My Dad shared this article from the North Side Journal from March 2024, Section B Page 15.
People who live in the Magic Valley know there is a Milner Dam near the east end of Jerome County. When the irrigation waters are released in early spring from Milner Dam, the canals flow on the north side and on the south side of the Snake River. But did you know there was an actual town named Milner? And how the town got its name? In the early 1900s, Jerome County farmer I. B. Perrine was transporting his fruits and vegetables from his farm in the Snake River canyon to the Albion Normal School South of Oakley. The trail from the Blue Lakes farm to Albion was a pretty rough ride for his horses and wagon. When he got to what was known as the Cedars, he rode across the river on Starrh’s ferry boat then traveled the rest of the way on another rough trail. He took this route several times and thought there should be a dam here to bring river water up onto the sagebrush areas on both sides. He discussed his thoughts with several of his acquaintances, especially the ones with money to spend on projects like this. He filed paperwork, which was approved in 1903, to own land and water rights in this area and proceeded to get the financing.
When everything was approved, a corporation was formed to build a dam at the Cedars. Peter Kimberly, S. B. Milner, H. L. Hollister, Witcher Jones, Robert McCollum, Paul Bickel, D. C. McWatters, Frank Buhl, and William S. Kuhn all had a hand in the financial end of this project. Before building the dam, canals had to be created on each side of the river.
They started with the south side because the Stricker Stage Stop and some other nearby settlements were already on that side. There were no communities on the north side toward the west which would be the flow of the canals. In order to build canals, there had to be construction workers: so, a town was started on the south side of the Cedars crossing which was named after Mr. Milner. They started with the south side canals flowing west towards where any unused water would flow into Rock Creek just before it dropped into the Snake River. While these canals were built guilt, the town of Twin Falls, named for the twin falls two miles upriver of the Shoshone Falls, was being developed in 1904 near Rock Creek almost 40 miles to the west of Milner. The dam was finished, the gates opened to the south side in 1905. Just after this time, plans were made to create canals on the north side.
The workers from Milner also helped with this construction. We know of all the difficulties the north side had from so much basalt rock that the canal water seeped through, and they had to apply concrete to the first two miles of the canal system in order to get water to the communities west of there. By 1905 the community of Greenwood began to develop on the north side. Most had to shop and bank at Milner, 16 miles away. Many farmers had come to claim free land under the Carey Act. By 1910 the water canal was filling the system and the towns of Hazelton (1911), Eden (1911), and Jerome (1907) had started with canal water flowing through and past them and back down into the Snake River west of Wendell (1907). When the Milner Dam and the canal systems work was finished, the construction workers and business owners and Milner either farmed lands close by on either side or move to other towns.
The bank, grocery store, mercantile stores, saloons and “red-light district” moved to Hazelton in 1914, about 16 miles away. The big Riverside Inn burnt down. The only thing left that shows the town of Milner existed is the cement casing that was around the bank vault and a few graves. (Information from North Side News and Helms family history).
Bryan & Jill Hemsley with Amanda, Aliza, Hiram, and Paul Ross
Our ward has given the youth a challenge to attend the temple each month for the year. We are happy to support the kids in doing so. Aliza and Hiram got to do baptisms with Grandpa Ross in the Pocatello Idaho Temple in January. They asked if they could do some with Grandpa and Grandma Hemsley. We took the opportunity in March. We met up with them and attended the Bountiful Utah Temple for the occasion. Hiram’s first baptisms occurred in the Pocatello Idaho Temple, then he got to attend the Twin Falls Temple in February, and now Bountiful Utah Temple in March. Aliza was also present on all three occasions. Lucky kids.
Grandpa and Grandma Hemsley at the Bountiful Temple with Aliza and Hiram for baptisms.
I really do not know anything about this photo. This was one of many photos that were in the Todd/Coley collection that I scanned in 2014. On the back of it was written “Leander Harral Twin Falls” in pencil. I really was not sure if that was enough information. This must have been a friend of Melvin Todd.
Doing a quick search today, I found an obituary for a Leander Harral. Everything seems to be a match. I uploaded the photo to his profile on FamilySearch.
Leander H. Harral
Des Moines, Iowa – Leander H. Harral, 84, died January 15, 2020. Born and reared in Twin Falls, Idaho. Graduated from Idaho State University with a B.S. in business, a minor in accounting. Worked for the State of Iowa, Department of Education for 30 years. Served in the US Army, post Korean Conflict for 6 years. He was active in Neighborhood Organizations in Des Moines. He loved to fish and travel. Most of all he loved his AKC Champion Border Terriers competing in Earthdog, Tracking, Agility, Rally and Obedience. Most rewarding to him was when he did volunteering with his therapy dog, Joy.
Survived by his wife, a 60 year marriage, Olga “Trudy” (Nerge) Harral; good neighbor and friend, Terry Davis; sister-in-law, Betty Lou (Paul) Schwake; sister, June (Wayne Tardiff) Harral; brother, Quintin (Avon) Harral; many nieces and nephews, great- and great-great-.
Leander was preceded in death by his parents, Quintin and Louise (Engelbrecht) Harral; father and mother-in-law, Clarence and Doris Nerge; sister and brother-in-law, Jacqueline and Raymond Davis; and brother-in-law, Harold Haverkamp.
Services will be held at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo, Iowa at a later date for the immediate family. Arrangements handled by Hamilton’s Funeral Home.
Here is another photo of the bunch. It shows Quinton Harral on it.
Quinton Harral
I found this obituary for Quinton Harral, he passed away just last year.
Quintin Henry Harral, age 86, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning on July 16, 2023, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, from post surgical complications.
Quintin was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, on July 23, 1936, to Quintin Leander Harral and Louise Lulu Engelbrecht Harral. Quintin was the second of three children, Leander, an older brother by 16 months and a younger sister, June, 2 years later.
Quintin grew up in Twin Falls and was a member of the first graduating class of Twin Falls High School in 1954. He then attended Idaho State College which is now called Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho, and graduated in the Votec Auto Body and Fender Program. He also was a member of the ISU Marching Band. Quintin was a premier trumpeter and was often requested to play “Taps” at funerals and events.
He met Leona Rosa Henrie on October 31, 1957, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, while he was drag racing down Main Street. They eloped to Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 17, 1957. They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Quintin’s and Leona’s children are: Cindy Lu, Pamela Joy (deceased), Bruce Quin, and Anthony Vail. They raised their four children while living in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Boise, and Pocatello, Idaho. Leona passed away on June 21, 1993, in Pocatello, Idaho. On January 17, 1998, Quintin married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple Patricia Jane Hancock Anderson. Patricia passed away on November 24, 2001, in Pocatello, Idaho. On November 29, 2003, Quintin married, and is survived by Avon Woolstenhulme Hillman in Eagle, Idaho.
Quintin worked as a Body and Fender man at C Ed Flandro’s in Pocatello and Theisen Motor Company in Twin Falls after he and Leona married. In 1967, he changed careers and went to work for Farmers Insurance Company in Boise, Idaho, as an Auto Claims Adjuster. In 1971, he was promoted to the Pocatello Regional Office of Farmers Insurance as the Regional Auto Physical Damage Claims Manager overseeing Idaho, Montana, and Utah. Quintin retired from Farmers Insurance in 1998.
Quintin loved cars and racing. Drag racing was his obsession. Prior to retiring and Leona’s death, his two sons formed the “Harral Racing Team.” His daughter, Pam, was even involved in the racing world.
Quintin was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He joined the church in 1963, in Twin Falls, Idaho, and remained a faithful member. He had a strong testimony and never doubted it. He was always participating in many acts of service. He and Avon lived in St. George then returned to Ammon, Idaho, where they served a Humanitarian Mission and worked in the Idaho Falls Temple. Quintin held many church callings, including Elders Quorum President twice, Sunday School President, Ward Membership Clerk, Ward Clerk, and Financial Clerk for four different Bishops. He served a service mission in the East Pocatello Stake while he and Patricia were married.
Quintin is survived by his wife, Avon Hillman; daughter, Cindy Lu Latimore (Mark) of Chubbuck, Idaho; son, Bruce Quin Harral (Cathy) of Eagle, Idaho; and son, Anthony Vail Harral (Bobbie) of Pocatello, Idaho; sister, June Harral of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; and sister-in-law, Trudy Harral of Des Moines, Iowa; as well as his 14 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.
Preceding Quintin in death is Leona Henrie, wife; Patricia Anderson, wife; daughter, Pamela Harral; brother, Leander Harral; and his parents, Quintin Leander Harral and Lousie Lulu Engelbrecht Harral.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the Cortland Ridge Ward, 3934 E. 49th S., in Ammon. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. in the Mountain View Cemetery in Pocatello, Idaho.
Lastly, there was this photo of Quinton, Leander, and June. Quinton’s obituary indicate she lives in Florida and is still alive.
Amanda, Aliza, Milo, Hiram, and Paul Ross at the Pocatello Idaho Temple
Hiram turns 12 this year. That means he is of sufficient age that in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he can be conferred the Aaronic Priesthood, ordained a Deacon, and attend the holy temple to perform work on behalf of the deceased. The year that a youth turns 12, starting in January, they may enter the temple to do that work. We did the same thing with Aliza.
We were originally slated to go 12 January but a winter storm closed the Twin Falls Temple. Our Ward, the Burley 8th Ward, also had a temple trip planned to the Twin Falls Temple on 13 January. Weather cancelled that trip as well. The temples are usually booked out a month or two in advance. Looking around, I found a little opening in the Pocatello Temple on 26 January, so I booked it. Twin Falls is about 45 to 50 minutes away, Pocatello is about 65 to 70 minutes away.
We loaded up Dad and trekked off to Pocatello. Lillian and James stayed with Aunt Lolane Andra in Chubbuck and we ran up to the temple. We snapped this picture on the way in. A bit fuzzy, but it preserves the date! Grandpa Milo and I were able to baptize and confirm Aliza and Hiram.
Afterward we hung out with Aunt Lolane for a bit and then squeezed in a trip to Denny’s before heading home. Unfortunately we forgot to get a picture with Lolane.
My Dad called me last week to let me know Larry Aslett passed away. We often called him Uncle Larry growing up. Dad and Larry were friends and co-workers, business partners, as associates for more than 50 years. They first worked together in the 1960s and have kept in contact ever since. Dad, Larry, Steve, and Marvin all worked together at Circle A Construction. Dad worked there from like 1971 until 2004 or so when he retired. I will share a few photos I could find. I thought I had some more of Marvin, Steve, and Larry, but cannot find them right now.
Larry Dean Aslett passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of seventy-eight with his loving wife by his side on October 30, 2022. He was born to Marvin Aslett and Larie Stanger-Aslett on June 14, 1944 in Wendell, Idaho.
He started working for Circle A Construction at the tender age of 14, where he continued to work his entire life (except for the 3 years, 9 months and 28 days that he served our country in the United States Navy.)
Before entering the Navy, Larry also worked in Jackson Hole, Wyoming as a service station attendant. In the Navy, Larry was at sea on the guided missile destroyer USS Lynde McCormick DDG-8. He started out in the boiler room and then was a cook and went on to be a baker. He was known for his cinnamon rolls that were a favorite of the Commander of the fleet. Larry was an owner of Circle A Construction, Aslett Electric, Aslett Ranches and Mikey’s Graphics. He spent his life as Operations Manager with Circle A Construction, running all of the jobs through the years.
On March 28, 1965, Larry married the love of his life, Louise. They first lived in Randolph, Utah. They moved to Ogden, Utah in 1971 and then in 1977, they moved back to Jerome. They had two daughters, Lori and Lisa. He was an extremely proud dad and grandpa and would talk about his kids and grandkids to anyone and everyone.
House in Randolph, Utah that Larry and Louise Aslett lived in.
Next to his family, his other love was animals. Larry loved animals of all kinds and was often bringing them home for Louise to raise. His collection of exotic animals included everything from buffalo to fallow deer, and even a zebra.
He and Louise introduced the Asletts to horse racing with their horse, Solar Bar, in 1976. Horses were a huge part of his life. He loved riding into the back country on his horse, Sparky, while leading his mules, Jackie and Mable. Pack trips with Sage were some of his fondest memories.
Larry loved spending time with family and friends. During his life, he started the Magic Valley Draft Horse Association with Harold Horting and the Jeep Preservation Club of the Magic Valley with Wes Stapleton and Les Abbott. He had a love for the old jeeps and had lots of laughter and fun on jeep trips throughout the years. His collection of old military vehicles led to his love of collecting later in life.
Larry’s life was filled with laughter. He taught his children and grandchildren to laugh at the absurdities in life, the frustrations in life, and the silly things in life. To laugh at life itself and not let it get you down.
Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bop and Baw; parents, Marvin and Larie; and his brother, Steve. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Louise; daughters, Lori (Frank) Norcutt and Lisa (Tom) Jaramillo; nephew, (son of his heart) Steve, Jr. “Sage” Aslett; beloved aunt Lorraine Kerruish; brother, Dave (Sharon) Aslett; sister-in-law, Barbara Aslett; step-sister, BZ Waite; and his beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Kayla, Kylie and Nikita.
Larry is embarking on a great adventure and we are at the window waving goodbye. It is not hard to imagine the joy of those awaiting him in Heaven. Those of us left behind find great comfort in knowing how much love he received the moment he was enveloped into their arms. We love you. Rest in Peace Grandpa. 8-11 Deano.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Monday, November 14, 2022 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave., Jerome. A military graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, Idaho 83714.
Circle A Construction Truck in Paul Idaho Parade, in front of the Felton Apartments, about 1985.
I don’t think I remember a time when I did not know Larry and Steve Aslett. Even growing up we went to the roundups in Mackay, Idaho every year. For several days we rode horses above Mackay, above White Knob. I loved those times and was sad when they sold that ranch and purchased the Three Creek Ranch near Rogerson, Idaho.
Steve Aslett passed away late last year.
Steven L. Aslett passed away surrounded by his loving family on Dec, 21st at the age of 74. He was Born on October, 14th 1947 to Marvin Aslett and Larie Stanger in Wendell Idaho.
He had two brothers Keith (Pat) and Larry (Louise) and two half brothers Lenard and David. He married the love of his life Barb Stuhlberg on April 1st (not a joke), 1967. He attended elementary school at Pleasant Plains north of Jerome, Graduated from high school in Jackson hole Wyoming in 1965. Graduated from Weber State University in Engineering with a minor in business in 1970.
Steve was an owner of Aslett Electric and Circle A construction. He loved spending time at House Creek Ranch, Fairfield, and Magic Reservoir. He had a passion for hunting, snowmobiling, golfing and boating. Above all, He loved spending time with his Family.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Barb, Father Marvin, son Steve (Sage)(Connie), Daughter LeAnne (Reid), Grandchildren, Colton(Christina), Michael(Ashleigh), Shelbie(Sage), Brydon, Roper, Great Grandchildren, Rowan, Roper, Stetson, Brixton, and Wyatt and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his mother and grandparents.
His strength throughout life has been an inspiration to all of us. He was the cornerstone of our family. Always ready to tell you how things are and what should be done. There was never a moment when a good band wasn’t around the corner for a chance to dance, and one eye open to see a new friend. There was always a plan on the horizon with Jim Keyes and Glen Somerset, whether it was a guided hunt by Sage, an outing on the golf course with team Circle A and buddies, the trail to find powder, or the four wheeler adventures. He loved getting on the phone with LeAnne for her daily lecture, enjoying her long hugs, and taking a drive with her hands off the dash and feet off the seat.
There will be a viewing at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home in Twin Falls on Tuesday December 28th from 5pm to 7pm, and a memorial on December 29th at the turf club starting at 6pm.
We will miss you Mr. happy feet! Family requests any memorials be given in Steve’s name to the charity of your choice.
Marvin Aslett, their father, passed away just earlier this year.
Circle A Construction trucks in front of the Idaho Capitol in 2000
Marvin Aslett passed peacefully in his home on August 7, 2022, surrounded by family. Marvin was born April 4, 1926 in Montpelier, Idaho, to parents Leon and Leona Aslett, and they lived in Lava Hot Springs. As a young boy, Marvin attended school in Cokeville, Wyoming. It was a tiny schoolhouse with two boys and two girls! In 1936, they moved to a farm in Jerome, Idaho, where he attended school out at Pleasant Plains. Marvin went to school till halfway into his sophomore year. He then moved to Sun Valley and worked as a bus boy in the Sun Valley Lodge.
In 1943, Marvin married Larie Stanger and their son, Keith, was born. Marvin joined the U.S. Marine Corp on May 25, 1944. His son, Larry, was born one month after Marvin went into the Marine Corp. During his time with the Marines, Marvin served in World War II / South Pacific Theater. He was on invasions into the Philippines, fighting Japanese. He served until February 8, 1946 when he received an honorable discharge at the rank of corporal. His third son, Steve, came along in 1947.
In 1952, Marvin, along with his Mother and Father, started Circle A Construction. In 1965, his son, Larry, rejoined the company after being in the Navy. Then in 1979, his son, Steve, also joined the company.
Marvin married his second wife, Afton, in 1957, and their son, Leonard, was born. They divorced, and Marvin married Norma in 1962 and had son, David. Then, in 1977, Marvin married Joy Hollibaugh, He and Joy were married for 40 years.
Marvin and Joy loved golfing! Marvin had 4 holes-in-one. One at Jerome, one at Clear Springs and 2 in Hawaii. At 96, Marvin still enjoyed golfing with his friends and family.
In 1980, Aslett Ranches began racing quarter horses throughout the Western United States. Their horse won the “Poor Boy Futurity” and in 1981, they captured the Intermountain Quarter Horse Derby. Their stallion “Circle A Special” received a Racing Register of Merit in Emmett, Idaho, where he set a track record in the 250-yard dash. He set another track record in Pocatello, Idaho in the 400-yard dash. On January 4, 1988, Governor Cecil Andrus appointed Marvin to the Racing Commission, where he served for 13 years as Chairman of the Board. In 2007, Marvin was inducted into the Idaho Quarter Horse Racing Division’s Hall of Fame.
Marvin was also active in his community. In the early 1980’s, he served on the Boise State University Board of Trustees. He was also on the College of Southern Idaho’s foundation Board and continued the Leon Aslett Scholarship Fund that his father had set up. Also, in 1983, Marvin served as President of the Association of General Contractors.
In addition to the racehorses, Aslett Ranches is a 500 + cow/calf operation. Operating for the last 20 years in House Creek, previously located in Mackay.
Marvin is survived by his sister, Lorraine Kerruish; sons, Keith (Pat) Aslett, Larry (Louise) Aslett, Leonard (Carolyn) Aslett and David (Sharon) Aslett, and his stepdaughters, Deb Steinaker and Bz Waite; daughter-in-law, Barbara Aslett; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Leona; his wife, Joy; his son, Steve; stepson, David; and stepdaughter, Marilyn.
Circle A Construction grain trains at the end of a field for harvest
On 19 October 2019 I was invited to the baptism of Jeremy Spencer in Filer, Idaho. Jeremy and my cousin May Melycher, are the parents of Kaidince Alexander Spencer. I have stayed in contact with Jeremy and Kaidince even after my cousin went her own way.
In 2008 I drove to Twin Falls nearly ever week to take Jeremy, May, and KK to church. During that time we blessed KK as a baby and we worked on Jeremy and May getting married so they could get to the temple. Fast forward 11 years and Jeremy was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some things take their own time frames.
John Powlus and Jeremy Spencer
A year before, on 20 October 2018, I was happy to see Kaidince get baptized in Twin Falls. He is my first cousin, once removed.
Kaidince Spencer and Paul Ross
Jeremy had invited me to perform the baptism. He had been working toward it but just was not there yet and Kaidince did not want to wait anymore.
Kaidince Spencer, Jackie Jonas Melycher, and Milo Ross
Dad was pretty excited to come over from working in the temple to see the little boy he had blessed in 2008 become a new member of the church.
Jeremy, Kaidince, and Stephanie Spencer
The trip was very worth the effort. What a great day. I could not help but wonder which ancestors were thrilled to be watching to occasion.
Grandpa, Milo Ross, was a builder nearly his entire adult life. Even into his 80s he was helping people remodel, reroof (and falling off those roofs and living), and more. Here is a story of Grandpa and Grandma getting involved for the construction of a new church in north Plain City. I am taking this from his own writing (I corrected spelling and edited for reading):
Milo Ross, Lee Dickamore, John Watson
“Yes – I did pray many times on my knees asking for Heavenly Father’s hand –
Milo Ross, Lee Dickamore, John Watson, Aline Lord
“April 2002 Milo Ross
“May 10 2002
“President Dickamore – Farr West also – Watson President new church by Archie Hunt
“Start family news of events that did help build church in Plain City by making phone calls and asking if Dickamore President for Farr West – Plain City Stake if they would think and accept a chance to build church in different area of Plain City
Gladys and Milo Ross, Lee Dickamore, John Watson, Aline and Gene Lord
“It was rumored around a new church was to be built in north Plain City area. So I called President Dickamore at the Stake Center in Plain City one Sunday, during church services, and asked if he would please let me show a building place for a new church. Not only as a church presence but because of the Abram Maw and wife [Monna] and Maw family always wanted to help support the church with a good high piece of ground that could be easily drain for parking, drainage and no drainage.
John Watson, Lee Dickamore, Gene and Alina Lord, Gladys and Milo Ross
John Watson, Lee Dickamore, Gene and Aline Lord, Gladys and Milo Ross
Lee Dickamore, John Watson, Gladys and Milo Ross
“I’ve done work building for the Maws and their wishes – some day maybe the Maws could donate something nice to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in honor of the greatness of the glory that the family of Maws had received from being members of the church and the many great blessings the Lord had shared with the large family of Maws.
“A few days later President Dickamore asked if I would show the ground and information of the offer.
“After Abram and his wife passed away Aline [Maw] Lord and husband, Gene Lord, talked about maybe some day the church would accept the ground set apart from the Maws Estate when divided among the family of Maws and grand children and the Maws wishes to keep one piece of ground clean and keep up good so maybe some one in the church would help the spirit and desire and also want and have the people in charge of our church to some day foresee a house of our Lord build on the ground, that if Maws have prayed and dedicated to church all their lives for a dream come true.
Maw/Lord Home in Plain City, Utah
“So Milo Ross has helped the Maw family to keep up the Maws wishes and with the great help from President Dickamore and President Watson Milo’s wishes and a desire to fulfill a wish come true for the great Maw family and my great Archie Hunt and wife, their good works and keeping up the drive to encourage in some way that in our life altogether keep information going forward to keep the building spirit alive as long as we life.
Aline Lord, Milo and Gladys Ross
“So from the Lords family and the Seager Velda [Maw] family and thanks to the man of God that did his praying from our Savior Jesus Christ our wishes and prayers through a man from Farr West.
Unknown workers, Aline and Gene Lord, Gladys and Milo Ross
“And his presidency made our dreams come true. Thanks Dickamore, we can all go forward now and start our family histories and tell the wold how not a railroad but a lovely church came into our Plain City by the words of a great man from Farr West. Dickamore and his counselors. Milo Ross. Yes, prayers do help our Lord.
Milo Ross found it full circle that the Plain City 7th Ward bulletin included information on the Twin Falls Idaho Temple Dedication
Grandpa helped construct the replacement chapel in downtown Plain City dedicated in 1954. He felt some rejection and disappointment when that building was replaced. But his excitement over his part in the construction of this chapel was palpable, even though I doubt he lifted a hammer to help.
Amanda and Aliza Ross on 12 February 2022 at the Twin Falls Temple
Our daughter Aliza turns 12 this year. That means that in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she is of sufficient age that she may attend the holy temple and perform work on behalf of the deceased. The year that a youth turns 12, starting in January, they may enter and do that work.
Our Ward, the Burley 11th Ward, took various youth on 12 February 2022 to the Twin Falls Temple. Amanda was able to go with her.
We returned to the Twin Falls Temple on 6 March 2022. I met my former mission companion in the England Manchester Mission and former roommate at Utah State University Brad Hales there at the temple with his daughter Eliza. Another great opportunity for our family. My Dad also arranged his schedule while he was working at the temple so that he could also watch and participate in some of the vicarious confirmations as temple recorder.
Paul, Aliza, and Amanda Ross on 6 March 2022 at the Twin Falls Temple
Yesterday, we attended the Pocatello Idaho Temple for baptisms. We took Aliza and my cousin Mary Lou and her husband Bill Teal. We also met Brad and Eliza Hales, this time joined by Aleah, who can also now attend since she turns 12 this year.
Bill and Mary Lou Teal, Amanda, Aliza, and Paul Ross, and Aleah, Brad, and Eliza Hales on 16 April 2022 at the Pocatello Idaho Temple
It was fun to visit with Bill and Mary Lou on the way there and back. Bill had never performed baptisms for the dead, either as the proxy or as the priesthood holder performing the ordinance. He was baptized when a child, but only received the Melchizedek Priesthood and was endowed in the holy temple in 2021. It was the first time Mary Lou had returned to the temple in over 25 years. Here is a picture from that occasion.
Bill and Mary Lou Teal on 20 February 2021 at the Twin Falls Temple
There was a good little crowd there to support Bill and Mary Lou going to the temple on this occasion. Especially with the limited COVID-19 restrictions that were still in place.
Matt and Carrie DeTemple, Becky and Curtis Smith, Ryan Yee, Brandon Clegg, Corinne Carter, Linda Hosteen, Paul and Amanda Ross on 20 February 2021 at Twin Falls Temple
Bill and Mary Lou continued to work and were sealed to each other for time and all eternity in the Twin Falls Temple on 29 September 2021. Which also happened to be the wedding anniversary for Norvel and Karen Christenson.
Bill and Mary Lou Teal on 29 September 2021 at the Twin Falls Temple
Another fun crowd there to support Bill and Mary Lou going to the temple on this occasion. It was a joyous occasion!
(l-r) Linda Hosteen, Corinne Carter, Candi Wells, Denise Olsen, Dave Wells, Denise Olsen, Ryan Yee, Karen and Norvel Christenson, Mary Lou Teal, Paul Ross, Bill Teal, Matt and Trista Cook, Brandon Clegg, Marilyn Felt, and Katie Clegg on 29 September 2021 at Twin Falls Temple
Miracles continue to happen in the lives of those around us. The holy temple is not only a gathering place for the saints spiritually and in the covenant, but for families and friends in this world.
Mary Lou told the story of her attending the Idaho Falls Temple to do baptisms as a youth in the 1960s, just like Aliza is now. Mary Lou grew up on a farm at Hunt, which was part of the Jerome Idaho Stake.
Mary Lou is my first cousin once removed. Bill and Mary Andra are her Grandparents and my Great Grandparents. Her mother, June, and my Grandmother, Colleen, are sisters.
Denise Olsen in one of the photos is the same, but through my Grandpa. Joseph and Lillian Jonas are her Grandparents and my Great Grandparents. Her mother, LeReta, and my Grandfather, Norwood, are siblings. On that occasion in September, I was with two separate relatives of my Mom. How small is the world and the church?
Sagacity 