Ethel Blanch Stoker Journal


1983

Sunday January 2, 1983

Church. Started snowing, a few flakes when we went in. Pres. Killian seen Lee & told him we were supposed to meet Pres. Christenson after church. We went. A assignment to be stake social services [workers]. I am scared. We are to be released from genealogy. Must go to class for 10 weeks, 2 hrs per session.

Came home for dinner then went back to tithing settlement. Owed [$]1460 etc. but Ochoa made his $45,000 payment on the 30th so put [$]33,000 on place & hope we can stretch over rest of bills.

Monday January 3, 1983

Went to M[oses] L[ake] to F[ederal] L[and Bank] & got rid of our money, but so thankful we can ay our place off. Understood Mr. Burton had to take his place back. Only 10 more years if we can keep up [our payments].

Put Christmas [decorations] up.

Our first nite of S[ocial] Service class and I’m more frightened than ever. I can’t remember. Mr.Cabbage was the instructor—3 others there—us & a couple from M[oses] Lake. Wenatchee & Euphrata didn’t show.

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Main roads were rather bare, but side roads slick, but got home fine.

Wednesday to Tuesday January 5 to 18, 1983

Awoke this a.m. to wind and eves dripping. Snow almost gone. Weather has warmed up considerably. Still cold at nites tho. The electric blanket feels good. Went to Rays and dug carrots. They are just the right size. The ground is too went to dig so Ray may not salvage 20 + acres. Dug a few for Larry, Genevie, Dennis, Paul & us.

Sat[urday January 8th] nite we held our family Christmas dinner. Too many away during the holidays. Spent all day Sat. getting ready. But think all enjoyed it—turkey & fixins as usual. Jim took each of our pictures and going to develop them for Bk of Remembrance.

Keith told us they was to start their court case, but the attorneys have problems to work out so it may be postponed for a month. That will put them in spring work.

[Monday January 17] Was playing a game & the phone rang. It was Dot DeCroia. She wanted to know if we knew the Mannings from Burley. She had company & it was Bill & Josephine Manning’s youngest daughter. We invited them over. Said they would be here at 9.

Got up and picked up. They didn’t show up till 10. Keith & Genevie came. Stayed till 11. Keith stayed & ate leftover turkey with us. It is now raining[in] Moses Lake tonite.

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Wednesday January 19, 1983

Tended Angela for Larry. Larry had stopped to Akins for groceries. He came about 7:30 and wouldn’t stay as when he got here he looked in the back seat of the car and Johnathan was missing. He was suppose to be asleep. I called later & Larry found him in Akins Groc store. Johnathan had woke up and went in. When he couldn’t find Larry, he started to cry & a clerk put him on the pile of dog food in the window. That’s where Larry found him. Happy ending.

It has been foggy & ucky for the past week. Souped in all morning & starts at 4 at nite. Ray & Vanae took us to Freddies.

Sunday January 23, 1983

After Church we ate lunch then went to Jesse’s to take the genealogy chart to let him finish. Also to say happy birthday to both him & Bruce. Audrey served ice cream & cake then went to Jims. He has had another bad spell but did prune trees until wed. but down since. He goes to Dr. in Walla Walla Tues. He is a diabetic & allergy Dr.

Thursday January 27, 1983

Vane & Lora Jo came over & we went to Moses Lake goofing around. Ate lunch to a smorgasboard place. It was good. Then went to Merle Norman’s Cosmetic and had a free face makeup; however, we all bought a few things. First time I’ve had eye liner etc. Went to Kmart & got a baby gift & home. Then at 7:30 went to Ileen Petersons to a

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baby shower for Joleen DeCoria. She has a lovely baby girl, but no husband. Too bad.

Friday January 28, 1983

Insurance man from Grange came out and we could ghet the same coverage on our car as with Allstate for around [$]200.00 per year less. So we bit. Hope not sorry. Then at 1 went for a perm. Looks nice, but as always at first cut too short.

Keith and Genevie came about 7:30 & played rook & hearts. Genvie I guess was allergic to something. Her nose started itching & started to swell. Looked miserable so went home about 10:30 or so.

Saturday January 29, 1983

Worked on income tax. Think it’s about ready to go. We have had a mild winter—cloudy & rainy most of the time, but not terribly cold. Guess they have been having terrible storms in California—wind & rain, especially in Malibu & on the coast. Many expensive homes completely lost. Hundreds evacuated. This has been going on for 4 days. Terrible. Figured 11 have lost their lives—storm related. Weather cloudy today, but nice enough for Guatamalan girls to go back home today. I would of liked to of gone over & told them goodby, but too far away. Hope they enjoyed their stay here.

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Friday February 4, 1983

Had the missionaries for supper at 6, but they didn’t come till 8. They did call at 6 to tell me they were to a all mission conference to Moses Lake & would be late. So they came at 8. Needless to say, dinner wasn’t what I had hoped. Rolls were even in the oven when they called.

Saturday February 5, 1983

Studied all day for spiritual living lesson I had been asked to give so Eileen Peterson wouldn’t be there. She is such a good teacher I hated to accept. It is a easy lesson tho—“Prayer.”

Sunday February 6, 1983

After all my studying I had only about 20 min[ute] lesson time. I could of taken twice that time. Think I did OK or hope so.

Monday February 7, 1983

Fire extinguisher repair man came. Lee had a fire when he tried to start the old pickup and found the extinguisher did not work. These were filled with leaf cutter bees. Were out of date & mfgr [manufacturer] had gone out of business. Lee was in the bath tub. We got a larger, new one—fire extinguisher [$]42.31. Hope we did right.

Tuesday February 8, 1983

Took car in to garage to get a few things fixed. Car is on Warrenty. Got there at 8. Had to wait till 3. Took B[enton] F[rankling] bus to Griggs. Walked to Payless. Walked to Lewis St. & caught bus & rode for 1 ½ hours. Then went to garage. By this time it had started to rain. Came by Jim’s. He is about the same. Got to M[oses] Lake for lessons at 7. Snowing going, but

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clear coming home.

Wednesday February 9, 1983

Work day in R[elief] S[ociety]. I had to take 3 doz. rolls, but bought them at Albertsons. Vanae came while I was gone. Watched Larry’s baby while they practiced “Oklahoma.” In fact have done several times, but she is very good. No problem.

Thursday February 10, 1983

Dad left at 4 a.m. to go to Priesthood session to the temple. Went with Mr. Jones in his van. 15 went. They did 4 sessions each.

Tuesday to Thursday February 15 to 18, 1983

[Tuesday] rainy

[Wednesday] rainy

[Thursday] rained for 24 hrs. Yard is a big lake, but toward nite it quit and the wind came. So it will soon dry up.

Saturday February 19, 1983

Keith & boys busy helping Keith Woolley for his sale. Keith is moving to Calif. & work bees. Have been told the bank is forcing him out. Wonder how many more.

Sunday February 20, 1983

Church today. Good. Vanae called & said Jana was home & they would run over. Came about 7. The whole family. Enjoyed them. Seeing tomorrow is no school. Washington’s birthday. Marci & Makaela stayed alnight.

Keith & Genevie came about 8:30 & played rook till 11. Marci played me Yahtzee, then bed.

Monday February 21, 1983

Took car in to garage to have window fixed. Had supper with Jim & Luray. Then they got a baby sitter & we 4 went to center to “The Man from Snowy River.” Good. More rain tonite.

Tuesday February 22, 1983

Went to Dennis’ for supper at 5. They had forgotten they had asked us. We had tacos which was very good. Had to eat & run tho as we had our Social Services lesson at 7.

Friday February 25, 1983

Bought ice cream and made a white & choc. Cake for tonight. At 7 left for the musical “Oklahoma” put on by the Othello Theatre Guild. Ruby had the main part. Larry had a part also—Ike. Ruby was Laury. It was very well done. I really enjoyed it. We took our family —only Ray & Vanae couldn’t go. It was their ward priesthood ball. [They] Will go Sat. Lisa & Marci came. Dennis & Myra couldn’t come either as he was still working. Was 12:30 when all left. Had Donna & Keith & Wayne Garner was there so I invited them as well as our kids over for ice cr[eam] & cake. Think all enjoyed it.

Saturday February 26, 1983

Made a batch of choc. Chip cookies after looking for a hour for a certain recipe then made a batch of pumpkin cookies. I have to take some to open house Sunday for Keith & Donna [Woolley] who are going to move to California. He had a farm sale and was told the bank was taking over his farm. Don’t know for sure. Then went to Basin City to a wedding reception for Lisa Mable & Spencer Killian. Had Keith (we went with him to the reception) drive us to the corn bins. We were told the house there had burned to the ground. Do not know any details as yet. Seen many of our old friends, Lots there from Othello.

Sunday February 27, 1983

Church this Sunday. Then about 2 Jim & family came. Jim last week went to Dr in Walla Wall & Dr. gave him a hormone shot. Since then he has felt good. Still on medicine etc. So he is not sure what

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is causing it. Dr. also found out he is like Eunice, hidden diabetes, pancreas works only part of time. His taking tests for allergys so on a strict diet. Today he had wheat for breakfast so every half hour had to have a blood test taken etc. Got by fair I think. He wants more bees so we lent him money[$]1,000 to get 20 hives. We were about to leave for the open house at 7 and Vanae & Ray came. Brought Nichole to stay the night. Stayed till 8. Then Home teachers came. Left at 8:30, but Dad said it was too late so we had oyster soup & game of Yahtzee & bed. Sure worry tho about the cookies. Spent all the time making them. Sure hope they had enough.

Monday February 28, 1983

Deposited money we got from Sherwood & Roberts that we had on money market. Which they called in as we was getting 17% int. We rec[eived] $10,566. Will pay IRS & put rest on farm Federal Land Bank.

Tuesday March 1, 1983

Dad went home teaching.

Wednesday March 2, 1983

Went to our meeting for Social Services tonite. Only one more lesson to go. Sure hope we can do justice to it.

Lora Jo came & I rode with her to Vanae. It was good to visit kids. Keith & Genevie comes up quite often & once in awhile we go there which is good.

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Saturday March 5, 1983

It is the first session of stake conference today. Keith must be there at 12—on the high council. We went to general meeting. Keith had saved us a place on the very first row. Elder Peterson was the visitor. The theme was missionary work. A convert told of her conversion. Bean the regional rep[resentative], also spoke as well as the Spokane mission president. They were all very good, urging us to do better, but Elder Peterson really quoted scripture—kept the audience spellbound. Julie went with Genevie. She never took her eyes from Peterson & after said she would certainly like to present he gospel to her folks like Elder Peterson.

Sunday March 6, 1983

Went to conference at 9 but when we got there the chapel was full, but Genevie had us a seat on the back at the right side. About 9:30 Dennis came. Genevie moved to a seat one row up & gave us this small seat. It was a expectant group. President Christensen was released & appointed as a Regional Representative. The 2nd counselor President Killian is our new stake pres. Shirley Christensen 1st counselor & Bishop Allen from the 3rd ward as 2nd. Think all will be great. At the end the building was dedicated by Elder Peterson. The stake choir was very good. It missed me, but all said in Elder Peterson’s talk he said all the 12 had had manifestations & he was sure of the divinity of Jesus Christ.

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Dennis & Myra came out for dinner—roast –first one in a long time & spuds etc. Enjoyed visiting with them.

Tuesday March 8, 1983

It is Rusty’s birthday. I talked to him & so did Grandpa ask for a piece of his cake. He said if we came over we cold have some. So Grandpa told him to eat a big piece for Grandpa. He got a kick out of that . Rusty is now 4.

Took 7-Up to Social Services tonite—the 10th lesson & finish. Sr. Palmer brought a pineapple cake that was ummy—yellow cake, thickened crushed pineapple on op & covered with whipped cream. Going to try it some day.

It rained lightly for several hours. Went to Buttreys & bought 6 roasts—[$]1.29 a lb. Also got a pork roast, [$]1.19 a lb. and a small salmon.

Wednesday March 9, 1983

R[elief] S[ociety] today. Spanish sisters served dinner. Learned to put a pollident denature tablet in tank of toilet every so often would keep ring away from bowl. Will try it. Went to senior Citizens class to review like ins[urance] policy. They didn’t think much of Globe. Dad says it’s OK. Don’t know. He had chili beans on to cook when I got home. Had a big kettle. So asked Keith’s family up [for] supper. Rainy again. Not hard tho.

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Friday March 11, 1983

Went to Joe Davidson’s wedding reception. Went to Jims first. He is not much better. I feel so badly. Took some pictures for him to reduce for my history book.

Monday March 14, 1983


Rained yesterday. About 4 a front went thru—thunder & lightening ect, but today its nice. In fact the lilacs & roses are starting to leaf out, also peaches & cherries. Sure hope we don’t get a freeze now. Lee bought horseradish in. Got about 10 bottles. Many times that still out tho. I’ve got to go out & start working. Noticed I have a dafadil out & peonies are coming up.

Tuesday March 15, 1983

Went to Othello and got some meat—beef on sale. Came home & hurredly washed car & went to Moses Lake where M[oses] L[ake] schools, Warden, Othello & Royal [City] were wrestling. Lee called & asked us. 3 mats wee going at once. Each kid wrestled 2 so 40 matches in all. Both Joey & Lee won both theirs. Mr. & Mrs. Phillips was here for Spud’s baby’s blessing. So they & Lora Jo came. Gto 3 salmon, 79 cents lb. & home.

Wednesday March 16, 1983

Went to Pasco to take car in. Got on bus again & went to Fred Myers etc. Busses are fine if you are not in a hurry. Went for car at 4 and they hadn’t even started it. Got to take it back Monday.

Thursday March 17, 1983

Made pies today & cooked pork roast.

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Friday and Saturday March 18 and 19, 1983

Went to Othello to help some sr. citizens crochet. Home home & made pies for R[elief] S[ociety] dinner. Made lemon—followed recipe to a “T,” looked great, but when I moved them after they had cooled, syrup was everywhere. I think too much sugar in meringue. Anyway drained liquid off, but was ashamed to take them so stayed home. Next morning wished we had of gone as pies OK.

Sunday March 20, 1983

Church as usual. Afternoon went & seen DeCorias in B[asin] City [as well as] Jess, Jim
& came back to Keith’s. Played 6-handed rook. Paul & Donna there then came home.

Monday March 21, 1983

Took car to garage. They, finally, got everything done except noisy window & change oil which is free. Went to Luray’s. Coming home stopped to Vanae’s. Had supper home after dark.

Thursday March 24, 1983

Surprise in the mail was a letter from the temple presidency asking us to go over for a interview as to working there. Dad is baleing chaff for Larry so I took his lunch over & the letter on my way to regester a letter to Ochoa telling him the house should be rebuilt after fire.

Friday March 25, 1983

Jim’s birthday. Gave him a call. He had another harmone shot & sounded good. Went to Othello & talked to Pres. Killian. He recommended we call temple & postpone our working for a year on account of our Social Services classes that have not started up yet. Probly for best. S. Citizens again.

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Georgia called & said Don was in hospital w[ith] heart attact—lower tip of heart dead. He wasn’t taking it very serious. She was worried. Georgia is down herself. Has spurs removed from spine in neck.

Saturday March 26, 1983

Hurried & got Sat. work done. Helped Lee plant a row of each: onion sets, potatoes, radish & beets. Lee went to Keiths & got a pickup load of manure. Then Dennis called & asked if Dad still wanted this old sour apple tree cut down. So about 3:30 Dennis [&] Myra came then [at] 4 Dave & Lora Jo kids went out to cut tree, but the saw too dull. Put roast in so had supper. 2 boys, Bryce & Rusty, picked a lot of my peonies that were about 8” – 12” tall. Lots of work, but glad all could come.

Sunday March 27, 1983

Church. Had a short S[unday] S[chool] class.Then had a meeting on studying the scriptures. Have to keep a chart--1 Chap a week—starting with Matt[hew]. Peterson told them when he was up.

Keith & Gen[evie] came in evening. Had oyster soup.

Tuesday March 29, 1983

Raining. It looks as if it had rained all nite and rained the bigger part of the day. Vanae brought 3 small girls while she & Lisa went to Ricks & down to conference.

Wednesday March 30, 1983

Went to Moses Lake to Earl & Earl. Got letter in response to one we sent Ochoa concerning the replacement of house that burned. Miller answered & said trailer house would go. Lee, as usual, had to go right now. I & kids went but stayed in car. Jeffery Earl said ins. money should. What wasn’t spent on trailer go to escrow & Ochoa get it in end.

Thursday March 31, 1983

I felt all along we should not even of sent letter. Guess I harped too

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long. Lee called but Jeffery wasn’t in so Lee left the message, not to do anything. Hope he got it.

I’m finding out it’s a days work to tend 3 babies.

Friday April 1, 1983

Lora Jo’s birthday—35 today. Planted out roses we ordered from Gerneys. Bare, so hope they grow. Lee rototilled rest of the garden today.

Saturday April 2, 1983

Spent all morning cooking chili, making 2 Easter bunnys, plus cup cakes & Jello. Lora Jo & family & Jim family came. Lora Jo & Dave went to conference in afternoon. We then or I should say older boys helped little ones color eggs. Then they hid them, but lo—I looked out & Red, our dog, was eating them. So had to tie him up. Ate, then men went to priesthood meeting. I tried to visit, but too much noise & crying of kids so I went in study to help, but yes—when I went in, all kids came out. All thru the house. Kelli was crying. Danny had bitten her on the cheek—left quite a mark the next a.m.

Sunday April 3, 1983

[General] Conference. I fed kids & dressed them. Then I put roast in oven & went to conference. Came home at noon. Fed kids. Put all down for nap & went back to conference. It was good.
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Then Jess came after we had eaten. Called Daryl, but I failed to ask if all were well.

Monday April 4, 1983

Washed etc. Put kids to bed abt 9 & 9:15 Vanae for them. There wasn’t the excitement I had expected or they were too sleepy. Vanae brought me some cheese & butter. They got them a new Lincoln.

Tuesday April 5, 1983

Ruby called & asked us to supper tonite. Trying to dig out as havn’t done anything for a wk. Went to work & did the house, even mopped & waxed floor & dusted for a change. Went to Ruby’s. Larry had to go to a seed meeting & they had a man whose wife was in the hospital coming for supper & she didn’t want to be there alone with him so they asked us. Then the man didn’t come as his wife came home. Supper good.

Wednesday April 6, 1983

Took car back to Pasco as we now are only getting 21 mpg. Lee talked to McCurley himself & he agreed we should do better so they timed it again. Hope it helps. It seems to have more zip. Just arrived home & phone rang. It was Elders asking about supper tonite. Boy was I taken back. I thot the 6th was Friday. I told them to come half hour late. Had chicken thawed out. Made raspberry dessert as I had cake & had gotten cream for Friday. So made out. They ate as if they enjoyed it. My mistake.

Friday April 8, 1983

Vanae, Lora Jo & myself went to Columbia Center for Lora Jo’s birthday.

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Went to Esthers Pies. Had chicken pot pie, salad, roll & a piece of pie. Good. Walked thru the mall & viewed their arts & crafts. Run on to Jim & Ann & kids. Took Lora Jo home & it was after dark when we got home.

Sunday April 10, 1983

Church. Then about 5 went to Keith’s. Played rook & hearts. I’m getting worse. Always lose.

Monday April 11, 1983

Got a letter from Sunrise resort in Moses Lake. So went over. Got the big tour & lecture for buying in a trailer park etc, but of course no go. Did get another gas barb[equer] tho. Went to Dennis & they were in car to come home. Mindi roade with us. Stopped & got makings for lasagne. Dennis cut sour apple tree down while we got supper. Had planned on baking cookies, but too tired.

Sent off Income Tax $1185 plus $289 for 1983 tax. Broke us.

Tuesday April 12, 1983

[Temple trip] Cliff Jones in motor home K[eith] & Gen[evie] went also 13 went only cost $5.00 each for travel. The Othello stake went & honored Pres. & Sister Christensen. Did 3 sessons. Held a meeting in multipurpose room

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Then another session at 4 & was home by 9:30 a good rewarding day.

Wednesday April 13, 1983

R[elief] S[ociety] today. Lee is helping Keith running disc. At 1 went to microwave cook school at Senior Center. Think I leaned quite a bit for [$]1.00.

I’ve been out in the shrubs. Finding I’m not as young as I used to be—or I’ve let grass etc get too big. I was trembling & shaking when I finished—legs both bothering me now.

Saturday April 16, 1983

Tended Dennis’ kids today plus out picking up limbs from trees. Think they appreciate help with kids very much. They brought a batch of choc[olate] chip cookies. Came about 6. Went to Powers golden wedding about 8. Spud Taylor was there. Powers is related to Mitchells, feeling pretty good after accident. Also Sue Orr & husband from Nyssa & daughter from M[oses] L[ake].

Sunday April 17, 1983

Lora Jo called & asked us for dinner. We got there first after church & I got spuds on. She had turkey. Before we ate, Mr. Iverson called & asked us all over for ice cr[eam]. So Lora Jo took pies. They have a big ice cr[eam] maker—like drive-in’s have. It was very good. All got a kick out of Dave. He has 2 big hickies on his forehead. He put baby’s sucksion toy on his forehead—not one, but twice & it left the mark.

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Monday April 18, 1983

Grant called & asked us to stay with them the 4th week of mo[nth] when they are to temple. Have a extra bed. Told me, he has cancer of prostate, going to take radium treatment. Sure hope it doesn’t turn out to bad.

Lee still helping Keith & I’m still slowly cleaning berries.

Tuesday April 19, 1983

Lee still discing for Keith. Keith as of now having financial problems. Sure hope all goes well.

Saturday April 23, 1983

A tornado hit Mesa & Connell today. No damage. We really got the rain—really poured for a hour. Worked last week &, except for dandelions, yards look good.

Monday April 25, 1983

Ray, Scott, Jana, Vanae, Jeri & boyfriend came. Nice to have them once more. It’s been quite awhile since men were over. Jeri & friend came in about 4:30. He seems quite nice to talk to.

Tuesday April 26, 1983

Getting ready to go to Temple.

Wednesday April 27, 1983

Left for Seattle at 4. Made it to the 7:30 session. The road was good. I drove from Ellensburg. Ran into some fog. Found Grant & Emma Dell to the temple. Did 3 endowments & spent afternoon visiting in their nice apartment.

Thursday April 28, 1983

Did 5 sessions. Grant & EmmaDell went in the afternoon. Grant 1 Emma Dell 2. Did sealings also.

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Friday April 29, 1983
Did 3 endowments in morning. Lunch at 2:30.Visited till 4. Home at 7:30. All well. Car got about 25 mpg. Roses here on step.

Saturday April 30, 1983

Busy planting roses. Then studying R[elief] S[ociety] lesson.

Sunday May 1, 1983

Got along very well with R[elief] S[ociety] lesson “Sustaining the Priesthood” or got many comments. Had Jim & family for dinner & after went to Vanae’s to see Jeri Ann & friend. They are leaving to go back to B[YU] tomorrow. Went out & seen Ray’s black cattle he bought. Home by 8.

Monday May 2, 1983

Went to Othello & got more tomatoes etc. While Lee planted them, I cut the lawn, but before I finished a belt broke so I ended up helping in garden till 7:30. Played Yahtzee
Till 9.Then bed. My legs have really bothered me today. Guess change of weather. It’s colder today.

Tuesday May 3, 1983

Dad went to town to get belt for mower & drivers license. Planted some bulbs: glads & dahlias that Jim brought also tomato seeds Genevie gave [got] from experiment station. Lora Jo came over & had dinner with us. Then we all went to Connell. Took them to Vanae’s while we went to the bank for a loan.

Thursday May 5, 1983

Raining today. Glad we got our garden planted. It will do it good.

Friday May 6, 1983

Rainy and windy.

Sunday May 8, 1983

Fast Day. Many changes were made in the ward: Womes Mutal & Primary pres. were released & new ones put in plus some teachers. Everyone needs a chance.

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Then it being Mothers day, all the kids came except Keith & Dennis.Myra came earlier. Dennis called & Keith & Genevie brought me a decorated cake. Mutual had done them on Sat. nite. & we played Rook till 11. I called Flora. They are improving. Eliza, they were to Evelyns for a turkey dinner. Got her Monday & Don. Both these are recouperating nicely. I got some nice gifts.

Monday May 16, 1983

Dad’s birthday—73 yrs young. Seems as tho we have been married all our lives. He keeps going—even tho his back hurts, cultivating clover for Keith. I helped Larry in the bees. Then Lee came about 3:30 & helped also. After supper & a bath, read paper & all kids came & grandkids with cake & ice cream. It was so thotful of them. A person reads of divorce when people are older, but I can’t see it. We seem to be closer together. I don’t look for the day when one of us has to leave. I’m afraid neither one would be any good to kids or society in general. Hope many years hence.

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Wednesday May 18, 1983

Tonite had the ward supper for all doing our scripture reading up to date. Dad & I read 7 chapters in Matt[hew].Mark etc at one sitting. It is interesting. We have the same in S[unday] School with Sister Ileen Peterson as teacher which makes it more interesting. I had to take potatoes fixed with sour cream & cheese, ham, salads, rolls, & strawberry cr[eam] cheese cake. All good except we are supposed to be on a diet. Lee has lost 20 lbs. by just cutting down. I didn’t seem to lose that way. So I’m on fat off diet pills—lost 10 lbs in a week, but after big meal think I’ve gained some back. I’ve got to lose some, but it’s sure hard. If I fail this time—never again—I’ll stay fat.But I’m really trying to lose before family reunion 24 July & Jeri Ann’s wedding 18 Aug.

Thursday May 19, 1983

Lee is cutting hay for Keith. Sure hope both he & Dave or all the farmers can harvest it before rains. Last week it’s been great here—70 [degrees], but wind as usual, not bad. Guess Missouri etc really are having bad weather—tornadoes, even 4 ft of snow now in Colo. & Wyoming. Utah also is getting its share. I’m supposed to be helping Larry in bees, but never know when he is coming to work. So far only a hour or so a day.

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Picked our first dish of strawberries tonite--enough for Lee a bowl. Must write to Gurneys about 6 roses we ordered. None are growing, but some that came from Michigan bulb are growing except 2 & Gurneys were much more expensive.

Have been helping Ruby with bee boxes—pulling apart & making over. Lee has been cutting hay for Keith.

Sunday May 22, 1983

Our stake conference today.

Thursday May 26, 1983

Met with Craig Mitchell today about Social Services. Spud Taylor Phillips is H[igh] Councilman over it. Now it is to stake to tell us when. Moses Lake started tonite Mitchell said.

Friday May 27, 1983

Lee finished Keith’s hay except on this place. Didn’t make a round & swather caught fire. 2 men passing came & helped get it out. One got hand burned. I put alo vera on it.

Saturday May 28, 1983

Boys spent all afternoon fixing swather. Larry asked us up for barb[eque], hamburgers, home made ice cream with powd[ered] milk & raspberries.

Sunday May 29, 1983

Taggares onion shed burned.

Vanae called after church & asked us for dinner. Then went to Lisa’s graduation at 4 p.m. . was it ever hot. Lisa sang a

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solo which was good. About 6 or 7 took some roses etc that Vanae had &
put them on Donald’s grave in Kennewick. 10 when we got home. Lots of flowers in cemetery.

Monday May 30, 1983

Memorial Day. Paul, Keith & Mike came in and had beans & strawberries. Picked this a.m. & got 5 buckets. Put 13 pkg in freezer. Got swather going & Lee finished the field.

I sewed a quilt top. Cut them out at odd times. Got enough cut for 2 or 3 more tops.

Tuesday May 31, 1983

Ruby came about 8:30. Worked till 2 & quit for day. Guess S[alt] Lake—in fact lots of Utah—are getting flooded. Too bad. Heard on news Farmington had a bad mud slide. Also some in Nevada. Turned too hot all at once & lots of snow.

Wednesday June 1, 1983

Still working in bees & boxes. Weather is good. Cold & lots of dew in mornings. Warms up afternoons. S[alt] L[ake, Bountiful still plagued with water. Too bad. Lee bothered with back again.

Thursday June 2, 1983

Back bad but riding tractor for Larry—rod weeder. He finished Keith’s hay—cutting.

Saturday June 4, 1983

Laron & Eric baptized tonite. We were going to Connell, but worked on boxes till 6. Made over 79-61 today, 18 yesterday. So didn’t have a chance

[page 172]

to wash and curl hair. Then Dave & Lora Jo & family came. She put my hair up. Had fresh straw[berries] over ice cream.

Sunday June 5, 1983

Attended R[elief] S[ociety] & Priesthood in 2nd ward. Got temple recommends from Bishop. Went to 3rd ward for Fast meeting as Eric was being confirmed. Father, grandfather, & great grandfather stood in confirmation . Closed doors on bee house & counted 200 boxes finished.

Jim called & wants history of our dairy in Burley. It’s hard to think back so far, but he came in the evening. He had talked to Jesse & Keith came. So between all think got it right.

Monday June 6, 1983

Worked in bee boxes etc.

Tuesday and Wednesday June 7 and 8, 1983

Matt and Herman & helped [work in leaf cutter bee boxes] so I had them to cook for. Lee still on cultivator.

Wednesday I helped Larry put bee boxes in alfalfa. Bees buzzing everywhere. I had them get under my shirt & got stung many times. Took Matt & Herman home at nite. Herman leaves Friday for home [in] Montana. Ann put up my hair. We washed car at 7 p.m.. Didn’t get to bed till 11.

Thursday June 9, 1983

Up at 3 to go to temple. Had to rub Lee’s back so was 20 after 4 when

[page 173]

we got to church house. Was supposed to be there at 4:15. Everyone was gone. So we went over alone. Got in 4 sessions, but too sleepy. Then think bees’ sting made me groggy. Sure didn’t feel well. Stopped to Lora Jo’s on way home. They have sold some hay. Colder today

Thursday June 9, 1983

Genevie was operated on in Wenatchi [Wenatchee] for a stomach by pass. Hope she looses the weight she would like.

Friday June 10, 1983

Awoke to rain. Noon & still raining. Cutting out quit blocks.

Saturday June 11, 1983

Saturday—work. Was lazy. Sewed quilt blocks. Read scripture.

Sunday June 12, 1983

So Sunday had Keith & kids to dinner. Had chicken & rice & strawberry shortcake. Then went to see Genevie. She looked good except tubes in her nose. Coming home we stopped to Lora Jo’s & was in on their family nite. Dark when we got home & on our step was 6 rose plants. Vanae had been here also Jess. He left a anniversary card Always miss them.


Friday June 17, 1983

Same old week. Finally got a temple pattern for a quilt. So went to Vanae’s. I took all day to mark it, but it is beautiful. Then rushed home & we got ready & went to Prosser to Brent & Elaine Schulthies’ daughter’s wedding reception.


[page 174]

Vanae went with us. Ray to Father & Sons outing. All of Schulthies about there. Had a good visit.

Saturday June 18, 1983

Lazy Day. Did no more than I had too. About 5 Vanae called & asked us out to dinner for Fathers day. Then Lora Jo called & said they would be over. So we ended up going to Freddies after 9 p.m. Came home & had a small piece of strawberry pie I had made.

Lee still working for Keith cleaning off … land Midnite.

Sunday June 19, 1983

Fathers day. Church as usual. Then toward evening Dennis, Keith & Jim came. Good visit.

Monday June 20, 1983

Picked [rasp]berries for Ruby.

Tuesday June 21, 1983

Picked berries [for Ruby] & canned 10 qts cherries. …There are 5 of us 3 crates is all I get.

Friday June 24, 1983

Lee has the flu—head stuffed up and congested. I came home from Rubys & picked my berries. Will have a bumper crop. Same as cherries. Jeri Ann & Vanae came to Rubys while I was picking. Jeri has a chance to teach school at Othello. She had just had a interview—about 3 p.m.

Herman & Bea drove in. Stayed the nite. Had been to Yakima to her granddaughters who has cancer.

[page 175]

Didn’t have to pick berries today as did all yesterday. Herman left about 9 [a.m.] Lee no better.

Roylances came & got cherries, but lots left. Took a few to Barnams as well as a salad. She has a baby girl. Also Kim has a boy, 7lbs 11 oz. Genevie doing well.

Sunday June 26, 1983

Didn’t go to church today. Lee has a cold so I was too lazy also. Sleep seemed good, but the day was long.

Monday June 27, 1983

Berries as usual. I have canned 7 qt rasp[berries] and 18 dew[berries] & 6 black rasp[berries] 13 [qts] raspberries in freezer. Have been to Vanae’s quilting. Sister Roylance & Rupert went one afternoon.

Saturday July 2, 1983

Family reunion [at Lions Park in Othello]. Weather has been cold & windy & no different today. Dennis & Myra has it in charge. They brought a big grill. Each one furnished hamb[urger] or weinies & they furnished buns, drink, cheese etc. I had to take pickles. Also made a turtle cake. All good. Played games for children & ball for all. Home about 4. Dave & Lora Jo came & picked berries. Then I went with them to Connell to show “Tootsie,” Kids stayed with Vanae.

Monday July 4, 1983

Lee cutting hay for Keith. Keith sold his 1st crop. Picked for Ruby till noon. About 1 Dave & all came. Brought hamb. & buns. We barb[equed]

[page 176]

them. I made punch etc. Visited till Lora Jo got sick & they left. She can’t seem to get over flu. Weather better today.

Wednesday July 6, 1983

Picked berries then Sister Roylance & Donna went with me to quilt. Weather colder again. In fact hail this a.m. Picking berries, but none [of the hail at] home so Lee said.

Friday July 8, 1983
Berries again. Hope to be thru soon. At nite went to Brent Hartley’s daughter’s reception to Prosser. Vanae came [and we] went to Royal [City] for Lora Jo & Dave. Long way around, but their car isn’t working right. 1 p.m. home. Vanae said Earl & Cheri had a baby daughter born July 7—Keith’s birthday [and] Jim & Ann’s [wedding] anniversary. Born 7 month, 7 day—weighed 8 [lbs] 6 [oz.].

Sunday July 10, 1983

Church & went to Earls. Took a crocheted shawl for baby—calling her Katie—Catherine Elizabeth. She is plump & lots [of] black hair. When I went to go to bed, there was a bat in the bedroom. Dad killed it. How it got in we have no idea unless when we came in it flew in unnoticed. Sure hope no more. Hate now to go to bed, but must, 10 p.m. & berries at 6.

[page 177]

Monday to Wednesday, July 11 to 13, 1983

Picked berries for Ruby Mon[day] & Tue[sday]. Had Wednesday off. Went to R[elief] S[ociety] & came home & put up 12 pts Rhubarb & boysenberry jam, 9 pt Rhubarb & Pineapple for Christmas giving. Still need 12 pts—Dewberry.

Thursday July 14, 1983

Picked raspberries. Finished at noon. Ruby didn’t get enough for all her orders so we went to her mother’s in M[oses] Lake, but here berries were so ripe. Was paid about $300.00, enough for some new clothes, etc. Glad they (berries) are done, but thankful that my health is so I can work. I got tired yes.

Saturday July 16, 1983

Went to Connell to B&H. Got a pair of slacks & blouse & dress shoes. Wanted some for everyday, but couldn’t find them. Came to Jensens, but the same.

Sunday July 17, 1983

Gave R[elief] S[ociety] lesson for Sister Gilbert. They are to a family reunion. Social Relations. It was on friendship, rather easy, but so important.

Thursday July 21, 1983

Spent the week getting ready for reunions. Much time was spent in my berry patch. Made 2 turtle cakes. Cleaned camper etc. Made new peas—frozen & our new potatoes to take. Lora Jo & family all except Dave (working) came about 1. It was 2 or better before we got away. Stopped at Stanfield Park & ate my peas. We furnished all the gas; Lora Jo, the groceries. What I didn’t….

[page 178]

We got almost to the sign turn clocks ahead 1 hr.—time change, when a terrible noise. Found the retread had come loose from a rear tire. Dad put it car in park. I asked to use emergency [brake], but no Dad knew best so when camper was raised & jack under wheel the pickup rolled ahead. Course jack & everything went—even the back end of our camper. Now emergency [brake] was put on & rocks in front of wheels—after damage done. Thank goodness no one was hurt. Dark by now so we went to Phillips. They were in Utah to funeral. So we camped there for the nite. Went to Tremonton & I found everyday shoes there. Brad & Alison got some also. They all were “Kangaroos.” Went to Eliza’s & fixed supper. Eliza came & ate with us. Parl is not feeling too well. We slept in the house.

Saturday July 23, 1983

Blanch family reunion at noon. Many of our tribe there except Georges & Glens & Grants. I feel good about it. Elzia & Hancocks furnished our dinner. About 41 of us there. About 5 we left & went to Manti to the pagent. I didn’t want to. Would need to help clean up but Lee

[page 179]

Insisted. Had to go long way around on account of the flood that way, but got there in plenty of time. Never seen so many turkeys tho—every farm had hundreds—all white. The pagent was great. We got there early enough to sit on chairs. Didn’t start till after 9 [p.m.] so when it was over all was tired. So we slep right there. Many campers did the same.

Sunday July 24, 1983

Didn’t make church. Went to Bountiful & seen Stoker School, church & grave where John Stoker buried. Had dinner on school ground. Went to Verda’s. Visited with Heidi. Willard & Verda on cruise to Alaska, but came home Sun nite. Toni took us to Eunices. Lora Jo stayed there.

Monday July 25, 1983

Big ’47 Days’ parade. We watched it on TV. After went to part to Stoker reunion. Also a good group there. Each one furnished own eats. Verda & family was over it and they had done a lot of work. We made salads & my cake & colonel’s chicken. Very good. Day good, but wondered as Sun. nite it really rained with much thunder & lightening. All stayed to Eunices, but left at 6 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Tuesday July 26, 1983

Drove to Parma & Lora Jo left 3 oldest with Russ . They are going to Phillips reunion Friday. Stayed the nite at LeGrande.

Wednesday July 27, 1983

Drove to Stansfield & ate again. On to the Bon in the Center looking for a dress for wedding $50-$75—but none I liked too good.

[page 180]

Came to Othello to Jensens after we got home. I got 2 dresses $16 & $17 on sale, but none for wedding. Came home [and] unloaded camper. So it was 6 before Lora Jo got away.

We went to garden & found 3 ripe tomatoes. Tired. Bed.

Thursday July 28, 1983

Busy today. Picked 4 buckets of berries. Washing. Putting away. Baked bread etc. Lee left at noon to corrugate for Larry.

Monday August 15, 1983

It’s been a long time since I wrote. I’m slipping. Some of the main things tho. Busy Betsy.

Lee is almost thru (tomorrow) cutting 3rd crop hay for Keith. About 3 more days should finish their combining wheat. I got a roll end rug for [$]12.00 for Lee’s bath so I painted the walls & metal doors (closet) & Lee put the rug down. It looks much better I think. Mindi & Megan stayed a couple of days with us. I bought a dress that Myra had gotten & she didn’t need for the wedding. It’s different than any I’ve had so hope I’m not sorry. It was only $26 instead of $70 that I’ve tried on. I took one dress back to Jensens that I bought cause Sister Roylance has one just like it. I got me a pair

[page 181]

of sandals instead put new curtains in the camper & got ends & pieces of Vanae’s kitchen rug & Lee put it on the floor. Now that the camper is ready to go, we’re too busy, but will soon, I hope.

Tomatoes on good now. Corn & Zuccini, also strawberries so I’m busy.

Vanae is working her head off getting ready for Jeri Ann’s wedding. Has cleaned the trailer house, all thru her house inside & out. Not many more days tho & she can relax—or can she, getting 3 off to Ricks & Kyle coming home. She has lost a lot of weight. I’m to a stand still with weight loss. I’ve lost 25 lbs & gone off my diet & stay about the same. Lee thinks Vanae looked better a little heavier. Spent the day getting ready to go to the temple tomorrow as well as cleaning house a little deeper as we might have company overnite.

Went to get a perm & operator wouldn’t give me one as my hair over-permed. She put my hair up on small perm rollers. Looked nice. Hope it stays in better.

Wednesday August 17, 1983

We left home shortly after 4 to go to the temple to see Jeri Ann & Karl married. Jim & Ann came to go with us & we took Lora Jo also. Dave had to work. We stopped to Keith’s. Our phone is out of order. & called Ray to see if some of them was going with us. He said no but they had a big surprise last nite. On the way to Seattle Lora Jo asked if Kyle was home & it hit me that ma[y]be that was Ray’s big surprise and when we seen them we found

[page 182]

that we were right. Kyle had called & Lisa answered the phone. All the kids knew he was coming, but not Ray & Vanae. Scott went to Pasco to get a recommend signed & took Mark with him. They went to the airport & got Kyle about 10. So it was a big surprise. He looks very good.

We arrived to the temple and took a session thru at 8 a.m. Out about 9:45 in plenty of time for the wedding at 10:30. Karl’s mother & stepfather & older brother & wife were there, Jess & Audrey, Earl & Cheri & our car load. Bro Snow married them Both bride & groom looked very nice. Ceremony was good. Jim took pictures outside of the temple. Later Ray took us all to Black Angus to eat. Karl’s father & stepmother & a sister flew in to Seattle about noon. So dinner was held up till almost 3 waiting for them to get there to eat with us. I’m sure it cost Ray plenty. We came home& stopped in Royal & got a few peaches to eat. Home before 7. Read paper & bed. Tired, but very happy.

Thursday August 18, 1983

Lee went to work, but came home as they didn’t need him. He finished caper & repaired several odd jobs. I didn’t do much. Cleaned house a little better. No one stayed last nite. All stayed in Seattle. Karl’s family about 5 started getting ready for

[page 183]

reception. About 6 [p.m.] we were about ready to leave & Vern & Ida called & asked to ride with us so we were late leaving as we waited for them to come from Royal. When we arrived most of our family was already there & all commented on how they liked my dress & how well I looked. It made me feel years younger & good. I’ve lost some weight 25 lbs. & did feel great. Vanae had a outside reception. They had really put a lot of work into it. Served punch, cake, candy & nuts & groom’s cake. Wrapped it was good. A large crowd. Presents were not unwrapped. Some of her trousseau was show. All the Knight girls were in pink—Jeri’s colors were pink & maroon. Audrey helped make the flowers for all. A nice program. Ray’s mother , step father, Mona & Solinda came.

We were late leaving as Karl’s mother & 2 young brothers came to stay the nite. I helped clear tables while waiting. Vanae sent a frozen pizza home as no one had supper. After 11 when we got home, but I cooked pizza. Had fresh tomatoes & fresh strawberries. Lee nor myself ate, but the 4 of them cleaned everything up. After midnite when all got to bed.

Friday August 19, 1983

Breakfast 6:45: pancakes, bacon, eggs, orange juice, & peaches & cream. Thot the 2 boys, 11 & 13 would founder. They really enjoyed it. Finally got away about7:30—starting of a 30-hour drive to make it to Iowa.

[page 184]

Lee left about 8 to take over swather cutting clover seed.

Went to Vanae’s about 11 after Lee was thru cutting seed to visit with the Knights & Ellis,’ but when we arrived all were ready to leave. Greg & Solinda & kids & Mr. & Mr. Ellis & Mona. After they left we drove to Pasco where Lee got him 2 pair of pants--$54.00. They should be good ones. Got few peaches & pears.

Sunday August 21, 1983

Vanae had us over for dinner.

Wednesday August 24, 1983

Rode to Wenatchee with Lora Jo to take Ryan to the specialist about his ears that Dr. here can’t get cleared up. Only to find the redness is caused by blocked vessels close to surface & he has been on medicine for months trying to clear it up until his bottom is a rash on acc[ount] of medicine. Got a few peaches & bottled fruit cocktail. Our grapes are on good now. Froze more peaches that we got for 15 cents lb.

Sunday August 28, 1983

Went to Connell to church. Kyle reported. Jess, Keith there also. Kyle did very good. All to Vanae’s for dinner—even Kim & John. All had pictures taken after church.

Monday August 29, 1983

Went to dentist first time since coming from Eng[land]. Know of 1 cavity—cleaned & X-rays. Went with Vanae, Becky, Marci, Laron, & Nichole. They were getting ready for school. Rest of kids, Scott, Lisa & Jana will leave Wed. Guess Scott will. He has had a re-occurance of his sickness & back on medication.

Home at 5:30. Lee now in Larry’s seed. We were excited & getting ready for Eunice & Lee to come, but Eunice called last nite & said she is having bowel trouble & didn’t think they could make it. Couldn’t get to Dr. Till Fri. Disappointed.

Wednesday August 31, 1983

Seen Dr. Today. Just got Indocin, B[lood] P[ressue] fine. Need a physical, but will wait till more money is available.

Saturday September 3, 1983

Jennifer, Paul’s girl, was baptized. Lee & myself had to talk. Was few min[utes] late. Everyone waiting for us. Face red. 4 girls baptized. Went to Pauls after and had salads. It was good. Didn’t stay too long as Lee was tired.

Sunday September 4, 1983

After church went to Vanae’s and Jim & Ann. Them and us went to see Sr. Clyde to see what Dr. she seen. Jim hasn’t been good for a mo. Came away with a positive feeling that ma[y]be Jim can be helped. He has a machine he uses somehow. Hers…[Ethel fills her Blue notebook and now changes to a red notebook to continue her journal. The following is at the end pages of the Blue Journal.]

[page 186]

Blank

[page 187]

Seattle Temple 1981

Feb 5 Dave & Lora Jo Lee 4 Me 4
“ 6 “ “ 2 2
“ 7 Lee with Priesthood 5 0
Mar 25 Lee & myself 4 5
“ 26 “ “ 5 5
“ 27 “ “ 4 4
Jul 7 “ “ 3 3 Init. & sealing
Jul 8 “ “ 3 3
Sep 9-10-11 “ “ 13 11
Oct 29-30 7 7
50 49 94 total


1982

Jan 21-22 With Kyle 0 5
Apr 13-14 With Larry 8 8
Jun 16-17-18-19 Martha P to father Jun 18 17 sealings 17
May 25 Relief Society initatory 0 2
Jul 7 Martha Peterson endowment 0 (with Craig) 3
Aug 20 1 Cardston 1
Aug 24 1 Seattle 1
Sep 14-15-16-17 16-43 16-53
Nov 10-11 0 6

Oct Jordan 0 1

1983

Feb Jones—Priesthood 4 0
Apr 12 Jones 4
Apr 27-28-29 Grant 11 11
Jun 9 Priesthood 4 4
Aug 17 Jeri Ann wedding 1 1

[page 188]

Blank

[page 189]

Blank

[page 190]

Guard It Wisely

You got it from your father.
It was all he had to give.
So it’s yours to use and cherish
For as long as you live.
If you lose the watch he gave you,
It can always be replaced.
But a black mark on your name son,
Can never be erased.
It was clean the day you took it,
And a worthy name to bear.
When he got it from his father,
There was no dishonor there.
So make sure you guard it wisely.
After all is said and don.
You’ll be glad the name is spotless,
When you give it to your son.

[page 191] This is the first page in the Red Journal Sept 1983 – May 10, 1986



…Sister Clyde found she had malathian & paraqauet in her system. Ma[y]be that’s what’s wrong with Jim. Will go as soon as can get in. Family will help Jim financially as 2 yrs without income is devasting in itself.

Monday September 5, 1983

Labor Day. Labor I did. Washed etc. Lee cutting seed for Larry, but he came home with a pain in his chest. Jess & Dennis came over after supper. Decided ma[y]be Lee should see a Dr. as pain still there. Went to hospital emergency, but pain had stopped. So they gave EKG and elecrocardigram, but found nothing—just take it easy for a few days & go in when pain comes again. “Scat”

Tuesday September 6, 1983

Golden Kent’s funeral. He was 85. Lee was honorary pallbearer. Large crowd there. Very good. Got a weed eater at Ace Hdw [$]52.00. Went to Connell. Scot is acting better. He is up now after a 11” gash in his leg caused by motorcycle back firing last week. Went to bank & deposited [$] 500 to Jim from family. Getting ready to go to temple.

Wednesday to Friday September 7 to 9, 1983

Jim called & said he had a dr. appointment Sept 23 at Seattle. So we left about 1:30 to go to temple. Got 2 endowments each. On 8th got 7 each. A special session at 2:30 enabled us to get 7. On the 9th got 6 & drove to

[page 192]

Cle Elum in the rain. Got to bed at the Rest stop about 12:00.

Saturday September 10, 1983

Got to Lora Jo’s about 11 a.m. She put my hair up & we got home about 1 p.m. Read paper etc. Found that Genevie had tried to dodge a skunk with the Cutlass and as a result she lost control and went thru the barrow pit & into a ditch. She had to stay in the hospital for observations. No bones broken, but chest bruised & ligaments pulled so she will be sore for a month. Car wasn’t hurt much tho.

Sunday September 11, 1983

Stake conference. No Gen[eral] authority, but Reg[ional] Rep[restative] Bean was there. He told of a woman in the airport had bought a pkg of choc. Chip cookies & sat to a table to read. Soon a man sat down and to her horror she heard the paper tear on the cookies. He took one. So she reached over & pulled the pkg to her and she took one. Soon he pulled it back & took another. She did the same. This happened until the cookies was all gone. She was furious and as he got up to leave, she was about to speak her mind when she looked down & by her purse was her pkg of cookies.

Made arrangements for class Wed. Came home. Dave & family & with family was here for dinner.

[page 193]

While Lora Jo did dishes she took her ring off & put it in her little pocket on her chest—blouse. About 4 they went out and picked tomatoes. When she got home she called & said she has lost her ring. I went to the tomatoes & after less than 5 minutes I found it. Ray, Vanae & kids came. Studied on our first Social Services lesson which starts Wed. Sept. 14.

Monday September 12, 1983

Lee went to Pasco & got a new lawn mower—[$]1,400.00. I went with Barbara Gilbert & helped in welfare tomatoes. Did 1,117 cans. Home. Supper & study for lesson—Social Relations—Wed. nite.

Wednesday September 14, 1983

Went to R[elief] S[ociety]. Came home & studies again. I feel very inadequate to give this lesson. Lee reads it a time or two & he has his, but I have to study. Lee is still working for Keith. Anyway 7 p.m. came & we had to be ready. Lee gave the first part of “Listening.” I gave 2nd and roll play. Had good participation—Ma[y]be too much. Think it went over OK. Dread when Mitchell comes to observe tho.

Friday September 16, 1983

Spent the day baking Zuccini cakes. Made 12 loaves to put in freezer. Also washed & cleaned house. My kitchen floor was terrible. I really had to scrub the utility to get white out of the depressions. When house was finally in order, I sat down to read

[page 194]

the paper about 7 p.m. and I shook all over. Lee even got his own supper. Guess I over done it.

Saturday September 17, 1983

Cloudy & windy today. The woman we sponsored from Denmark in 1950 called earlier and said they would stop & see us around 9 to 11. They arrived about 10:30. Stayed until about 12, but not for lunch. They wanted to make Boise.

Went to Othello to get a few groc[eries] & back to books. This time for Eileen Peterson’s adult class—on Corneilus & Saul. She was going to Connell to church. The John Peterson boy’s testimonial. About 5 Lee put my hair up on small curlers with papers & complained all the time. Bed about 12.

Sunday September 18, 1983

Well, the lesson went OK or at least got favorable comments. I need to get them for as long as I have to study tho. It was the Goodrich boy’s testimonial at sacrament meeting. It was OK. Eileen Peterson got back to ours as Connell Sacrament is first & ours is last. She stayed to their Sunday School lesson. Kyle gave it. She said it was very good.

[page 195]

She said she visited with Vanae & commented how nice she was & really exploded about how pretty she was.

We dashed home as Ray & family were coming for dinner. In the middle of peeling spuds the phone rang & Dennis was on & wanted Dad to go over to Moses Lake. His voice was different-- say emotional—but on insisting he wanted Dad to go over & ordain him a High Priest as he had been put in as 2nd Coun[selor] in the Bishopric. So Lee left everything & left. Took Keith with him. Got the job done & home again to sit down to dinner. We had started but he was in time. “Our pride runneth over.” We are so happy.

Dinner OK I guess. Lee is coming down with a head cold so he went to bed about 8. I didn’t feel too hot. Then had to vomit. Me—bed 8:30.

Tuesday September 20, 1983

Did our visiting teaching. Then threw clothes on & went to Vanae’s to go to Pasco to the dentist. Scott had a appointment with Dr. For his leg at 4, but they thot his leg looked worse so they called in & Dr. Said to be there at 12. Their fears were unfounded as Dr. didn’t think leg was worse. My appointment was at 2. We had a hamburger first. I had 3 cavities—[$]110.00. Only paid [$] 50 as this month not enough to go around.

[page 196]

Wednesday September 21, 1983

Started all day on our Social Service lesson, but it paid off. Even lee said I did well. I hope next week all can say that as Craig Mitchell, our supervisor, will be there. Our meetings have been changed to Tue Nite 7:30.




Friday September 23, 1983

My birthday. My how the year has flown. Don’t feel any older except for my knees. They don’t work too well. Vanae brought her 2 girls & Jim brought Danny for me to watch while they went to Seattle to the Dr. Vanae brought a lovely birthday cake & gift. Jeri picked up the girls after school. Vanae and Jim came about 8. I was really disappointed & I imagine they were also. We had such high hopes for the machine, but it wouldn’t even pick up their depression. However, bright spot. The Dr. didn’t chare them anything. Found out Jim is taking 45 pills a day. Lot of them are vitamins tho, but that seems excessive to me. Scott is still on his old medication and I can see a difference for the better in him.

Lora Jo came & brought a video, Heaven Can Wait, plus ice cream & a 4 layer cake. Genevie brought cake to fatten us up.

[page 197]

Saturday September 24, 1983

Went with Genevie to watch Dana play volleyball. Then back to Womens conf[erence] at nite. Had a display plus refreshment. Good.

Sunday September 25, 1983

Church, home teachers, then Dennis. Called & asked him how his first Sunday in the Bishopric went. He laughingly said, “Left home at 10 got home at 3:00, going every min[ute] as soon as I got home 2 Excedrin. Sound familiar?

Almost 3 p.m. my stomach started turning. I had eaten 2 pieces of rich choc[olate] cake that was my birthday so I figured too much sweets, but before night I was running both ways. Sure my stomach was cleaned good, but I still felt iky. Went to bed at 7:30.

Monday September 26, 1983

Next morning I got up so dizzy. Stayed down all day. Lee still in Keith’s hay.

Tuesday September 27, 1983

Still felt dizzy, but did toward nite start feeling better. So studied Social Service lesson as Craig Mitchell would be visiting. Lee finished hay. Cut lawn & he studied also. Time came so went very unsteady on my feet. Lee gave his part. 10 min[ute] break, then I did, but Lee had given part of what I had planned to give so was thru

[page 198]

at 9:15. Mitchell took a few min[utes]. Then afterward he told us we did good. Hope he wasn’t just saying that. Home at 10:30.

Thursday September 29, 1983

Went to Royal [City] & picked up 5 boxes of yellow apples from Christensen’s orchard. Lora Jo is working there. Took me 2½ hrs. Went to M[oses] Lake & gave Myra a box. Stopped & gave Genevie some. Ballantynes & Kay were there. Looked good.

Saturday October 1, 1983

General Conference. Lee was helping Ray & I watched Mindi & Bryce while parents went to Pasco so didn’t try listening at nite. Took Lee’s clean clothes to Ray’s for Lee to change, thinking they could get Priesthood on TV. They were trying out a dish, but no Priesthood—instead men watched football.

Sunday October 2, 1983

Didn’t go to stake house to watch conference, but it came in good on radio from Othello. Listened all day. Was very good as usual. Pres. Kimball & Romney were there, but neither spoke. Both very feeble. About 3 Jim & family came after conference. I fixed supper. Jim felt good when he first came, but poorly when he left. He is going to a Dr. in Richland that he was told about about. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[page 199]

Monday October 3, 1983

Received a card in mail the Harrisons from Eng[land] has a baby girl. They also have moved to Clayton-Brook. I had a baby dress started to crochet. So I hurried & finished it & sent it.

Tuesday October 4, 1983

Picked the last of our grapes so filled all my bottles with grape juice. Tried some white ones, but don’t think much of it. Have dried probably 1 1/2 to 2 gal for raisins.

Saturday October 8, 1983

Went to Basin City & worked on spud elevator. Vanae & myself pulling vines. Lee working the piler. They are only hauling with 2 semis so there is a wait. 5 loads tho.

Sunday October 9, 1983

Church & worked on lesson for Tuesday. Margie Garner & Vicki Graden in a accident, but heard both were doing well.

Monday October 10, 1983

Left at 1 to go to work. Piler broke a bearing. So only 4 semi[s] today. Spuds very good. I enjoy the work. Stopped to Jim’s as he went to Dr. today. He was very good. Dr. took him off of all his medicine for 2 weeks then will start him on a different kind. Empeys were there. Jim had made a violin & Shirley was playing it. It took a month to complete but very pretty & really sounded good. Shirley said it sounded better than hers. It took a lot of sanding but he should be proud.

Took few concord grapes to Audrey. Had a hamburger & home 10 p.m.

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Tuesday October 11, 1983

Vanae called & said no work today. So we went to vote to see who would represent the Republicans & Democrats in next election to fill Jackson’s seat. He passed away while in office.

Then Dad went to Dr. Balton. He has had a head cold & on his lungs for a mo[nth].
Dr. gave him some medicine as he has bronchitis. Got a few groc[eries]. Home. Supper & back to give Social Services lesson.

Wednesday October 12, 1983

Dan Evans got in for Republicans. In fact Gov.Spellman gave him Jackson’s seat temporary. Got in for Democrats. Vanae called & said they had put crew in cellar so I guess we are out of a job. I feel badly as I did enjoy it even tho all said I shouldn’t be there. Ma[y]be I’m not as fast as I used to be, but I still like it.

Dad not coughing as much so hope pills work.

Friday October 14, 1983

Got a phone call from Roy (Sandra ) this a.m. telling us that Jane had passed away—heart. I didn’t find out much as I knew Lee would be going down. He is working at Rays. Funeral Monday 17th.

Saturday October 15, 1983

We left about 3:30 for Utah. Stopped in Nyssa to see Flora, but no one home. Stopped in Jerome

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& seen Vesta & family. Drove to Burley, but it was 9:30 [p.m.] so we figured too late to ask for a bed. So we stayed to a motel—[$]18.95.

Sunday October 16, 1983

Left motel about 10. Lazy. Drove to Logan & visited Eva for a hour or so then to Eliza’s. All to church. Visted Erma Taylor till church out. Went to Eliza’s & changed clothes to go to viewing in Roy. Got there about 5 or so. Jane really looked good. Marvin & family holding up very good. Seen many I hadn’t seen for years. John, Voletta, Parl & Eliza & Val & Margaret came. Stayed visiting visiting till about 9:30. Then Dick and Annie left their car there & we all went to S[alt] L[ake]. After 12 when we got to bed &

Monday October 17, 1983

Left again about 8 for Roy to funeral. The singing in funeral was outstanding. Hope I can remember the numbers: new version or I hadn’t hear it before of “Oh, My Father,” and “Somewhere My Love” and have them sung to Lee’s funeral. Yes, we have talked it over & he is going first as he would be lost entirely if he were left alone.

All went back to chapel for dinner. Went to Verda’s.

Tuesday October 18, 1983

Drove to Cottonwood Mall & got me some curlers from a beauty supply--$25.00. They had better be good.

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Went to Kim’s in Alpine. Nina & Bob came to Alta’s so we went & visited there. Bob had gall bladder surgery a mo[nth] ago. Still didn’t look too good. Went back to Kim’s & stayed the nite. Enjoyable.

Wednesday October 19, 1983

Drove to S[alt] Lake. Lee hunting rubber boots to Deseret Industries. No luck there, but I got 2 pr shoes for [$]1.50 plus a jacket .50. Lee got 3 pair of shoes for [$]7.00 per pair. Drove to Kaysville & visited with Ethel & Leland Montgomery. Back to Verda’s as all the bro & sisters getting together for supper. I had rolls & butter to take. All were there except Herman.

Thursday October 20, 1983

Left without waking Verda & Willard. Stopped to Flora’s. She is still OK if her knees weren’t bad, but Deb no different. Home before 10. Tired, but happy.

Saturday October 22, 1983

Awoke to rain. Rained all afternoon. Good for all. Invited to Keith’s for supper. Hunters brought them some crab & fish. Paul & Donna there.

Sunday October 23, 1983

Lois Sharp, R[elief] S[ociety] president asked me if I would take a new job in R[elief] S[ociety]—Inservice leader only 1 min per month. Guess I cold manage that. Also got a new R[elief] S[ociety visiting teacher] partner, Rosena Palmer. We go to Karen Peterson, Nancy Stetler& Debbie Coulter.

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Went with Ray, Vanae, & kids to Royal about 5. Phillips from Parma were there & had been for a week. Home teachers came. Then Spud & Francie came so we didn’t stay too long. Dave is doing fine, but Lora Jo looked all in.

Tuesday October 25, 1983

For our lesson tonite in Social Services, we took some candy. I asked Lee to get candy bars, but he came home with all day suckers. Had my doubts, but they worked fine. 4 more lessons to go.

Thursday October 27, 1983

Jim called & asked if I would go watch Danny while he went to dr. Baby was running a fever. So I took up a pickup load of 4th crop hay—broken bales—from Keith’s field that Lee gathered gathered up. Sure hated to drive old pickup but got along fine. Didn’t stay till Jim got home as I didn’t want to be in the dark but called & kids was home alone only ½ hr alone. Baby was asleep when I left. Jim to start on his new medicine tomorrow. We are hoping & praying that this will do the trick and he can be a normal person again & support his family.

Sunday October 30, 1983

Awoke to rain. Mostly all day—just a drizzle. Church & reading.

Monday Octobert 31, 1983

My this month has passed swiftly. Dave went back to work. I washed & spent day baking last of Zuccini. Made fruit cake, cookies & coconut bars, only had Larry’s kids trick or treat.

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Tuesday November 1, 1983

Wrote to Nina to tell her the name of a medicine Vesta is taking for migraine headaches. Name is Inderal. Cannot take if nursing or pregnant, but she says it really works.

Saturday November 5, 1983

Been raining of & on all week. Thank goodness all crops are harvested except a little corn. Rain again today. Dennis & children came. Myra stayed home to sew. Then Jess, Audrey came & Daryl & MaryEllen & kids except the 2 oldest. Got in last nite from Calif. All look good. Having baby blessed tomorrow at B[asin] C[ity]. Guess we will go. I had just taken 4 loaves of bread from oven. When got a little cooler I offered them slices of bread & butter & I know have 1 loaf left. We ate almost 3 plus ice cream cone. Called Eliza who is in hospital. Has been operated on for gall bladder. She didn’t sound too perky. Said she fell last nite getting out of bed. She has such a pain in her back & had been going to a chiropractor. Finally went to M.D. & blood tests said gall bladder. Sure hope she soon is perky.

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Sunday November 6, 1983

Went to B[asin] City to church. Daryl named baby Arica Emily. So many moved in B[asin] City I didn’t know 1/3 there. Went to Jesses’ & had chili, Jello, salad, bread, cake & ice cream. Sure good. Made plans to go to temple with Daryl & Mary Ellen next week. Came to Keiths at about 6. Played rook. Home 10.

Monday November 7, 1983

Finally washed dirty windows on outside today. Colder, but not rainy.

Friday November 18, 1983

Have neglected to write for a long time. Not much has happened tho.

Had a early Thanksgiving dinner with Jess & family as Daryl is going back to Calif. the first of the week. It was very good. Lots of noise & confusion as is to be expected. Audrey seemed awfully tired. Waits on kids too much.

Along in here somewhere Fri nite or last nite went with Jim, Ann & Matt to Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” at Richland. Before went to sizzlers & ate which was very good. Enjoyed it all. The new medicine is working. Ma[y]be too well. Jim now has too much ambition. Talks constantly. In fact acts like drunk, but we are still praying for him.

Sunday November 20, 1983

Had part in R[elief] S[ociety] gave my first “Spotlite.” Think it went over well. No work for me tho. It ws all prepared by stake leader, I guess.

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Then in S[unday] School, I had a report on II Thessalonians. Had a big day.

Tuesday November 22, 1983

Jim called before we were up & asked if we would come up & go with him to Dr. & the other stay with Danny as he was sick & Ann had a job for the day teaching in Mesa. Danny wasn’t too sick, but a terrible croupy cough. Dr. cut Jim’s medicine down, but was pleased with him. Home in time to prepare lesson for the last of this course in Social Services. We’ve enjoyed it.& hope all can say the same. I rather think all did. Won’t start another one till first of year.

Wednesday November 23, 1983

Went with Becky& Matt to Jr Hi school from 9 to 1. Attended 4 classes & had lunch. All was well except 2 classes Mr. Braddock & then just not prepared & no control.

Thursday November 24, 1983

Jess & family & Dennis & family came for Thanksgiving. At 4 p.m. as Myra had to deliver papers. It was good.

Friday November 25, 1983

Big Warehouse sale at Jensens. Went at 8, but a huge crowd already. Got 1 blouse. Too many people. Then Vanae & Lor Jo came. Vanae couldn’t stay as

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They were supposed to meet Scott in Pasco. He went to Dr. Vanae feels like his leg is hearling fine. Then Ann & Missy came. All had been to Jensens. Then Darwin & Jim came so we had a house full. I fed Jim & Lora Jo’s family. Made a turkey casserole & carrot pudding & cottage cheese salad. All left about 6. Read paper. Lee popped corn & TV till 11.

Saturday November 26, 1983

Washing & cleaningup. Invited Luray for breakfast as she called. She is to Keith’s. They, Keith is at Kims, but Luray declined as they bought stuff. Preparing a report for S[unday] S[chool]. However they came down later & was her for supper also Paul. It’s nice to have them.

Monday November 28, 1983

Washed. Then at 1 Lee had to talk to Jack Gammon’s funeral. He passed away with cancer. He did very well. Then we went to Lora Jo’s. She put up my hair & trimmed Lee’s. Then a flying trip to Yakima where we barely had time to get a coat—blue. Hated to pay [$] 120 for it, but it’s my Christmas.

Tuesday to Thursday November 29 to December 1, 1983

Then not so fast. Thank goodness. On to temple. Stayed with Grant 3 nites. Left Thur afternoon for home. Did 25 endowments. So that gives

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us 99 for the year. The roads were bare coming home, but next morning we had 4” of snow & TV said unless a person really had to travel to stay home. So were surely glad we came Thurs.

Tuesday to Saturday December 6 to 10, 1983

Relief Society buffet. Had a nice program, eats & gift exchange. Sr. Fielding went with me. The roads were slick so 30 mph, but there & back. No problem. Spent the week tying quilts. Started Monday & finished Sat. Tied 9 single size & 1 reg & 1 queen so have been busy & fingers are sore. they are for Christmas for college & prospective college kids (Grand)

Thursday December 8, 1983

Skip and July had a boy, 9 [lbs] 4 oz. Don’t know name yet.

Sunday December 11, 1983

Jim had called & asked us up to practice for B[asin] City family home evening. Left after dinner. Jess, Earl, Cherie’s sister, Woodings, & Jim’s family had to put on apiece. 2 of Earl’s boys have horns plus Bruce & Matt & Maia the flute, 2 Wooding horns, Jim cello, Lee Banjo. Course went to chapel. Sr. Sepp & also there. Then all sang “Santa Cluase Is Coming to Town.” It was foggy till 2 so was afraid of fog so was home by [highway] 17.

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Hadn’t been home too long & Vanae called & said they would be over. All came & brought a big box of Christmas. Course can’t open any yet. Then each suggested a song to sing—carols. Spent a good singing nite.

Monday December 12, 1983

Picked up Jim. Ann was teaching to Connell.—and Lee took him into Social Security to see if he could get help. I shopped the mall. Think I’m about ready for Santa. One more trip will finish it. Also delivered an application to Pasco School for Ann as a tutor more or less.

Came home to Jims. Popped corn & made balls & dashed to church house about 10 numbers was presented. All singing except ours. Of course we made the most noise. All said it was good.

Foggy again on Radar [Hill]. Don’t like fog.

Tuesday December 13, 1983

Spent the entire day addressing cards & wrapping gifs. Lee went with Keith to Connell wrestling. I didn’t go. Lee said Mike pinned. Bruce & Mark lost. Found out Skip’s baby will be named Brandon.

Wednesday and Thursday December 14 and 15, 1983

Bound quilts. Have made & tied 13. All single size except 2 & one of them is full & the other queen.

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Went to M[oses] Lake in the afternoon when I couldn’t find blouses here, but couldn’t find much else in there.

Friday December 16, 1983

Finished all single quilts & went to Othello to post letters to England. So far postage has cost us around [$]7.50.

Saturday December 17, 1983

Cleaned house.

Sunday December 18, 1983

R[elief] S[ociety], S[unday] S[chool] & Sacrament [meetings]. Then at 5 went to a church Christmas fireside video to stake house. It was very good. Then to Sister Kent to fireside & get together before Carrie & Billman go to St. Geo[rge] to work at information center there. I furnished ice cream. Sr. Fielding & Kent cookies & topping. When we got home, Vanae called & said Ray was in bed with pneumonia.

Monday December 19, 1983

Worked all morning making salads & pies & turkey in oven for our family Christmas party or supper tonite. Had turkey, spuds, etc—cake & pie, Boysenberry & ice cream. Also had each bring a white elephant which was lots of fun. Jim ended up with a black slip, very short. Lee, a Readers digest book & me a record. Dave & Lora Jo had to leave early as Dave was practicing for a play tomorrow nite. All left around 10. Keith & Gen stayed till midnite playing rook. Cold & clear out—down to 0 [degrees].

Tuesday December 20, 1983

Went to Royal [City] to Kids parents & grandparents

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Day at school Very good lunch. Then Lora Jo gave me a Toni perm. Rushed home so Lee could go teaching & I went with Keith to 2nd ward Christmas party. Choir presented it. Very good. Both Larry & Ruby had solos. Temp now 5 below.

Wednesday December 21, 1983

Hard to keep warm. Guess everyone is pulling on electricity. Thermostat to 80, but we wear sweaters in the house.

Thursday December 22, 1983

8 this a.m. predict cold weather thru Jan[uary]. Cut Bank, Montana news said chill factor -70 [degrees]. Other places much worse than we.

Went with Keith & Genevie to Luray’s for their Christmas party. A finger food supper: rolls, turkey etc. Good. A cookie decorating contest. Kids breaking a piñata—fun. Then more fun for kids. Opening gifts. We gave Mike & Craig quilts; Dana perfume; Keith, gloves & sox; Gen, a blouse. We rec[eived] from Keith a rechargeable, big flashlite. Donna 2 scarves. Luray & Jim, shotgun shells & 2 small jars jam & dish. Oh, yes. We gave the marrieds 3 pts of jam—Dew[berry] & apricot, boysenberry & apple, & Rhubarb & pineapple. Larry paid $600.00 [for Lee’s] summers help. We started home & got almost to Eltopia turn off & car started to jerk. Diesel cold. Keith turned around & headed back to Pasco—20 -30 mi[les] & up hill. Thot it wouldn’t make it, but finally got to the truck stop & tank was ½ full of farm oil so he filled I up with a lighter weight & added a can of stuff to kelp keep it liquid & it ran like a new car. Keith also bought us a can of junk for car. Home about 11:30. Cold.

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Friday December 23, 1983

Up this a.m. It’s hard to keep house warm. Both have sweaters on in the house. Lee went out to start car & put stuff in tank, but it won’t start. Put elec[tric] heater under tank. Later Keith called & asked if he had plugged the electric heater in. Of course, he didn’t know there was one so he did & left it for several hrs. plus the heater & it took right off. Dennis called & offered to come start it also.

Saturday December 24, 1983

Kyle came over to make sure we got it going or to take us to Connell for the night. He, then, followed Dad to Othello for lighter diesel to make sure no problems. But after Lee put fuel in, he asked if it was winter weight & they said no. So probably more problems.

Left for Vanae’s about 2:30. After sub sandwiches, salad, which was very good, we had a program. Good.Then opened personal gifts. I should say before we left we opened gifts. Got a travel bag & coat rack, bun warmer, key chain, book, fruit basket. Also opened the 11 day of Christmas from Vanae. It was 2 big candy canes. So far we have had a tree ornament, cake mix, candy, game: lots of fun, set of scissors, pitcher with cocoa in, large picture album, book: Charity, pen & pencil & Christmas dish towel. Sure is great—like kids.

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Course all rec[eived] plenty that nite also. Think all was pleased with the quilts I made even tho it did take a long time. I’m happy. Bed about 11. We slept in Marci’s room.

Sunday December 25, 1983

Next morning heard kids, but didn’t get up till Vane came in about 5. Of course out we went. (Warm inside & not so cold out—8 above) to the game room where there was Happy faces & fun, toys, clothes. Lisa, a TV. Becky & Marci, stereos. Kyle & Scott, a slide projector. Nichole, a bike. Michaela & Kelli, tricycles. Mark, video game. Laron, Pogo stick, erector set etc. And he didn’t forget us either which he should have done. Lee, pair of sheet blankets, box candy & book: “The Grandpa Book.” I got a lovely pink nightgown, word Yahtzee, “Grandma Book,” can of almonds.

All went to a very nice program to church at 9. Good. Course all wore new dresses. I even had a red one worn for 1st time & my new blue coat.

Came home to sandwiches, ice cr[eam] & cake & cookies. Dennis & Myra came. Had turkey supper. It started snowing so decided we had better come home. So was home by 7:30. Read till 9 & bed. Tired, but happy.

Monday December 26, 1983

Jim called & asked the family to go to his place & help with the Stoker Newsletter. He would like to get it out before ’84. All were there except Dennis. Hope we

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helped. Anyway there was much talking. The theme for ’83 is our experiences in the dairy. Jim had fixed chili for all. Think Jim is feeling some better or he acts it. I’m sure it will take time. He can’t sleep tho. Awoke at 2:30 this a.m. We do so pray for his recovery.

[I] Got on Lee’s nerves. Coming home at 10 as he was going too fast for winter roads. I’m terrible. Anymore I’ll admit, but I think he drives just to annoy me. He won’t try to change. So I am getting to where I would just as leave stay home as ride with him.

It was a littler warmer today, but still +10 [degrees].

Tuesday December 27, 1983

Light snow before morning.

Friday December 30, 1983

Still cold. Snow about 6” deep. Went to Connell & paid the bank for our lawn mower—[$]1400 + interest. Ochoa made the farm payment. Came home & went & deposited it in Othello where it would draw a little interest.

Saturday December 31, 1983

Saturday as usual. Ball games on TV.

Dennis Killian was a counselor in the Othello stake presidency.
Ross Burton, Myra’s father, who had sold his Basin City farm.
Brother Pat Cabbage was a counselor in the LDS Social Services. He worked out of an office in Spokane, yet made visits to an office in Kennewick. He was in charge of Indian Placement students, directed family counseling, helped with adoptions and other matters facing members of the church. Jim with his illnesses was sent by his bishop to visit with Brother Cabbage on more than one occasion. He also was interested in the Indian students who were sent from Montan to live with LDS members and attend the public schools . Ray & Vanae were in contact because of having Gail Tallwhiteman, a Cheyenne, in their home.
Probably the LDS Social Services lessons.
An amateur theatre group presented periodic plays and musicals for the Othello community. Both Larry & Ruby had parts in the Rogers & Hammerstein production.
Cliff Jones.
Columbia Center Theatre, near the Columbia Center Mall in the Tri Cities.
In her March 1, 1983 letter to her mother, Ann Wahlquist Stoker wrote: “Last Friday Jim’s folks took Jim and me to see the community performance of Oklahoma. It was excellent. Jim’s neice had the leading role.”
Donna Garner Woolley was almost like family to the Stokers. The Garners lived in Roy, Utah where Lee was born. Lee was their bishop in the Owyhee Ward in Oregon. Ethel’s favorite cousin, Flora Etherington Garner, was Wayne’s mother. Furthermore, Donna’s husband and her brother, Norman, were business partners in Bruce farms with Keith Stoker.
Keith Woolley was a partner with Norman Garner and Keith Stoker in Bruce Farms. Due to litigation against Union Carbide over the pesticide Temik and other unfortunate decisions, the partnership was dissolved. Both Norman and Keith Woolley had to file for bankruptcy. Keith Stoker barely survived.

Unfortunately, on December 3, 1984, tons of toxic methyl isocyanate gas leaked from a Union Carbide chemical plant in Bhopal, India. It burned people’s eyes and suffocated them. The government of Madhya Pradesh confirmed 3,787 deaths. Others estimate 8,000 -10,000 died withn 72 hours and 25,000 have died since from gas related diseases. In all more than 200,000 people were sick or permanently injured. The Bhopal disaster became one of the worst industrial accidents in history.
These bins, owned by Lee Stoker, were located on the farm he had sold tin 1978 to Frank Ochoa. Apparently Lee still retained ownership of the bins. A labor house nearby was burned. It would be replaced by a trailer.
John E. Potts, M.D. whose practice was located in Walla Walla. In a March 1, 1983 letter written to her mother, Ann Wahlquist Stoker wrote: “Last Monday [March 21, 1983] Jim had another doctor appointment. Along with it he had his corn tolerance test. Everything went well. His blood sugar went up higher than normal after eating, but it dropped at a more normal rate so the nurse said he could stop after only three hours. She sent him to see the doctor before he left. While we were talking to the doctor Jim went into one of his
shaking spells even though he had felt good all through the test. After watching him the doctor said he didn’t think his sugar problem could fully account for his symptoms. He thought the sugar drop might precipitate it, but that there must be more to it. He gave Jim a shot of male hormone (testosterone) and put him on a low dosage of dilatin which is a medicine used to control seizures. I told the doctor that Jim had been checked out for seizures and the neurologist [Dr. Lahari] said he didn’t have them. The doctor said that could be true, but that dilatin could take some metabolic changes that would be beneficial to Jim. Whether it is the hormones, the dilatin, or coincidence Jim has felt usually good for a week now.”
Jim tried to spend as little money as possible in getting into the bee business. He used his radial arm saw to make the bee hives. Unfortunately, he did not possess the skill necessary to be very successful. In her March 20, 1983 letter to her mother, Ann Wahlquist Stoker wrote: “Jim has ordered 20 swarms of bees and is frantically making hives during every spare moment. I don’t think I am very excited about the whole thing. I can still remember trying to extract honey in our kitchen last fall. Jim tells me that these new hives won’t produce much if any excess honey this first year. I hope he is right.” Furthermore, he was so weakened that in the following two seasons he could not handle the bees and eventually sold them. However, he was able to repay the $1,000 he had borrowed.
Elder Mark E. Peterson, one of the LDS apostles.
James Bean had been a counselor in the bishopric of the BYU 9th ward when Jim Stoker attended in 1961.
Julie Oberlander Stoker, Skip Stoker’s wife, was a convert.
Joe Davidson was the youngest son of the Stokers’ Basin City neighbor, Lenold Davidson. Lenold had sold his farm to Norman Rowley, and had moved to a double-wide trailer house across from the Basin City LDS chapel, two blocks from Jim Stoker’s residence.
Lora Jo’s son, Lee Stoker Phillips.
Louis & Doris Phillips of Parma, Idaho.
Nickname for Taylor Phillips, Dave’ older brother who had married an Owyhee Ward girl, Francee .
See Saturday February 25, 1983 entry.
Georgia Blanch and her husband, Don Blanch, Ethel’s brother, who live in Burley, Idaho.
Elder Mark E.Peterson at Othello Stake conference. See Saturday and Sunday March 5 and 6, 1983 entries.
Moses Lake attorneys.
See Thursday March 24, 1983 entry.
Vanae’s youngest, 2 year-old Kelli Marie Knight.
Jim’s youngest, 3 year-old Daniel Wahlquist Stoker.
The top end of the Ford line of cars.
Spud Taylor Phillips.
The mother of Francee, Spud’s wife, was related to the Mitchells who lived in Owyhee Ward in Nyssa, Oregon.
Grant Blanch, Ethel’s brother and his wife Emma Dell, who lived in Corvallis, Oregon had been called as a temple workers in the Seattle temple. During his week in Bellvue, he would rent a room in a nearby motel.
Karl Schull who will become Jeri’s husband.
Mail ordered roses had been delivered and placed on step.

Vanae’s boy, Laron Stoker Knight and Larry Stoker’s son, Eric Keith Stoker.
Herman Weasel Bear, a Cheyenne Indian placement student staying with Jim and Ann during the 1982-1983 school year.
Going to this reception allowed the Stokers to visit and see many of their former friends who had lived in Nyssa, Oregon. Brent’s wife, Elaine, was a daughter of Lorin Munn, and a sister to Robert Munn. These farmers with associates, the Clyde Bybees, and Brent Hartleys had all been members of the Owyhee ward when Lee was bishop. Brent Hartley married Brent Schulties’ twin sister, Breneil. This group of families had in the late 1970s bought a large amount of Horse Heaven Hill dryland, pumped water to it from the Columbia River and were thriving in their enterprise.
Herman Stoker, Lee’s brother, and his wife, Bea.
John Colby Ford.
Lora Jo Stoker Phillips in bound Journal of Lee Hammon Stoker Family Organization, wrote: Dennis & Myra Stoker spearheaded the reunion this year which started off about 9:00 A.M. with a softball game. Noontime we ate together under the bowry. The weather conditions were cold & windy. The kids were all disappointed that it was too cold for swimming. There was no business meeting on this day. At this time Craig Stoker is serving as a zone leader in Fallon, Nevada. Kyle Knight is serving as assistant to the mission president in Wisconsin Milwaukee mission. Jeri Ann Knight is engaged to be married to karl Schull on Aug. 17 in Seattle temple.
See the footnote in the Friday June 17, 1983 entry.
Katherine Elizabeth Stoker.
Located in Stansfield, Oregon.
A few miles before passing Farewell Bend, Oregon.
Louis and Doris Phillips, Lora Jo’s in-laws who lived in Parma, Idaho.
Tremonton, Utah.
A mud slide had impacted the road at Thistle, Utah.
Dave Phillips’ oldest brother.
Columbia Center Mall in Richland, Washington.
Mindi was Dennis’ daughter; Megan, Jim’s.
In a July 31, 1983 letter to her mother, Ann Wahlquist Stoker wrote: “Our string group is supposed to play at Vanae’s oldest daughter’s wedding reception this month. Our biggest problem is finding something appropriate to play. They don’t write wedding music for string groups so we either have to come up with our own or play something classical.”
Jennifer Anne Stoker.
Lynette Clyde, wife of Robert Clyde, members of the Connell LDS ward. Robert is a second cousin of Jim’s wife, Ann.
An Oldsmobile model.
James Bean. See March 6, 1983 entry.
Gundrun Pederson Johnston, who wrote to Lee and Ethel Stoker on the Golden wedding anniversary celebration: “…I will always be thankful for them[, [Lee and Ethel Stoker,] for the way they helped me. I am a convert to the LDS Church from Denmark. In 1951 when I decided to come to Utah, they sponsored me so I was able to come here as an emigrant. Homer D. Whittier … baptized me on Feb. 17, 1950, and when he asked them if they woujld like to sponsor me, they accepted without knowing me at all.” After returning from his Danish mission, Homer D. Whittier married Ora Stoker, the daughter of Lee’s brother, Herman.
Les & Pearl Ballantyne and their daughter, Kay Ballantyne Wettstein.
LDS Church President Spencer W. Kimball and his counselor, Marion G. Romney were both suffering from ill health. In 1982, President Kimball gave his last talk at general conference, yet he dedicated six temples in 1983 as the only active member of the first presidency.

Semitrailer, a freight trailer that when attached is supported at its forward end by the fifth wheel device of the truck tractor.
Jim in his frustration at accomplishing anything found solace in making a ½ size violin, somewhat based on the plans of a Norwegian Hardinger fiddle without any of its sympathetic strings. However, many liberties were taken with its making. Jim did not have the appropriate tools. He did order some materials from a luthier-supply company. Instead of maple wood, he did hew out the bottom from a piece of black locust, a very hard wood, found near Ringold on the Columbia River. He carved a dragon head on the scroll while camping out with Boy Scouts in the Blue Mountains. It was never finished and remains an artifact in his unfinished business, a by-product of his illness. The months working on it took his mind off his problems.
U.S. senator from the state of Washington, Henry M. Jackson, died September 1, 1983 and his seat was up for grabs. Being Republicans the Stokers probably voted for Daniel J. Evans, a Republican and former 3-term governor, who would take that seat in the November 1983 elections.
Sandra Venable Larson.
Lee Stoker’s sister, Matilda Jane Stoker Venable, who was born January 1, 1904 in Roy, Weber, Utah.
Flora Etherington Garner, Ethel’s cousin.
Vesta was the widow of Donald “M” Stoker, Jesse’s son. After her husband’s death, Vesta with their small daughter, Natosha Mae Stoker, attended Brigham Young University, where she met Craig Twitchell and married him on June 29, 1980. They lived in Jerome, Idaho. They had two daughters, 1 ½ year-old Amy Louise Twitchell and 8-month-old Aaron Danette Twitchell.
Eva Baxter Blanch, widow of George Thomas Blanch, Ethel’s brother.
Ethel’s sister Eliza Blanch Wagstaff who lived in West Weber.
Ethel’s brother, John Blanch.
John Blanch’s wife, Voletta Belnap Blanch. Voletta was a distant Belnap relative of Lee Stoker’s.
Parley Wagstaff, Eliza Blanch’s husband.
Ethel’s nephew, Val Hancock and his wife, Margaret.
Lee’s brother Dick, a nickname for Leslie Willis Stoker and wife, Annie Weston Stoker, invited Lee and Ethel Stoker to their West Jordan home.
Lee did not die first, but the song, ”Somewhere My Love,” that Ethel mentioned, was engraved on their tombstone.

Lee Stoker’s sister, Verday Stoker Nelson who lived at 2370 Blaine Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Kim Stoker Ford.
Ethel’s neice, Nina Judkins Despain and husband Robert Despain.
Alta Judkins Bailey, Nina’s sister. Albert Bailey and Alta lives in American Fork.
The Ethel Montgomery was a sister to Lorin Munn’s wife, Fae. Leland Montgomery was a counselor with Lee Stoker in the Owhyee Ward bishopric. The Montgomerys had returned to Utah to live.
Lee Stoker’s brother, Herman Deloss Stoker.
Hay was brought to Basin City for Jim’s goats.
Arica Emily Stoker was born on September 14, 1983 in Charmichael, Sacramento, California.
Nardall, an MOA inhibitor, caused Jim to talk excessively. He could but sleep a couple of hours during a day. Yet he was very tired, but eyes would not close. He would to try organize the kitchen. Took inordinate interest in recent Laotian converts to the LDS Church. who had recently joined the church often intervening on their behalf to the extent he was called a “Communist,” by one of the wives of an offended employer. Yet in his own eyes he was merely doing his “home teaching.” He could be very offensive.
Richland psychiatrist, Dr. Thomas Dillion.
Marybeth “Missy” Carlson our foster daughter from 1979 to 1980. She married Darwin Mitchell.
Lee Stoker had rented Jack Gammon’s farm in Basin City. He also had known him while he lived in Nyssa, Oregon.
Brandon Clark Stoker.
At this time Jim & Luray Stoker Plaisted were living