1908-July 28th, Moses Willard and Elizabeth Orpha Morris Andrus welcomed their 8th child into their home. Twins, Charles and Etta, and son, Roy, had died as infants. I was their 4th daughter. Orpha, Willard, Pauline and Richard were my older brothers and sisters. James was born four years later.
The day was, I’ve been told, one of the most extremely hot, sultry, cloudy days that July weather could bring to St. George, Utah. No relief to be found through aid of fans or coolers—electric power came much later. Mother has told me that before I came she laid on the floor in front of the door, fanning herself with a folder paper to get some relief from the heat.
Of course, the birth took place at home. Dr. Frank Woodbury, assisted by a midwife, Ida Seegmiller, mother’s sister. Aunt Ida had just returned from Salt Lake City where she prepared to earn her living and support her eight children. Her husband had been killed some three or four years before in an accident. I was the second baby she helped to deliver. She also helped bring four of my babies into the world, Carlita, Clair, Isabel and Leola. I was 29 years old
when Leola came, and she was among Aunt Ida’s last deliveries, having put in many years of faithful service to mothers in St. George. Each morning, for ten days, or longer, if necessary, she called in to bath the baby and give the mother a refreshing bath, so many blocks to walk each day, no buggy or car, and her fee was $10.
Baby pictures mother has given me show I must have been a very pretty baby with lots of curly dark hair. At age three or four my hair had turned a shade lighter, medium brown.
Sometime near this age I became very ill, had one convulsion after another. Dr. Woodbury finally kept me under the influence of chloroform until the condition changed. Only blessings of the priesthood, faith and prayers of loved ones and the Lord’s goodness made me well. I feel that my life was spared to become a mother and see the day that we would have a large family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Childhood days bring memories of love and happiness, and an abundance of assurance that I was loved and wanted. Grandparents, aunts and uncles on both sides were so very kind to me. On my Grandpa and Grandma Morris side I was the youngest granddaughter. I was named for their youngest daughter Mary Morris William, who had passed away the year before in childbirth.
Kindergarten through eighth grade I attended the old Woodward School, a building Joseph Smith Worthen and his sons had done the stone-work on. Second grade we had a very ambitious, strict teacher who insisted we complete two grades in one year. She did just that, and many of us skipped the third and went into the fourth the next fall. She wasn’t a teacher one remembers for her love and tenderness, but she truly taught us a great deal. Other teachers were all wonderful people, gave much love as well as training, taking a real interest in all I did. They will always remain an inspiration to me and remembered with love. I was no brain child, but was usually prepared and made friends with schoolmates rather easily.
Mama kept me looking neat and clean even in clothes made over or hand-me-downs. Hair well brushed, combed and braided with two ribbon bows to add glamour. We lived two blocks from school. There were always children to chat with as we walked to and from and that to me was a real joy of youth.
A very dear friend, Agnes Pendleton, lived just one block nearer the school. Many (in fact most) afternoons, coming from school we would stop at her home, go to the cellar, where there were large bins of apples, choose what seemed the largest, wash them, and as we ate, she walked on to the corner with me. The board fence made an ideal place to sit and chat as it was near enough to each of our homes that either of our mothers could call us. There were days too, that she came on up home with me, there large split pomegranates picked from the row of trees south of our house, would complete our after school snack.
Verle Lund later McMullin, lived near in the neighborhood. She was often with us too. They were real happy days, and we often slept together. Our parents truly welcomed us with understanding and love in either home. All of our brothers and sisters were special and made our childhood days a joy to remember.
February 6, 1917, Mother took Verle and I to the St. George temple to be baptized. It was a long walk, but such a wonderful day. The sisters were so kind to us. In our homes we were still using #3 tin tubs to bathe in, but there they let us have a bath in a nice long tub with running water. After we were baptized. The baptismal font with the oxen supporting it was so impressive. We didn’t have
pictures then to see as you do now. Brother Lemuel Abbott baptized us with Brother William T. Perkins confirming us.
Entering high school (the old Dixie Academy), things changed some with different class schedules, but never have those childhood friendships and all the happy memories changed. I was an average student, enjoyed many good friends of all ages, the school being small so everyone soon knew everyone else. Taking part in class plays and the chorus in operas was great fun.
Even in grade school, I knew a very popular Willie Worthen. He lived in what was called Sandtown, six or seven blocks northwest of our home. I remember well his passing each Saturday morning to attend primary. He wore knickerbockers pants, those bloused at the knees. Later he and his neighborhood friends could be seen walking very rapidly to and from school. It was a long walk home, and there was no school lunch or lunch pails, so the trip had to be made four times daily.
Often they would walk up the lane south of our house past the pomegranate trees to view the buffalo that father kept for the St. George fair committee. It was a real attraction to all children and most adults. The pomegranates hung handy over the fence as they passed and could have been an excuse for the walk when hungry after school.
This Willie Worthen, was class president when we were in the 8th grade, also senior year in high school, and I believe one other year. Willie, was liked by all his classmates and a special favorite among adults, parents, and teachers alike. While in 6th grade he took the leading part in an operetta, “Pioneer Papoose,” and sang solo parts. He had a very good voice. I was singing in the chorus. He was older than I, but my missing third grade and he repeating a year put us in the same 6th grade.
By the time we were sophomores, we were real good friends. Our junior year we were each dating others, but he called me “Sis.” That summer we corresponded while he was in California working. Fall came, and he was as pleased to see me as I was to see him, and we were soon dating real often.
The senior play proved great fun. He had the lead male part. I was taking the part of his sister. Rehearsals were often and he called by for me and brought me home. We helped each other with our lines. The play wasn’t a complete success. He seemed to give me the lines he was suppose to address to the leading lady. Mama and other could even see it as they listened.
Senior year was special because I had a dear roommate, Elsie Burgess. Her folks lived in the small town of Central, so she came and lived with us. We got along so beautifully and it was like having a sister my own age. She was going with Emerald Cox by the time graduation came. He and Bill (Willie) were very close friends so the four of us enjoyed lots of hours together.
As class president, Willie (Bill) was to take part in the graduation program. He was real fine in track and with extra effort and practice made the team to go to Salt Lake City for a special track meet. Just what he wanted, an excuse to be away for graduation night. I was unhappy and let down, but with Esie and Em (her future husband) and their kindness I managed the evening more pleasantly.
Once out of high school I began to seek employment. First, at the Drug Store for a few days, found it real interesting, but a more steady, better paying job at a café owned by Bill Prince was open. A café in St. George in 1926 offered a real variety of tasks. The waitress (title of my position ) was to wait on tables, take orders, clear dishes, collect, make change, serve at the fountain in front, answer the phone, act as fry cook or dishwasher if necessary, and even scrub floor when needed. A real experience to say the least.
Later I worked at Whitehead’s General Mercantile where I sold yardage, clothes, and shoes. Most everything, even acted as decorator of showcases. From there I moved to Snow’s Furniture store. Everything from rugs, furniture, nails, tar paper, blinds, oil cloth, to fancy hats for milady. It was unpack dishes from a barrel of straw one minute to try selling dainty hats the next. Where to wash my hands? Real problem, no special place provided, so just spit and wipe. Brother E. B. Snow and his wife were real kind, good people in so many ways and treated me very nice always. The store was on the corner, a block north of Dixie College, across from the tabernacle, with large glass windows so I could see all the students going and coming from school. Silently, I often wished I could be one of them.
By this time the Willie I’d watched so long and dated for near a year was making plans for our marriage. He had taken up the mason trade of his father, grandfather, and uncles, had a new model A Ford coupe and was working diligently to get it paid for. Summer of 1927 in August, the diamond ring came. It was mail order from Sears, very beautiful, even after 50 years. I was so thrilled, walking on air, so to speak. I continued working until near the wedding date, November 23, 1927.
Elsie came to be with me for a few days. I’ll always remember waking that special day to the singing of birds, splashing of water running down the ditch out in front, such a lovely morning. As we dressed we sang and hummed together the song, “It’s thy wedding morning, shining in the sky. Arise, sweet bride arise, etc.”
At 8 AM we were to be at the St. George temple. Never was there a more handsome groom than “my Bill” when he called for me. Mother and Grandpa Isaiah Cox went with us. We found so many kind friends and relatives there, all so willing to assist in any way possible.
My dress, used at the temple was top half of one of Aunt Isa’s, over tunic it was called, would seem real funny compared to the lovely dresses now. Uncle George Whitehead, husband to mother’s sister Esther was temple president. He married us. He also gave me my name and blessing years before.
Returning near noon we went to Paula’s home, where she and Orpha had a delicious dinner prepared for us. The table looked so lovely. There was quite a crowd. Bill’s mother, father, sister Clesta, Aunt Anna and Grandpa Cox, mother, Aunt Isa, Uncle Sherm Hardy, (mother’s sister and husband, Orpha, Bob, Paula, Gordon, my brother Jim, two girl friends, Elsie and Agnes, and Emerald Cox. Father was working so wasn’t there. I have always felt bad about that.
That afternoon I had a few friends and neighbors to call to see my trousseau. Looking back, it was very small, not at all elaborately displayed, but I was pleased and proud of the quilt, sheets, pillowcases and handiwork I had accumulated. There was no wedding reception, I had a shower the week before given by Agnes and Elsie held at the Pendleton home. A nice group attended and many nice gifts were received. Also, our neighbors were so kind and thoughtful, and several sent nice gifts in.
Our first night was spent in my own room. In fact, the first 5-7 days were at mother’s home. Thanksgiving was the day after we were married. It was family tradition at the time to have dinner with Aunt Isa, so we were there to the usual fun day and good dinner. It was always a joy, and until we came to Las Vegas, each year we were welcome with the rest of the family.
About a week after our marriage, we left for Los Angeles in the new Ford coupe, and both of us rather inexperienced, especially me. I had never traveled father than Cedar City, in a pickup truck to visit Athen Thompson for a week. Her father took me up and back. Bill’s aunt Abbie Cox and Uncle Charlie Moore, lived in Los Angeles. They welcomed us warmly and we stayed with them a night or two until we located an apartment. My brother, Richard (Dick) worked at a galvanizing plant where Bill found work.
Our first Christmas was the first away from home for either of us. We will never forget the box of goodies Mama sent--homemade sausage, pickles, fruitcake, and such. Of course, my sisters and Bill’s folks sent boxes too. Our first New Year’s Day, the Moores took us to see the Pasadena Rose Parade. What a thrill that was. Dick and his friends came in often and Aunt Abbie’s ,daughter Zella, became a good friend and visited often.
Latter part of February, we decided to go to Northern California where Uncle Walter Cox had a job for Bill at a smelter in Selby where they refined gold and silver. April came and I was feeling very ill each morning, very good sign I was to become a mother. My husband worried about me and felt it best I be near mother. His father wrote that the mason work was opening so we returned to St. George after five months of new experiences and lots of pleasant happy days of honeymoon.
Our first home in St. George, two rooms cold water tap in back yard, carried by bucket into the kitchen, a stand wife enough for wash basin, and the bucket stood in the corner. A mirror hung on the wall and hook for hand towel. Bucket under the stand to hold soiled wash water. The stove, a coal and wood range, a table, two or three chairs, and a small dish cupboard completed the furnishing. A small pantry served to store pots, pans, and foodstuff. No bathroom, a two-holer outhouse was way out in the lot. The bedroom doubled as front room or living room.
For the weekly wash, the water was heated in the yard, in a tub with fire under it. Dear Bill, was up early to make fire, heat water and punch all the clothes with the punch stick before he left for a full days work laying brick. That, of course, left the rubbing, rinsing and hanging of clothes for me.
Our baby was expected around Thanksgiving. Orpha expected Renee, then too. She arrived the day before Thanksgiving, and I continued to wait. Some four days before Christmas, pains began and Dr. Wilford Reichman came. I was having the baby at Mother’s so was over there. Three days at 6 AM he was called and spent all day until about 3 PM Christmas day. It was near 1 PM that our Christmas boy arrived nearly ten pounds, a very fine looking baby, soft dark curly hair, looking near a month old. It was an instrument birth. Dr. was afraid for both the baby and I. I feel certain many prayers were said and much concern felt. Grateful those prayers were answered and all was well. My father, Paula, and Bill were there to help Dr. Reichman and Sister Mary Lee. The latter was the midwife that helped to bring Bill into the world and is a distant relative. Mama was so upset she stayed in the kitchen doing what needed to be done to help. Dear Orpha came with chicken and dressing and all the trimmings for their Christmas dinner. I know Paula was most anxious about her two boys and Gordon. It was a different Christmas for all of them.
Our little boy was named Richard Gordello to be called R. G. We stayed six weeks with Mother and Dad. Such good care and much love. Jim was still single, he showed so much concern for us.
April 3, 1920, fifteen months and nine days later at Grandma and Grandpa Worthen’s home our first little girl arrived, a real joy, a tiny blond. Aunt Ida Seegmiller and Dr. Reichman were with us. The birth was normal and all went very well. We had more good care from our loving parents and sister, Clesta. The name, Carlita ,was suggested by Grandma. She had read a novel using that name and liked it.
For some time before she came, Bill was working at Zion Park, so we had moved to my parents so I wouldn’t be alone. The work was building the arch bridge at the foot of Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Grandpa Worthen and his brother Bob were also working there.
We soon moved into another two room apartment near by. When Carlita was four weeks old, the day she was blessed, she showed signs of whooping cough. R.G. had taken it from his cousins, Dayne and Jack Mathis, when he stayed with Aunt Paula while I was in bed. Many sleepless nights followed with two little ones coughing so hard and often.
In August we purchased a lot with a small two-room house, so we moved again. The house was old but with some repair and remodeling we made ourselves comfortable and it was gradually becoming ours. Soon we had a cow, pig, and some chickens to help with the living and add to our daily routine tasks. No luxury yet, except the cold water tap was now in the kitchen and outside we had a cooler of sorts—shelves with screen wire around them, an aluminum tray at the top where water was kept, gunny sacks hung in the water and down all sides to keep the milk, butter and such cool.
It was on November 8, 1931, our second little boy arrived at this humble home. He was a handsome baby much like his brother, a little more blonde. Faithful Dr. Reichman, Aunt Ida, Aunt Paula, and of course his Daddy attended. We decided we wanted to name him Clarence, and Aunt Orpha suggested Merlyn, so we gave him both names, Clarence Merlyn.
Yes, our hands were real full, home very small, and days really busy, and three under three years old. With our hearts full of love we managed very well by working together.
Bill worked side by side with his father at mason work when possible and so enjoyed close companionship as father and son. November 22, 1933, that was ended. Our dear Father and Grandfather, William Worthen, passed away after only a very short, painful illness. He was such a kind, gentle, loving Father and husband. It was a real deep sorrow. He was only 54 years old. Grandma was so very lonely.
The following year on November 11, 1934, in our tiny home, a second baby girl arrived, a real pretty, fat, cuddly little one. Mama’s sister, Isabelle Morris Grundy, has always been so very dear to us as a family and to me most special. Her only child, a son, was killed when a junior in high school, so I wanted to name our little girl for her, spelling it Isabel. She was real proud of her namesake and loved her dearly. The loyal Dr. Reichman and Aunt Ida were there to assist us. Aunt Paula was expecting her Dick very soon. Aunt Orpha was with us part of the time. Mama kept the other children for a day or two.
Now there were six sharing two rooms. Crowded to say the least, but when love and happiness is present, space isn’t so important. We never went hungry or dirty.
Plans were underway for a new home on the west of the lot. The little boys, R.G. now 5, Clair 3, helped when making the adobes with their Daddy every spare hour. I am sure Dick (R. G.) remembers that. May father had a team of horses. He helped dig the basement with hours of hard labor and effort. He owned a lot or two at the foot of the red hill where he grew alfalfa, so often he would come by in the wagon, call R. G. and the three, Carlita, and Clair, would run out, climb aboard and go to the lots to water. How they loved those wagon rides and being with Grandpa.
There were times of worry and illness too. February after R. G. turned five was a bad time. He had earache, nosebleeds, fever, and was real ill. Both doctors came, found it was mastoid and surgery was necessary, a most delicate operation near the bone behind the ear. Our Father in Heaven surely answered our prayers in his behalf. After a week or more in the hospital, with one of us or his good aunts or grandmas there, he went to stay with Mother and Dad for a couple more weeks. It was a long time before his head was free from bandages and his hair at normal length again. The same year Clair had convulsions, and Carlita had a long spell of tonsillitis. Isabel was just a baby. We wondered if spring would ever come. Without prayer and faith such times would have been unbearable.
By the summer of 1937, our two story brick home was ready to welcome our fifth child. The day, July 2, was much like the day I arrived, very humid, hot and sultry. We did have an electric fan on the floor. She came about one month late, weighing close to ten pounds. She was a beautiful baby with lots of rather dark hair, happy smiles and a cheery disposition, which never changed. She was the pride and joy of her brothers and sisters and every child in the neighborhood came in to see her as soon as they were told. Her name was chosen because her Daddy and I knew a lovely girl by that name Leola Edwards.
Life was much easier in our new home. Electric stove, hot and cold water, lovely bathroom, new electric wringer washer in the basement and plenty of bedrooms, large kitchen and a front room and parlor. When our baby was less than a year old, my health began to give me problems and I was in bed for a time. A very dear hired girl came for the small sum of $5 a week, only a teenager, but so helpful and gave the children such wonderful care. Replacing a mother of five was no small task. With a rest I was soon able to take over again.
The older children all remember the Halloween party they had, with cousin, Lela Lund, as witch, apple ducking, ghosts and such for all the neighborhood friends of R.G., Carlita, and Clair.
May 31, 1940, my grandmother Manomas Andrus passed away at the age of 98. She had been blind for some fifteen years. Grandpa Richard Morris, died before I was born on 12 December 1901. Grandma Emma Morris passed away when I was 8 years old, 15 November 1916. Grandpa James Andrus passed away when I was 6, 8 December 1914.
My own father passed away 12 December 1941. His sight had failed some five years earlier though not total blindness. He was a kind, loving Grandpa, and he held every grandchild on his knee and fed them from his plate when they visited his home. Thanksgiving before he passed away we had he, mother and the family at our home. We so enjoyed that day together.
My memories of Thanksgiving with Grandpa and Grandma James Andrus is long, long tables, lots of delicious food, dozens of cousins, aunts and uncles. The adults were served first while the children played in the yard and parlor, then the tables were reset with everything fresh and we as children were called in. Those were very special days to remember. He had two wives and 14 children so not all needed to be present to make a huge crowd.
Some three months after father’s funeral and Christmas was over, my heart again gave me real problems and Dr. Reichman ordered me to bed for six weeks rest. What a situation! It had paid off however, as the years have proven. Bonita Burgess, a very dear girl came to our rescue and was our hired girl for a long time. She even came to Las Vegas when we moved in May of 1942 to give me aid with the family.
It must have been April when Bill’s health became a problem. His feet gave him such pain, arch supports, bed rest and other things were tried, none really cured them. Dr. Howard Woodbury, here in Las Vegas, found it was his teeth causing the trouble. He removed ulcerated teeth and things cleared up, but with so much worry and concern for our family he developed ulcers of the stomach and suffered for several years with pain before he finally had to have surgery.
Leaving St. George was hard on our mothers, both widows. They felt so sad to have us leave and I am sure they were so very worried with both of us not as well as usual.
Mother’s Day, 10 May 1942, after church we packed the last load and came down to an old house that needed much repair on 1100 South 3rd St. There was a screen porch on three sides, kitchen, front room, and two bedrooms, the bathroom had two doors, one on each side wall. The summer was spent remodeling. Bill and the boys closed in a portion of the back screen porch for a bedroom, changed the entry to the bath, along with many others changes for improvement. This was our home from May 1942 until October 1943 when we purchased a real nice home fully furnished. To us it seemed a real palace, at 213 No 6th St. It was within walking distance to the grade school and high school, our First Ward Chapel, and Fremont Street where shopping center was fast growing.
Leola was entering 1st grade and our nextdoor neighbors were the K.O. Knudsens. Karen, their youngest was in her class and they were soon fast friends. The Perry girls, Mona and Diane, lived a block away. They came by each day to call for Carlita and Isabel. We felt very comfortable in the ward, getting to know many. I had been teaching a Trail Builder class for sometime. The Bogg’s family were very near and became very dear to us.
With the house we obtained two lots. It was rented as were the others. World Ward II was on, rent was frozen and we were getting very low rent, so we sold the lot to Mr. Douglas for his daughter, Idonna Martin, and her two girls, Marilyn and Arlis. Her husband was in the service. Lovely family and we still keep in touch.
December 1987
I, Isabel, have been given the special assignment of updating Mother’s life history. I do so with a great deal of apprehension, and yet pleasure. Reading her diaries and journals she kept have helped me to know Mother in a new way. Especially since I have now experienced so many of the same feelings, and know where she was coming from. Of course, I cannot make the history as personal as she would have done, but the events are covered, and I will be quoting directly from her writings in many instances.
The first five years (1942-1947) of their living in Las Vegas were busy, happy, growing ones for Mom and Dad, Richard, Carlita, Clair, Isabel, and Leola. This seems like a good place to give the ages of all for a better vision of how our home life was. Dad was only 37, Mom 34, Richard 14, Carlita 13, Clair 11, Isabel 8 and Leola 5. Mom and Dad had been married 15 years. In 1943 Mom wrote: “Another wedding day. We are all enjoying fine health, have a good home and our love is still very real. I am thankful for countless blessings.”
The family home on 6th street had two bedrooms, until Dad and the boys built on the extra bedroom just off the front room where the driveway had been, making the driveway shorter. When Dad took to do something it was done at least twice as fast as anyone else could have done it and much better. Richard and Clair were lerning valuable skills as they worked along with him. Just shortly after the room was completed and the boy’s beds moved in, they began work on the cellar, digging out the dirt from under the front room and making the entrance in the back of the house, giving mother a fruit room and storage area.
Summer of 1946, Dad built a barbecue for family fun and parties. He had it ready to use in three days, but continued a few more days to put the final touches on. Then, the decision was made to build rooms at the back of the lot for rentals. Single bedroom and bath. They began the building on the first of October 1946, and they were completed and rented by the first of February 1947, eight rentals each with private entrances. Much later these eight were increased to 16.
While Dad, Richard, and Clair, were busy on these projects, Mother, and the girls were busy keeping the house clean, the clothes washed, ironed, mended, and the meals prepared. And, bread made. Mother often states in her writings of how tired, weary, out of pep she felt and wondered why.
On Mondays, her washday, she was up by 4:30 moving the wringer washer out into the kitchen from its storage place and getting it filled with hot water, and the rinse tub filled with water with the bluing added to help whiten the clothes. It took time to sort the clothes into batches of darks, light, levis, towels, sheets, etc. After running the clean clothes through the wringer, they were ready to carry outdoors to hang upon the clotheslines. Mother said that often they had to borrow Mrs. Boggs lines to finish hanging the wash. It was a beautiful art to hang the clothes and make them look smooth to dry more quickly and easier to iron coming Tuesday. One day she wrote that she was completed with the laundry by 10:30 AM and was so pleased with herself. After the clothes were dry, she would bring them in off the lines and dampen each article, roll them up, and place them in a bushel basket and cover with a towel to keep them just moist enough to iron out nicely the next day. Many a day she wrote, “a full day of ironing.” Mother’s iron of 19 years went out early in 1946, and she had to borrow the neighbors. She did not like that at all! She was very pleased when Richard bought her a new one some time later. She was even more pleased when she received her new Maytag wringer washer in 1946. Dad had been keeping the old washer together for years.
Even on washday, and every day, she still had three hot meals to prepare. The children all came home from school at noon to a hot meal. I remember “tuffies” (called scones today) on bread making day, or white beans and ham over homemade bread, and, often homemade soups. Dad worked hard, and he never did like light meals, but was a meat and potato man. On any given day, there was also several phone calls about her Primary work, darning, mending or sewing new dresses for her girls.
Work was not all they did however. Richard bought a Monopoly game in August 1942, and for several days the family played the game for as long as four hours at a time. They often attended pictures shows, sometimes as many as twice a week; and they had many close friends who stopped by often for visiting: Frank and Virginia Reber, Uncle George and Aunt Cleo Worthen, Art and Maurine Blake, Merle and Beulah Frehner and others. Dad bought his first boat and motor in 1943 for $150. Mother couldn’t see why he would do a thing like that when things were so unsettled. Dad, Dick, and Clair were out in the boat many, many times fishing or just having a ride on Lake Mead.
Mother belonged to a Literary Club (1945), which met once a month where a book was reviewed by the women. Mother was made the secretary in 1946. She enjoyed this time and the learning from others and the reading of her own that she found time to do. She expressed often in her writings how much she loved that group of women.
Mother served in the Primary for many years. Trail Blazer leader (10-11 year old boys), and then was called in July 1944 to be the First Ward Primary President. She served in that calling until April 1948f. I felt, as I read, that she really loved this work even though it was hard for her and very time consuming. She wrote once, “I feel like I am a flop at being president.” She also wrote often of the love that she felt for her counselors and the teachers and the young people. Many of these sisters are still in touch with her today.
Another item I could not help but pick up on in her writing was the Saturday routine. This routine was the complete cleaning of the house—floors, beds changed, windows cleaned, blinds dusted, furniture polished, bathrooms scoured. It was the type of cleaning that today we reserve for spring or fall cleaning. Much like the washday, it was a constant thing for every Saturday. Once she wrote, “the Saturday routine annoys Bill.” Even though the five of us each remember something good or bad about the “routine for Saturday”, I feel certain we all have to admit that was a marvelous training experience and family building time. We learned the joy of being clean, the rewards of hard work, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Each one of us learned how to paint a room by hands-on teaching.
World War II was going on during most of these years. Food, clothes and gas were all rationed, and stamp books were issued to each member of the family for these and other items to be purchased. Mom stated that we were rationed three pair of shoes a year in 1943. Mother had two nephews serving in the war, Dayne and his brother Jack Mathis. They were stationed in India and Germany. She was faithful in writing and mailing packages to them and worrying about them with her, sister, Paula. Mother wrote of the death of US President F.D. Roosevelt, and of several invasions, and finally the end of the fighting in Germany in May 1945, and talked of the celebrating that went on all night in town.
Mom and Dad returned to St. George as often as possible to see their mother’s and loved ones. They would return with fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, and other food items, which Mom would cook up, bottle or dry for storage. One trip in 1946, they returned with a piano. A fruit peddler from St. George would stop by our house during the fruit season and Mom would buy several boxes of fruit or vegetable from him. One year she recorded bottling over a hundred bottles of fruit with Carlita’s help and often Grandma Andrus or Grandma Worthen or Maurine Blake would be there to help.
Dick graduated from 8th grade in 1943, Carlita in 1944, and Clair in 1946. Isabel was baptized in 1942 and Leola in 1945. Dick and Clair received the Aaronic Priesthood and worked on their scouting. Carlita attended camp two different summers, and Dick and Clair attended scout camps. Dick and Carlita got jobs outside the home, and Dick took up flying lessons. At least once a month there was a party, fireside or group of Dick or Carlita’s friends over for an evening.
All of the children suffered through the childhood diseases. Several times there would be two sick at one time. Clair was brought home from a scout outing because he had fallen several feet down a hillside and was badly hurt and bruised.
School report card days were recorded in her writings as, “children did well,” “fair reports”, or “we are proud of them.” Through all of these growing-up times, Mother was right there to make the day special with new clothes sewn by her, (oft times the material used was from a dress given Mom by Aunt Clesta or Aunt Paula) cakes, praises, and very tender nursing care. She wrote of moving the ironing board into Leola’s bedroom so she could be near her while she was sick and still get the ironing done. Mother was an expert with the needle, thread and sewing machine—an old treddle Singer. It seemed that every week she was busy making something for one of us, even costumes. What a savings that talent was.
During these five years, Mother wrote of her very special relationship with her Mother. Grandma Andrus, would come and spend a few days to a week with Mother and they would shop, work together (the washing, ironing, and cleaning and cooking had to go on), sewing, take in a movie or just sit and visit. And several times, Mother would leave the family behind and take a weekend or a week to be in St. George with her mother, sisters and brothers. She would get a permanent, visit all the family, attend as many socials as possible, usually a funeral, and then with her arms loaded with foods, and her heart happy would return to Vegas and her waiting family.
This ended on 9 October 1946, when her mother passed away. Grandma had been living in Bell, California, with her son Dick since his wife, Irene, had passed away with cancer in April 1945. Grandma left her lifetime home in St. George, Utah, and moved to California to care for her son and his two children, Richard and Richene. She was 73 years old. She returned to St. George in August 1946, when her son remarried. I am quoting now from Mother’s writing.
“8 October 1946: At noon Orpha phoned. Mama is very ill. Bill and I left at 3 PM, arrived at home about 7 PM. Mama passed away about 11:30 AM, Oct 9th at Paula’s home. She wasn’t ill long but was so worn out; her passing was as she would have wanted it without long suffering, very calm and beautiful. She told us, “every thing will be alright. Stay together. I have always been a religious woman and have tried.” We know she not only tried but succeeded as well. I am happy I was able to spend a few hours with her before the end. I feel that in losing Mama I lost my dearest friend.”
Another interesting bit of information was the prices she mentioned. The refrigerator was repaired in 1945 for $11.25; her teeth cleaned for $4; and cherries were $4.60 a lug in 1944. Mom and Dad bought the property on Sixth Street for $10,300, and sold the brick home in St. George for $5,615 case in 1943.
Mother tried to make the holidays special. If Dad was building or working, the activities were centered at home, but if not then we went on Easter picnics to Lake Mead or Mt. Charleston, to St. George for Thanksgiving, or to Logandale, NV, where her niece, Lela Whitney, lived. In my memory Christmas was always super, but I realize now that it was super for us because of the many hours of worry, shopping, planning and baking Mother did. In 1946 she wrote, “holidays have been too busy for fun.” And Helldorado Days! What fun we enjoyed at the parades and carnival.
When the eight rental rooms were completed and rented, Mother too on yet another weekly task—cleaning the rooms, and doing up the laundry of sheets and towels. While we were in school Mother did it herself unless Dad was off work that day, but when summer came then we were given the task with her supervision. Later the laundry was sent out, and a girl hired to do the cleaning Monday mornings, but it was Mother’s job to supervise the hired girl, collect the rents, send out the laundry and buy needed supplies as they wore out or were ruined. She also took on the job of listening to many a sad life story as the men and women who rented came to know and love her and found in her a warm and caring listener. She would prepare large plates of Christmas food every year for each renter.
December 1947, a great change came into her life. She was to have another baby! By this time Dick, was 19 years old, graduated from high school, and falling in love with his future wife, and Leola, was 11 years old. What joy and excitement filled the house at the prospects of having a baby! One of Mother’s last writings was: “I am expecting a baby in August of this year, our sixth child, have been very miserable for 4-5 months much better now.” She was released from the Primary in April 1948.
Mother and Dad’s extended family began 14 May 1948, when Dick and LaRue Snarr were married in the St. George temple. Mother was not able to attend the wedding because of her pregnancy, and this must have been a difficult time for her. She loved to be with her family during happy or sad times. At this same time, her brother Willard’s wife, Bernice, died in California, and she was unable to be with him.
13 Aug 1948, her sixth child was born in the hospital (a new experience for her). She was Sheila, and weighed in at 6 lbs. 14 oz. Mother was 40 years old at this time. It was a very happy family that welcomed this little new one. Mother had a hard delivery, so her recovery was long, but she and Dad were very happy, as were all the brothers and sisters. Especially did the arrival of Sheila bring great joy to myself and Leola who could now play dolls with a real life one. Clair was working out of town at the time of her birth, Carlita was working full time at Ronzone’s, and Dick was being married, left the two of us to quarrel over whose turn to hold and feed her.
From this time until Mother’s 70th birthday, a total of 30 years, there is nothing written by Mother. So, except for my personal input, just the facts will be given.
Mother’s life and circumstances continued to change from this time on. She was happy to have a little one to love and care for and who helped to keep she and Dad young for many years. An input here about Sheila as a baby. I remember one of her first real bad sick spells. Mom and Dad were preparing to take her to the doctor, and I was told to hold Sheila as they made preparations. It was as a scary, tender moment for me to see this tiny baby struggle to breathe, and I remember feeling such a great love for her and praying that she would live. I also remember the delight of take her for a stroll in the buggy to show her off to friends.
One by one Dick, Carlita, Clair, Isabel, and Leola graduated from high school, took jobs, found sweethearts, married and began having grandchildren for Mother and Dad to love. MOTHER AND DAD WERE ALWAYS THERE to provide the special things we needed whether it was Rhythmette clothes, formal dresses, wedding dresses, new suits, clean clothes, permanents, wise advice, tender care, or three good meals every day.
Mother’s days were happier because of the little blond angel who was her constant companion and helper. Sheila was a blessing to Mom and Dad as the other children began to leave their home.
Mother liked serving in the church and attending her meetings. She taught Social Science and Theology and Cultural Refinement in Relief Society, was always a Visiting Teacher, and served on the Stake Relief Society board. She also taught Sheila and Gary’s Sunday School class. She was willing to cook or sew for the ward Bazaars, and to give service to those who were sick or in sorrow. Many times Mother received an award for 100% attendance in Relief Society in the 2nd Ward.
Mother became a grandmother just six months after Sheila was born. Dick and LaRue’s, Margaret, was born 12 February 1949. About one month after Margaret’s birth a five-generation picture was taken of Margaret, Dick, Dad, Grandma Worthen, and her father, Isaiah Cox. Grandpa Cox passed away 17 Apr 1949.
Carlita married John Wadsworth Wilcox, 18 February 1950. Clair married Ema Gaye Cannon, 1 Jun 1951, both in the St. George Temple.
Isabel and Joseph Carl Free, and Leola and Ercil Terry Henrie, had a double wedding 9 September 1955, also in the St. George Temple. For a fact, Mother worked very hard to make this a special day for both us. She made both of our dresses.
Sheila, did not grow up alone. As already mentioned, Margaret, arrived soon after Sheila, and the other grandchildren followed in quick succession. Mom and Dad were proud and happy about the fast growing posterity. Everyone lived close except Isabel and Leola who were in Northern Utah. Carlita left Las Vegas also after several years. Even so, family gatherings were held quite often and close relationships were formed among the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mother seemed happiest with her arms and lap filled with a baby or a little one.
Sheila was married 8 Jul 1967, to Gary Edward Mohler. I wish she were here to write about her life with Mom and Dad, after all of us had left home, but I know that Mom missed her greatly when she moved to Utah to complete Gary’s schooling at BYU.
Fortunately, Dad had the freedom to travel at this time, and the means to do so, a nice Winnebago motor home, and so Mom was able to visit as often as she liked with her children and grandchildren. And, it wasn’t many years until Sheila and Gary returned to live in Las Vegas, Clair and Ema lived in Henderson, and Dick and LaRue in Las Vegas. Carlita and Jack lived in Salt Lake City, Utah; Leola and Terry in Panguitch, Utah; and Isabel and Joe in Orem, Utah, all within a nice day’s ride.
The folks moved from North 6th Street in July 1974, to 1505 Ryan Ave. They were still in the same ward but living closer to Dick and free of the great responsibility of the rentals. Dad had retired from the heavy work of bricklaying, and now was enthused about gardening and fruit growing, on a small scale in their back yard. He also helped Dick at his mobile park several hours a day and was learning how to take afternoon naps.
Mom was called to serve as an Extraction work in the church. She would be gone in the mornings, and she too was learned how to totally relax in the afternoons. She enjoyed singing in the ward choir and attending special monthly DUP meetings with LaRue. Shopping and lunch with Sheila was another special change for her. Another pleasure she enjoyed was to go weekly to have her hair and nails done. And, fun visits with her friends, either in person or by phone was another delight of her day. Mom was a wonderful letter writer.
Her greatest joy was having the family near. Sunday evening there would usually be a crowd at their home, anxious for Dad to bring out the fried shrimp, French fries, pinenuts, ice cream, candy, cookies, etc. Mom and Dad were always happy to have Sheila bring in her little ones to spend an afternoon or evening. And, they loved to have the out-of-town families show up on their doorstep for a visit We always received a warm welcome, and came away filled with good food and lots of love.
In 1976, the first family reunion was held in the church on 8th and Linden. It was a time of games, laughing, eating, talking, pictures, and loving one another. All the family was in attendance. This time brought Mom and Dad great happiness to see ALL their posterity in one place at one time. It was never to happen again as their granddaughter, Jackie Wilcox, passed away with cancer the following May 1977, at the age of 12.
The following year, November 1977, the children gave Mom and Dad a 50th wedding anniversary open house at the church on 8th and Linden. So many friends and family members came to greet them, many from St. George. That had to be a great moment in their lives as sweethearts.
Mother was saddened by the deaths of her two dear sisters, Orpha, and Paula, and one brother, Bill. And the deaths of three grandchildren: Jackie Wilcox, 12 years; Russell Mohler, 4 years; and Gary Henrie, 26 years. Also, a tiny great grandchild, Ronald Watters, 4 months.
Mom was proud of all her grandchildren—49 in total. She tried to attend the special programs they participated in whether in school or church. She was so pleased to have many of her grandsons and granddaughters serve missions for the Church. And, she has been in attendance at all the grandchildren’s wedding thus far.
Now some quotes from Mom’s journal:
9 April 1980: “How thankful I am for my membership, that of my husband and our loved ones, for the teachings of the gospel and above all the testimony I have of the truth that it brings into our lives.”
23 November 1982: “Our 56th wedding anniversary. Many, many happy days filled with love along with work and play. So proud of our family and grateful for their many kindnesses and love. 43 grandchildren plus 21 grandmates. Our great grands number 33 at present. 111, I think. The adding even seems difficult. How very blessed we are and have been over the years. What a lovely day.”
28 Jul 1984: “Birthday! 76 years! Thoughts, cards from so many family and friends. I am most fortunate, 15 beautiful cards with such kind loving thoughts as well, and dinner at Sheila’s. A birthday cake with 76 candles and so much love. Feel so very fortunate to have such a family and good friends. It was a special day for sure. Dear LaRue bought me a very pretty dress, and it fits so well, so kind of her.”
20, 21, 22, 23 August 1984, Provo, Utah
“Entered hospital today, a nice room, the nurses are real kind and pleasant. Of course tests of different kinds, some simple, some a little more painful. Dear Leola, faithfully keeps me company and seeing I get the best of care, such a special girl.
Tests and tests here, there and in between. They should find whats troubling me soon. I am very comfortable and resting a lot. Leola even reads aloud to me, bless her! Know father is on edge, he worries plenty. How I hate to be such a burden, even though I love attention.
Today was the spinal fluid test. A little more painful than the others, and had to keep my head flat down to avoid severe headache later, for 12-24 hours. Began to get anxious to be released. Managed to get by without headaches for which I am grateful.
Finally released. The results aren’t too comforting, grateful there is no tumor, but my memory probably will get worse. Its Alzheimer’s disease, one little help is known of. Not easy to think of and how I hope I won’t live to become an awful burden to my loved ones.”
8 November 1984: “Clair’s birthday! 53 years today. How time has quickly passed. He is such a special boy in many ways. But of course! Each one of our six are special and each blessed with kind, loving mates. How fortunate we are!”
22, 23, 24, 25 November 1984
“What great children we have, son, son-in-laws, grandsons all so willing to help build our new home in the Circle. How we appreciate their loyalty and love.
57th anniversary of our marriage! A lovely day! Dear LaRue, had a real fun reunion for our clan. Our girls and their husbands were all here, it was wonderful to be together for the evening. Clair, Ema, and their family of course were with us too. LaRue is such a good hostess and their new home is a great place for parties. And our new home! Boy! What loyal kids! So many helping hands.
The reunion and open house at Stewart and Prince chapel! What a fun evening! So very many dear friends we haven’t seen for so long were there to visit with. So very happy and grateful to have Jim,, Gayle, Paula, Gordon, Dick and Esther as well as our family there. The music was great, food delicious. LaRue is a wonder at preparing for parties, dinners and such. She has been such a help to me at all times, I’ll surely be lonely when they are away, even though we are happy and proud to have them serving a mission.
In less than a week our home has been put up and shingles on. What loyal, kind and loving boys, sons, grands and great grands.”
13 January 1985
“We are settled in our new home (Worthen Circle). In fact, we moved in early this week. Isabel and Carlita came down on the train to help; Leola drove down; Sheila came up for the day. How things did go into place with their good help.
We attended our new ward, 44th, very sociable and met a number of find people. I am sure we will find it very pleasant. Margaret and Steve are so very kind, thoughtful and help so often. The children are happy to have us near.
Clair helped his Dad install a wash sink in the garage yesterday. Spent most of the day here helping. Yes!! We do miss Dick and LaRue.
The week has been a FULL one for sure. We are so very grateful for such loyal children, grands and greats all so willing to lend a hand.
The home looks real nice and is comfortable. I am sure Father will have lawns, flowers, etc. as soon as they can grow.”
Mother and Dad lived in this home, surrounded by Dick, and many of his children, and their children, until their deaths in June 1999 for Dad, and Mom January 2000.