09/06/1918 ~ 09/13/2011
On a fall afternoon, just one week after celebrating her 93rd birthday, mother returned to the waiting arms of her husband T.D., and to a couple of high-fives from her grandson Dax. Mother was born in Colonia Garcia, Chihuahua, Mexico, the 7th child of John Amasa Whetten and Martha Elizabeth Carling. While still a very young girl, her mother died two weeks after giving birth to her brother Carl. This necessitated in bringing together two households, resulting in a new family of 23.
Mother spent her early years in Colonia Garcia, Colonia Juarez and finally, Colonia Chuichupa, Mexico. She graduated high school from the Colonia Juarez Academy and later served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Church) in Mexico City, Mexico. Shortly after her mission, and being fluent in Spanish, she accepted a job as a teletype operator at Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX. While at a Church dance, she met a handsome, curly dark-haired service man who was on leave. Mother was smitten at “may I have this dance”. Six weeks later they were married – a marriage that lasted for 63 years. Blessed to this union were six children, 27 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.
After Dad was discharged from the army, they moved back to his home town of Honeyville, UT. This is where they remained the rest of their lives together. The same home, back yard, garden and pasture, is where lessons were taught, rules sometimes were broken, love was abundant and you were always safe and respected. In the case of Mom and Dad, their “starter home” became their “finisher home”.
Memories of Mother include the smell of fresh home-made bread or cinnamon rolls wafting from the kitchen. During the summer canning months, rows of wide-mouth Kerr jars lined the kitchen counter, waiting to be filled with the harvest. Her quilting frames set up in the living room. And, being asked to help roll the quilt when necessary was a privilege. You always felt loved, safe and special when on her lap or in her presence. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress, mediator, healer and child advocate. Mother was a devoted wife and often stood still and silent and allowed Dad to stand on her shoulders.
Mother loved the Lord and served faithfully in many leadership and service positions in the Church. After Dad retired, they served two additional Church missions and two decades of service in the Ogden Temple.
After Dad’s passing in 2007, Mother truly felt the sting from the loss of her soul mate. However, she remained in Honeyville for a few more years. With her advanced age, and mourning the loss of Dad, living in an empty house, filled with over a half century of memories, was difficult for her. During this time she welcomed the frequent visits from her children and friends. Her previous good health began to yield to maladies incident to age, and on September 11, 2011 she suffered a stroke from which she never recovered.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Honeyville 3rd Ward chapel, with a viewing one hour prior. Additionally, a viewing will be held at the Myers Mortuary on Friday, September 16, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., located at 205 South 100 East, Brigham City, UT. Pursuant to Mother’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the General Missionary Fund of the Church. Condolences and love may be expressed at www.myers-mortuary.com.
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