Friends

When I think of friends, I think of the memories I have of them. Some friendships were short lived, some have been long lived, but each friend created a memory. Forming relationships in life... whether as friends or in families... is a vital part in experiencing joy in this life and in the life to come.

Childhood friends

The first friend I recall having was a neighbor in Parowan. Her name was Lorna Rowley. We were only 4 years old but we must have been the best of friends! After our family moved from Parowan to Price in 1961, we continued to keep in touch. We exchanged school pictures with each other through the mail. Honestly, that is all I remember about her. 

I made another friend just after we moved to Spring Glen. Her name was Pauline Tervort. She and her family moved to Salem two years after we moved to Spring Glen. We, too, continued to exchange school pictures throughout the years. Even though we were miles apart our friendship blossomed through the years. I spent a summer or two at their house and had many wonderful memories playing in the neighborhood pond. As we grew older, we wrote each other letters. Our friendship continued even into our marriages. We sent yearly Christmas cards to each other and I would occasionally find an opportunity to stop and see her in Payson. The last time I saw her was when Nicole was born. That was 15 years ago. She was the head nurse at the Payson Hospital. We had a wonderful time visiting and catching up. 

My best childhood friend was Lynette Brown. Her family moved into Spring Glen in 1963. We were not easily separated... maybe only by the large wash that ran down the center of the rural route. We would often walk through the fields and through the wash to each other's houses and play. Or we would stop and play in the wash. Our friendship lasted all through our school years and beyond. She was my best friend! I have many fond memories of the entire Brown family. All seven of the kids in their family were our ages and made for a natural friendship. Lynette was my maid of honor at my wedding. We kept in touch through most of our adult years but as our families grew larger, we grew more distant. But I will always think of her as one of my most treasured friend's.

Another good friend I made in High School was Sherry Bean. She moved to Price her Senior Year. We had Home Economics together and hit it off from the beginning, even though she was a Senior and I was a Junior. She had very long blonde hair that went below her waist. I thought she was beautiful! And I thought it was really neat that she had moved here from Southern California... next to the ocean and beaches. She has been a faithful friend since our High School years. We have kept in touch through the years. Not consistently, but we do. Our birthday's are on the exact same day, September 21st, and it has always been fun to send each other cards and visit. Sherry has come to my aid during times of heartbreak and sorrow, which I have been grateful for. The last time I saw and visited with her was at Steven's funeral. I consider her a dear friend and always will. 

Best Friends

After I got married, my best friends became my sisters. Having our children together made for the best of times. We had parties, went on picnics, took our kiddos to the park, and enjoyed special occasions together. We had everything in common! Those friendships included mother! She was there in every thing we sisters did. I considered mother to be my very best friend. She was always there when I needed her. She counseled, comforted, and brought joy and happiness into my life. I could always depend on her! She taught me how to be a mother, and most of all... love to be a mother.Those were wonderful years. I can't think of a better time in life for making lasting and treasured friendships.

Husband's are friends, too. I am lucky because I have had two! :)

Adult friends

I have had many wonderful people come into my life over the many years of moving, settling, and moving again. I can name people from practically everywhere I have lived that remains a cherished friend today. All due to the memories we made together. Here are a few...

Rex and Joy Minchey from Cleveland. Rex was "best man" at mine and Greg's wedding. He and Joy still call and stop by and see me once in a great while. Some friends are forever! 

Sue Stark from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She also moved back to Utah and became an Insurance Agent. We have made it a point to visit and catch up on family matters whenever the opportunity arises. It is seldom, but I will always think of her as a good friend when I needed one. She was always willing to talk and "listen". 

Marlene Kaufman from Logan. Oh... I could tell you so many stories about Marlene and I. She moved in around the corner from me in Logan. She was also a single mother, with slightly older children, and we hit it right off. She was very beautiful. Long blonde hair and the prettiest smile you ever saw! She was always well groomed and dressed so beautiful. We spent a lot of time together... talking about the gospel and just everything, going on nightly walks, and attending church and the temple, along with other activities. She became my dearest and most treasured friend ever. I can still say to this day that she will always be. She was so positive and cheerful all the time. She was a big influence in my life for good. Always good! She actually introduced me to Dave. After our re-marriages, we didn't do so much together. She married a fellow from Ohio, the place where she grew up, but we always kept in touch. I went on a trip back East to see Shaniel and Steven. It was in 1996. I spent a few days with Marlene and her husband. She took me all over the country side. It was so enjoyable being with my dear friend. My favorites were seeing the Amish and how they lived and the beautiful carousal in a nearby park. I was saddened when I found out a few years ago that she had cancer... originating from a strep throat that was not treated. She passed away a couple of years ago, a few short months after Shaniel. I am so grateful I was able to visit with her on the phone a couple of times before her passing. The last time was a few weeks before she passed away. She still had that laugh... that caring personality and asked me how I was and if Dave were treating me good! She felt responsible for our marriage. I remain in contact with her daughters and love them as much as I loved her. Oh... I miss my friend terribly. 

Wendy Lowry from Brigham City. Wendy and I were PAT educators together in Box Elder County. She became one of my dearest friends. Her kindness and visits are among my greatest treasures. 

Peggy Ray was my visiting teaching partner in the Willard 1st Ward. She was always so pleasant and wore a smile on her face at all times. We became very good friends. She was a great comfort to me after Shaniel passed away. I remember the first time I went back to church after Shaniel's death. It was difficult. I was very sensitive to the spirit. I sat next to Peggy in R.S. and she could tell I was tearing up. She handed me a tissue and held my hand. I felt her love and will never forget what she did for me that day. She lost a son in a car accident when he was 17 years old and knew somewhat of the pain I felt. She and Mac have since moved to Pleasant Grove to be closer to a daughter. I have really missed her.

Dick Eskelson 

Valerie Taylor

I consider the brothers and sisters I serve with at the temple my friends. It is a wonderful thing to feel their love and friendship every week.

Family - Eternal Friends

My children are my very best friends! We talk, laugh, cry, reminisce, plan, conspire, encourage, support, party, work together, and have the best ever days together. 

My sisters and brothers are also my best friends. Since mom and dad have passed away, we don't get together as often. I miss those days terribly. But I have found out that sisters and brothers never abandon you! Never! I have been grateful for listening ears and shoulders to cry on with the passing of Shaniel and Steven. I have found solace in their comforting arms, love... spoken and unspoken, spiritual uplifting, compassion, and healing. Bad things happen to good people and I am grateful for a family who loves without condition. Who see's not only their own children, as God see's them, but mine as well. Family is love!

Follow Your Desires and Never Depart

In 1970 the church came out with a new program for the girls in the MIA (Mutual Improvement Association). At the beginning of the year each of us girls received a Personal Achievement Journal. It was a special place to write down the things of our hearts and for setting goals... not just for today, but tomorrow and the years to come. It was a journal designed to help shape our eternal destination.

I was twelve years old at the time, and would turn 13 in a few weeks. I was a Beehive and very excited to write in my journal. My first Personal Achievement Journal had a section entitled "Daydreaming about my future and my eternal growth..." 

This section would shape the goals that I yearned for as a young woman. 

1. I want my wedding to be.... shared with my Father in Heaven in His house, the temple. I want it to be peaceful and spiritual.

2. I want my husband to be... a returned missionary. He will be diligent in work, understanding, honest, and cheerful. A man that will always love me.

3. I want my children to be... like me. I will always try to teach them everything I know. I would like two strong boys and three beautiful girls.

5. Living worthy of a temple marriage can bring the following blessings into my life: Living an eternal life with my family in the presence of my Father in Heaven.

With each consecutive year, until the age of sixteen, there was a section asking similar questions about my goals for the future and what I wanted it to look like. And each year, my desires were the same. To be married in the temple to a righteous priesthood holder and raise a family in the gospel. 

This is very difficult to write about....

I let my dreams be dreams only on paper. I did not follow the innermost yearnings of my heart. I allowed a young man, who was not worthy of a temple marriage, influence my ideals... and my ideals soon became more his ideals, and I did not keep the faith. I made the decision to follow a different path... one that would ultimately bring me heartache and grief. 

I am ashamed. But it is my prayer that in writing about this I can influence, even if only one of my grandchildren, to choose the right path and to never... ever depart from it.

I received my patriarchal blessing when I was about 14 years old. I had many wonderful promises given me, all dependent upon my faithfulness. I was told I would have the opportunity to go the the house of the Lord and be married and sealed for time and for all eternity to one of the faithful sons of our Heavenly Father. I would rejoice with him and become a mother in Israel in bringing choice spirits to the earth to guide and direct their activities and they would be obedient to my teachings and that I would live long upon the earth, as long as life is desirable.  

With that came a warning to be careful in my dating years, to date those young men with high ideals and who are members of the church and hold and honor the Priesthood of God. And if I did I would rejoice through out my life because of these things. I was admonished to support and uphold my future husband in his priesthood assignments and responsibilities to the fullest extent and that we would live a happy life here upon the earth together and rejoice in our posterity.

My soul has often been hacked with pain and anguish over this. To think of the promised blessings I forfeited. And to think of the consequences that have come upon me and my household because of my choices.

I know, without a doubt, that I received that warning because Father In Heaven knew my heart and what choice I would make. But I do know, without doubt, that He loves me... choices and all. I made my life difficult when it didn't need to be. I remember praying to Father In Heaven when I was a teenager, asking for His approval to marry Greg. I saw potential in him and I saw good things. I thought I was in love. I really did. I never really received an answer, or maybe I did. I never really felt like He approved, but I never felt like He didn't. Maybe He knew I would not listen. I didn't listen to my parents here on earth.. why would I listen to Him. I am anguished when I think that I did not trust the Lord. How foolish I was!

When I think of my life and how hard it has been on myself and my children, I am heartbroken. I don't know life any other way because I did not choose it. But I know that the Plan of Happiness is for all His children and that He will make all things right through our faithfulness. Mistakes and all. He waits patiently for us to return to Him. He welcomes us home with loving and outstretched arms when we repent and prove our faithfulness. 

I have never wanted to do bad things... not ever! I have only ever wanted to be good and to what's right. I have a weakness. I see the world through rose-colored glasses. I am an optimist through and through. My faith is simple. I see potential in everyone and in all things. Potential! I see potential in people I love, and that included Greg. I see potential in things, like old houses turned into beautiful places to live. I don't know if that is what cursed me, but I saw potential in Greg and I truly believed he would rise to that potential. Could I have possibly seen what the Lord saw in him? I loved him. He could have been great. He really could have. We went to the temple as soon as we could. We had our first baby girl sealed to us and all those special spirits that followed were born in the covenant. I can't tell you how happy I was during those early years of our marriage. The potential I saw in "my knight in shining armour" was coming through. We had been sealed in the temple and our family was eternal.

But you can't decide what other's will choose to do. You can't take away their agency. I know the Lord loves Greg as much as He loves any of His other children. I know things will be made right. I have had witnesses of that promise. All will be well... all well. The Lord knows what that will be and I trust in His promises. 

In spite of the hard journey in life, I know I have grown in ways that I probably never would have otherwise. I have turned my life completely to the Lord. I love Him with all my heart and I know His ways are perfect. My testimony and faith have increased through trials and afflictions. I have a family that I love with all my heart and am so thankful for each spirit that came to bless my life. They came to me because we were a family in heaven first. I do not know the meaning of all the trials and experiences we have had in this life, but I know they have been given for our good. I trust in His plan and know it will lead us all back home... Home to Him.

I departed from my youthful desires, but those same youthful desires are very much a part of my life today. And they will never, ever depart. I have been sealed in the temple. I have those promised blessings awaiting me. The Lord loves me and wants to bless me and my family. I will continue to look at the world and the eternities through rose-colored glasses! Why would I not!

My Constant Companion

I have a friend like no other friend I've had. I have never seen him, but I love Him with all my heart! I could not live without him. He stays close by my side. In fact, I can call him my constant companion. He is the Holy Ghost; a member of the Godhead. I am in awe of this realization. To have the member of the God Head as my constant companion gives me the assurance that I have infinite worth. I am a daughter of a Living God. I love the Holy Ghost!

He became my companion when I turned 8 years old and was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I remember that day vividly. Not what I wore, but how I felt. I had had my interview with the bishop and passed off the Articles of Faith with confidence and ease. He asked me questions about the gospel that I could readily answer. I felt prepared, even at the tender age of 8. Dad baptized me on Saturday, without incident... I'm sure. I felt so clean and pure. But it was Sunday that I remember so vividly. It was after I was confirmed a member of the church and received the "gift of the Holy Ghost". A warm, peaceful feeling prevailed over me the entire day. I knew I had made the right choice. My desire was to be "perfect" and I was not going to let anything or anyone detract me from my goal. 

After church, our family was gathered in the living room. My brothers and sisters were rowdy and loud; goofing around as usual. Like all kids do, including me! But today was my day! I got out the scriptures and plopped down in the middle of the living room floor and read some verses out of them. I was not about to let the distractions of family life in our house get the best of me. I remember feeling a desire deep within my heart to have the Holy Ghost with me and to feel the love of my Father In Heaven and our Savior. I never wanted this day or these feelings to leave me. 

Life has a way of happening and I wasn't as perfect as I wanted to be. Mistakes were made. Choices could not be taken back. Lessons were learned... mostly the hard way... for many years. Even though I was sealed in the temple to a companion I wanted to last for all eternity; it ended. I had to lean on the Savior and the companionship of the Holy Ghost to help me through... what seemed like endless days and nights of grief, pain, and loneliness. I felt Angels around me, on both sides of the veil, and the steadiness of sandled feet by my side... day after day. My testimony increased as I said my prayers, read my scriptures, and attended my church meetings and the temple. I felt the power of the Holy Ghost and the atonement of the Savior lift me from fear and despair to hope and courage.  

I continued to yearn for heaven and the blessings promised in the temple. I always knew where my heart was and where my desires would lead me. And that would be back home. Home to safety, protection, and peace. 

It wasn't until 2005, when my father passed away, that I can truly say I was born again. Born again of the spirit. And His spirit has not left me to this day. 

When dad passed away I yearned for comfort and peace. I wanted a testimony for myself of the truthfulness of the plan of salvation. I desired a witness... and I received! Not only one answer, but many answers came... from the deepest yearnings of my heart and soul. Even though I had been taught all my days of the plan of salvation and I had always believed, it was at this time that I was able to learn first-hand from the Holy Ghost. 

The Holy Ghost teaches and testifies of truth. He leads us to be humble. He bears witness to the reality of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. The plan of salvation is a perfect! It is marvelous! It is a wonder! It is a loving gift from God. To follow and trust in His plan provides comfort and peace. It allows us to come back into His presence and to live eternally with our families. I have had many wonderful experiences while reading the scriptures, listening to a talk, hearing a testimony, saying a prayer, singing a hymn, participating in a Sunday School or Relief Society lesson, and from Conference talks where the spirit has spoken truth to my soul. I feel it in my entire being. I feel peace and joy. There is not a meeting I go to that I don't feel like the spirit is teaching me something. I may have read it before. I may have heard it before. But the truth is spoken and my understanding is clear and I know what has been said is true! I learn line upon line; precept upon precept. My testimony grows. My faith increases. I am more confident in connecting the truths that intersect with each other, though it may be years apart. I still understand! With every truth I learn, I am more humbled. I am more aware of my imperfections and weaknesses and I desire to be better. I can't even imagine not having the Holy Ghost to teach me. I love Him!

The Holy Ghost comforts and sustains us in affliction and trials. How grateful I am for having His love and companionship at the times of my parents deaths, and my children's deaths. What joy, peace, and healing prevailed my heart and soul knowing that they were welcomed, with loving arms, back home to His presence... because His love is unconditional and all encompassing. Although each loved one's mission on the other side may be different from the other, I have no doubt that they continue in the work in family settings. They are loved and placed where they will learn and grow best. They are given every opportunity to repent and progress. They are put on their designed path that leads to eternal life. That is the way God designed the plan of happiness. I know that I could not bear to lose one child... how can I even begin to comprehend how the Lord feels about each of us, His children. We were created in His image. We are His work and His glory! 

The Holy Ghost provides warning and protection. I have felt the protective powers of angels cushioning my out-of-control car as it careened across two lanes of traffic, hit a mile post marker, spun around, and landed on the railroad tracks at the bottom of an embankment... with no effects from the crash. No injuries; no soreness. Nothing.

Although I didn't know it at the time, shortly before I learned of Greg's unfaithfulness, I felt unseen added strength... a protective power... something I didn't understand. It wasn't until after his excommunication and our family was mortally wounded that I would begin to understand the love that came beyond the veil to protect us from the evil that had come upon our family. I was buoyed up with great faith at that time. How thankful I was for the Holy Ghost!

The Holy Ghost guides us daily. He inspires us. He guides us in the little things as well as the big things. He leads us to do good. It's almost like a nudge, a thought, a whisper, a prompting. After we learned of Shaniel's death and our family was sitting in the funeral director's office making funeral plans, a question came up that involved Scott's family, the Donaldson's. Their only other son was called and the conversation was put on speaker phone. The atmosphere was tense and uneasiness filled the room. I then felt a strong urge with the words "tell him you love them" enter my mind. It was so compelling and so urgent that I could not withhold those words... "We love you!" The Holy Ghost had lead me to do good. To say the words that the Savior would say. It was at that very moment that the spirit ushered in. Tears were shed, hearts were softened, and the healing began. That very second! The joy and love of the Lord wrapped around us... like a warm blanket. I can not dispute the power of the Holy Ghost and His influence to do the right thing at the exact moment we needed to. It changed everything on how we would move forward. The atonement instantly began to work in many lives. Not just us or the Donaldson's, but for extended family and the community. I can't even imagine what things would have been like had I not followed that prompting at that time.

The Holy Ghost is a Revelator. He enlightens our mind and fills our souls with joy. This has been very precious to me. As I have waded through grievous trials and afflictions on my mortal journey, I have sought light and knowledge from the Lord to give me understanding, peace, and comfort. Out of a broken heart, I have asked questions, searched the scriptures for answers, and prayed to know things I did not understand. I trusted that the Lord would hear my pleas. I have exercised faith and yearned much for heaven's help in finding answers. And I have received much! Although personal, I can testify that revelation comes through dreams, visions, and streams of steady light that enlightens the mind. More often than not, one answer leads to another one and more work and effort is required to get the entire picture, or answer. I have been able to put pen to paper and write... and write... and the thoughts just keep coming as rushing water. Before I know it, I have written pages of answers to my questions and my understanding has been made bright and clear as the sun at noon day. Oh... this is such a precious gift to me! I can't even describe what joy this has brought to my soul. I am so thankful for the power of revelation. Revelation has been restored to the earth. I am thankful for revelation that comes through our prophet and eternally grateful for personal revelation. It is through the Holy Ghost that we are able to receive revelation, even daily, if we but ask.

The Holy Ghost is a Sanctifyer. To sanctify means to concecrate, renew, purify. It is sacredness, holiness. It is to be born again spiritually. 

"Now this is the commandment: "Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day." 3 Nephi 27:21

I don't understand sanctification completely, but I do know I want to feel its effect before I meet the Lord. I believe that we witnessed a "sanctification" in mother. As she laid in bed, day after day, in the nursing home, I believe she became pure... as a little child. Her desires were to meet the Lord completely clean and free from all sins. She was holy. Her soul was renewed. One particular day, a few days before her passing, Leslie snapped a picture of her lying in bed. She had a perfectly pure white aurora surrounding her entire body. It looked as if she were in angels's clothes. I knew then that she had made her preparations to leave this earth. Her desires now fulfilled. She became pure before the Lord. She had undergone sanctification. I will never forget that witness borne to me. Mother was my example of what it means to die in the Lord. My love for her is so deep. I can call her blessed... because she truly blessed me with her faith and testimony. It burns deep within my heart.

The Holy Ghost is a friend I can not and must not ever live without. He is everything to me! He teaches me, strengthens me, bears witness of truth to me, comforts me, enlightens my mind, fills my heart and mind with joy and peace, renews my spirit, inspires and leads me to do good, warns me of danger and protects me from evil. And He will sanctify me! I will one day stand before the Lord, as pure and clean as I can be in this life, and thank Him for the precious gift of sending me the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. My dearest and truest friend!

James William “Bill” McKinley Bates

Bill Bates, born of James Ragan and Victoria Bates was the youngest of four children; Luther, Tom, Alma and William. Bill was born on the banks of Cow Creek in Riddle, Oregon; his family were agricultural people growing their own produce and raising their own meat. They probably had an orchard that helped raise income for the family. When Bill was about eleven years old he took ill on a Sunday morning. He went to church with the family and as the service progressed he felt worse. When the family came out of the chapel Bill had some difficulty walking and finally took a fall. He got up and fell down again. His father picked him up and carried him home but refused to call the doctor. James Regan’s family had all died of the fever so it’s easy to understand why he figured his son wouldn’t live through whatever he had. Bill had come down with polio and a fever that left him paralyzed from the neck down. It was one of the first recorded cases in the area. Willie said "when I laid down the corn in the garden was just breaking through the ground and when I looked out again the corn crop had matured and been harvested.” His mother, Victoria who was a midwife and a nurse, took care of Bill but also consulted with a doctor from Portland. Bill was the only person in Riddle to catch the disease. As a result of the disease he laid in bed and couldn't walk for two years. He could swallow but couldn't move. His legs were drawn up against his chest. Their doctor from Portland wanted to cut the cords in his legs to let them down in a more normal position for comfort. Once the cords were cut it was a foregone conclusion that he would never walk again so his mother said NO! Victoria patiently nursed him back to health by applying moist heat and moving his limbs several times a day. It is due to her loving care that Bill regained his health and the use of his limbs. Bill came to Price, Utah as a young man looking for work. He found employment with the Utah Railway where he worked most of his adult life. He married Ida Lucille Richardson and they are the parents of four children. Bill was a kind, gentle man and liked by all who knew him. His pet moniker for Ida was Sally. Bill was an alcoholic and it did cause problems within the family but he was loved very much despite his weakness. His son Jim would often boast of his father’s strength. He loved telling stories of the times his father “street fought” which was like a boxing match out on the street in the coal camps. Bill died at the age of 60 leaving his sweet Ida a widow for 38 years. One day when Annie Jensen’s mother called her “Sally” Ida said, “Bill used to call me that.” Kelley asked grandma if she still missed him. Ida said, “You never stop missing someone you love.”

Ida Lucille Richardson Bates

Ida was short, blue eyed and had white hair. She was quiet and shy, in her words she described herself as slow at subjects but she excelled in art and sewing. She had a great sense of humor but was quiet about it. She had long hair when she was young that she wore in braids wrapped around her head, her brothers pulled her hair and she didn’t like that. As a result when she was older she wore her hair short. Ida had a short pug nose, her mom said she had a “pugger” from falling on it when she was learning to sit up. As a child she like to play outdoor games like hide and go seek and kick the can, jump rope, jacks, baseball, and floating the canal with a tube or railroad tie. She liked picking berries, going on picnics, ice skating, and roller skating. When she got her roller skates she stayed up until 2:00 a.m. skating wildly through the halls of her home. Ida was a pleasant person to be around, she was kind, thoughtful and did not speak ill of others. She loved to share the stories of her youth as she traveled with family, her favorite thing was being with family. For many years she helped Alma Rae in her flower shop and enjoyed the work and family time very much. Ida’s dad was a railroad conductor so the family moved often to different towns along the 65 mile route from Helper to Provo, Utah. Her mother was a mother of the era and worked hard in the home. When Ida graduated from High School she worked for a year as a telephone operator. She met her husband Bill over the telephone. 

"I knew I'd met someone special when I met William Mckinley Bates because he was a very kind man and very quiet. He wouldn't quarrel or argue. "You can't argue alone."

I worked in the telephone company at night. Bill worked at the Railroad Station at night. Bill used to call the operator and talk to her. (And I told Bill I was going to start charging him for his calls, so her started calling me.)

He came down to the telephone office eventually to see who he had been talking to. Bill then started walking me home from Helper to Martin. Our dates were picnics and gathering pine nuts with my family."

Ida and Bill were married November 16, 1927.

"We were married at Price city Courthouse. On the day we were married mom had Thanksgiving dinner and wedding dinner together. My wedding dress was black with rose colored trim. I also wore a hat. (Bill threw away that hat because he thought I had too much junk.) 

Edna Richardson, my mother, and Margaret Lee attended the wedding. Bill had come to Provo Utah looking for work. His family lived in Oregon at the time of the wedding and could not make it.

Check gave us salt and pepper shakers and Ruth gave us glasses.

Bill had to go to work after the wedding and I had to clean a dirt oven."

(interview wit Ida Bates by Leslie (Bates) Nielson) 

 Bill found work in the coal mines and with the railroad. They lived in the mine camps moving where work was available. They had four children. James, John, Dennis who died at birth and a daughter Alma Rae. After Ida’s husband died she worked six summers at the Bryce Canyon Resort in Southern Utah, Nine Winters in Sun Valley, Idaho and five summers in Fire Island, New York. After settling down again in the Price, Utah area she worked 9 years editing and contributing to the senior citizens newspaper. Three areas that Ida felt she truly excelled at was sewing, needlework and painting. Her claim to fame is contributing to the wall murals in the CEU Prehistoric Museum. Ida was a proficient artist passing her beautiful works on to her children and grandchildren where they are cherished as heirlooms.

Elba Charles Bentley

Elba was born in the little mining town of Ibapah, on the border of Utah and Nevada. He was the youngest of six children born to Charles and Emily Jane O’Carroll Bentley. His mother was of Irish descent, her family moving from Ireland to Canada in the mid 1700’s. Even though 6 generations separated Elba from his Irish heritage he spoke with an Irish lilt and sang the tunes like he was born to it. Elba writes of a memory when he was three years old. His mother had inherited some land from her grandfather in Vernal, Utah so the family was moving from Ibapah to Vernal. He remembers riding on the buckboard of the wagon with his father, they had a 4 team horse pulling to help them over the mountain passes. This was the first time he saw a train, he asked his father what it was his father replied that it was an iron horse. Elba thought it was a mighty funny looking horse. Elba went to school until he was about 10 and in the 4th grade. At that time his parents separated. Charles was a rover, wandering here and there shifting from job to job. While he was working at a job in Wyoming he wrote a letter home to Elba and told him he wouldn’t be coming home anymore unless he wanted him too. Elba would take that letter out and read it and have a good cry. His mother was away from home at the time so he showed it to his grandmother. Her advice to him was to follow his heart. Elba loved his dad so much that he chose to leave his mother and wander the western states with his father. In 1904 Elba’s father had a stroke, Elba couldn’t care for him and work too so he left Moab and went to Bennett on the Uintah Reservation near Vernal, Utah where his sister lived. He left his father there in the care of his sister. His brother Ray had a home stead on Antelope Creek on the reservation and he went to work for him, Ray eventually left leaving the property to his brother. This is where Elba met his wife Vivian Hamilton. They were married in Heber, Utah on June 13, 1913. They lived in the Duchesne/Bennett area for about 10 years but eventually moved the family to Price, UT where they settled in a little home on the corner of 300 East and 600 South. Elba was employed at the Carbon Ice Cream Company (1923) and delivered ice to the community. Elba recalls how the little children would run after the ice wagon and beg for ice chips. He started his career in a wagon but finished it in a refrigerated truck. Elba was a jack of all trades. He had a talent for building, working with wood and gardening. His car, woodshop, yard and home were immaculate and kept in good repair. Elba was a jolly person who loved to sing and tease. He loved his family and enjoyed the time he spent with them. In his late years Elba was crippled with arthritis, at first he used canes and crutches to get around but eventually he was confined to a wheel chair which was hard for a hardworking man to take. The day he died he was out weeding his garden in his wheel chair, he was hard-working to the end.

Vivian Ladema Hamilton Bentley

Vivian, the youngest of eleven children, was born at Gordon Creek, Utah to William David Hamilton and Eliza Jane Bird. Vivian’s father was a ranch man and moved the family often mostly between the areas of Duchesne, Utah and Wellington, Utah. Vivian recalls that when they moved they used wagons which took a very long time. She liked growing up in the “wilds” playing by the creeks, watching birds, catching fish and pollywogs and other fun outdoor adventures. Vivian never went to Church as it was not available where she lived. She went to school in small one room buildings that she would have to walk or ride the horse for many miles. Vivian tells of a time she and her sister were riding the horse to school when a rabbit jumped out and spooked it throwing them off. “We landed on a pile of rocks, hurt our legs, and skinned our faces up until we could hardly see. We didn’t go to school that day so we stayed at Mrs. Harmons until night. Father came and got us in the horse and wagon.” She also tells of the first time she saw Indians. Vivian and her sister were herding the cows when they saw them walking along the road to their house. They were so afraid they ran home and hid under the bed. The Indians asked for food and her mother fed them. After that she wasn’t afraid of the Indians. Vivian completed school after 8th grade. She had missed some years so she was 17 years old when she graduated. She met her husband, Elba Bentley, not long after. They dated, which means they went to dances and rode horses, for two years at which time they decided to get married. For their wedding they started out for Heber City, Utah on the 20th of June, they were going by horse and wagon so it took five days to get there. They couldn’t travel alone being a young unmarried couple so they had to have chaperones. Elba’s sister and her four children went with them. They were married the 28th of June 1913, staying in Heber one month before returning to Antelope Canyon where they set up housekeeping in Elba’s little house. Vivian and Elba were the parents of 11 children and like her parents before her they moved around a lot in the area from Duchesne to Wellington finally settling in Price, Utah. The three youngest children were born here. Vivian and Elba held a distinction in the community that during the Second World War 5 stars hung in their window which represented the 5 sons they had in the armed services. What a sacrifice for the family. They all survived the war. Three of those boys, Ferrell, David and Ray married sisters. David passed away in 1950 after an illness that affected his heart. Vivian writes of her latter days in her life, “All I do now is keep house, and take care of the chickens and rabbits. I have been going to church and Relief Society.” Vivian and Elba were eventually active in the church and were sealed in the temple on May 23, 1964 along with a few of their children. Vivian had Congestive heart failure and spent the last 10 or so years in and out of the hospital, in bed and connected to an oxygen tank. Sometimes she was at deaths door but she always got well so she could take care of Elba. On April 22, 1972 Elba had a heart attack and passed away, in less than an hour Vivian also suffered a heart attack and joined him in death.

Love Struck!

1952 - Mom and Dad meet and fall in Love

From my mother's  history...

"One day near the end of May I met the love of my life. I still can't understand why he even gave me a second look. Bonnie and I had been swimming. Afterwards we walked to the telephone office to meet Sharon and Liz Armstrong to go to supper. Our hair was wet and straight and stringy. We had baseball caps on, a big baggy shirt and pedal pushers. We looked like a couple of scroungy kids."

Liz, a girl mom worked with, was just getting off work. A gentleman by the name of  Julius Jones came to pick her up. He had another guy with him... Jim Bates... who would become my father.

"Jim was a tall, dark good looking guy with beautiful blue eyes and brown curly hair. They were going to Liz' apartment to have watermelon and invited us. I felt like three's a crowd so I told them that I'd go to our apartment and Liz and Bonnie could go. I didn't know Jim from Adam, but he got out of the truck, picked me up and put me in the back of the truck and said, "I'm going to marry you." I guess it was love at first sight!"

They went to Liz' apartment, located on 4th East in Price.

"When we got there we got out of the truck and whoever was carrying the watermelon dropped it and it busted. We really had a laughing spell over that. We went into the apartment and ate the pieces. I think we took Bonnie home. I don't remember. I guess I was too love struck by then. I know I had changed into a dress by then. Jim and I went to the park and swung in the swings and teeter-tottered and walked around. I think we were there til 2 a.m." 

In my father's words...

"I was discharged from the army in April of 1952. Julius Jones had met a woman that was employed at the local telephone office in Price. One night in early May he had a date with her and asked me if I would like to go along. "Sure", I replied. We pulled up at the telephone office on 1st West and 1st North to wait for Liz Armstrong to get off work from Ma Bell Telephone. As she came out of the office door, two other young ladies approached the door from the street side. Jones-e and I were standing with our mouths open- so Liz took the opportunity to introduce us, "This is Ellen Bentley and Bonnie Oliver, two other operators." Ellen was wearing a pair of blue pedal pushers, a baggy shirt and wearing a base ball cap. Boy or girl? There really wasn't any question as to her gender, but she looked like a typical tomboy."

"We were going up to Lizzie's apartment for a water melon bust - so I asked Ellen if she would like to go along. She wasn't sure - so I picked her up and tossed her into the back of the truck. Told her I was going to marry her! The melon bust was a real bust. Jones-e dropped the ball and the melon burst into a dozen pieces, all over Lizzie's patio. We ended up just walking to the park where we played on swings and other equipment. Exciting night!" 

I love the story of how my parents met. My favorite part is when dad picked mom up and tossed her into the back of the truck and said "I'm going to marry you!" 

And it did not surprise me at all how mom and dad had two different perspectives on meeting each other for the first time. Obviously mom was self conscious about the way she looked (we girls tend to be that way). Having been swimming earlier, she described her and Bonnie as "looking like a couple of scroungy kids." Yet, when dad saw mom come out of the side door his "mouth dropped!" Tomboy and all... love struck, I'd say!!! 

This daughter is grateful for that day in front of the telephone office! For the love that developed from the first time they met. Lucky for me!

My parents were an example of love and sacrifice throughout their lives. They loved each other and they loved their family. Being loved and seeing love in action brought with it trust, loyalty, peace, comfort, joy, and security. Belonging to a family filled with love was truly a gift that I never take for granted. Our parents are gone, but their "legacy of love" continues on in their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We love each other. Love is eternal. 

It was no Coincidence!

Meeting Dave and Falling In Love

I was married to a man I was madly in love with. He was my High School sweetheart! We were building our first home and looking forward to many years together in the town we grew up in. We were expecting our third child and were in the middle of the happiest days of our lives.

Then... a strange thought entered my mind... "It wouldn't always be this way". Another strange thought... someday I would be married to a "fruit farmer" and a "military man". "That's ridiculous", I thought. "I am the happiest and luckiest girl alive. Why would I ever think something like that."? I even felt a little guilty with the thought. But I did have to secretly confess... I had always been attracted to both professions and often daydreamed about a beautiful fruit orchard and marrying a soldier... a patriotic kind of guy. I thought that would be romantic! I shrugged it off, but that thought came to full fruition several years later. Not by my choice, mind you. The man I loved with all my heart left us... me and our five beautiful children. He deserted us; abandoned us. It turned my whole world upside down. I had five children who depended on me, and me alone. How could I grieve when so much was heaped upon me! I cried... oh, how I cried... many, many nights I cried myself to sleep. In spite of the frightening circumstances I found myself in, I proved to be braver and stronger than I ever thought possible. I pulled myself up by the bootstraps and made a new life for the kids and I. I went back to college and got a B.S. degree and prepared for the future. I was determined that my kids would not go without! I was going to make sure of it. The next few years were long and I didn't think my heart would ever heal. Sometimes I would just go through the motions of the day. But those years also turned out to be some of the happiest memories of our lives. We had so little, yet had so much. I grew in ways I never expected. The kids were happy and well adjusted. We not only survived, but thrived. It's a hard thing to explain. The blessings came so unexpectedly; but always at the right time.

I got my degree in Family and Consumer Science Education, with a minor in Nutrition. I grew up in 4-H and always dreamed of being an Extension Agent; the lady in charge of "fashion shows".   I was headed there, really! One of my childhood dreams were becoming a reality. 

I became good friends with a single lady just around the corner from my house. After a few years, she moved over the hill, 30 miles away. She was neighbors with a newly single man with three children. He worked for the Department of Agriculture. My friend knew she had to get us together somehow. We had so much in common! His father had been an Extension Agent for most of his adult life. His son, my friend's neighbor, followed in his dad's footsteps and was interested in plants, gardening and farming. We talked on the phone and decided to meet.

It was winter. I chose an activity that all of us could do. All ten of us! We went to Hardware Ranch, a mountain location in northern Utah that the DWR (Division of Wildlife Resources) owned. Hundreds of Elk take refuge and make Hardware Ranch their home in the winter months. Sleigh rides through the herd, hot chocolate and friendly chat prevailed our first meeting. It went pleasantly well, considering my first impression.

On the day of our first meet, he knocked on the door and was welcomed in to the house. For a brief second he looked familiar to me... like "I knew him". Strange! And first impressions... I remember his big grin. It was far too energetic for me! The little boy he held in his arms. That was not at all attractive to me. I was overwhelmed with my own little brood. How could I want more? The attraction was not there. But we had planned a day out and I was going to make the best of it. At the end of the day I was pleasantly surprised at how well it went. The next few weeks and months were filled with phone conversations and dates. I still couldn't say I was in love with him, but we enjoyed each other's company. It slowly evolved into a companionship, full of ups and downs, the good and not-so-good. But nonetheless, it evolved into a desire to be together more than just the occasional date. Eight months after our first date, we were married. 

Was it the beginning of love? I would like to think so. Love the second time around was much different than the first. Bringing children and extra baggage into the mix proved to be one of the greatest challenges I think either of us would ever face. Over the years we have had to work through some very rough times. Yet... we have remained together in spite of periods of separation. Does that define love for us? I would like to think so.

Can I say I had a moment when I knew he was "the ONE?" No!  But that crazy little thought that entered my mind 15 years before I met him... the thought that I would marry a "farmer" and a"military man", became a reality. "Was that when I knew?" If I did, I wouldn't have believed it at the time. Insane!

We have been married just over 22 years now. Dave recently retired from both the Army and the Department of Agriculture, and we are fruit farmers. How coincidental is that! Is it a romantic life, much like I dreamed about when I was much younger? Hardly ever! Are we madly in love? That's hard to define. You can't compare one love to another, but I can say this... it's love... our way. 

Would I change anything about my life with this wonderful man I have as my spouse? No! He is "THE ONE"! And I believe it was no coincidence.