Chapter 7 Farrell and Ilene Bryan* By Farrell Bryan and Ilene J. Mortensen Bryan (* This history is chapter 7 in A History of the Bryan from Erda, edited by Wesley R. Burr and published by the Burr Family Organization in 2006. The published chapter has a number of pictures that are not included in this version because this is just the text in the chapter. The larger book is available at the LDS Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Farrell and Ilene each wrote a history of their own lives. Since their histories provide such a wonderful glimpse into their values, ideals, personalities and experiences, this chapter presents their two histories as they wrote them rather than us trying to integrate them into one history. The first part of this chapter is the history written by Farrell, and the last part is the history written by Ilene.) I was born in Erda on January 31, 1907. My father was William Henry Bryan, and my mother was Emily Lindberg Bryan. I had one older sister, Thelma. I was the second child, followed by Arthur, Maggie, Mary, Mazel, June, Ray and Aron. We were raised on the old Bryan ranch, and I attended school there in the little old red school house two miles from home. We usually walked in good weather. Our first convenience was old Chubby in the single buggy. One time he stopped down the road and refused to go, my Dad saw it from home and came down, got in quietly, and really warmed up Chubby with the whip, and he never balked on us again. We always had lots to do as kids. We had dry farming and irrigating also. We ran sheep and cattle and always milk cows. I used to herd sheep quite a lot. I remember I read the Bible through while herding sheep. I always had a desire to go on a mission. I was always very self conscious and bashful, much to my regret. We had a wonderful life as kids, looking back on it, in spite of our troubles. When I was about four years old, I got shot thru the hip by accident by my sister Thelma. They thought I was a goner but in a week I was better. We had scarlatina when we were small and I was left with bad running ears. I had a treatment from several doctors. My tonsils were taken out three times and my nose operated on twice. I prayed all the time that my ears would get better so I could go on a mission. At about seventeen a miracle was performed. I was having a very bad ear ache, which I had often. At the time my brother Art had pneumonia, and my father administered to him and he was relieved. My mother said to me, Why don’t you have your dad administer to you. I said I didn’t like to bother the Lord about it. I had it so much, but it ached so bad I finally asked him to. As soon as he anointed me and touched my head it quit instantly. In fact so quick it made me chill all over and I have never had another ear ache since. I always felt my father had a great gift of healing. I remember an experience when we were boys that is dear to my heart. Art, my brother, had played at the Erda Depot at the Wards. He took a little leather strap home, and mother asked him where he got it, and he said he picked it up at Wards. Mother told him he would have to take it back the next morning which was Sunday. She told him it was stealing, that we shouldn’t even take a pin that didn’t belong to us. He was rebellious, but early the next morning my sister Thelma and he took the strap back, and the Wards said that’s nothing, you can have the strap, but nothing doing, they each came home with a big orange the Wards gave them, and they were tickled pink. That has been a big lesson in all our lives, thanks to my dear mother. I was baptized by my uncle John A. Lindberg, in the old Tooele stake house. I received my confirmation and the Aaronic priesthood by my father. My friend Frances Paetsch and I were interviewed by President Alvin Orme for a mission. I was tickled pink and accepted it but Frances turned it down, because of his new business, an electric shop. His appendix broke while I was gone, and he lost his business and a lot more. I had great respect for Brother Alvin Orme. I left for my mission in the North Western States Mission in September, 1928. It was a wonderful mission. It was one of the finest experiences of my life. I worked in the west Washington district during my entire mission. Apostle McKay made a wonderful impression on us, on his visit to the mission. As I write this, Apostle McKay is now President McKay, President of the Church. It was wonderful to see my folks again. When I returned the Depression was in full swing. Jobs were hard to get. Art Culley and I took a job selling woolen goods in California, Oregon, and Idaho. Then I went to Washington and worked in an OP Skaggs store for six months. I was laid off; married men took the jobs. My brother Art was sent to the North Western States on a mission about this time. It was a rough winter, and no jobs. Art Culley and I rigged up a camp on a truck and went out on the desert to pelt sheep. Sam Stillman hired us. I herded sheep and Art tended camp. He paid us $50 a month. We stayed with him until July, when we quit and rode a freight train home, from Bancroft, Idaho. I worked whenever I could. I learned how to shear sheep, and did that for several years even though it was hard work. I loved being around sheep and have always wanted to have a sheep ranch of my own. After that I worked in sugar factories in the winter. I met a good friend Marvin Alcorn in Chinook, Montana, and he came home and stayed till spring. Our friendship seemed to grow thru the years and I learned to love him like a brother. In 1936 I enrolled in the Quish Beauty School. I stayed at the Cullin Hotel and worked for my board and room. I met Ilene at Beauty School and liked her as soon as I saw her, and asked her for a date before we had even been introduced. After a few excuses, she went dancing with me to the “Old Mill.” We were engaged a few months later and were married June 7, 1939, in the Salt Lake Temple. Ilene’s mother gave us a wedding breakfast at the Ambassador Hotel, and we left on our honeymoon. We saw the World’s Fair in San Francisco, down the coast to Los Angeles, and back by Boulder Dam. We first lived in Erb Johnson’s apartment. I worked on the railroad for Vince Cooper for about a year. We went shearing sheep and worked on the ranch for my Dad. We raised 2,000 turkeys one year, and built a basement house on the ranch. I started working for Civil Service at TAD in July of 1942. Ilene worked there too for about a year. I was in the bishopric in Erda as Bishop John Droubay’s first counselor. Brother Allen Warr was the second counselor, and Peter V. Clegg was the ward clerk. Ilene and I also served on a stake mission right after we were married. We didn’t have any kiddies so we decided to put in our application to adopt a baby. We also went to the temple where Brother Nicolas F. Smith, president of the temple and also an apostle, gave Ilene a blessing and promised us a family. Ilene was also operated on in Richfield to see if they could help us. The doctor said we must have been inspired to have it done right then as he would have given the appendix six hours to break. It was about six inches long and had four corroded lumps the size of peas in it. Dr. McQuarrie said it would have broken and gangrene set in and we would never have known what it was. They removed an ovary and most of the other one, and tied up the tubes as the uterus had fallen on them, making it impossible to get pregnant. Our chances now were slim, but with the Lord’s help it may happen. So, we felt the Lord had directed us. We spent a lot of money and Ilene went thru a lot of pain and misery going to different doctors for several years to get the help we needed for a baby. Finally, the Relief Society Social Service told us if we could get a referral case we could get a baby. Again the Lord must have guided us as soon after I heard of a baby wanting to be placed. We investigated it and took that baby and turned it over to the Relief Society agency to be placed in another home. In turn that placed our name at the top of the list. It was only a few months until we received a telephone call to come and get our baby–a beautiful baby boy a few days old. Oh, what a special baby he was. He blossomed like a rose on our love and care. Oh, how we did love him. He was everything rolled into one. When Farrell Lee was fifteen months old we took a trip up thru the Northwest. We stayed with the Culley sisters at Astoria, Oregon, about a week, and did some nice salmon fishing and Ilene got pregnant while there. We went on to Seattle and up to Chinook, Montana. While we were there Marvin’s wife Pat asked me to baptize her. We drove up to the Cardston temple and baptized her there. It was sure a privilege. Marvin and Pat are two of our dearest and closest friends. My father died the following Christmas Eve, and Shauna Kay was born on May 29, 1947. In July of 1947 I was bumped off the railroad at TAD, and we moved to Grants Pass in Oregon. Ilene’s mother and her husband, John Phillips, had bought a place up there. So we bought 10 acres and built a home on it. There was a nice branch of the church there. I was superintendent of the Sunday School for a while and branch clerk for a while. Then I served as first counselor to the branch president and remained in that position until we sold our home in 1950 and moved back to Tooele, as work was too scarce there in the winter time. We bought us a house at 184 South Main in Tooele. I went back to work at the Tooele Ordinance again. We lived in the first ward. I have worked with the senior Aaronic group, and Ilene is the president of the Primary. We got another referral to adopt another baby in 1952. Then, about the same time we had a chance to get Teri. Her natural mother needed some help and we said we would love to help out. It turned out she wanted us to keep her, and what a joy and blessing it was for us. She was such a happy and loving baby. We named her Teri Ann. She was born on January 6, 1953. Then, two years later we got Kenneth Paul thru the referral case and the Relief Society Social Service. He was born on February 26, 1955 and looked so much like our Shauna. We have had our three special babies legally adopted and sealed to us in the Salt Lake Temple. So, the Lord has been really good to us to give us such a fine family, and a fulfillment to my patriarchal blessing which states, “You will be blessed with a wife and children who will love and cherish you thru a life time.” I pray that I’ll be worthy of this choice promise. At the time this is being written, I am 50 years old. I have been married nineteen years, and it is the year of 1958. This is the first of 1976, and we are admonished by the church to write our personal history. I have been neglectful since 1958, so here goes. There are several things that have come to my mind since I wrote the first part of my history, which should be mentioned as they have been so important to me in my life. First of all is my friendship with the Droubay family. They were an important part of my growing up years. I learned to love Jack and Annie and their family very much. I will never forget the party they gave me when I was leaving for my mission. It was like a shower. Times were hard and Pop said he couldn’t keep me, so I needed all the help I could get. It helped me so much, and I will never forget it. In the year 1946 I was deeply hurt by my brother Aron over the farm, and we moved to Oregon. Many things could be said, but it wouldn’t change things so it’s better left unsaid. It hurt me so deep and so bad I can’t express it, but for over thirty years I have not been able to understand how one brother could rob another brother of being close to one another. One of the most precious gifts we have is the love of our families, and to destroy it all for no logical reason is something I will never understand. One thing I am thankful for is that the Lord has finally helped me so I am able to forgive, even though I do not understand. I will have to mention here when Arthur Garner (Art) worked with me so faithfully with the senior Aaronic group. There were several that were advanced to be an elder, brothers Edson Fuell, Lonnie Fitzwater, and several others. Art and I became the best of friends, and I have valued his friendship ever since. We loved the ‘ol First Ward on Main Street. Ilene wanted me to dig out a basement under the house and fix it up. So we put it up for sale and a family wanted it right now. So we looked for a place to buy and move to. In December 1959 we found the house we live in now. It was a new home, Herm Hughes had built it along with several he had built on contract. It had been built about one year and had not been sold. Ilene said if I would finish up the basement she’d be happy with it. So we did, and we have enjoyed it. We made Ilene’s Beauty Shop, a bedroom for our boys, a bathroom and a nice tiled shower, family room and laundry room. I had scalded my leg at TAD, and had a hard time, but with the help of my brother, the boys, and the Lord we got it done. We have enjoyed it. Our address is 299 Millcreek Way. We have been here for 17 years, and our ward is the 13th Ward. This must be my lucky number. I was born down by Bryan’s Holler under the 13 on the mountain, 13 was my pay roll number at TAD, and now we live in the 13th Ward. Ilene was put in as Relief Society President and I served as counselor to brother Ray Hansen in the Sunday School and as the high priest teacher. The ward was divided and we built a new church on 2nd South and Coleman; the 13th and 11th Wards. Bishop John Beagley was our bishop. He was released and brother Melvin Condie was put in, and I was released from my High Priest teaching. Brother Carl Barney and I were called to be veil workers at the Salt Lake Temple on September 4, 1973. We were to go to the temple every Thursday and do three sessions. We have a real good ward and have a fine bishop. It has been three and a half years since I wrote in my history. I retired last June 30th from TAD. I had a back injury and was operated on by Dr. Lamb on the day after Thanksgiving in 1971, and I am still under his care. Going back to November 4, 1966, our daughter Shauna Kay was married in the Salt Lake Temple to Paul Kuester of Pine Canyon. She quit work at TAD a week before their first baby boy, Brian, was born on August 30, 1967. Paul was going to BYU to school. Then came two daughters, Kimberly Kay and Lisa Ann, and their twin daughters, our pride and joy, Marci Maureen and Staci Renee, then another son Kurtis Gene and a little girl named after her grandma, Rachel Ilene. They built a home and live in Pine Canyon. Then came our oldest child and son Farrell Lee. He married Jackie Ray Culley on August 4, 1967. They live in Ogden. They have two daughters, Laura Lea and Jessica and a little son, Daniel. We hope their hearts will be touched to go to the temple and be married and have their precious family sealed to them for time and eternity. Teri has worked at TAD over three years now. She and Pete Steele were married September 25, 1975. Pete was not a member of the church, but has taken the missionary lessons. I baptized him, and he is a priest now. About two months after I wrote this, our Teri and Pete went to the temple and were sealed for time and eternity. Teri and Pete took the Project Temple course. He was thrilled with it. I ordained him an elder and they were now ready for the temple. Ilene and Teri were so excited getting their temple clothes ready. We were so proud of them and the effort made. The Lord has surely blessed them and us. Paul, our last, was married to Myra Gutierrez in the spring of 1976. They plan to go to the temple as soon as they can. Myra is going to BYU hoping soon to graduate. She took time off to have a beautiful baby boy, he sure is an angel. They named him Jarom Paul. On June 28, 1977, Paul and Myra were married in the Salt Lake Temple, and had little Jarom sealed to them. Going back again, I had a sad experience in May of 1964. Farrell Lee came home from college and Wayne and Judy Olsen and I were riding skate boards. Farrell Lee wanted to try it, so I let him have the good one with fiber wheels. I thought I had done pretty good on that one. Ilene warned me not to. She said it was for the younger ones. (I was young alright–young at heart!) With Farrell Lee on the big one, I stepped on the little short one. Why I did I don’t know, but my feet went up to the moon. I felt like I melted into the sidewalk. I tried to get up, but couldn’t. I went into shock. Ilene called the paramedics and the ambulance and they took me to the hospital in Tooele. I had broken my left hip and arm. They pinned my hip and put a cast on my arm. As they started to wheel me out of the operating room, the pin broke. The nurse heard it snap. So, they wheeled me back to the operating room and had to operate again. I spent over two miserable weeks in the hospital, and went home in a special wheelchair. I was as helpless as a new born baby for about three months. Ilene was an angel. We had good insurance, with Blue Cross & Blue Shield, or we would have been in the poor house, especially with all my troubles since then. Ilene kids me about my yearly visit to the hospital. I had my gall bladder out soon after the broken hip–broke my other arm, and then had back surgery–have had two operations on my prostate, the first one wasn’t successful so Dr. Weaver operated again, and I have been fine ever since. I am still going to the temple every week as a veil worker. I raised a nice garden this year at Shauna and Paul’s. They sure have a nice family–the twins are our pride and joy. All our children have lovely families; all but Teri and Pete. They would like a baby too. May the Lord watch over them and grant them this blessing. Jaime Steele was born June 1, 1978 by caesarean section, an answer to all our prayers. We hope and pray that all our children will go to the temple. We pray too that we can do all the Lord would have us do each day, for that is the purpose of life. President Kimball has asked us all to lengthen our stride and have a two-year supply of essential food and clothing stored. It looks like the time is getting short. We had a nice visit with Mazel and Cliff. They stayed overnight, and we talked about missionary work in the good ol’ North Western States Mission. Last night we had a nice visit and Family Home Evening with Marv, June, Joe and Rose, and Art, Ilene, and me and Paul and Myra’s baby Jarom. Paul went into the service, the Navy, the first of November in 1976. He is planning on coming home for Christmas. Paul did come home a different boy or man with a deeper love for his family and his Father in Heaven, but it was not intended for him to stay in the Navy. His heart from his previous rheumatic fever trouble gave him an honorable discharge. He was so disappointed and had to start over. He is back in Provo working for a motorcycle company. We hope he can get some education and something better to do for his family’s security, as well as for his health’s sake. The Lord has truly blessed us. It is April 1977, and once again our history is up to date. It is now November in 1979. Ilene is fixing a special genealogy book for each of the children so I must get my history up to date once more, as they will be part of their Christmas. To catch up once again, I must add that we are enjoying life, and each other and that our families are fine and still growing. We now have 14 grandchildren. Ilene has had two sick spells, and was in the hospital both times. I miss her being home close to me. She has trouble with her lungs, and congestive heart failure on the left side. Also, arthritis in both knees and hips. With the help of the Lord I hope she is blessed with the help she needs. Last July we lost our brother Art with cancer of the brain. He was two years younger than me, and we had always been close. I sure do miss him. It is hard to realize he is gone, but as the years are passing so quick it won’t be long until we will all be together again. I must say something somewhere here about Art’s sons. Don is an orthopedic surgeon, and how proud we all are of his accomplishments, and the sacrifice Art and Hollean made in his behalf. He is a special boy (or I should say man). And then there is Glen, he is so special in other ways, so loving and considerate. Ilene sure thinks he is tops too. We have always felt so close to Art and Hollean’s family, have so many choice memories of them in our lives and heart, along with June’s daughter Gay. She has always seemed almost like our own. Shauna had a miscarriage (4 months pregnant) a little boy perfectly formed, but feel sure the Lord has his hand in all things and we are so grateful for his watchful care over her. Thanksgiving will soon be here. Teri and Pete are having it at their home this year, bless their hearts, she is such a considerate daughter, and it will be easier for mother that’s for sure and nice to be together. I have the shingles now, and sure am miserable. Farrell Lee and Jackie presented us with a little red-headed grandson on April 23, 1980. They named him Kelley J. Bryan. This makes 15 grandchildren. Ilene was operated on May 4, 1980 for her back. She had a rough time, but with Don’s tender care and the help of the Lord all went well. I had the privilege of naming and blessing little Kelley. I was so proud to have Farrell Lee, Paul and Pete in the circle of the priesthood. I must say here, I have had the privilege to name and bless all of Farrell Lee and Jackie’s children and baptized all but Kelley. Farrell Lee, you are mother’s and my first child, you hold all the love we have in our hearts to give. You were an answer to prayer. May your heart be touched to go to the temple someday is the wish of our heart. Marv and June live close to us. We are in the same ward and I sure enjoy him. He has been such a special friend, and now a part of our family, and really my brother. This week we had our first Farrell L. Bryan reunion at Willard Bay. Farrell Lee brought his new boat for rides and water skiing. We had Dutch oven chicken. It’s good to be all together. We must keep it going. Teri and Pete and Ilene all had surgery. Then Shauna too in April 1982. May the Lord bless each of them. They are so special to me. Myra graduated from BYU in April of 1979. Both she and Paul struggled for this honor and we are proud of them. The last few years have been a heartache to Ilene and I and our entire family. We lost our little grandson, Jarom Paul, Paul’s oldest son, at the age of seven on August 1, 1984, in a tragic accident, but we have felt the Lord with us thru it all and are so thankful for his blessings. Our Paul is now going to the University of Utah to school. His testimony and strength is a strength to us. We have much to be thankful for. He is a good son, and we love him so very much. He has suffered and learned much, and has now graduated and soon will be ready to teach. I cut off my thumb in the lawn mower. Some people never learn to be careful. Marv and June are home from their mission to Independence, Missouri in September of 1983. It is good to have them home. Maggie and Art are going to the Nashville Tennessee Mission. I am proud of our missionary family. In November 1983 I fell from the walnut tree, Marv found me and I was taken by ambulance to the hospital. I broke my pelvis and crushed some upper and lower ribs, puncturing my lung. Again Don came to our rescue, and I was operated on in Ogden. No wonder we love Don. I am like a cat with nine lives and have sure been blessed. It is now November 1984 and Ray and Ruth are back in Erda to live. They bought the Droubay home. They hold a special spot in our hearts. I feel so close to Ray. He has been a true brother to me. I enjoy every moment together, especially gardening and putting up the brick for the fence around their home. I only wish I was 10 years younger. In 1985 Farrell Lee found me a diesel car, a Sierra Brougham Olds, something I’d always wanted. I sure do like it. Bless him. This is twice he has found me a car. Thanks, son. Gay and Lamont are going to Japan to preside over the mission there. We are proud of them. We were invited to go on a trip to Seattle, my old mission field, and on to Canada to the World’s Fair with Ray and Ruth. It was a trip to remember. Ray and Ruth sure went the extra mile to help Ilene, and we loved every minute of it. Also, Shauna’s husband was made bishop on March 16, 1986, of the Lake View Ward in Pine Canyon. Ilene tried to burn the house down. (I didn’t mean that, Honey.) She left some grease on the stove to answer the door and Whoopee!!!! She ended up with new paint, drapes, and carpet, and furniture, and cleaned and refinished cabinets. Pretty good huh! But once is enough HA HA! In February 1987 Ilene was operated on again, this time for a new hip. She has been thru enough. I hope this is the last. I love her so. I surprised her with a new diamond ring, while she was in the hospital. I have never seen her so excited. She is home now, but having a hard time walking. I really splurged, and bought us a new organ. I sure enjoy it and play it several hours every day. I can now play most of the church hymns. Jackie had an operation on September 9, 1987. Ned Conder passed away September 27, 1987 of a brain tumor. I don’t feel good any more. I’m just not the man I used to be. I get so tired, but still yearn for a spot on the farm. This concludes the history that was written by Farrell. His son, Farrell Lee, provides the following comments about the last part of his life. On November 27, 1987, Dad was operated on for a tumor on his adrenal gland. He came thru the surgery, but never bounced back. We were so concerned, worried, and afraid. He suffered for over two months, and passed away on February 4, 1988, leaving a legacy of love for you his family. I have never known anyone who loved his family more, both brothers and sisters and children. He often told me “I just can’t live without love.” I can hear him saying to each of us, “The gospel is the most important thing in our lives. It gives us purpose, joy and comfort. The gospel is love. We could wish no greater blessing than for each of you here today to have and feel this same testimony and knowledge of the gospel.” A History Written by Ilene It was in Glenwood, Sevier County, Utah, on 12 August 1918, that a baby girl was born to Edvind Johanes Mortensen and Elvina Zao Jensen Mortensen. She was the third child and first daughter born to this union. She was given the name of Ilene J. Mortensen, the initial J. standing for her mother’s maiden name of Jensen. Ilene had two brothers and two sisters. Her eldest brother was named Edvind J. after their father. The second child, a boy also, was named Clyde J., then Ilene. Then another daughter, who died of the flu in infancy, was given the name of Nola. Another child, a daughter, came to bless this home and was named Aleath J. We had a wonderful mother. Her husband, children and home were her whole life. We as children had all that was necessary for a good wholesome life. Our father was away much of the time and it was something special to have him home with us. We would celebrate by going together as a family on a picnic or fishing, etc. When I was ten years old, my father was killed very suddenly in an automobile accident. It seemed that my life would never be the same. Until then, I had never appreciated my wonderful mother. Through the years that followed, she was both mother, father, companion and breadwinner. Her road was hard, but she met each day uncomplainingly. Sometimes our days and wants were meager ones as far as material blessings were concerned, but our mother’s love and devotion to us made up for our material losses. She was indeed an angel mother. My father, not being a member of the church, the gospel was not made as important to us as it probably should. Mother always had a love for its teachings and taught in many of the church organizations. But, never the less, a testimony of the gospel was never implanted in our hearts until years later. I began school in Richfield, Utah, at the age of six, and continued there until I graduated from high school. All through school I liked debating and have always thought I would like to try my hand at writing someday. Maybe this is as far as it will go. Ha Ha! I graduated from high school in the spring of 1936, at the age of seventeen, and was really glad to be out of high school. I knew what I wanted to do right then, but had to find a way to make it become a reality. I began to work at the hotel in Richfield and worked all summer. When I had a little money saved to help me, I quit work and enrolled at the Quish School of Beauty Culture in Salt Lake City, Utah. Without the help of my dear mother, I could have never finished. Though it was a sacrifice for her to keep me in school the necessary nine months, she did, and each month she sent me the necessary amount. It was coming to Salt Lake and beauty school that changed my entire life, and that of my dear mother, also, for it was only about three days after I enrolled in school that I met my future husband–Farrell L. Bryan. I could write a book on what my sweetheart means to me–for he is my whole life. We had a wonderful courtship. Our Father in Heaven must have really guided me, for how else could I have been so directed to find such a wonderful sweetheart, companion, husband, and father? I thank the Lord for him. We met a few days after I enrolled in beauty school. Our first date was to a dance at the “Old Mill” in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was love at first sight, and we went steady from then on. That was in August of 1937. I received my engagement ring in February of 1938, and we were married June 7, 1939, in the Salt Lake temple for time and all eternity. We had a lovely wedding breakfast at the Ambassador Hotel, with my brother Clyde cooking it for us. Our honeymoon took us to the World’s Fair in San Francisco, down the coast to Los Angeles, then a stop over at Boulder Dam and home to Tooele. All my life I had wanted to see California and the ocean, but when I got home, I couldn’t even remember seeing the ocean. That must be love! Can one measure happiness?!!! Well, my cup runneth over. The years slipped by. After a year or two a dark cloud hung over our love and marriage. For six years we went from doctor to doctor, but it was in the hands of the Lord, and they couldn’t bring us the baby we so desired. I finally had surgery and again we waited, hoping and praying that our prayers would be heard and answered. During that long six long years of waiting, Farrell never lost the faith and hope that our prayers and the desires of our hearts would be heard and answered. In his patriarchal blessing, he was promised a wife and children to love and cherish him through a lifetime. He never doubted that it would be fulfilled. I thank my Father in Heaven for such a husband. No man had a greater love and testimony of the Gospel. I was truly blessed to know and love him, for through him the richest blessing in life came to be mine, a testimony of the Gospel. Through our faith, we were blessed with a family, which was a miracle from God. Through the promise of his prophet, Nicholas G. Smith, a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles and President of the Salt Lake Temple, a miracle happened. He had married us and oh, how we loved him. He had given us many wonderful moments of counsel and advice. We loved him like a father. When we came to him with our hearts heavy with the longing for a baby, he put his hands on my head and through the priesthood of God promised us that a baby would be ours. It was only shortly after that, the way was opened for us to adopt Farrell Lee, our first son, just ten days old. Oh, how happy we were! He was everything rolled into one, and oh, how we loved him. We proudly took him in to President Smith to show him our pride and joy. He looked into our faces and putting his arms around us, said, “This is not the answer to the blessing I gave you,” and again promised us that a child would yet be born to us. Brother Smith died the following day of a heart attack. In answer to that promise, two years later to the day of our adopting sonny, a baby girl was born to us. We named her Shauna Kay. She was a miniature of her daddy. As I write this, she is now twelve years old, and still a replica of her daddy, both in likeness of features and of spirit. Five years later, we adopted another little daughter, four weeks old. We named her Teri Ann. She was a beautiful baby, all dimples and sunshine. She is a lot like her mother, and must have been meant to be ours, to be so much like me. Two years later, we adopted Kenneth Paul, a red-headed boy, just one week old. He is now 4 years old, and so much like his big sister Shauna that it only tells us more than ever that it was planned in heaven who our darlings would be. Two boys and two girls–how blessed we were. We had our three darlings all sealed to us in the temple for time and all eternity. We were a family knitted together by the ties of God, in his holy house. We had been given four choice spirits to love and care for. How great were our responsibilities, and oh how we wanted to be worthy of them. The years slipped by. We built a home in Erda and sold it and in 1947 and moved to Grant’s Pass, Oregon. We also built a home there and lived there three years. Farrell was in the branch presidency. I was in the Relief Society and also a counselor in the Primary. But oh, we missed our Utah home, and family and friends. And so we moved back in 1950. We bought a home at 184 S. Main, Tooele, Utah, and at the present time we are still living there. We love the gospel and are happy only when we are doing the work of the Lord. I have been counselor in Relief Society and President of the Primary in the Tooele 1st Ward. I have also been on stake Primary boards and the stake Relief Society board. I have also been on a two year stake mission with my husband, Farrell. At the present time, I am secretary to ward genealogy. All this I am grateful for. For only through experience in the Church do we grow and strengthen our testimonies, which is the most priceless possession one can have. Though our lives are over half lived, we feel it has just begun. Our family is young. Much is ahead for us. May the Lord continue to bless and guide us each day. May we ever acknowledge his greatness and goodness to us, that the years ahead will bring only joy and happiness to the most precious possessions we have. 1976—Our Children It is now 1976, and the years have slipped away, and I must again pick up my pen and try to fill in the fifteen years that have passed since I stopped writing my history. We loved our home at 184 South Main in Tooele. The kiddies were small and we were close to church, schools, and town. Our neighbors were very choice, with Carver and Agnes Bryan living across the street. Sister Ruby Whear living on the north of us, was like a real grandmother to our children. We enjoyed the beautiful flowers of Roy and Marie Dunn on the south of us. It was at this address that we met and learned to love Lenore Horrocks. She was a lonely, good-hearted soul and learned to love our Teri very much. Teri returned this love back to her. She gave us a family Bible, which we still use and enjoy. One of the special things that we all enjoyed here was living on Main Street at Parade time. On the 4th and 24th of July, our friends and relatives gathered here for a reserved spot every year. We had a porch swing that we all spent many hours swinging on–young and old. To this day we miss it. Another important experience began here. I opened a beauty shop in the back rooms of our home. The location was good and I was busy doing the work I dearly loved, and yet was able to be home with my family. We lived there about 12 years and our home was in need of several changes. I loved the location and hated to move, but our home was an old home and we felt it best to sell it and buy a new home that better filled our needs. So after 12 years we moved to our present home in December of 1960. A new area had opened up in the southwest part of Tooele, and we fell in love with our home almost at first sight. It filled our needs and also our pocket book. Farrell worked hard inside and out. We finished two bedrooms, a bath, a family room, and again I opened a beauty shop in the basement. We put in a sprinkling system, planted lawn, and landscaped the outside. We loved our new home and the new ward. Many experiences came to us from this move. They read our records and sustained me as president of the 11th Ward Relief Society at the same time. What a great challenge it was for me. But the Lord really blessed me, and I learned to love Relief Society work with all my heart. The children adjusted well to this move and soon had new friends. They enjoyed school. Farrell Lee seemed to be a natural swimmer and brought many honors to his school and to himself as a freestyle swimmer. He was co-captain of his team. Shauna also enjoyed her new friends and school. Both graduated from high school and seminary. Teri, our sunshine girl, bubbled over with rhythm and personality, was in the band playing clarinet and saxophone, was treasurer of the band, and president of the Pep Club. We chaperoned the band to the World’s Fair at Seattle and will always remember it. Mother watched our children while we were gone so they were in good hands. We took our family on several nice trips. One was to Disneyland with my sister Aleath and her family who live in Yermo, California. Several trips to the northwest and a fishing trip for Farrell Lee and his dad. These were happy years. All of us being close together. I was released from Relief Society after serving three years to go to a home in Bountiful (called Shangrila) to lose weight. I have always had this problem and was determined to try once more to make myself more attractive and healthy. I had to close my beauty shop and spent the next three months on a starvation diet of 1 glass of ice cubes a day for 32 days. I lost 76 punds and was a nervous wreck when I came home, only to gain it all back after my hard efforts. Paul, our youngest child, had several upsets of throat and ear trouble and just wasn’t well. We had him checked, and found he had rheumatic fever with a heart murmur. We took him to Dr. Peltzer in a wheelchair, and he was put to bed for three months. He was an angel to care for. What a sweet spirit he had, so patient and good to do all he could to recover. Bishop Dunn and his daddy gave him a blessing and he was truly blessed. He was unable to participate in sports through school or do anything that involved using his chest muscles, but he took it in stride. After graduating from seminary and high school, he was so improved that Dr. Peltzer gave him permission for the service. He was unable to go as he was not accepted because of having had a congenital disease, but we feel and know the Lord heard and answered our prayers and made him well. Our ward was divided and once again, I was sustained as education counselor to sister Nina Anderson in the Relief Society. A bond of love and friendship grew from our working together. We were really enjoying our work when we were released and I was sustained as a counselor in Primary. This was a big challenge to me to work with children again after the many years in Relief Society. It was really hard for me, but through prayer and effort, I learned to love my new calling and the dear sisters I worked with. Our lives seemed secure and happy, but difficulties come to all, and they came to us. Farrell’s health seemed to fail and the next few years took their toll on him. He had back surgery, broke his hip and two arms, had prostate surgery twice, and had a gall bladder operation. We were affected by these many illnesses. Our children were an arm to lean on, and we could never have stood it all without their support and love. What a blessing they were to us. Again the Lord blessed us, and at this writing in 1976 Farrell is in good health again. He retired from the Tooele Army Depot in 1971, and is doing temple work one day a week as a veil worker, and enjoying his grandchildren. On November 4, 1966, Shauna was married to Paul Kuester of Pine Canyon. They have seven lovely children, Brian age eight, Kimberly age six, Lisa age four, and then the pride and joy of our lives, twin daughters one and a half years old, Staci and Marci, and then baby Kurt, age three months. Rachel, their last child, was named Rachel Ilene after me. What a compliment. Farrell Lee married Jackie Ray Culley on August 4, 1967. They have two lovely daughters, Laura Lea, age four, a replica of her daddy, and Jessica, age two years, a little sweetheart more like her mother. They now have a new baby, a little boy born on Father’s Day on June 20, 1976. They named him Daniel F. Bryan. Teri married Peter Michael Steele on September 26, 1975. Paul now is 20 and still single. About three months ago, I was released from the Primary and once again sustained as education counselor in Relief Society, a work I love and enjoy with all my heart. Our family is about raised. They are the joy of our lives. We love them all so very much. It is 1976. I am 58 years old and once again my history is up to date. May the Lord bless us in our retiring years. We are grateful to him for all our blessings, health, strength, peace and plenty. We have learned through the years through our experiences that the gospel is our greatest joy, and our children and grandchildren still our most priceless possession. Mother is 83 years old, living in Tooele and we are blessed to still be able to enjoy her sweet spirit. It is April 1977. Several events have taken place this past year. Paul left the Navy in November and was sent home in January of 1977 because of his heart. We worry over him, and pray he will stay close to the Lord and that the Lord will help him to find security and good health. Teri and Pete finished the project temple classes. Farrell ordained Pete an elder and on February 18th they were sealed to each other for time and all eternity. How happy and proud we were and are of them and the effort made. Mother also had surgery that same week for bladder cancer. She came through it beautiful and is doing fine. Today she said, “I feel more like I’m 50 years old than 83.” Isn’t she a wonder?!! So we are once again caught up on our history. Life goes on and more experiences came to us. On June 28, 1977, our prayers were answered and Paul and Myra were married in the Salt Lake temple for time and all eternity. Little Jarom was sealed to them. What a beautiful sight to witness them kneeling at the altar with their little son’s hand in theirs in the temple of our Lord. Our cup runneth over once again, and our hearts are full of gratitude for this choice blessing and answer to our prayers. Then, on October 21, 1977, little Ramsay came to bless our family unit. He was born to Paul and Myra, their second son, a little beauty and such a choice spirit, so quiet and loving. Then, on June 1, 1978 Teri and Pete were blessed with a lovely baby girl, Jaime Ann, born Cesarean section, making us grandparents 13 times. She is a little doll and sure a mixture of her parents. We call her our sunshine girl. It is hard to keep our history up to date as each day brings something new to be added to it. Paul and Myra had another baby boy born September 18, 1979, on Paul Kuester’s birthday. They named him Garis Bryan. They are really perpetuating the Bryan name, which means a lot to Dad. My health has not been good the last two years. My weight is such a problem to all that ails me, and I’m so weak in the head, I don’t seem able to get it off, even though it would add years to my life. I have degenerative arthritis in my hips, knees and back and it makes it almost impossible to get around, let alone exercise. I was in the hospital for Christmas 1978 with pneumonia and asthma for a week. Then again in August 1979 for two weeks with the same thing and an added worry of heart failure. I was under oxygen for eight days, and know my life was spared because of the love and faith and prayers of my Heavenly Father and family as well as the care of Drs. Millburn, Johnsen, and Gubler. I appreciate the love and help of my companion and children. They are so good to me. It is scary to look at the future and what it will be. My position in the ward has been writing to the sister missionaries for the past one-and-a-half years and I have truly enjoyed this blessing. It is now November in 1979, and holiday time, a special time to look forward to and to count our blessings for another year. Adding More in 1995 It is now 1995. I am now 77 years old. I must go back to 1978 and continue my history before it is too late. May I do it well as nearly 20 years have gone by since I quit writing. I was 58 years old at the time. It is 1979 as Dad and I listened to General Conference and the words of the prophet. It is especially nice to have my sweetheart here to enjoy it together. We love the gospel so much. We left on Oct. 9, 1979 on a Tuesday to go on our annual trip for apples. Mother went with us to a Mr. Bob Oscarson’s in Mount Pleasant. We picked as usual and then had a picnic. We will remember this in our lives for years to come. Shauna had a miscarriage in 1979, and is weak and having a rough time from the loss of blood. Paul is so good to her. May he hold her love most precious above all else through this. We love her so. Dad and I talked in church on families. I played the tape Paul Kuester made for me. It was beautiful. I love to hear him sing. Dad has shingles and sure is miserable. We went to Ogden to see Farrell Lee and family. Farrell Lee had a surprise for Dad–a little green car, a gift for all the trouble he had been to us. What a sweetheart he is. I am having trouble with my left leg and so much pain. I went to see Don and have a herniated disk. Going to bed didn’t help much and so Don said surgery was necessary. He gave me a beautiful blessing with Dad anointing me. I had a rough time but the Lord blessed me and Don took the best of care of me. I was in the hospital five-and-a-half weeks. Farrell Lee, Jackie and Dad sure were good to be with me as were all the family. Kelley was born April 23rd, 1980. A little red-headed sweetheart. I have lost 63 pounds and more to go. May I be able to continue to lose. I’m not doing so well now. I’m at a standstill. We celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary. I love my sweetheart more with each passing day. How truly blessed I have been. This past year has gone by with the usual happenings. We have enjoyed our family and each other. In January 1981, I had a bad attack of pneumonia, bronchitis, swelling of the chords in my throat and was rushed to Ogden, to the McKay-Dee Hospital. What a mess, but am better again. There are many small things happening along the way. Teri had stomach surgery the 3rd of April in 1981. She sure went through a lot. Art is gone. We miss him so much. Hollean remarried I.D. Bird. Mother had surgery for breast cancer and got along real well. Had our first family reunion at Willard Bay. It was delightful, must keep it up. Paul and Myra are still having trouble. Our hearts ache for them. I had stomach surgery on October 18, 1981 like Teri, and again had a rough time. May I lose the weight I need to lose and be the wife and mother I long to be. Paul seemed to change and was with us and with Dad while I was getting better. Shauna had another miscarriage, a little boy, four-and-a-half months along. It sure broke her heart, but feel the Lord must have known what was best. She is such a sweetheart. May she feel his healing and comforting hand in all that has happened. Our new temple was dedicated and Dad, Mother, Shauna and Paul got to hear it all. The past year has been rough but we have each other and much to be thankful for. Another year, 1982, is ahead of us. We continue to pray for Paul. Dad isn’t well. I miss his gentle ways and sweetness of days gone by. It is so hard to talk things over with him. Pete is going to have surgery too. Teri has done so well. She lost 90 pounds. I am slower, only 30 pounds. Pete got along fine and has now lost 35 pounds in three weeks. Time marches on. Shauna was operated on April 25th in 1982, a hysterectomy. What a special spirit she is, she never complains. May our Father in Heaven bless her. She is home but so tired. Jackie had a miscarriage and also having surgery to have her tubes tied. On June 6th in 1982, a terrible thing happened to all of us, especially Paul. I just can’t write about it all. Our families have been wonderful as have our friends. Our hearts are heavy. We rely on our Father in Heaven for peace and comfort. Oh, my dear sweet son, why must you suffer so? We still pray for Paul, and for Dad too. That Dad will show love & compassion to Paul; and that Paul will be strengthened and feel the Lord’s hand on his shoulder at all times. My trips and visits with Paul are healing to my soul, though my heart aches. He is so very special and we pray he will always know of our love and his Father in Heaven’s. Shauna and Teri go with me each week and then Dad takes his turn. How grateful I am for them and their love and support. June and Marv went on a mission. We will miss them. They returned in September of 1983. Farrell had his upper and lower teeth pulled. He is so miserable. Ray and Ruth are back and have bought the Droubay home in Erda. Won’t that be wonderful? I’ve always felt so close to Ruth, and Farrell will have a brother close to enjoy. Maggie and Art Culley are soon leaving for Nashville on a mission. My sweetheart fell from the walnut tree and was unconscious. Marv found him. He broke ribs, punctured his lung, and bruised his leg badly. We took him by ambulance to Ogden where Don had a doctor waiting to operate. No wonder I love Don so much. He got along pretty good. When we brought him home, Shauna and Teri helped me bathe Dad and did all they could to make things easier for me. Dad continued to get well and was soon walking without his walker. He passed me up! Ray and Ruth fill a spot in our hearts. Farrell enjoys Ray so much. He is truly a brother to him. We celebrated Paul’s 29th birthday and 21 of our family spent the day with him, having brought dinner, including a birthday cake. May he remember this day always and the love we all have for him. Trouble seems to continue coming. Paul’s little son, Jarom died of drowning at our swimming pool on August 1, 1984, just before his eighth birthday. Oh how my heart ached for our son. He was able to stay at the hospital and come for his funeral, but to leave him alone to his pain was almost more than I could bear. Our life moves on as our love for our children grows. The gospel is the rod we cling too. We love the Lord. It is now 1985. A new year. What will it hold? Paul is growing in spirit. He is a strength to us each visit we have. The Lord is good and we thank Him. He has grown so much. Farrell is healing too, both physically and spiritually. It is hard for him to find forgiveness for those who make mistakes. I am so sorry my health doesn’t improve. I want him to know and feel of my love for him. Our days are not easy any more as the years have taken their toll. May we endure to the end. Mother is doing pretty good. She stays the winter with Aleath and is home the rest of the time, but the day is coming soon when she’ll not be able to care for herself. The family is doing fine. Paul is growing in testimony and knowledge of the Gospel. He has developed a Christ-like personality that strengthens us all. Lamont and Gay Moon have been called to preside over the Tokyo Mission in Japan. We love Gay as if she were our own. It is hard to write about every little thing. I am about the same–no better, but no worse. I wish I was as good as Dad. Maybe he’d be happier then. President Kimball our beloved prophet passed away and Ezra Taft Benson will be our new one. We continue to pray for our son. Then a surprise of all surprises came and Paul called and told us he was being released to come home. Oh, how happy we all are. The Lord has heard and answered our prayers. Oh the joy he must feel. Mother has come to live with us, and our days are happy ones waiting to pick up Paul. We had a glorious homecoming, banners up outside saying “Welcome Home.” We had food, food and more food, and a houseful of dear family and friends with our son, the center of all. How can we ever thank our Father in Heaven enough? We spent Christmas together, loving every day. Paul was baptized by his father on the 18th of January in 1986. What joy filled our hearts. Paul Kuester sang “I Heard Him Come.” I am giving the spiritual living lesson in Relief Society, learning more than anyone else. Dad helps me so much. I think he’s more the teacher than me. Where do the days go? We seem to either get busier or slower. I can’t decide. Mother is adjusting beautifully to the rest home. So Ray and Ruth took Dad and I on a wonderful luxurious trip to the World’s Fair in Canada, Vancouver. It was too good to be true. I love you, Ray and Ruth, for all your generosity to us. Boy, if anyone ever needs proof of my getting old and forgetful, this next experience would prove it. I left some grease on the stove to answer the door and nearly burned the house down. I had to have partly new cabinets, walls in kitchen, living room and bath washed and painted. New drapes, living room and kitchen due to smoke. What a mess. Thank goodness for insurance. I am scheduled to have hip surgery on the 8th of January in 1987. Again Don came to my rescue and again I had a rough time. I got a blood clot in my lung, and then fell in the hospital, damaging the surgery and making my stay a longer time, about four weeks. Again, Farrell Lee & Jackie were angels to Dad and I. The girls came as often as they could. Pete and Dad carried me in a wheelchair up the front steps. I had several bad nights but made it through. Dad surprised me with a new diamond ring and new organ. I couldn’t believe it was really true. Dad played the organ every day for several hours, soon learning to play all the church hymns. It was good medicine to his nerves. My left leg is numb from damaging the femur nerve. So will have to use the walker forever it looks like. Paul graduated from the University of Utah. We were and are so proud of him. Farrell wants me to go the temple with him but I just can’t go on my own. He is unhappy with me, but unless the girls would go with me, I feel I just can’t. How I wish he was more understanding. Shauna had her 40th birthday on May 29th in 1987. What a choice spirit she is. I live over her birth nearly every day of my life. I went to Erda ward reunion to hear Dad, Ray, and June and Paul Kuester sing–Memories, and That Ol’ Gang of Mine. It was good to see old friends. Paul took Dad and I on the Heber Creeper to Vivian Park near Provo. It was our first ride and lots of fun. What a hectic time we are having. Jackie had surgery, a hysterectomy. Ned passed away September 27, 1987. Farrell is not feeling well, and after a month of misery we took him to the doctor is Salt Lake City. They found a malignant growth on the adrenal gland. Surgery was necessary. How worried I was. How I prayed each day that all would be fine and he would recover from this. I love him so. He has become part of me, the best part. He survived the surgery but didn’t seem to improve–he wanted to be released and asked Ray to pray and release him. I couldn’t do it, as the doctors said he could get better, that there was no terminal condition. How little did I know? I was so sorry I didn’t have him released from his suffering and pain. I hope he has forgiven me. I love him so. He only weighed 123 lbs. The Lord needed him and I know Dad was ready to go. He died on the 5th of February, 1988. The days go on, but oh, so empty. I’ve cried a river, but it doesn’t bring him back. He had a lovely funeral. It was wonderful to see the friends and family that loved him so. May we endure to the end. I started working at the senior citizen’s center. It helps to fill in my days and it is good to be around people my age and with the same loneliness. I needed to fix my home in such a way that I could take care of myself. So I bought a new washer and dryer and had it put in the corner of the girl’s bedroom. It is wonderful to not have to climb the stairs. Clyde is really ill. He died on July 12, 1988, bringing back the memories I had for Dad. I miss him more each day. Mother is doing pretty good, surviving both Farrell and Clyde, she’s made of better stuff, I guess. Time marches on. Mother is feeling poorly. Aleath came and went back home. Kim got married on Shauna and Paul’s 22nd wedding anniversary. Thanksgiving came and went, also Christmas. Nothing is the same without Dad not here to share it with. I am now a great-grandmother. Kim had a beautiful baby boy. Once again Mother took ill, and she passed away on July 1, 1989. She will sure be missed. So many things are going on. It is hard to keep up. Marv and June were in a terrible accident. June is not expected to live. She was in a coma for several months, but miracles will happen and she recovered. She will never be herself. Paul Kuester is now a bishop. Bless him, he is sure special. He married Brian and Tracie on Dec 1st at their home. Pete’s dad and mother have both passed away. Aleath and her family have been so close to me and my family, that their lives are a concern and interest to us. David is like my own. I love him so, and Rod has had such a sad experience. He divorced Linda and remarried. They adopted a little girl and then his wife left him. Talk about miracles, he and Linda, realizing the mistakes they had made, were remarried. Aleath and I drove down for the wedding. It was something I’ll never forget. I’m so happy for them and their two daughters. I went with Paul to go to the Manti Pageant. It was wonderful. He is sure fun to go with. Farrell Lee and Jackie’s daughter, Laura, was married on July 20, 1990. Never seen a lovelier wedding. My car went ca-pook and Pete helped me get a new Corsica Chevrolet 1990 model. Paul is trucking for England’s and travels all over the United States. I pray that he will have the Lord’s protecting care. He brings us so many special gifts, always thinking of making us happy. Paul Kuester was released after five years of being bishop. Kim had another baby girl named Ashley. Little Staci is having problems. We have always loved her so much. May her Father in Heaven bless and watch over her. Her little son was stillborn, after carrying him the full nine months. They named him Dustin Paul. I have been so ill these last few months. The Lord has blessed me and I am still around. I had a blood platelet disease. I had over 200 transfusions through a “Hickman” catheter in my neck. Aleath had heart surgery and is feeling some better, but she doesn’t seem to improve completely. She died September 8, 1993. Lisa and Marci were married. That makes four married of Shauna’s children. Marci had a baby boy in December of 1992. Lisa was married April 16th in the Salt Lake Temple–the only one of Shauna’s children to go to the temple. She married Troy Meyers. She is sure a sweetheart. She is a nurse and I’m so proud of her. Kim and Marci have both been sealed in the temple, much to the joy and happiness of their mother and dad. I turned 75 in August of 1993, and had a lovely party at Teri’s. Pete and Teri adopted a son, Dustin Michael, in July 1993. My heart aches. My dear sweet Shauna has melanoma. She had surgery and she has been truly blessed by our Father in Heaven as she is recovering wonderfully. She and Paul have such great faith. May she continue to be healed and made well, this precious daughter of mine. I love her so. Jessica, Farrell Lee and Jackie’s daughter was married to Ray Binkherd. Laura remarried and has divorced him, as he was on drugs and wasn’t good to her. Bless her, why does she have to go through so much, when all she desires is to have a good husband, home and family. She has always been so special. So many things, my Teri and Pete are moving to Colorado. What will I do without them? It doesn’t seem possible, but they must live their own lives. It is 1995 now, and I am 77 years old. Does that tell you anything? Boy it does me. I have seven great-grandchildren as Brian and Tracie had a little girl, two months premature, only weighing a little over three lbs. She is Krystle and sure is a sweetheart. Brian about eats her up. Theo passed away. I am the only one in our family left. Little did I ever dream I’d outlive them all. How blessed I have been. Marv is on dialysis. Shauna and Rachel and I flew to Colorado and stayed a week with Teri. I don’t like planes and am not anxious to ever go again. Teri has a beautiful new home. I am happy for her. Jackie and Paul come every week to do my shopping and anything else I need done. Paul has made me so many beautiful videos to enjoy. He is sure a thoughtful sweetheart for a son. Shauna comes every day, bless her. The ward in Pine Canyon started a fund for Shauna. Paul Kuester filled a mission 30 years ago in Germany. They had hoped and planned to return there on a mission when their family was raised, but now their dream couldn’t come true. I was asked to contact my family for contributions. Oh, how I hated to ask for money, but would do anything for Shauna. We raised over $2,500.00. How good people were. How much love and compassion there is in this world of friends and family! We love them all dearly. On September 29, 1995, The final chapter of “A German Love Story” came to an end. Through the love of family and friends, their dream came true. They were presented with a camera & film, luggage, passports and tickets to Germany, to bring their dream come true. The choice part was Shauna and Paul could spend and share this time together. Tears of gratitude and love streamed down their faces. I couldn’t help but be reminded, “Inasmuch as you give unto the least of these my brethren, You give it unto me.” Oh how I hate to write. My heart is breaking. My dear sweet Shauna was taken from us on February 28, 1996. Why, oh Why! It is so hard to understand. Though we wouldn’t wish her back to suffer, oh, how we’d love to have her with us as her old sweet self. No sweeter spirit ever lived. How I’ll ever live without her, I don’t know. I loved her so. What Paul, her sweetheart will ever do without her, I don’t know either. It seems she took a part of me with her. Shauna’s funeral was beautiful. It was a tribute to her, and I have never seen so many people at a viewing. She touched so many lives more than we ever knew. I don’t feel good. It is harder to get around. My right shoulder is giving me a lot of pain. My Paul took me to see Don Bryan. He x-rayed and put me in a tube for a scan. He found my shoulder was dislocated. The ball is out and moved away from the socket and arthritis has filled in. Only surgery can help me. So once again, I am on pain medication and don’t feel a bit good. I sure wish Teri was closer, though I know that can’t be. I feel I need to be here near family and doctors, friends and neighbors. So I trust in the Lord to continue to bless me. Jackie and Paul (my) are so good to me. But, I miss my girls. How blessed I have been to have had such a sweet companion for nearly 50 years, 49 to be exact. Oh, how I have loved him and always will. We had 4 wonderful children, 16 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren (so far). Who could ask for more? May they continue in love and testimony of the gospel, the greatest treasure on earth and throughout eternity. It is now 1997. I am 79 years old. I love each of you with all my heart! Thanks for being mine!!!! A History of Farrell Lee Bryan Farrell Lee was born May 16, 1945, an answer to all the prayers and dreams of his mother and dad. We waited six long years for him. When his father was young he had a patriarchal blessing and was promised a wife and children who would cherish him through a lifetime. He never doubted it. Farrell Lee was a beautiful baby with blond curly hair and brown eyes. Oh, how we loved him, he blossomed as a rose. The months flew by, every day a cherished moment. When he was 18 months old, he had a terrible accident. He fell on a floor furnace at his aunts and burned his hands terribly. Soon after he had his tonsils out. We nearly lost our son. He nearly bled to death and had to have several blood transfusions. After that he seemed real healthy. Farrell Lee started school when he was six years old. His Aunt June was his teacher. He completed grade school and junior high. He graduated from primary and was ordained a deacon May 24, 1957, by his dad. As he grew older he never lost his love for fishing and started to swim for Tooele High School. He was a beautiful natural freestyle swimmer and won lots of trophies for his school and himself. His best friend was his sister Shauna. He graduated from high school in 1963. He went to Weber State University for two years and received an associate degree in welding. He married Jackie Culley in 1967. They bought a lovely home in Ogden, Utah where they raised their family of two girls and two boys, Laura, Jessica, Daniel and Kelley. Farrell Lee works for Williams International. He is now 52 years old. He has three married children, Laura, Jessica and Daniel, and only Kelley is left at home. Farrell Lee is a good neighbor and friend. He loves his wife and family. He was sealed in the temple for time and eternity to Farrell and I, and I am proud to be his mother. A History of Shauna Kuester Eight years after Farrell and Ilene were married, an angel daughter was born to them. The waiting had been long, and the joy was great. Ilene had been given a blessing by Nicholas Smith, an apostle and friend, that if she and Farrell would live the gospel, a child would be born to them. On May 29, 1947, this promise was fulfilled. We named her Shauna Kay. She was a replica of her father and seemed to have his sweet spiritual personality and resemblance. She thrived on love and oh how wonderful it was to give it to her. Our dream come true. As Shauna grew her sweet personality did too. It was as though the Lord had blessed her with sweetness and love. Shauna went through grade school, junior high and high school in Tooele. She was a good student and made many choice friends. She graduated in 1965. Shauna met Paul Kuester and was married Nov. 4, 1966, in the Salt Lake Temple. They live in Pine Canyon, Utah, a small town near Tooele, Utah, where they began their family of seven children; five girls and two boys–Brian, Kimberly, Lisa, Marci, Staci, Kurtis and Rachel. Shauna was created to be a wife and mother. She supported her husband in his priesthood callings, as a bishop’s wife, and served the Lord in many callings, even being a Relief Society President, but her love was with the young people. She worked with the Primary and Young Women most of her life. She had so many wonderful talents. She could paint flowers, barns, and beautiful outdoor scenes, sew anything from Levis to pretty prom dresses, and could cook for a king. She was the world’s greatest grandma. She loved to have sleepovers, the more the merrier. Her grandchildren loved her so much. If they had the choice, they would have never gone home. Her cup runneth over until 1995 when her second son Kurtis was killed in a car accident, at 19 years of age. The life seemed to drain from her. She mourned his death so much. Her son-in-law, Lance Charles, was also killed in a motorcycle accident in August of 1995, leaving her daughter Marci with two little boys to raise alone. A few months later we received the news that Shauna had cancer–Melanoma. Oh, how she suffered and bravely accepted the Lord’s will. She passed away on February 28, 1996, taking a part of us with her. Her viewing and funeral were truly a dedication to her sweet life, overflowing with friends whose lives she had touched with her sweet spirit. We miss her so much, but know in our hearts she is wearing her crown of glory among the angels of heaven. A History of Teri Steele I was born on January 6, 1953, in Ogden, Utah, and was adopted by Farrell L. and Ilene J. Mortensen Bryan. We lived on Main Street in Tooele for the first seven years of my life. I have some memories of my life in our house on Main Street. I remember Dad and Mom finishing a beauty salon in the back part of the house. Mom worked there during the day and Dad would do haircuts in the evening. Dad worked full time at Tooele Army Depot. Farrell Lee was older and tortured us every chance he got. I used to tag along with Shauna and her friends. I’m sure she got tired of having a tag-along sister. We had a front row seat to all the parades in town. Living on Main Street was great. We could walk down the street to the Ritz Theater and see movies. Our church was on the corner of Main and Vine. Paul was the baby of the family. I remember him sitting on a small chair in front of our black and white television watching cartoons. Life was good! When I was in second grade we moved to a new house on Millcreek Way in Tooele. The house was new and so nice. Dad worked during the day, and in the evenings he worked to finish a family room, bedroom, bath and beauty shop in the basement. I shared a bedroom with Shauna. Paul and Farrell shared a room downstairs. Mom kept busy doing hair, and Dad continued to work at TAD. I transferred to West Elementary School. There were lots of families with girls my age in our new neighborhood. We lived in that house until we all married. We sold the house after Mom died in 2002. I had trouble with my left eye at an early age. My parents took me to the eye doctor and discovered I had lost vision. I had my first eye surgery in the Tooele Valley Hospital when I was seven years old. Dr. Felt was my eye surgeon. I remember the ether anesthetic and how sick I was. It was the first of three eye surgeries I would have on both eyes. I took piano lessons from Aunt June for years and loved going to her red-brick house on First North. I remember playing the piano for her and Dad to sing. She taught me well, and I have benefited from it throughout my life. I attended Tooele Junior High School and then Tooele High School. I played the clarinet, bass clarinet and contra-bass clarinet in the high school band. I joined the Pep Club and was elected President in my senior year. I was treasurer of the band. During my high school years, our band marched and performed in Washington D.C. for the inauguration of President Richard Nixon. It was a great experience and one I will never forget. I graduated from Tooele High School in May of 1971. My plan was to go to college so I enrolled at Weber State College in Ogden. I worked that summer at the A & W in Tooele. I met my husband, Peter Steele, at the end of my senior year of high school. We were married on September 26, 1975. We were blessed with our daughter, Jaime Ann, born on June 1, 1978. She has been a joy to us her entire life. I know it was then that I realized how blessed I was to have wonderful parents. Pete and I both worked at Tooele Army Depot. We lived in our little pink house on Overland Road. I loved living close to family and friends. I served many years in the Primary and Young Women in our ward. We adopted our son, Dustin, in 1993. He was nine years old, but had been living with us for about three years. He was sealed to us in the Jordan River Temple. It was in the fall of 1993 we found out that Tooele Army Depot was being realigned through the BRAC commission. Pete and I applied for jobs at Fort Carson, Colorado. We were selected and moved to Colorado Springs in February of 1994. It was a major change in our lives. We were the first in our family to leave Utah. I didn’t realize how hard it would be to move and leave family and friends. It was a huge adjustment for all of us. We’ve been in Colorado Springs for almost 11 years. I work for U.S. Army Forces Strategic Command on Peterson Air Force Base and have been since July 1995. I look forward to the day I can retire. I was called to serve in the Fountain Stake Young Women’s presidency for three years when the stake was created. It was a wonderful experience for me and I loved serving the young women in our stake. I am currently the Relief Society President for the 17th Military Ward in the Fountain Colorado Stake. I feel humble and overwhelmed. We have all the sisters on Fort Carson in our ward. Their husbands are deploying for the second time to Iraq and Afghanistan and we have 12 pregnant sisters. I am amazed at the strength of the sisters I serve. My husband, Pete, is employed at Fort Carson, and is the AFGE Union Vice President. He is a wonderful husband and father. I am blessed to have him as my eternal companion. Our son, Dustin, is 21 years old and lives in Salt Lake City. Our daughter, Jaime, married Richard Bennett on November 29, 2003, in the Denver Colorado Temple. They just bought a home in Colorado Springs. It’s hard to believe 51 years have gone by. It’s hard to believe that we are the next generation. My life has been richly blessed by our Bryan family heritage. I am so thankful to be a Bryan. I love our family. I love our legacy. I had loving aunts and uncles and cousins around me when I was growing up. I loved being in this great family. I miss cherished aunts, uncles and cousins who have gone-on before me. I miss Dad, Mom and Shauna so much. I am grateful that I will see them all again one day. I had a wonderful home with parents who loved and taught me so much. Dad taught us, through his example, to love the Lord and to serve Him diligently. Dad taught us thriftiness and the value of hard work. I know he worked hard growing up on the Bryan family farm. He had a green thumb, and our yard and garden were always beautiful. He showed us how much he loved us and worked hard to provide for us. He loved my mother. He loved his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. My dad loved his family. The Bryan family reunions were always something we attended as a family and loved. I didn’t know Grandma and Grandpa Bryan as I was born after they died, but I know of them through the many stories I’ve heard and pictures I’ve seen. I love to see Bryan Road on the sign in Erda. Erda has changed so much now. Tooele has changed so much. I always thought I’d move back to Tooele one day. I don’t know if that will happen. It wouldn’t be the same as it was, anyway. I am so grateful for my memories. I can close my eyes and have it all back, even if just for a minute or two. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Bryan! A History of Paul Bryan Kenneth Paul Bryan was born on February 26, 1955, in Ogden Utah. I was adopted into the family of Farrell, Ilene, Farrell Lee, Shauna and Teri Bryan a couple of days later. This is the family I believe I am appointed to be part of, I simply took an alternate route to get here. I think I always knew I was adopted and take comfort in knowing that my parents really wanted me. My life history is both brief and troubled. I haven’t allowed the blessings of the gospel to penetrate deeply or fully into my attitudes or daily life. Medical problems, including ear and dental aches in early childhood then rheumatic fever at age 11, provided trials for my parents. Later challenges with alcohol resulted in my divorce and incarceration. I dated and in 1976 married Myra Teena Guterriez. We have three sons, Jarom Paul, Ramsay Gutierrez and Timothy Garis. Jarom drowned at age of seven. Garis lives in Stansbury Park, and Ramsay lives in Salt Lake City. I am currently dating Kay Drais who is one of the most spiritual people I have ever met. She has a daughter age 11, who is proof that angels do come to earth. Educationally, I have graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in psychology. My current career choice is truck driving. Yes, I do psychoanalyze the other drivers, especially in the winters.