aliza, Amanda, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Sarah Eveline Judkins (1886-1943), Louis Alma Hansen (1876-1951), and Martha Ann Wayment (1877-1908) on 24 May 2020. Louis and Martha are Amanda’s Great Great Grandparents.
Walter & Myrtle Hansen – West Warren, Utah
Bryan & Jill Hemsley with Aliza, Lillian, Amanda, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Myrtle Thompson (1902-1959) and Walter Wayment Hansen (1904-1995) on 24 May 2020. Walter and Myrtle are Amanda’s Great Grandparents.
Evan & Lona Jonas – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah
Aliza and James Ross with tombstone for Lona Rae Jensen (1930-2012) and Evan Reed Jonas (1928-1999) on 23 May 2020. Evan is the brother to my Norwood Jonas.
Spencer & Jimmie Jonas – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah
Aliza Ross with tombstone of Viola Amelia (Jimmie) Cole (1920-1996) and Spencer Gilbert Jonas (1919-1988) on 23 May 2020. Spencer is the brother to my Norwood Jonas.
Melvin Thompson – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah
Amanda, James, Aliza, Lillian, Hiram Ross, Bryan and Jill Hemsley, and Alyssa Smart with tombstone of Melvin J Thompson (1925-2018) on 23 May 2020. Mel is Amanda step-Grandpa.
Merle & Belle Hemsley – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah
Bryan & Jill Hemsley, Hiram, Lillian, Aliza, and Amanda Ross with tombstone for Belle Sarah Peterson (1917-2003) and Richard Merle Hemsley (1912-1962) on 23 May 2020. Merle and Belle are Amanda’s Great Grandparents.
Ellen Weller – Hooper, Utah
Tombstone of Ellen Watton Weller (1828-1894) on 23 May 2020. I stumbled upon this tombstone in Hooper. I was walking around, felt inspired to walk over, and looked at this one knowing there was a link. Name looked vaguely familiar. Half-sister to my Hannah Maria Rogers Coley. Didn’t know she was buried in Hooper, FamilySearch didn’t have it either. Her and Joseph Weller are now documented and updated.
Dee Hemsley – Hooper, Utah
Alyssa Smart, Bryan and Jill Hemsley, Aliza, Lillian, Amanda, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Richard DeLece Hemsley (1936-2013) on 23 May 2020. Dee is Amanda’s grandfather.
William & Martha Wayment – Plain City, Utah
James, Amanda, Lillian, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstones for Martha Brown (1823-1905) and William Wayment (1822-1883) on 23 May 2020. William and Martha are Amanda’s Great Great Great Great Grandparents. The tombstone above Aliza’s head is William Edward Stoker mentioned above, my Great Great Great Grandfather.
Lorenzo Snow – Brigham City, Utah
Hiram, Lillian, and Aliza Ross with tombstone for Lorenzo Snow (1814-1901) on 23 May 2020. Lorenzo Snow is known as the 5th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
David & Ruby Haight – Wasatch Memorial, Salt Lake City, Utah
Aliza & Lillian Ross, Jill Hemsley, with tombstone of Ruby Olson (1910-2004) and David Bruce Haight (1906-2004) on 6 September 2020. David Haight is known as an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I previously interacted with him regarding marriage.
Charlotte Sharp – Ogden, Utah
James and Paul Ross at the tombstone of Charlotte Elizabeth Earl (1816-1907) on 27 November 2020. Charlotte married my William Sharp (1826-1900) after she was widowed of her first husband Charles James McGary (1808-1875).
Lorin Farr – Ogden, Utah
Paul Ross with tombstone of Lorin Farr (1808-1907) on 27 November 2020. Lorin Farr was the first Stake President of the Weber Stake which covered all the territory of all my ancestors in Ogden and Plain City. He was also the first Mayor of Ogden.
Thomas Marsh – Ogden, Utah
Paul Ross with tombstone of Thomas Baldwin Marsh (1800-1866) on 27 November 2020. Thomas Marsh is known as the first Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who had he remained faithful, would have been President before Brigham Young.
Sergene Sorenson – Pleasant View, Burley, Idaho
Lillie, Hiram, Aliza, and James Ross with tombstone of Sergene Sorenson (1932-2013) on 2 January 2021. Sergene is the sister to my Grandma Colleen.
Scott Sorenson – Pleasant View, Burley, Idaho
James, Lillie, Hiram, and Aliza Ross with tombstone of Scott Sorenson (1951-2001) on 2 January 2021.Lillie, Hiram, Aliza, and James Ross with tombstone of Bert Sorenson (1924-1991) on 2 January 2021.
Back row (l-r): Sandra Berg, Danny Wright, Jim Cueva, Jared Fairchild, Bobie Jones, Erin Zemke, Jodie Larson, Hazel Patterson, Keri Jo King, Judy Moller; Middle row: Marshall Neilson, Deanne Williams, Bayden Neilson, Brandon Rogers, Logan Schenk, Desirae Paoli, Charlyn Maughan, Charlyn Robertson, Robyn Olson; Front row: Jacob Timmons, Benjamin Wilcher, Jesse Jensen, Michael Jurgensmeier, Paul Ross, Jedediah Lewis.
I mentioned this before, Bobie (Jones) Story let me scan some of our common school pictures. All mine were lost in a flood of our basement. I am happy to have copies again. (I am still missing Ms. Suhr for 3rd grade and Mr. Mendenhall for 6th grade. If you have a copy, please let me scan!)
This is our Kindergarten class picture from the Kiddie Kollege, Paul, Idaho. This was the 1984 – 1985 school year.
The Kiddie Kollege building is still there, northwest corner of N Main Street and W Idaho Street in Paul. It was converted to a laundromat for quite a few years, now being repurposed into some other building.
Normally I organize photos with married names and dates. Since all are still alive (as far as I know), I will forgo any of the dates. I have added the married last name for the ones I know. If you have corrections, please let me know.
Mrs. Sandra Berg
Mrs. Judy Moller
Jim Cueva
Jared Fairchild
Jesse Jensen
Bobie Jones married Story
Michael Jurgensmeier
Keri Jo King
Jodie Larson married Brunson
Jedediah Lewis
Charlyn Maughan (not on the class list but I am pretty sure I recognize her in the photo, an extra girl, missing a boy)
Bayden Neilson
Marshall Neilson
Robyn Olson married Powell
Hazel Patterson
Desirae Paoli
Charlyn Robertson married Darrington
Brandon Rogers
Paul Ross
Logan Schenk
Scott Spaulding (apparently in the picture, but I don’t have an unnamed boy)
Back Row (l-r): Gary Bliss, Ryon Carney, Brandi Cole, Mandy Ball, Cody Bell, Adrian Hurtado, Nicole Catmull, Amanda West; Middle Row: Ms Robin Anderson, Emily Neibaur, Skyler Spidell, Michael Hollis, Robyn Olson, Beau Twiss, Logan Schenk, Adrian Rios, Max Bailey; Front Row: Scott Torix, Genevive Olivas, Josh Kraus, Candace Ingram, Shane Hossfeld, Jeri Lynn Parks, Desirae Paoli, Jimmy McCray.
I ran into Robin Anderson one day and told her I was missing some of my photos from elementary school and asked if she had a copy I might get a copy. She indicated she had a scrapbook full of all the years she taught. She said she would see if she could find it and let me take a copy of the photo.
I wasn’t in when she dropped by but she left the book. I took my time going through it and scanned not only my 4th grade picture but a few others. This is one of them. This was my grade, but she apparently taught second grade that year, so these are all my classmates.
I am very happy she took the time to find the book and share with me. I am happy to share with you. (I am still hunting for Ms. Suhr for 3rd grade and Mr. Mendenhall for 6th grade if you have a copy!)
This is a 2nd grade class picture for some of my classmates at Paul Elementary, Paul, Idaho. This was the 1986 – 1987 school year.
Normally I organized photos with married names and dates. Since all are still alive, I will forgo any of the dates. I have added the married last name for the ones I know. If you have corrections, please let me know.
With my brother-in-law entering the Missionary Training Center (and now already left for his Carlsbad California Mission) I looked through some of the photos I have from the MTC.
That morning we met with the Stake President to finalize everything before driving out to Provo, Utah, Utah.
The morning to go to the MTC with Milo Ross, Colleen Lloyd, and Jackie Melycher (aunt). My Grandma particularly liked this photo because it also gives a side profile of me as well as the front.
One final blessing and setting apart before leaving.
Gene Hansen, Paul Ross, Milo Ross, setting apart (again)
The first picture is at the front doors before going in.
Arriving at the MTC
My first companion Elder Kody Young from St. George, Washington, Utah.
Kody Young and Paul Ross, companions at MTC (the camera is incorrect, this was December 1998)
Our first snow while at the MTC.
Snow at the MTC
One of my most distinct memories from the MTC was the heating. I don’t know what it was, but I ended up with a bloody nose at least once a day. I was not the only one. Apparently it had something to do with the dryness of the air and the ventilation systems. It made for long days where my head was not always in the lessons but often worrying about the next nosebleed and whether I had tissues nearby. If I had to go to the bathroom, the paper towels only seemed to make the problem worse.
Elder Holland came and spoke to the MTC while we were there. He insisted on the opening hymn as “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.” After we sang it, he wanted us to sing it again with the silly extra phrases we all know. It was quite a bit of fun hearing an organ play the introduction and then for us to sing along. It was also in this talk that he told us that if we had to come home before our time was up, we better come home on a stretcher. Even at the end, we should have worn out our days as missionaries. We were so close the the Christmas holidays that we regularly sang Christmas music.
Our MTC District attending the Provo Temple. Four of us were going to England, the remaining ones were headed to Peoria, Illinois. The thing I remember most about the Provo Temple were the white escalators. Years later when I went back, they were gone! I was a bit disappointed not to see the white escalators again.
Our MTC District, I only know four of the 11. From l-r, #5 is Elder Olson, #9 Elder Scow, #10 Elder Young, #11 Elder Ross.
There were a few things in the MTC that disgusted and horrified me but I will not relate them here. They were not becoming of missionaries and I let them know. There were also plenty of fun and enjoyable times.
Then the five of us were flying off to Manchester, England just in time for Christmas.
Elder Olson, Elder Scow, Sister Dunn, Elder Young, and Elder Ross at Salt Lake City airport flying out
Some good friends and family came to see us off.
Elder Scow, Elder Young, Bryan Jensen, Elder Ross
More friends and family. My Sister, Dad, and Great Aunt Andra and cousin Denise, all came to share. Sadly, my Grandma was told I was leaving from the wrong gate and was not present so I did not get to see her one last time. She made it to the concourse just as the plane was about to leave and they let her send a package on the plane to me. Very good friends to come say goodbye!
Andra Ross, Elena McBride, Milo Ross, Elder Ross, Denise Andra, Brenna Barnes, Adelaide Andra
Maybe I can start sharing some more photos of the mission as time goes on. I should get out my journals to add some more flavor to these entries than just photos.
I am unsure how to introduce these pictures. I do not know the occasion, I cannot really say it is a reunion. I do not know which family really pulled this together or why, I do not know at whose house the reunion took place. It seems like an impromptu gathering of the Neilson family, but yet there are Coley’s present. Maybe the Coleys came to visit so the Neilsons all gathered too? But then there is the unknown woman. Is she related to the Neilsons, a distant relative of the Coleys, or both (since Edna Neilson, Art Coley, and Golden Coley are siblings with their mother Martha present).
About all I have been able to determine at this point is the pictures are believed to have been taken in Richmond, Cache, Utah in about 1950. We venture to guess sometime in the early spring due to the snow still on the mountains.
Back(l-r): Doreen Neilson, Martha Coley, Golden Coley, Edna Neilson, Unknown, Gloria Neilson holding unknown child, Olof Neilson. Middle: Shirley Coley, Joy Coley (baby), Mary Coley, CarolDean Neilson, Harold Neilson, Russell Neilson. Front: Unknown, Charlotte Neilson, Steve Coley, Arlan Neilson, unknown (boy sitting apart).
Martha Christiansen Coley (1879-1961) is the widow of Herbert Coley(1864-1942).
Edna Coley Neilson (1900-1983) is the daughter of Herbert and Martha Coley.
Olof Alma Neilson (1891-1960) is the husband of Edna Coley Neilson.
Harold Christian Neilson (1921-1966) is the son of Edna Neilson and Gerold Andrus (1903-1984) but was raised by Olof Neilson (you can read more under the above link for Edna).
Oma Dorine (Doreen) Johnson Neilson (later O’Neil)(1921-2003) is the wife of Harold Neilson.
Charlotte, Arlan, and CarolDean are all children of Harold and Doreen Neilson (although my records show none of these were born yet, but I have not been able to validate their birthdays).
Alma Russell “Russell” Neilson is the son of Olof and Edna Coley.
Gloria May Olson Neilson is the wife of Russell Neilson. I presume some of the unknowns in the photo are their children, but have not obtained that information yet.
Arthur “Art” Christiansen Coley(1921-2004), not in the above picture but below, is the son of Martha Coley.
Mary Elizabeth Popwitz Coley is the wife of Art Coley.
Stephen “Steve” G Coley is the son of Art and Mary Coley.
William Golden “Golden” Coley (1924-2009) is the son of Herbert and Martha Coley.
Shirley May Hall Coley is the wife of Golden Coley.
Joy Ann Coley is the daughter of Golden and Shirley Coley.
If anyone has contact with any of Harold or Russell’s children, I would like for them to see the pictures and perhaps provide more information.
Unknown and Edna Neilson
Above you can see Edna Neilson with the unknown lady who appears to be part of the reason the family assembled. Unfortunately, we do not know who the guest of honor is! Initially I thought it was some relation of the Neilson clan, but nobody alive in their family seems to know who she is. But then why would Martha Coley and two of her other children’s families come to visit a Neilson visitor? Perhaps a sibling or sibling in law of Martha? Who knows? Hopefully some day I can find out and rewrite this post.
Here are the boys present on the occasion.
Golden, Art (holding Joy), Harold (CarolDean in front of him), Russell, Olof, unknown boy in front, and elusive honored guest
Here are the girls present on the occasion.
Mary (holding Joy), Shirley, Doreen, Unknown, Martha, Edna, Gloria
Since I presume these photos were all from Art and Mary’s camera, of course there is a picture with Mary and Joy.
Mary and Joy
One last picture of part of the elusive woman with Harold and his two children, Arlan and CarolDean.
With the recent passing of Ivan Blaine Neilson, I decided to prepare a history for his mother Edna Coley Neilson. Especially since I just recently came in possession of a number of new photographs of the family. Some day I will write a history of her parents, my Great Great Grandparents, but I am hoping some more photos of them will appear in the upcoming months.
Edna Coley was born 23 November 1900 in Lewiston, Cache, Utah. She was the second of ten children, my Great Grandmother Lillian being the oldest, born to Martha Christiansen and Herbert Coley.
I don’t know much about Edna’s personality. I have been told by numerous people that Edna was the preferred child of Martha and was often doted on to the the dismay of the siblings. I don’t know that tells me much of her personality though.
Edna married Gerold Andrus (1903-1984) 17 April 1921 in Richmond, Cache, Utah. The next month, 15 March 1921, Harold Christian Andrus was born. Gerold and Edna were only married for a very short time, a shotgun wedding and a shotgun divorce.
Edna married Olof Alma Neilson (1891-1960) 23 July 1923 in Logan, Cache, Utah. They were sealed 30 July 1924 in the Logan LDS Temple. I don’t know if Harold was adopted legally or not, but Harold went by Harold Christian Neilson the rest of his life. The only father he knew was Olof and Olof treated Harold as if he was his own son.
Olof and Edna would have what appears to be ten children together. The records certainly show ten children, but I believe one of them is a duplicate, or mistakes in names leading to a duplicate child. Nobody is alive to confirm either so I will list all ten but point out where I believe the duplication exists.
Alma Russell “Russell” Neilson born 23 Jun 1924 in Richmond. He married Gloria May Olson on 9 Oct 1946 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. He passed away 13 September 2017 in Washington Terrace, Weber, Utah and buried 19 September at Washington Heights.
Olga Helen “Helen” Neilson born 28 July 1926 in Richmond. She married LeRoy “Roy” Hulse Draper 25 May 1943. She passed away 4 March 2015 and was buried 9 March at West Point, Davis, Utah.
Olof and Edna, Harold, Russell, and Helen Neilson (14 May 1927)
To Lillian and Joe, when she (Helen) was 10 months old
Olof and Edna Neilson holding Russell
Martbamary Neilson born and died 2 July 1927 in Richmond. He does not have a tombstone if he is buried in Richmond.
Hebert Neilson born 25 November 1928 and died 26 November 1928 both in Richmond. He has a tombstone in Richmond.
Aenotta Neilson born and died 1 September 1929 in Richmond. This and the next child were either twins or just variations on a name. Only a documentation exists for the next child.
Jennetta Neilson was born 1 September 1929 and died 2 September 1929 in Richmond. Jennetta also has a tombstone where Aenotta does not, you would expect Aenotta would since they were supposedly twins.
Ole Neilson was born and died 19 October 1932 in Richmond. He was buried 20 October 1932 in the Richmond Cemetery and has a tombstone.
Russell Neilson
Ivan Blaine Neilson was born 26 April 1935 in Richmond. He died 16 January 2013 in Yuma, Yuma, Arizona. He was buried 25 January 2013 in Smithfield, Cache, Utah. He married Gloria Gilgen 8 June 1954 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. They were later divorced. He remarried to Rebecca Anne Pitcher 4 September 1981 in Smithfield.
Ivan Blaine Neilson
Lastly, Martha Mary Neilson was born and died 6 July 1937 in Richmond. She is buried in Richmond.
Lillian, Edna, Martha (sitting) Coley in the 1940’s
Olof passed away of a heart attack at about 9:30 am 13 April 1960 at home in Richmond. He died almost instantly. He was buried in Richmond on 15 April 1960.
Edna’s mother passed away 14 August 1961. The family gathered for the funeral 17 August 1961 for the funeral. The photo below was taken that day in the Richmond Cemetery.
Art, Golden, Wilford, Roland, Lloyd, Edna, Hannah, Carrie, Lillian, Ivan Coley at their mother’s funeral in 1961
Edna, Will Thomson, Lillian in the mid 1960’s
Edna lived close to her sister, Lillian Jonas, now Bowcutt, and Lillian makes regular reference to Edna in her journals. The thing that stands out to me is how close they were in that Edna would regularly aid or stay with Lillian. Also, Lillian makes regular reference to Edna’s attending the temple in Logan.
Harold took his own life 9 March 1966 in Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona. His body was brought back to Richmond for burial.
Edna lived in Richmond until she passed away 6 April 1983 in Richmond. Her funeral was held 9 April 1983.
Sagacity 