I had a lovely chat with Clark Hodgkinson today and found out that my dad's last living brother, Grant died a few days ago and that Mary, the sister just older than my dad, died a week before that. What a sweet reunion they must be having. The remaining child of those 10 children is Rayola Anderson who lives in Murray, Utah. As kids we used to love to hear my dad give the rundown of the names of his siblings as fast as possible. He said that was how he and his siblings recited the names during prayer - Hilda, Lowell, Ralph, Reed, Wilma, Grant, Mary, Melvin, Rayola, Doris. We all got pretty good at saying them very quickly. Mary Balch's obit says that she has many nieces and nephews that loved her, I must say that I haven't done as much as I could to nurture that relationship, especially after Grandpa Hodgkinson died. Grant was always so much fun and willing to help anyone and everyone. I hope you kids know what a noble Hodgkinson Heritage you do enjoy. These 10 brothers and sisters were pretty amazing each in their own way - and I remember them fondly and with love. I think I am resolved to take the time to give Rayola a visit sometime very soon.
Mary Hodgkinson Balch 1920 ~ 2007 86, passed away April 7, 2007 at her home in Orem. She was born in Vernal, Utah on October 25, 1920, the sixth child of Lewis and Mary Armina Hodgkinson. Mary had many pleasant memories growing up with her four sisters and five brothers. She moved to California where she worked as a Civil Service Clerk. Mary married Lee T. Balch in 1972 and their marriage was later solemnized in the Oakland Temple. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions, as her greatest love was serving as the music leader in the Primary. Many people treasure the quilts Mary lovingly made for them. Mary spent many hours reading and especially enjoyed poetry. Mary and Lee were proud parents of a daughter, Marilee and a son, Brent. Lee died in 1971 and their son Brent, was killed in an automobile accident in 1978. Mary moved to the Aspen 8th Ward in Orem in 1991 and made many new and loving friends. She is survived by her daughter Marilee (Curtis) Gardner, and their children Amber, Kamie and Shane, and a great-granddaughter, Anika. She is also survived by a brother, Grant Hodgkinson and a sister, Rayola Andersen, and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
| Grant Hodgkinson |
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 Grant Hodgkinson He lived to serve 1918 ~ 2007 Grant Hodgkinson born in Naples, UT 1918. The son of Lewis Martin Hodgkinson and Mary Armina Haws. Married Lois Kelsey 16th of December 1952. During World War II he served in the Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater. Served an LDS mission in the central states. He loved fulfilling his callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to provide service to others. Survived by his wife; and children, Clint (Heather), Holly (Curt), Scott (Teri); eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; and sister, Rayola Andersen. |
Mom, Dad, Katie & Dallin packed into the Marriot Center with 6,000+ other graduates and family and friends. Pres. Samulson bestowed the degrees including an honorary doctorate on Vice Pres. Cheney, who was the commencement speaker. Interesting note - Vice Pres. Cheney shared that his wife's great grandparents graduated from BYU Academy.
More pics and details of this special time in Provo to come.
Mom and Dad went to the parents meeting for the spring musical at MHS last night. We are so looking forward to our girls in Millie. And we are so looking forward to the whole show. Dad even gets to make a few props. There is going be nothing like 3 dozen tap dancers on that MHS stage like we have ever seen before. To boot, our Rachel will be in the center of them with Sarah (Ruth) in the troupe.
I had a lovely chat with Clark Hodgkinson today and found out that my dad's last living brother, Grant died a few days ago and that Mary, the sister just older than my dad, died a week before that. What a sweet reunion they must be having. The remaining child of those 10 children is Rayola Anderson who lives in Murray, Utah. As kids we used to love to hear my dad give the rundown of the names of his siblings as fast as possible. He said that was how he and his siblings recited the names during prayer - Hilda, Lowell, Ralph, Reed, Wilma, Grant, Mary, Melvin, Rayola, Doris. We all got pretty good at saying them very quickly. Mary Balch's obit says that she has many nieces and nephews that loved her, I must say that I haven't done as much as I could to nurture that relationship, especially after Grandpa Hodgkinson died. Grant was always so much fun and willing to help anyone and everyone. I hope you kids know what a noble Hodgkinson Heritage you do enjoy. These 10 brothers and sisters were pretty amazing each in their own way - and I remember them fondly and with love. I think I am resolved to take the time to give Rayola a visit sometime very soon.
I was asked to help Harley on her pinewood derby, it is for Faith in God, the race is in the beginning of May, we will see how we do, more pictures will come once we have finished.
We went to the temple. On Saturday, it is always good to go to the temple. We had a really good time and we went out to eat at Famous Daves Bar-b-que. We had a great time
We have seen some nice weather yesterday and today, it is suppose to be in the 80's tomorrow. We sang in church today and we recorded it, but for some reason it is not downloading onto google video, we will keep trying. But we had a great week.
Today is one week from my due date so I have entered the window of delivery
I have always tired to be good about attending the devotionals/forums and I am glad because they have taught me many things and helped make me who I am today. I can't even count how many times I have heard General Authorities or President Hinckley speak from that podium. It is truly a blessing of attending BYU.
P.S. Don't worry I plan on attending the devotionals/forums with Dallin and "little one" next fall and with any other family members that will be in Provo.
Dad started off his class with an activity for a volunteer to win a prize by following directions on colored cards. It was not until the proper "pattern"/order for the cards was shared that the goal (a stack of Mom's freshly baked cookies) was reached. The pattern was displayed by showing the first row of some building blocks. The activity evolved into a discussion on the "pattern" revealed for building the Kirtland Temple in D&C 88:119 as also applicable for building our homes -
to be a house of Prayer, a house of Fasting, a house of Faith, a house of Learning, a house of Glory, a house of Order, a house of God. Our homes, if we follow this o-r-d-e-r also may also be a sacred refuge and shelter.
Well as most of you know, or a few of you know that The Boston Marathon is tomorrow April 16 and Bishop Terrill is running. They called us and we met up and had a lot of carbs for the big day, We had so much fun, so much in fact we invited them over for dinner on Sunday at the Zellers. They are now currently Touring Duxbury with John. It was so much fun to see them and are excited for Tomorrow. It is fun for us too because we have tickets to the Red Sox game tomorrow weather permitting. So we are staring Spring Break off great.
