“Mrs. Diamonds”

The Life StoryOf

Ida Perkins Watkins

100 Years of Faith, Family and Love in Arizona

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5 Generation Pedigree Chart

Ida Perkins

Ida PerkinsB: 18 Oct 1910 Snowflake, Navajo, ArizonaM: 27 Oct 1927 Mesa, Maricopa, ArizonaD:

Henry Gale

Minnie KartchnerB: 26 Dec 1870 NevadaD: 24 Dec 1969 Arizona

Prudence WillcoxB: 6 Dec 1787 PennsylvaniaD: 23 Nov 1872 Pennsylvania

William Decatur KartchnerB: 4 May 1820 PennsylvaniaM: 5 Dec 1862 UtahD: 14 May 1892 Arizona

John Christopher KartchnerB: 29 Aug 1784 PennsylvaniaD: 2 Apr 1826 Pennsylvania

Mabel StrattonB: 16 Feb 1888 Navajo, ArizonaD: 13 Jul 1987 Mesa, Maricopa, Arizona

Lucinda BybeeB: 20 Jul 1805 KentuckyD: 10 Jul 1895 Utah

Martha Jane LayneB: 26 Jul 1827 KentuckyD: 26 Mar 1906 Arizona

David LayneB: 24 Jan 1806 KentuckyD: 18 Aug 1840 Indiana

William Ellis StrattonB: 28 Jan 1862 UtahM: 20 Oct 1886 UtahD: 21 Jun 1940 Arizona

Gabrilla JohnsonB: 27 Feb 1786 New HampshirD: 11 Jan 1867 Iowa

Anthony Johnson StrattonB: 11 Jan 1824 TennesseeM: 3 Apr 1845 IllinoisD: 29 Nov 1887 Arizona

Calvin StrattonB: 31 May 1777 ConnecticutD: 24 Jan 1860

Nancy Jane McFerrinB: 1 May 1815 IrelandD: 24 Apr 1879 Utah

Margaret McCleveB: 17 Sept 1838 IrelandD: 4 May 1908 Arizona

John McCleveB: 18 Aug 1807 IrelandD: 24 Sept 1855 , Utah

Eliza Jane HancockB: 28 Mar 1864 UtahD: 4 Jan 1941 Pima, Arizona

Clarissa ReedB: 18 Dec 1814 New HampshirD: 17 Jan 1860 Utah

Mosiah Lyman HancockB: 9 Apr 1834 Geaugo, OhioM: 9 Jan 1857 Utah, UtahD: 14 Jan 1907 Arizona

Levi Ward HancockB: 7 Apr 1803 MassachusettsD: 10 Jun 1882 Utah

Jesse Nelson PerkinsB: 11 Aug 1886 Taylor, Navajo, ArizonaM: 10 Jun 1908 Salt Lake, UtahD: 2 Jan 1977 Mesa, Maricopa, Arizona

Rhoda CondraB: Oct 1790 , , Knty or TennD: Mar 1840 Kentucky

Rhoda Condra McClellandB: 20 Oct 1821 KentuckyD: 15 Apr 1891 Arizona

Josiah McClellandB: 5 Sept 1785 NorthCarolinD: 25 May 1854 Missouri

Reuben Josiah PerkinsB: 14 Oct 1856 Davis, UtahM: 2 Nov 1881 UtahD: 7 Sept 1919 Arizona

Elizabeth PATILLOB: 10 Nov 1782 North CaroliD: 30 Dec 1863 Davis, Utah

Jesse Nelson PerkinsB: 19 Feb 1819 TennesseeM: 13 Jan 1842 MissouriD: 3 Mar 1883 Arizona

Reuben PerkinsB: 1 Mar 1783 North CarolinD: 25 Oct 1871 Davis, Utah

12/19/10 12:16 PMAncestry.com - 5 Generation Pedigree Chart

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Sarah Ann WillsB: 2 Feb 1822 IrelandD: 12 Nov 1905 Utah

Elizabeth GaleB: 20 Jan 1845 AustraliaD: 9 Mar 1928 Arizona

B: 18 Oct 1818 EnglandD: 26 Dec 1891 Utah

“Mrs. Diamonds”

The Life Story OfIda Perkins Watkins

100 Years of Faith, Family and Love in Arizona

Compiled by

Cherry Jeanne Allen-Driscoll

great granddaughter of Ida

Edited by

Mabel Jeanne Allen Stephenson

daughter of Ida

and

Linda Marie Allen

granddaughter in law of Ida

Introduction by

Craig Mitchell Allen

grandson of Ida

From the Writings of

Ida Perkins Watkins, Warner Watkins

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Copyright © 2010

By

Jeanne Allen Stephenson Family Organization

Printed in the United States of America

By

Allen Press, Mesa, Arizona

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Table of Contents

Introduction 7

Preface 8

Our Family Motto 9

Chapter 1

Snowflake 10

Chapter 2

The Salt River Valley 16

Memories of The Strattons 21

Chapter 3

Marriage & Family 26

Chapter 4

A Second Decade of Marriage 30

Chapter 5

Half a Century Together 36

Chapter 5

More Than 70 Years Together 50

Chapter 7

Life Alone 61

Ida’s Patriarchal Blessings 67

A Century of Recipes 70

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Introduction

The purpose of this book is to memorialize the 100th birthday of our Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandma Watkins. Most of the content of this book is taken directly from Ida’s own autobiographies. The large binder titled ‘Faith Promoting Stories of Our Families’ which was lovingly compiled by Jeanne, Linda and Ida in 2000 has also provided much of the supplementary content. Where stories have been written more than once, we have tried to consolidate them, and events have been ordered chronologically as much as possible. Other than the consolidation, chronological ordering and other minor edits, the text is largely written as an autobiography by Ida herself.

A unique heritage is what Ida Perkins Watkins has proudly carried with her for more than 100 years. She has written about it, she has nurtured a love of it and she has provided us all an example of its eternal beauty. She has continued the multi-generational tradition of recording her life and testimony for her descendants.

She was a granddaughter of the Kartchners, Strattons, Perkins and Hancocks; all founding family’s of the Little Colorado settlements in Arizona in 1878. The pioneers to Snowflake, Arizona were no ordinary Mormon Pioneer’s. They had already made the treacherous trek to the Great Salt Lake. Their families were well into the process of converting the wild lands of Utah to homes of comfort for their families. One of the earliest missionaries to the Little Colorado (Snowflake and surrounding towns) had written of the area as being an ‘inhospitable and foreboding waste land’ . Nonetheless, these Snowflake settlers accepted the calling by Brigham Young to move their families to the barrenness and hardships of the Little Colorado. James McClintock1, a noted historian, wrote of the early Little Colorado pioneers as men and woman born from Utah who moved into lands where the white man theretofore had failed:

but in the Little Colorado, Mormons set their stakes and with united effort, soon cleared the land, dug ditches and placed dams in unruly streams, all to the end that farms should smile where the desert had reigned. It all needed imagination and vision, something that very properly, may be called faith. …It has been said that faith removes mountains. The faith that came with these pioneers was well backed and carried with it brawn and industry (McClintock p.3).

This area of Northern Arizona is nothing less than magical. The pink and red towers of surprising rocky shapes combined with a stark lack of green, open skies and the weighty presence of the sun. These ancient rock formations juxtaposed with the winding canyons and the evergreens of the White Mountains. I can’t think of a place in the world to compare it to. An understanding of my ancestors part in the history of this land and this state is a treasure I hold dear to my heart.

- Cherry Allen-Driscoll

71 James McClintock in his book ‘Mormon Settlement in Arizona: A Record of Peaceful Conquest of the Desert’

Preface

As a little girl in a pioneer town, Ida Perkins would tease her younger sister Marva. According to the oft-repeated story, Marva would implore Ida, “Please, won’t you play paper dolls with me?” Finally, Ida would give in to the pleading of her little sister and say, “Well, alright then. I will be ‘Mrs. Diamonds’ and you can be ‘Mrs. Snotty Brown.’” That is the story of Ida Perkins Watkins, born in Snowflake, Arizona in 1910 that has been handed down, generation to generation. All who know and love her smile and inwardly chuckle as we think how perfectly this little story captures her sense of humor – something we all share.

However, the story of her life is a reminder of her spiritual legacy; Diamonds are forever just as her spiritual legacy will be forever. She leaves us a multi-generation tradition of reminding future generations that families are eternal.

Because of Grandma’s many versions of her life history, we know that as a young girl she loved her family and her pioneer heritage. She was faithful to her ideals and to her testimony and she saw first-hand the sacrifices that her family made for their religious beliefs. She grew up in the early days of Arizona’s statehood to marry a dashing Warner Watkins and was happy to become the mother of seven children. She saw these children grow to adulthood, her children’s families grow up, and then their families grow and even some of her great, great grandchildren. She has had the joy of seeing literally hundreds of her posterity come to earth – and they, we, have had the wonderful privilege of knowing and loving her personally.

One of Grandma’s principal obsessions was keeping family history. The records that go into this book transcend all stages of technology development. There are many, many pages of history written in Grandma’s own hand. As typewriters moved into personal ownership, she, too, moved to the typewriter and updated and created newer versions of her life history. She embraced computers when they finally made it into homes and made further versions and additions to her life history. She loved to send and receive e-mail well into her 90’s. If one of her posterity were traveling and happened to drop her an e-mail while in some exotic location, she would effuse about how she had never before received an e-mail from such-and-such-a-place, and would treat that e-mail as if it had some valuable stamp from a foreign country. She pioneered the use of photo manipulation. Notice the photograph on page 31 where she carefully pasted in pictures of her two youngest children. She was an eager adopter of any technology that would help her in telling her family story.

This, I believe, has been the quest of Grandma’s life. She dearly loves her family –her roots and where she came from, her own experiences and life-lessons and the wonderful extensions of her life through her posterity. Because of this love of life and her gratitude for her rich blessings, she has been compelled to record and preserve that which has been most beautiful to her, to express thanks to a loving Father in Heaven and she has wanted all of her posterity to feel that same gratitude. I view each version of her life history and each of her admonitions to do family history work as a reconfirmation of that love and of her gratitude for her family and for her life – and as an expression of her knowledge of the eternal nature of families.

Seasoned by life, by love and by an indelible faith in an eternal home above, Grandma Watkins passes on to her posterity a glimpse of what true wisdom might entail – a love of God and of family, an uncompromising quest for righteousness and an unquenchable thirst to preserve that which is most beautiful, even life itself, for those that follow. For this we will all be eternally grateful.

-- Craig Mitchell Allen

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Our Family Motto

How thankful we are for our many blessings. Our home has always been filled with love and respect for one another. It was a place of refuge for all that needed food or shelter. We love our family dearly. We love people. Dad and I have said many times how thankful we are for the choice spirits the Lord sent to our home, to live and teach and enjoy. We both enjoy helping others and especially helping any who are down and need love and encouragement. Let's make that our family motto. Be kind to each other in your homes. Love your children and count your blessings each day.

Mom and Dad love all of you very much.

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Importance of keeping records. Jan 1, 1994

Today is a beautiful Sabbath day. We held our Ward conference, oh what a spiritual uplift we all enjoyed. Our Bishop challenged each one of us to write in our journals daily for 15 days, by then we would feel the importance of this assignment in our lives and in the lives of our families. Bishops talk was on record keeping. He told of a dream he had, he had left the earth and gone home to meet the Savior He said as he stood before Him, He ask him for his records, Bishop said he hung his head low and said he had two little books with him. The Savior looked sad, and said you remember how close you came to a very severe accident on your corner, did you write that down? He said I was there and protected you. Many times I have helped to protect you from harm while you were driving, Did you write that down? The Bishop said when he woke up and reviewed his life, he realized the Lord had blessed him so many times, and today he was going to write in his journal and if the Lord would leave him a little longer on the earth. Bishop then ask us to write in our Journals for 15 days, so I am going to try and do better, the Lord has blessed us in so many ways. I have been spending a lot of time on gathering dates to go on the computer and in my records. I know they are also very important, I am so thankful for Warner’s dear Mother who has kept records, if she had not been obedient, I would not have anything on Warner’s brothers, I feel at times I have nearly worn out my welcome, when I call and ask for dates, but I hope someday all of you will value things that are of great worth. Nephi kept records, and our dear Prophet Ezra Taft Benson has told us we will be held accountable for these things. That comes from a Prophet of the Lord.

Please children all of you think about the things that are of most worth, not the worldly things, Mom and Dad loves all of you very much,

Love Mom

Chapter 1

Snowflake

was born October 18, 1910 in Snowflake, Arizona, a small town in northern Arizona. I have a wonderful heritage. My mother, Mabel Stratton was born in 1888 and raised in Snowflake, Arizona. She was the daughter of William Ellis and Minnie Kartchner

Stratton, early settlers in this small town. She was the oldest in her family of thirteen children. Five of her brothers and sisters died when they were very small. Two died the same day. They had diphtheria. There were no doctors or medicine to take care of sickness like there is today. Mother was a great homemaker and worked hard washed on 50 cents a day.

My father was Jesse Nelson Perkins and he was born and raised in Taylor, Arizona, a small town three miles from Snowflake. He was the son of Reuben Josiah and Eliza Jane Hancock Perkins. When my father was a boy, he herded sheep in the hills for 25 cents a day. When 18 years old, he was called to go on a mission for the Church, serving in Kansas. My mother wrote to him the entire time he was gone.

My father courted my mother by riding three miles on horseback down to Snowflake from Taylor. Sometimes Grandpa Stratton would let my mother and father borrow the white

top buggy pulled by a horse. If it was cold they would heat a big rock and put it in the bottom of the buggy to put their feet on and keep them warm. In June 1908 my parents went to Salt Lake City to be married in the temple, later returning to Snowflake to make their home. They went on a short honeymoon to Catalina Island in California. My father worked hard trying to make a living for his small family. My father owned a small piece of land that he raised alfalfa on to feed to his cows and horses. My parents were very good. They loved their family and their Heavenly Father. We were taught to pray, go to church and keep the Sabbath day holy. We were truly a happy family.

My parents first moved into Grandpa and Grandma Stratton’s home and lived there about a year. In the meantime Uncle Frank and Grandpa Perkins were building a two room brick home for my parents to move in to, Aug 11, 1910, on my father’s birthday. It was here on the hill in this little red brick home where I was born October 18, 1910. My mother being left with chores to do went out to

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Jesse Nelson Perkins and Mabel Stratton PerkinsIda’s Parents

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milk the cow. The cow was restless and would not stand still. Mother was nervous and frightened and after going back in the house began feeling bad. Her sister, Zella, kept staying with her so she would not be alone, as my father left that morning to go to Holbrook for another load of freight. Aunt Zella kept saying, “Mabel I know you’re not feeling good, let me go and get mother.” My mother finally consented but Aunt Zella was afraid to go way down the hill in the dark, so she went across the street and woke up Aunt Maggie to get her to go after Grandma Stratton. There were no lights or transportation, so Aunt Maggie started down the hill to get Grandma, then had to go way to the other end of town in the dark to get Grandma Ramsey, who was a Midwife.

By the time Grandma Stratton walked all the way up the hill in the dark, my mother was very sick and the baby ready. During all this excitement, the lamp went out. It was out of coal oil. Grandma ran outside and down the steps to the basement to get another lamp. By this time I was born and Grandma Ramsey had arrived. She helped take care of things then, which greatly relieved Grandma Stratton. I was premature about six weeks, but seemed to be alright.

Little did they know that Grandma Ramsey had attended earlier to another lady giving birth to her baby and she had blood poisoning. My mother took blood poisoning in her legs when I was about thirteen days old and a very severe pain hit her in her legs. She became very sick after that and spent from October to January in bed and could not get up. They moved my mother into Grandma Stratton’s bedroom where Grandma could take care of her. At 4:00am Thanksgiving morning, everyone awakened by someone shouting “Fire! Fire!” All

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Snowflake, Arizona - Our HomeWhere I was born in 1910. Our faithful dog “Sport” Dad and Mom, Ida and Willa

the family ran to see what was burning. Grandma Stratton stayed close to my mother’s bed as mother was all excited wondering what was burning. It was the Snowflake Academy. It burned to the ground and nothing was saved. This cast a gloom over all the townspeople, this being Thanksgiving Day. Grandpa and Grandma Stratton worked over my mother all day as she was so very sick. Grandpa Stratton gave Mother a blessing and she began to feel better. Mother was in bed two months. My father and Grandpa Perkins named me. I was named Ida after a cousin of my mother’s whom they liked very much.

In 1910, the year that I was born, the first automobile came to Snowflake. Everyone lined up on the sidewalk to see this. This car was an old black Oldsmobile driven by Walter McLaws. This trip was from Holbrook to Snowflake. It had to be driven down a sandy wash part of the way. The roads were rough and poor. Snowflake was 28 miles from Holbrook. The old car had no windows, just a windshield. It also had a clutch and brake. You would have to turn the crank round and round until it started. If a person was not real careful, the crank would flip back, and break his arm. What a contrast from the beautiful cars of today in 1985, with automatic everything included on the cars’ this includes, among other things, power breaks, power steering, automatic window wipers, automatic windows, rolled up and down by the touch of a button. We also have beautiful plush seats, radios with speakers, tape recorders, telephones and even computers. What great progress has been made in this last century!

Our home was a very modest little home -- a two-story, two room home made of red brick that my parents had built. This little red brick home was located in the south end of Snowflake upon a hill, where the wind would blow and whistle around the house. There were only two rooms; one upstairs where our beds were, and the basement where our kitchen was. In order to get to the kitchen we had to come outside, go down the steps and then down another few steps into the basement where mother did all our cooking. We cooked on a wood stove and had no electricity at first. The stove would take a lot of wood to keep it burning. Our beds were all upstairs and each year we filled our mattresses with fresh straw. Daddy had a nice barn in back of our house where he kept his fine horses. Daddy built us a great swing in the barn. We would get on the hay loft and swing way out in the barn. We had lots of fun playing in the barn.

When I was three years old, I climbed on the wheel of my father’s wagon and my father, not knowing I was there, started to drive on. The wagon wheel ran over me. My father ran back and lifted it off from me. Later when Daddy tried to lift the wheel he could not do it. I was not hurt too much.

Money was scarce and jobs not to

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Ida and Willa PerkinsSnowflake, Arizona

be found. My father owned some line horses so he started hauling freight from Holbrook to Fort Apache to provide for his little family. This kept him from home a great deal and this left a lot of chores up to my mother to do. She worked hard milking the cows, feeding chickens and pigs, and cutting wood for the cook stove to keep us warm. Mother was not too happy to be left alone so much. She did not like being left alone so much, but that was all the work my father had.

From the time I was very small, we were taught to pray and to share with others. As I grew older, I was taught to work. We helped Mother make hominy, fill the mattress with clean straw, make mince meat, tromp hay. When I was about four years old, my mother taught me a nursery rhyme I’ll never forget:

“If a task is once begun,Never leave it until it’s done,

Be the labor, great or small,

Do it well, or not at all.”Mother had none of the electrical

conveniences we have today. Mother did all her cooking on an old wood stove. I have watched mother make mince meat, hominy and delicious homemade bread.

Mother kept us girls busy going to the wood pile to get chips to make a fire with. Our old heavy cast irons were heated on the wood stove. We would put a pot holder over the handle and then start our ironing. We could only iron a piece or two before our iron would be cold and have to the heated again. Mother had an old White sewing machine we would peddle with our feet.

Mother washed on the wash board. She had a washer with a stick on top and a stirrup low enough to put your foot in. We were very small but would put our foot in the stirrup and pull hard back on the stick and that would make the plunger go up and down to wash the clothes. We had to wring them by hand.

We used coal oil lamps to light our home. Every Saturday we would fill the coal oil lamps and clean the chimney.

We had no running water. We had to have our drinking water from Uncle Dane's (Darien Kartchner) home located across the street. Willa and I would go across the street to Uncle Dane’s home and together we would swing down on the pump handle to get a small stream of water to fill our little five pound buckets and carry back across the street to our home. In our drinking water we always had a big “dipper” to drink out of . We all used the same “dipper”. On Saturday night mother would bring in a big size #3 wash tub so we could all get our bath for Sunday. We all used the same water. I was taught to work beside my mother and older sister, Willa, whom I love very much. My daddy would hook up a horse to a six foot long wooden sled with a 50 gallon barrel on it. Willa and I were only seven and eight years old and would drive the old horse down to the creek and stop in the creek and take our little five pound buckets and fill the barrel half full of water, turn the horse around and go

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Ida and Willa PerkinsSnowflake, Arizona

up the hill home again. Oh how I hated to hear the noise our sled would make as the old horse pulled it over the rocks and gravel. We would use this water to wash clothes in.

Each year, when the thrasher men would come to harvest our grain and wheat, we would use the clean straw to freshen up our mattresses. Oh how I hated to tromp hay. We always wore dresses and the hay would itch and scratch our legs and arms up. Our pillows were filled with chicken feathers mother would save.

Our toilet was far from the house. In the daytime we didn’t mind, but at night we hated to go out in the dark so we always brought in a slop jug and put it under the bed. In the morning we would empty it. Guess who had to empty it?

We had no money and only one store to buy from with only a few things in it. We were happy and always had plenty to eat. We did not seek for richer things. Our only transportation was to walk unless someone gave us a ride in a wagon.

My father was a neat carpenter and always liked to build things. He also loved horses and he treated them kindly. He raised his own horses and was proud of them. I remember them well. One he named Kate and we all loved her. Another was name Queen, and still another was named Jet and we all disliked her. She was a big black mare and very bossy. She would make the others move over if she wanted to eat hay. They all seemed to be afraid of her too. They always moved out of her way. When my Dad was a boy, he used to herd sheep. He would drive them over the mountains by Salt River Canyon and bring them to Phoenix. He always rode horseback to travel. One day he brought us a little lamb home to take care of. Oh we little girls loved it and fed it on the bottle. One time a skunk bit Daddy while he was sleeping in his tent and they had to bring him to Phoenix to get rabies shots for him. This left his brother, Uncle Andrew, alone with the sheep. Uncle Andrew was very frightened. One time while he was camping in the mountains, they saw a man down the road which was very unusual. Then he quickly disappeared. They said there was no place for him to go. They thought it might have been one of the three Nephites.

In 1914 I was blessed to have another sweet sister, Marva, come to live with us. I loved my dear little sister, Marva, and I always tried to act big and brave and be her protector, especially after school when we would walk through Mexican town and they would throw rocks at us. I walked straight and big and dared anyone to throw a rock. If they had, I may have been the first to run, but I was glad they backed off. As I remember it, I wasn’t too brave either, but just a big bluff. I used to tease Marva too, because she was younger. One time she went to our outside toilet and every time she started to come out, I threw a dirt clod at the door. She was so frightened. I am so ashamed now because I dearly love her. She has been special to me all my life. Being her older sister, I felt I should look after her and through the years this talented sister has been very close to me. In our later years we have lived side by side, right next door, for over twenty-five years. I still guard her and never let anyone hurt my sister. When I go on trips for a few days, the first person I want to bring a special gift back to is my dear sister, Marva. All my life, I have tried to brighten her life. She has so many special gifts I admire. She keeps a spotlessly clean home, plays the most beautiful music, and can direct any choir whenever she is asked to do so.

My Dad and Uncle Raymond had one of the first Ford cars in Snowflake. It had no windshield, a clutch and crank on the outside. It was a 1914 or 1915 model. We were a happy family but had few of the conveniences we have today. We loved to parch corn, make homemade ice-cream and pull taffy candy. Daddy did all his farming with wagon and team.

I started my schooling when six years old in Snowflake. I remember the snow was deep. We could ride a sled pulled by horses to get to school. I think my first grade teacher was Mrs. Huelitt. Rufus Grandall taught us music. I had many friends.

Our fun time was playing “Anti-I-Over”, “Run Sheep Run”, “Kick the Can”, and other fun games. Often mother would make taffy candy and pull it for our treats, or parch us some corn and put butter and salt on it.

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I was baptized on my birthday when I was eight years old. I was baptized in the Snowflake creek and the water was ice cold. As I grew older, I began to realize what a very special day this was in my life.

In 1917 our neighbors, the Dewitt’s home burned down. Two children were burned up and two boys were badly burned and they brought them first to our home and then took them on to Holbrook. Oh how sad this made all of us. I had played with Genevieve, the girl that was burned up.

In 1918, World War I started with Germany. Many of our boys were sent to France where they were fighting. I remember crocheting around washcloths to send to the boys in the war in France. Some of the songs we would sing were: “Johnny Get Your Gun”, “Over There, Say Your Prayers, For the Boys Over There”, “I’ve a Letter from My Sweetheart”. Many lives were lost. The President at that time was President Woodrow Wilson.

This same year a great flu epidemic hit the nation and again many lost their lives as there was no known cure at that time.

Oh how I loved my parents and my one older sister, Willa. We played together so much while we were growing up. How thankful I am for the rich heritage I have been blessed with and for wonderful parents who loved the Lord and lived the gospel and tried to serve him and keep his commandments.

I am thankful for my happy memories of my childhood days. I had such good, dear parents who loved their family and loved their Heavenly Father. Peace and harmony were always there. There was never any quarreling, selfishness, or profanity permitted in our home. We were taught very young to pray, go to church and pay our tithing. I still have my tithing receipt for five cents that I paid when I was eight years old. Never in my life do I remember seeing much money. I’m not sure I knew what a quarter was.

In six more years, our little Red Brick home would be 100 years old. I just heard it burnt to the ground this month, September 1992.

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Chapter 2

The Salt River Valley

n 1918 my mother was so unhappy living on the hill, she and Daddy came down to the valley to see if they could find a home here and some work for my Dad so he could be home more. They found a place in Chandler and later that same year they

moved down to the valley. After moving to the Salt River Valley, my father started farming on a 40 acre ranch he bought from Mr. Sanders and it had a two story house on it. In 1931 when the depression hit, he lost everything. They moved into the town of Chandler and my dad worked in the cotton-gin.

In 1919 my dear Grandpa Perkins passed away. He lived in Clay Springs, Arizona. He was a wonderful man. Many times as a child, I traveled to Clay Springs to see my dear Grandpa and Grandma Perkins. They lived in a little log cabin up amongst the pine trees. It was so quiet and peaceful there. Our grandparents were so kind and gentle and lived a very simple life. They were loved by all.

I was in the third grade when we moved to Chandler. We had our school room in the annex of the Sahara Hotel, close to the big San Marcus Hotel and our beautiful outstanding area in the center of the town. It was also close to a park that made a complete circle. I received a pair of roller skates for Christmas and oh what fun I had skating round the park. I could skate pretty good and make circles in one place when I wanted to stop or whirl around.

Often we played “jacks” on the sidewalk when we weren’t skating.

I made many dear friends here. One was Genevieve Sloan. She would often invite me to go to lunch with her. She always had a quarter to buy her lunch with in Lukins Store, or she could charge it. My lunch did not always look so good with homemade bread and butter sandwiches and sometimes a Belle flower apple. Needless to say, I was always glad to go with my friend. She always treated me to a store bought cookie, which I thought was extra special. I never remember buying my lunch.

We lived three and a half miles from Chandler and Daddy bought us a little pony and a nice buggy to drive to school in. We had to take hay and feed our pony at noon and water her. Oh how I hated to harness her up though.

We had a clean cement canal running not too far from our home. We loved to go swimming in the canal. We were getting older now and hated to swim in our dresses so we made us some

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I

swimming suits out of gunny sacks. Oh how they itched we first put them on. We would make a run for the canal and jump in. They did not itch so bad if they were wet. As we grew older and still liked to swim, we coaxed Mother to send us to Sears & Roebuck to buy us some black cotton bathing suits. Here again we were embarrassed as they clung so tight to our figure when we were wet. We again would make a mad dash for cover as we did not want anyone to see our skinny figures.

Uncle Andrew (My father’s brother) tried to throw me in one day, and the water was ice cold. I was not ready to go in (all over). I wanted to go in a foot at a time. When he threw me in I grabbed his leg. He had on a pretty new suit, well he came in too. Now I am sorry for what I did. It was hard to have enough money to buy suits in our day. He was a grown man too. But I didn't think I'd pull him in too!

One night my mother wanted me to go across the street to this ditch, and bring her a bucket of water. I did not want to go - I was afraid of the dark, but Mother said I had to go - so I did and I really hurried. When I just about got back to the house Willa had put on one of Mothers old black fur coats. She came around the corner of the house with that black coat over her head and all bent over and scared the living day lights out of me. All the neighbors heard me screaming. We moved to another home 3.5 miles south of Chandler and again we had a water fall and ditch just like this one.

We wore cotton stockings even when I was a teenager, and held them up with a rubber band cut from a car inner tube. I wore flour sack bloomers that mother would make. We owned one Sunday dress, two petticoats and one good pair of shoes. If our shoes wore out on the bottoms, we would put card board in, that didn’t last too long and we would have to cut another. Today the children laugh and say “Mother, how did you ever get anyone to marry you?”

We had a real nice two story house only it would always have yellow jackets in the window, which I did not like. We walked sometimes three and a half miles to school. While living here, I learned to hoe cotton and pick cotton. In 1922 we had a very special brother sent to our home. Oh how proud we were of him and how we spoiled our little brother, Lamar. When he was old enough to say the blessing on the food, he would not let any of us girls have a turn. One time Daddy called on one of us girls and he cried and bawled so loud, Daddy put him in another room. Then Mother and all of us girls cried and Daddy had to bring him back in and let him say the blessing over again.

One night after supper, it was an old habit of mine to put my head down on the table and go to sleep. It was always late when we had our bread and milk and I had played so hard, I was [worn] out by night. Mother had told me to go up to bed, but I went to sleep at the table she would leave me there. Well - I did go sound asleep at the table. All the family was up stairs in bed. Remember, I am very frighted of the dark. I had walked in my sleep and gone out to the ditch. I still remember hearing the water run over the head gate. In the meantime, when my mother had heard the kitchen door open, she came down stairs to look for me. She found me standing out in the dark by the ditch. When she woke me up I ran like a deer to the house - scared to death. It cured me; I never went to sleep at the table any more. I was the first one up to bed.

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The Swan DiveIda age 14, Irene age 16

When I was about twelve years old, I went to Mutual and oh how big I thought I was. I had a few boyfriends and a time or tow I ditched Mutual to walk down the railroad track

with them. One time I got back to Mutual and everyone had gone home… even my Dad. That was when I got in trouble so I didn’t do that again. I didn’t do anything wrong except not staying in Mutual as I should. The boy I liked was not too church minded, so that is why we ditched. Our bishop was Henry L. Peterson. Our prophet was Heber J Grant. When I was fifteen, I started working for Mr. Goodrich, washing milk bottles. I would have to get up at 4:00am and start my work, then fix breakfast for Mr. Goodrich and his wife, who was deaf, quickly wash up the milk house and do the breakfast dishes. Then Mr. Goodrich would take me to school. At 4:00pm I would run home again and go to Mr. Goodrich’s to start washing bottles again, get their dinner and wash

up everything. Usually I didn’t get through until nine o’clock at night. I received $5.00 a week and thought I was getting big pay.

When I was about fifteen, I took a few marcel lessons from a lady who worked in a beauty shop. I loved to curl hair.

As a teenager, I was quite a tom-boy. I loved the outdoors. One thing I hated to do was tromp hay when my Dad would go down to the field to haul hay up to the barn and store for the winter. We always wore dresses then, even to tromp hay. Slacks or pants, or Levis were unheard of for girls. Oh how my legs itched and would sting and burn. The hay was so scratchy. Yes, I had my share of picking cotton, hoeing weeds, milking cows. One day when Daddy insisted he needed someone to ride the horse that would pull a plow behind it while Dad guided the plow so he could clean the ditch of weeds, I was elected. He kept saying, “Make the horse go closer to the headgate. “ I kicked her and she jumped over the headgate and me on her. I was so angry I climbed off and told my Dad, “Get yourself some boys. I’ll never ride that horse again. “ He knew I had had it and meant it too.

In 1925 I was blessed with another sweet sister. Her name was Norma. Little did we know then the musical ability she possessed. Oh how I loved her. She was so pretty to everyone. She had big brown eyes and brown hair. She too, was blessed with many wonderful talents, especially in music. She can play any tune by ear. She has played for many orchestras and choirs, can play any tune in any key that a person wants to sing or dance by. She has always been blessed with beautiful homes and furnished them in perfect décor. She has excellent taste in everything. She has never lived as close to me as my other sisters, but all three are very special to all of us. I also love them very much.

One of my girl friends living near our home was Laviene Johnson. Her father owned 360 peach trees. We like to go into the orchard and eat peaches but her father did not like us to pick them until they were really ripe, so Laviene and I had the idea to fill my baggy flour sack bloomers with peaches and go over on the railroad tracks and eat them, which we did. One day Mother said, “Ida, what is all this dark stain in the legs of your bloomers?” I finally had to confess and that ended our peach treat.

We always would get together with the neighbor kids and play two deep, kick the can and anti I over. Oh what fun we had. We never had spending money but had fun with what we had.

I went to Chandler High School for three years. We had to wear uniforms to school… white middies and blue skirts. My favorite subject was ‘Sewing’. It came quite natural for me and I was privileged to do ‘tailoring’ in school while others were doing plain sewing. I took Spanish, English, Biology and other subjects I did not like so well. I did not like to spend a lot of time studying. I loved sports, baseball, basketball, and other activities. I did not do very

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good in school because I hated to study. Yes, it was then I began to like some of the boys in school. We girls were not so fond of Chandler boys. We liked the Mesa boys.

I was quite a tom-boy and liked to do things outdoors. One summer I worked for Mr. Norton sellers, who was the Chandler postmaster. I cleaned house and kept their children. This is the first time I had seen an electric fan. Oh how great to have a breeze blow that we did not have to make ourselves.

In my early teens, I seemed to be the leader when it came to getting into trouble. During the summer months, our family looked forward to our vacation time, going up to snowflake and visiting relatives. Lorum was a “pal” of mine and he was no angel. He lived in Snowflake and he and I were the best of friends. Lorum and I usually found plenty to do. Grandma and Grandpa Stratton had an old toilet way out by the barn. They had a wooden fence all around their place. Lorum and I were quite small but we loved to walk clear around on the old wooden fence. It had a railing on and if we were careful, we could walk quite a ways around. One day we were walking around Grandpa Stratton’s fence and Aunt Nettie, who lived next door had a plum tree that hung across the fence. Lorum and I knew where to go to get filled up on plums. We would walk on the wooden fence and we had fun picking plums and throwing them in the ditch. One day Aunt Nettie caught us, took us to our parents and made her report. She told Lorum and me she was going to call Arch Campbell, the sheriff, to come and take us to Holbrook to jail. Oh how I watched out the window all day for his car to drive up and take Lorum and me to jail in Holbrook. I was worried sick but it cured me from stealing Aunt Nettie’s plums. Lorum was always getting me in trouble on our vacations. He and I seemed to always be thinking of things we could do. We had our best time when everyone was at the table and ready to eat dinner. I just had to look at Lorum and we would both get the giggles. Many times Grandpa sent us away from the table until we could straighten up. One time some relatives came to see Grandma and Grandpa Stratton and they asked Lorum to sing for them. I was upstairs and when I heard him start his song, I knew just when to stick my head out the door and look at him. He was old enough to have a change in his voice, especially on reaching the high notes. When he was ready to try and reach the note, I stuck my head out. Needless to say, that ended the song… we both had the giggles again.

In the summer was the time for us to harvest our melons in the valley, so we took Lorum to the melon patch and loaded him down with two twenty pound melons – one in each arm. Then I had my fun. About half way across the field, I started him laughing. I knew what would happen and it did. He dropped both melons and they split wide open. We both sat down and ate the heart out of the melons, then headed for home.

I had a boyfriend in Snowflake I thought was ‘tops’. His name was Joe Freeman. One night we were late getting back from Taylor from a date. When we got home, my father walked out on Grandma Stratton’s balcony in his underwear and questioned our being late. We told him we had a flat tire, which we really did, but I’m not sure my Father believed us. We usually walked on our dates, rain or shine and in the dark. If we went to a show in Snowflake, we had to even jump a ditch in the dark. Oh how I hated to walk. Very few people had cars. We went to Snowflake in an old Model “T” my father owned. He had to crank it by the engine to start it. Sometime we could not get over Strawberry Hill unless we all go out and helped push the car over the top.

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Our family went to Chandler Ward. I had many friends there, but the Chandler girls like to go to Mesa to see good looking boys. We enjoyed going to the Mezona and dancing to Francis Gilbert’s band. Every Friday night he played at the Mezona.

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Memories of The Strattons

y special days in Snowflake hold a lot of dear memories for me, living in the little red house on the hill where the wind often whistled around the corner of it. It was really a privilege to get to go to Grandma Stratton’s house in town. It was easy to

run down the hill to Grandma’s…running a stick along the Smith’s white picket fence, throwing rocks in the ditch as we crossed the bridge’ but it was a hard climb to come back home over the hill, especially if the wind was blowing hard.

I remember the three large bedrooms upstairs at Grandma Stratton’s home. If I was lucky I would get to sleep over at her home, and if I was real lucky, I would get to sleep in Irene and Leona’s bedroom on the northwest corner. After a good night’s sleep I would love to slip downstairs and the first thing you would see as you opened the upstairs door was Grandma’s bright colored Navajo rugs and her piano with the pretty scarf and pictures on it. As I would go into the dining room I would see the table set for breakfast and the chairs all turned around ready for prayer.

Going on into the kitchen I would get some hot water out of the reservoir to wash with and then stand over the good old cook stove to get warm and watch the mush cook. Grandma would be packing cedar wood in the little side door of the stove to get a little more fire to make

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The Stratton Home - Snowflake, ArizonaThe Strattons are still very well known and loved in Snowflake.

After asking one of the locals where this home was located - they reported it has been replaced by the post office.

toast and hot cocoa and cook the mush. Always her hair would still be a little damp from being freshly combed and pushed up into curls. Soon as Lorum and Lynn came in from milking the cows and feeding the pigs, we would be ready to eat breakfast. I a l w a y s e n j o y e d e a t i n g a t Grandma’s, but I sure liked to get out of doing dishes… especially if the boys had separated the milk or Grandma had churned before breakfast. I would much rather clean and dust the front room or make beds. Irene was always a good manager I thought, as she lined up the work. Usually Leona and I would wind up with the dishes and Irene and Willa would end up doing the front room. I soon caught on why I never was chosen to do the front room though…I cleaned around the big Indian rugs and Irene would take them all out and shake them. I loved to play hide-and-seek in Grandma’s slanty closet in the front room but if Irene or Grandma caught us, our game didn’t last long. Grandma used to have some pretty pictures. All of the grandchildren used to like to look at them. We all had our turns and spent many hours of enjoyment looking at them.

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I used to like to watch the old apple tree out in front and sneak some of the green apples off to eat. I think I used to be among the first to sample them until I heard the story about someone in Snowflake who died eating green apples, and after that I wasn’t quite so eager to eat them.

I used to watch Grandma mix bread in the old blue and white specked granite dishpan and watch her make hominy and churn butter.

Grandpa was always good to us kids, but if he told us to do something we knew he meant it. We were awfully careful how much we acted up when Grandpa was around.

A n o t h e r d a y I d r e a d e d a t Grandma’s was her wash days. We would all take our turns to run the old wooden washer and turn the wringer. We usually had to always give everything an extra lick after it had gone through the washer…then go and build up the fire to cook starch…then go out in the orchard and hang the clothes.

I used to watch the men when it was time to harvest the hay. They would bring it in big loads to Grandpa’s barn; there the big derrick would take it up into the barn. I always tried to get out of running the horse to pull the derrick. We would lead the horse by the bridle out until we would hear a ‘whoa’ from the barn’ then we would back him up again. I used to like to go to Joe City down to see Aunt Lena and her family, that is, if we did not stop in Holbrook to pull one of my teeth. Aunt Lena always had such good meals fixed for us and always a big cake made. I never could remember all of the little girls names’ I just knew they all belonged to Aunt Lena. Uncle Harvey would rustle up a horse for us to ride and we always went back to Snowflake tired, but had had a wonderful time. After we moved down here, Uncle Evan invited us to live at the “poor house”…but if that was the way poor folks lived I was perfectly satisfied.

Aunt Zella would always bake a big batch of raisin bread and I would imagine it was baked especially for me as I ate most of it. After dinner Aunt Zella would suggest I go down in the cellar and take a nap and that was a touch of heaven for me after being down in this hot country. We could lay down there on the cot and look up at the big long shelves lined with bottled corn, beef, tomato preserves, pickled beets, and a big row of cheese Aunt Zella had made, a big 50 pound can of lard in the corner that she had rendered up, and also an old pressure cooker nearby to bottle fruit. Aunt Zella would always load us down with good things to bring home with us.

We were invited up to Uncle Raymond and Aunt Millie’s for a good meal too. Uncle Raymond would say, “You folks go right on in and I will run on down to the field and get some corn and be right back.” In the meantime, Aunt Millie would be getting the rest of the dinner ready. After dinner Uncle Raymond would take us for a tour around the barn.

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William Ellis Stratton and Minnie Kartchner StrattonIda’s Maternal Grandparents

On every vacation we were invited down to have dinner with Tom Tanner and family. I dreaded to go as he knew Lorum and I too well, but I always had to go. I was wishing Lorum would be invited too…at least we could face Tom Tanner together!

I guess legally Lorum and I did cause a lot of trouble and get in a lot of mischief. It’s true we did borrow Aunt Net t ie ’s plums, but they were on our side of the fence. We loved to walk around that old wooden fence. Lorum always did get me in trouble though. Seems like every time we would go to Snowflake on our vacation I was dodging the law. I was sure glad to see Lorum after being away and down in the valley for a year. He’d say “Ida, come and ride on the wagon down to the field.” After being in the city it seemed like such

a treat to me. Little did I know we had to tromp a big load of hay before we could come home.

Lorum had me sent from the table more times than I can count. He made me laugh in church when I was trying to l isten to Brother Flake’s Sermon. I wish I had been there the time Grandma caught Lorum Smoking with Chet Webb, or the time he stole 50 dozen eggs and had to pay it all back, or the time Tom Tanner caught Lorum speeding.

When Lorum came down to the valley I always got him a date with a swell girl and showed him a good time.

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Kartchner Famly - We think Elizabeth Gale is front, center and Minnie is middle left...

We raised big melons in the valley and when I’d load Lorum up with three 25 pound melons he always broke at least two before we could get to the house. He’d start laughing and away they’d go. Lorum, Lynn, Ivan, “H”, Leona and I would play horseshoes out in the orchard. Irene and Willa being a little older would sneak off upstairs in Irene’s room and crochet things for Christmas. The suspense of them being up there in that locked room almost killed me. After spending most of the day up in Irene’s room, they would come down and suggest all of us little kids play school and Irene be the teacher. I was not in a very good mood to play school’ I was still sore because we were locked out of the room. I usually gave Irene a bad time. Irene usually worked all the little kids but me’ I had to either go along and play or play by myself. One time I got even with Irene. She came down to the valley for a visit during watermelon season. Well, I waited my chance and caught her out by the ditch. I washed her face with watermelon and then added a handful of flour for good measure!

After Irene married Bruce, at different times he would make trips down to the valley. One day Willa and I were in J.C. Penney store. I spotted Bruce there so I thought I’d go all out to be friendly to our relatives and let them know we hadn’t forgotten them. I walked up and said, “Hello there, how are you and what are you doing down in this country and how’s your family?” Well, he pulled away a little when I put my arm around him. His face turned red and he tried to answer all my questions. He started to walk off and Willa walked up and said “Hello Vernon”. Well, it floored me! I was red and embarrassed then and anxious to get out of there. I was sure glad when Willa suggested we better be on our way. I’ve never seen two brothers’ look so much alike. I decided after that I’d go a little easier on our relatives.

I dearly love all of Grandma’s family and I have always had a special place in my heart for Grandma Stratton. I love especially her oldest daughter and my Mother, and am very thankful for the many things she has taught me. I’m happy to be part of the Stratton Family.

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Chapter 3

Marriage & Family

925 was in important year in my life. I met a very special person. On Friday nights a dance was held for the youth of the church at the Mezona in Mesa. We danced to Francis Gilbert’s Orchestra. It was at this dance that I met my husband to be. Every

third dance they would play a moonlight waltz. They would dim the lights and I always knew who that special dance belonged to. He knew it too. I fell for him and guess he felt the same about me. It was love at first sight. I loved him because he had high ideals went to seminary and was a member of the church. His name was Warner Watkins.

He introduced me to his parents and six brothers. They lived in a very humble home on South Mesa Drive. Warner had an old jalopy Ford with a flat bed on back, so I knew that wasn’t the reason I fell for him. He was poor with little money, but I wasn’t looking for a rich boyfriend. We had $1.00 on Friday night to go to the Nile Theater and when the show was out, we went to the Mezona to the dance. That cost $1.00. Oh how I hated to have Warner

work so hard and spend $2.00 on me in one evening. We only dated once a week. During the week we would write letters from Mesa to Chandler. At the time he was bailing hay with his Father and brothers. In the summer Warner and his older brothers and parents went to California to find work in the fruit fields and in the canneries. Warner went to Del Monte, California and started working in the cannery there. We still exchanged letters back and forth. When harvest time was over, he would return back to Mesa to enter school in the fall.

In about 1926 when it was about time for school to start, Warner came home and oh how glad I was to see him. After a few months we became engaged and were married the first day the Arizona Temple opened, Oct. 27, 1927. We were married by James W. Lesueur. Three couples were

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married the first day the temple opened.

In the evening a small reception was held at the home of my parents in Chandler. Many of our relatives came down for the dedication of the temple the 23rd of October 1927 so they were here and attended our reception.

When I was first married I was taught to mix and make all our bread. Each week I would make 5 or 6 loaves. One day, I missed my wedding band. I had no idea where I had lost my precious wedding ring. One day, we had Malen Allen over for lunch. I cut the bread and put it on the table. When he was eating his bread he hit a hard thing in his slice of bread. He said "what is this?" He had found my precious wedding band. It was okay even though it had been baked for an hour in the oven. I was happy to get it back.

Warner h a d j u s t s t a r t e d working for a Mr. Parkhurst in Chandler, milking cows and doing chores for him. He had an upstairs bedroom that we moved into after we were married. He furnished us with milk, eggs and vegetables and paid Warner $75.00 a month. We worked for Mr. Parkhust about three months, then Warner and I moved back to Mesa and lived in Grandma Watkins' little house ' on South Mesa Drive. Warner started running the hay bailer and bailed hay in Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert. We did real well and in 1928 Warner bought me my first Chevy coupe. It was a beautiful car to me. I had very few luxuries in my life. For many years after he bought our first car, Warner bought me a new car every two years from Brown and Hoye always trading in the old one.

A short time later the hay bailing season was over, so we moved to Phoenix and Warner bought a dump truck and started hauling sand and gravel for Arizona Sand and Rock Co.

On October 27, 1928, our first wedding anniversary, we were blessed with a wonderful son. We named him Lorum Russell. Dr. Mason was the doctor. He charged us $35.00. Oh how special he was and the joy he brought into our hearts can never be described, to have such a special, beautiful son come to live with us. He had black hair and weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz. and perfect in

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every way.

We only lived in Phoenix a short while, then moved back to Mesa to live. I had so much fun sewing for this special son and teaching him nursery rhymes, the alphabet, and how to count and spell. He was very quick to memorize and brought lots of joy to his father and me.

In I93I we were blessed with our first baby girl. She was very dark, lots of black hair and brown eyes. We named her Ida Merlene. She was born on June 23 in Grandma Watkins' little home we were living in on South Mesa Drive. Dr. Openshaw was our doctor and he charged us $25.00.

One day a special photographer came to our door and wanted to take a picture of Russell and Merlene in a little red wagon. He said the picture would be shown on the screen at the Nile Theater.

Oh how excited I was when the picture came to Mesa. I went to the show twice the same day to see this

picture of our beautiful children on the screen. I thought they were the most beautiful children I had ever seen.

Merlene's hair was long and coal black; her eyes also were very dark. Some said she looked like an Indian baby, but we didn't. She was our beautiful daughter. She and Russell enjoyed playing together and got along really well. Russell also had dark brown hair and brown eyes.

In 1931 a great depression hit the country. Many people were out of work. Jobs were hard to find. On Nov. 23, 1932, we were blessed with another sweet baby girl. We named her Mabel Jean. She had light hair and blue eyes. Always my mother had helped me out when our babies arrived, but at this time my mother had the flu, so Warner's mother came to help me. Dr. Shornick from Tempe was our doctor. We lived in Dr. Neilsen's house on South Morris St. in Mesa and paid $12.50 a month for rent. Oh how we loved our three children.

Warner was now hauling supplies up to Humbug Mines in the Bradshaw Mountains. We had a tent to live in up at the mine, but I did not enjoy living there as there were scorpions and rattle snakes. Most of the time I would stay at our home in Mesa with the small children.

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Russell and Merlene WatkinsThis photo was shown on the screen at the Nile Theater.

In 1936 Warner started working for Calhoun Brothers, hauling cattle all over the state. Warner spent, long hours, sometimes as a mechanic, sometimes driving and sometimes dispatching the trucks loaded with cattle. He would go early and stay late. This left us alone a lot and I had a lot of responsibility with the family. I always stayed active in the church, taking the children to all the meetings. I have served in all organizations of the church: Primary president and teacher, M.I.A., Relief Society president and also worked at the home of the Good Shepherd in Phoenix with the delinquent L.D.S. girls there.

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Chapter 4

A Second Decade of Marriage

t this time we were living in Phoenix and dad was hauling ore from Humbug Mines and hauling sand and gravel for Munger Rock. Co. One night he came home late and was very tired. We went to bed and later in the night I got up to

go to the bathroom. I found dad sitting on the floor crying and saying his side was in terrible pain. Being a young bride and not knowing what to do, I put dad in the car and drove over, to Mesa to his parent's home to see if they knew what to do for him. They suggested that I take him to the Southside Hospital in Mesa right away.

While we were at the hospital father Watkins called Brother Nash, who was a patriarch, to come and give Warner a blessing, which he did. Shortly afterward the doctor said he was going to take him in for surgery as it seemed to be his appendix. They took him in and operated. When the doctor came out he had a very sad look on his face. He said he had done all he could and that his appendix had ruptured. They had put a drainage tube in to see if that would help drain off the fluid.

Warner lay for 18 days in the hospital, and each day it could mean life or death. I wanted to be near him while he recuperated. Since we were living in Phoenix at the time, father Watkins and Galen moved me to Mesa. During all of this I had my trials too. When Warner went into the hospital I had three children down with the measles and I was pregnant again. My heart was heavy not knowing if dad would live or not, three little children who

needed me., and being very sick to my stomach because of the pregnancy.

When Warner finally came home he came to a home in Mesa that he had never seen before. Many prayers were offered and the Lord did hear and answer our prayers. Dad later had the drainage tube removed from his side. The, children did get over the, measles and I was getting along okay with my pregnancy. It seems like we moved a lot but as we were renting, it was quite easy to look for a home that would better serve our needs. In 1937 Wayne was born in our home in Mesa. I had had all my babies in my home so far. The Dr. would come to our home's to deliver our babies. This time I had made arrangements with a Registered Nurse to deliver my baby. Her name was Miss West. She said she had helped Dr. Sharp, who she had been working with for a long time, she said she had delivered over 1500 babies. So we had arranged for her to come to our home to deliver our baby. All went well, I delivered the baby alright, but the baby did not cry. The nurse hollered to my mother in the kitchen to bring a pan of hot water and a pan of cold water to put the baby in. In the

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A

meantime she put her fingers in the baby's mouth and pulled out a lot of flem. By then the baby let out a big cry. I'll always be thankful to this nurse for not giving up but going the extra mile to save our dear baby, we named Wayne. Oh how we loved our baby. The Lord blessed us and our baby boy's life was spared. Oh how thankful we are for this fine son today, who has a wonderful family and has worked always in the church. He is a great missionary teacher.

In August, 1939 an event occurred in church history at the brink of World War II as all missionaries were evacuated from Europe. It was the first time that an international conflict had prompted such a massive evacuation and the only time in one hundred years that all missionaries were pulled from the European continent. On August 24, 1939, the First Presidency instructed Elder Joseph Fielding Smith of the Council of the Twelve, who was touring the European mission, to evacuate all American missionaries. That night President Heber J. Grant recorded it in his journal. Telegrams were sent warning our mission presidents in Europe to be ready. A week after the evacuation order, Hitler invaded Poland.

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The Watkins Children, Back row:Jeanne Middle, Merlene, Wayne, Russell Front Row, Warner R, Loraine, and Norman

In reprisal, France and Great Britain declared war on Germany. On Dec. 6, 1941 Pearl Harbor was bombed. Many ships were sunk and over 4,000 lives were lost. President Roosevelt declared war on Japan and many of our boys were sent to war, many never returned. During this war my sister, Norma, lost her husband at sea when the Liscomb Bay ship was sunk. This saddened our family.

Oh what a worry, and how to protect all our little children was constantly on my mind. The older ones were all in school. We always had our family prayers night and morning, always attended our meetings and the Lord blessed us and watched over us. The war lasted four years and little did our small children know what dangers and problems in the world surrounded them. We were taught what to do in case a bomb was to strike the United States and food and clothing wore rationed. Each person in the United States received one ration book containing stamps which we could use to buy certain commodities. Many things had to be

rationed and could only be purchased with stamps. I was happy to do this, as I would have thrown away my coffee stamps anyway. We could only buy two pairs of shoes a year. The war ended on August 6th 1945, when Japan surrendered after the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, which killed many, many people.

In 1940 Warner lost his left eye while repairing a wheel bearing. He was pushing on a wheel bearing when a piece of steel flew into his left eye. He lost sight in his one eye and had to have an artificial eye made. This hurt all of us very much. Warner was always so good, kind and patient with others and has always been loving and good to me. He has always provided well for his little family.

Warner was a driver for Southwest Kenworth and would fly up to Seattle, Washington and buy new trucks. He would drive the new trucks back to Phoenix. Sometimes he would piggyback two or three at a time. Even after losing his eye, he made many trips to Seattle to bring down the trucks. Although Warner has had many mishaps, he is one who never complained nor held back from doing his job no matter what he was asked to do.

In November 1941 we were blessed with another fine son. He was very pretty and sweet in every way. Everyone said he was too pretty to be a boy. We named him Warner "R" . Oh what a joy to have another baby in our home. He received lots of attention from his older brothers and sisters. He has been very spiritual all his life and lives a Christ like life, helping others and never thinking of himself. He filled a full time mission in California for the church and served the Lord well.

While living in Phoenix, I was asked to be a counselor to Rae Austin in Relief Society in the Capitol Ward. One day we decided we should make a few visits to some of our sisters. We were all in my car, we were on Northern and Central avenues. And the light turned red,

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and I stopped. A man coming from Sunnyslope did not stop and he hit me full force in the back of my car. The impact was so hard it made my seat lay back almost flat. My car had to be towed in. The President and the other counselor had a lawyer and received several thousand dollars as the result of the accident. Dad and I did not sue any one, just paid to have our own car fixed which was about $300.00. I have suffered with migraine headaches for 32 years. They stopped sometime in 1996, which I am very thankful for.

I was now president of Capital Ward Relief Society and this took me away from home quite a lot. Oh how I loved my husband and family. The children were all taking music lessons and doing well in school.

In April 1943 we were blessed with our third sweet daughter. Again I came over to mothers in Mesa and had Dr. Hartman deliver our child. We had a fine baby girl and we named her Loraine. She has been a joy to the whole family. She keeps the family together and is always going out of her way for others. She and Warner R were only seventeen months apart so they had good times playing together.

We moved into our first home that we had ever purchased, as we had rented most of the time. This home was west of Phoenix on 31st Avenue. It was here that our fourth son was born in 1951. What a joy he as brought into the life of his parents and brothers and sisters. He too, was a good missionary serving a mission for the church in Brazil for two years. Dr. Rowley was our doctor and Norman was our first child to be born in a hospital.

In 1955 Calhoun Brothers sold out and for a while, Warner worked with Tony Callous in their own trucking business. Warner was severely burned while working there in 1959. On the side Warner would fly to Seattle and bring trucks down for J.T. Jenkins Co. Later he

worked full time for this company who was later bought out by Southwest Kenworth Inc. He worked for them for twenty two years.

In 1943, we were living in Phoenix on 21st Ave, right off Van Buren St, which was a very busy street. One day I was washing, my washer was outside in the garage and I had no dryer. I was hanging my clothes on the clothes-line, and I could hear a baby crying, quite a distance away. I thought it was on of our neighbor's children. I happened to look down our sidewalk, which lead to Van Buren St., and I saw our baby Warner R. He was crying, and our dog a big Doberman was holding on to his diaper, so he couldn't move. I quickly ran down to pick our baby

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Warner Watkins, Ida Watkins, Loraine, Warner R and Norman

up, as soon as I was near, the dog, this big Doberman turned loose of his diaper. I didn't realize at that time, how valuable that dog was. He may have saved our baby’s life. It pays to be kind to animals, they too have a heart and mind. I will always be grateful for this Doberman dog, Dad brought home. It takes so many years, and experiences in life to make us learn to appreciate the blessings the Lord has given to us and our families.

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A Mothers True Dream Feb 16,1979

In the middle of the night, I do not know the hour, I had a dream. I was looking for our son Warner R, seems like he was about 12 years old, and I thought he should have returned home with the Scout Troop. I wandered around looking into the face of different groups of Scouts, and I could not find our son anywhere. I ran to his Dad and said I can't find our son anywhere. I then found myself wandering toward home, to see if he was there. Our home seemed to be quite high off from the ground, as there were steps leading up to the door of our home. As I ran towards home I could see in the distance a small boy sitting on the steps, with his hands on his knees-he was holding his head. As I reached the steps and looked up I saw my sons bruised and bleeding feet. I dropped to my knees by his side and looked up into his sad and tear stained face, I thought he had been lost and wandering and now found his home. I sent one of the girls to find a clean damp cloth so I could wipe his tear stained face and to bathe his tired and swollen feet. I was going to carry him in my arms to his bed and put him in cool clean sheets. I'll never forget his tired and swollen feet and sad face. I thought of Mary and her love for her Son the Christ child. Oh how I loved our tiny son too. This dream was very real and I will remember it today. We have been blessed with four special sons that we love with all our hearts. I thank the Lord in my prayers for the gift of Motherhood.

I also remember another time when we were living on McKinley street, Warner R was just starting a new year in school. I had taken him to school but did not go in, the list of names on the door of a classroom, told which room each child was assigned to be in. Warner R had looked on all the doors, and he could only find the name of Warner R Mckinley, his name was Warner R Watkins. He was only a first grader, so he decided to come home. I happened to look up across a big vacant field, and I could see a tiny boy walking towards me. I soon recognized it to be our tiny son Warner R. I ran to meet him, and I asked him what happened. He said he could not find his room, they only had a Warner McKinley on the door. A very loving and broken hearted Mother took him back to school and helped him find his right room. Oh how we love our precious sons and daughters. It hurts a mother deeply, when her children are sad and hurt.

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The Watkins Family, in the late 1950’sBack row:Warner R, Merlene, Ida and Warner Front Row: Jeanne Loraine, Warner R , Norman, Wayne

Chapter 5

Half a Century Together

n 1959, our dear dad was seriously burned when a diesel barrel exploded and set him on fire. A man

who was a stranger, but wanting a job, ran to Dad to help him get his coat off and put out the fire. Dad's clothing was burnt off from him from his waist up. He had very deep severe burns. I always felt he was protected by his garments

In 1962 I had a major operation by Dr. Byron Butler. I too had a close call with death.

In 1964 Warner and I purchased a lot from my Dad in the back of his lot on South Hobson St. It was here we built the little home we live in today, which is free from debt and a fully tithed home. We have had many family parties together and built a log cabin up in Lakeside, Arizona for all to enjoy for many years. Our blessings have been great.

In 1964 we were called to serve in the Superior Branch. Warner was in the branch presidency with Owen Gray, our brother in law. We served there with our s o n , N o r m a n w h o w a s seventeen, for three and a half years, driving back and forth 50 miles each way, two or three times a week. I served as a counselor in the Relief Society there, also a counselor in the Primary, lead the choir, speech director and helped with dinners to raise funds for the new chapel to be built there. The chapel was completed and was a beautiful sight to see. We were all proud of our opportunities to serve there and we made many friends

I n 1 9 6 7 w e celebrated our 40th Wedding Anniversary. A beautiful affair

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The Watkins Home South Hobson St. Mesa Arizona

Warner and the Branch Presidency of the Superior Branch

I

was planned by our children. A huge wedding cake was made, a lovely program planned, and all our children were there and took part in this grand occasion. It was held in Merlene and Merril's home in Phoenix on East Monterosa.

In 1968 we were called to be workers in the Arizona Temple. Oh what a privilege that was. We worked under three different presidency's: Pres. Smith, Pres. Whiting, and Pres. Driggs. This call was the highlight of our life. We made many, many wonderful friends while serving there. I had the opportunity of being #1 in working with the brides for two years. That was very special to me. I also was a trainer for two years. I trained all the new ones coming into the temple on Tuesday and Thursday night. On Saturday I worked in with the brides. Warner also has had some wonderful experiences there. He could lead any session. He was quick to memorize and I was so proud of him. Oh we could never tell anyone what this special call meant to us. Warner has been so dear to me all my life. There will never be anyone like him. He is everything a wife could ask for. He loves the Lord and serves him every way he can. He supports me in all my callings. He has given me everything he could to make me happy. Our home life has been happy and peace, love and harmony reigns in our home. We both have a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. We know we have a true living prophet to guide us here on earth. We know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that God lives and can hear and answer our prayers.

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Warner and Ida on their 40th Wedding Anniversary

One day, Warner and I were headed for Wickenburg. It was a very cloudy day and looked like a storm was coming in. We drove out way north of Phoenix and were traveling on a very high winding mountain road. The wind was blowing terrible and dust flying so we could hardly see. Warner said, "We did not have prayer when we left home". He was trying so hard to see. When we got to the bottom of the mountain, he pulled to the side of the road. I said, "Why are we stopping here?" Warner said to thank the Lord that we made it through safely. Oh

how I love that dear husband of mine. We had our family prayer as we always do. But we needed a special prayer to have a safe trip. As long as I can remember, about 4 am in the morning. I would always see Warner on his knees praying to his Heavenly Father.

In October 1977 was a great day in our life when we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. The children went all out to make everything special for us. The reception was

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Ida and Warner on their 50th Wedding Anniversary

The Watkins Family in 1977Norman, Loraine, Warner R, Wayne Jeanne, Merlene, Russell, Ida and Warner

held in Mesa 10th Ward. About 200 guests came to show their love for us. Pictures were taken, a beautiful wedding cake was made, and a program planned. Oh how thankful we are for our family and oh how thankful I am for my dear companion. I have lived with him for nearly 53 years. I love him more every day and appreciate the respect, and honor he shows to me. He still takes me on dates, still opens the car door, still pulls my chair out. for me to sit down, still remembers birthdays and anniversaries, but most of all as we kneel in prayer night and morning his warm hands covering mine, always kisses me goodbye when he leaves and tells me he loves me every day. Nearly every day for at least 30 years, he brings me in a few roses from our rose bushes and exchanges them for a kiss. How wonderful and thoughtful he is.In 1980 my dear husband and I had been working as ordinance workers in the Arizona Temple. We served for seven and a half years.

Later in life Warner was having trouble breathing and sleeping at night. We had good insurance and a wonderful doctor who informed us that he had a very bad heart. All of Warner's family seemed to have heart trouble.. He lost his mom and dad and four of his brothers who died because, of heart problems. For twenty years Warner was bothered with his heart but he was faithful to take his medication on time, and he just kept going.

In September 1980, we were called to go on a mission, serving as ordinance workers in the beautiful Washington D.C. Temple. Oh how we loved our mission. We made many new friends and visited many interesting places while there. We lived on the eighth floor in the Kensington Apartments. It was about 5/8 of a mile from the temple. Most of the temple workers had to live with other couples because the expenses were so great, but the Lord blessed us with the finances we needed so we would not have to live with another couple. We appreciated being able to live alone in our own apartment; it made our mission so enjoyable. The Lord has surely blessed us throughout our lifetime. When we arrived in the mission field, we were there in time to attend the inauguration of President. Ronald Reagan. In fact, we had choice seats up near the press box. What a new experience that was for us. We also received permission from our Mission President to go to the New York Pageant in Palmyra and visit the Hill Cumorah and many other church historic buildings. We also had the

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privilege of going inside the Peter Whitmer home where the church was organized. We visited Liberty Jail and also walked through the Sacred Glove where the Prophet Joseph Smith knelt and prayed to ask "which church was right?" Another couple went with us, Brother and Sister Jensen, and they helped share expenses. They were so nice to travel and be with.

Warner and I had so many choice experiences there. Warner still had chest pains but was faithful in his calling and went to the temple on our days to go. Warner was good in Spanish and the two of us would take Spanish sessions through. He was the officiator and I was his follower. We had the opportunity of taking Spanish classes after we finished our temple assignment.

One special privilege I had was to be called to be over all the brides and new ones on a special day the temple opened throughout the Christmas holidays. At first I felt that I was too old, that the assignment was more than I could handle, but after much prayer I knew I could

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While on our Mission, Washington D.C. TempleThe Washington Temple has been closed for now. We are all on

vacation.Today 29 December 1981, the Temple will open for just one day to take

care of all marriages,sealings, and endowments for members of their party. Sister Eames, the Matron of this beautiful temple called me into her

office about two weeks ago to ask me to be the Brides Director on this very special day. The largest temple in the world, and the biggest day of the year and me 71 years old. Oh how humble I felt and how weak and how small. I accepted the call, and I knew with the Lords help we could do it. For two weeks I was busy planning, and organizing for this big day. Fifty three had been booked in at the desk so far. The sisters who worked in the temple were choice sisters, very efficient and hard workers. I was told I could pick any one out of the three shifts to work with me.

What a privilege for all of us to be hands and mouth for these sacred ordinances. I went to my knees many times and ask the Lord to bless me and guide me for this big day.

In all our planning and organizing there was one thing we had not counted on. One wedding dress came up missing. The little girl to be married was not worried, she said she saw the Temple worker carry her dress up to the third floor on the same elevator she was on. We looked and looked everywhere, many times going thru the rack of wedding dresses. Hers we could not find. By now her Mother was very upset telling us how many hours she had spent on making her dress. Her little daughter just smiled and said we would find it. At last one of our sweet sisters inspired and guided decided to go over and have them check on the mens side to see if it had been taken up with the grooms clothing. Sure enough it was found and everyone was happy again.

Oh how thankful I am for all the dear sisters who worked so well together that day. We had some who needed special help and needed different language help to guide them thru German French and Cantonese.

organize and handle this assignment. The Lord had called me and he would guide me. He did, and I felt, his presence and guidance that day. We had 53 new ones, weddings and all. I had the privilege of overseeing the brides and being head of that department for the last six months of our mission. Oh what a choice experience it was for me. I was in my seventies, but with the Lord's help we can fill the assignments we are called upon to do. We felt the beautiful spirit that radiated in the Washington Temple where we served as ordinance workers. We have witnessed many wonderful experiences there.

After serving for seventeen months, we went into see the mission president, as is customary to do before being released. On visiting with him and he being aware of my dear

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husband's health problem, he advised us to be released then and not wait another month. He felt it would be best for Warner to see his own doctor at home and receive whatever care was needed, as the doctor in Washington D.C. had suggested surgery for him. Wayne flew back and drove us home. We came home in 1982. What a happy reunion we had! Our children were all here at our home with a big " Welcome Home" sign upon our home. How blessed we have been to have such a choice family.

My father passed away in 1977 and my dear mother in 1987. That was a great loss to me even though I understand Heavenly Father's plan.

My Dad had the neatest shop. He spent many hours tinkering there, making things for others. If anyone ever needed anything it could always be found in my Dad’s neatly organized shop. He would supply you with anything you might need. He was so clean and orderly. He took care of everything. Oh how I loved to sit at my sewing machine, and look out my window and watch him “putter” all day, making something. Many in his family were good carpenters. Daddy built their home, with the help of his brothers. We bought the back of Daddy’s lot. Here is where our home is today. Oh how I loved my kind and patient Dad. I miss him a lot. Daddy died when he was 90 Mother died when she was 99.

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To My Family at Home

So many blessings our family has had To be thankful for, each day as we pray

But stop and think of your hidden blessings As you sit down for turkey Thanksgiving Day.

Across the table, you will see our Mother Who had always been so precious and Sweet

Without her and our dear Daddy here Our family would never be complete.

Today she is still young at age 94Still alert and independent as can be

Go over and cheer her up, with a visit and a smileAnd give her a big hug and kiss for me

Since I have been away from home so long I've had time to measure life's worth,

Every day that I live, I'll always be thankful For the dear Mother who gave me birth

Not long ago, I too lived next door But kept myself busy all day

I let choice opportunities pass me by And forgot hidden blessings to weigh

Today, I am far from home, and helpless to make a change But think, and write and shed a few tears., It's too late, I lost my chance when home

And our dear Mother, will add two more years

Willa, Marva, Lamar, Norma and Roy, Think of something special you might do

For the dearest Mother who lives next door Some-day, Sometime, I'll do the same for you.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU

Written by Ida Watkins while on our mission 1980

Mabel Stratton Perkins and Jesse Nelson PerkinsIda’s parents

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The Second Hand Shop

There’s a little old man

In this little old shop

It’s a collection of thingsFrom cellar to top.

There’s all kinds of things

All scattered about

But whatever you needHe can dig it out

Now wait just a minute

He says with a grin

I’ll find what you’re afterIt’s somewhere within

This little old man

His collections are many

Whether it’s hammer or sawOr screws there are plenty.

His boards are all stackedAccording to their size.

Just what you’re looking for

Is no great surprise

At dark, he cleans upPutting his tools all away

He’ll catch a few winks

Then begin a new day.

This little old manIn his cute little shop

Hardly takes time to eat

or look at the clock

Dear Dad, we’re so thankfulYou’ve taught us so much.

Your philosophy of life

Is truly the masters touch.

Ida P Watkins

Jesse Nelson Perkins and Mabel Stratton Perkins

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Christmas Time

Dearest Family so far away We'll all be together in this Christmas day When at the table you'll see empty chairs

Just pretend -Were all sitting there

Warner and I are very happyYou see- we have each other

But still my thoughts wander way back homeBack to my dear sweet Mother

I have such tender heart strings They are so hard for me to keep

Them coming to the surface And soon I start to weep

The lump I carry in my throat Feels like a great big boulder

And I think it keeps on growing Each day, as I get older

Sometimes one can't help, but feel a little sad And you feel like you are all alone

When there's miles and mile's between us And your loved ones left at home

Each day we receive a letter Helps us both to know

Our families will never forget us No matter how far away we go.

I know where each one of you will be On this special Christmas night

You'll all be over to Mothers What a precious heavenly sight

We hope each one will keep in mind That both Daddy and me

Will have our thoughts beside you Round our Mothers tiny tree.

There's no power on earth to stop our thoughtsThey travel pretty fast

There's no need to take an airplaneOr spend money on high priced gas

Yes- dear ones we'll be there There's still our thoughts you see Just pause a moment and imagine

We are all around the tree.

We'll be home for Christmas As far away as we may be

We'll all be together for Christmas If only in our dreams.

By Ida WatkinsWhile on our mission 1980

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Each Mortal Writes Own Book of Life

In D & C 88 the Lord provided light and knowledge pertaining to what determines whether a person will receive a celestial, terrstial or telestial glory after mortality.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie elaborates on this subject on Mormon Doctrine under the entry "Book of Life" .

In a real through figurative sense the book of life is the record of the acts of men as such record is written in their own bodies. It is the record engraved on the very bones, sinews, and flesh of the mortal body. That is every thought, word, and deed has an effect on the human body, all these leave their marks which can be read by Him who is Eternal as easily as the words in a book can be read.

By obedience to telestial law men obtain telestial bodies, terestial law leads to terrestial bodies, and conformity to celestial law- because this law includes the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost-results in the creation of a body which is clean and pure and spotless, a celestial body. D&C 88-32 When the book of life is opened in the day of judgement {Rev 20:12-15 ) mens bodies will show what law they have lived. The Great Judge will then be read the record of the book of their lives; the account of their obedience or disobedience will be written in their bodies.

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MY FAMILY

If I had a Dad who was rich as a KingAnd could give his daughter most anything

I'd choose my Dad who has far lessBut possesses qualities of love and tenderness

If I had a mom Who was rich as a queenWith furs and jewelry and finest cars seen

I'd choose my mom, as a homemaker she leadsShe’s taught me to work and to sew, and help those

in need

If I had a sister with Miss America beauty Who makes a small fortune just doing her duty

I'd choose my dear sisters, I have today Whom I love so much in a very special way

If I had a brother , who was President of a NationWho had power to rule and give dictation

I’d choose my dear brothers who I know far betterI just hope they won't forget to write me a letter

Yes this is the best family on earthReally belongs to me Not in this life only

But thru EternityI pray each day to my Father above

Russell, Norman, Warner R and WayneIda and Warner

Chapter 5

More Than 70 Years Together

e were home for about two years when we were called back to serve in the Arizona Temple again. We were ready. We loved the Lord and we loved the work. We served another six years in the Arizona Temple and made many more

wonderful friends. Warner's heart was still bad and we called in a few times to be excused because of this problem.

October 18,1988, Dad suffered severe chest pains, about 3 hours before the sealing of Scott and Lauralee and their family. Norman and Troy came over and administered to Dad and gave him a blessing. Dad took two-shots of Nitro-glycerin. After his administration and blessing, Dad began to feel better. By evening we could see he had improved and was resting well. How blessed we have been to have this wonderful Dad for so many years. The Lord does hear and answer our prayers in a way that is best for us. Warner loves the Lord, and has tried to serve Him, and keep his commandments. The family loves Dad. He has been such a wonderful husband and father.

In June 1990 we went to visit with President Nephi Allen and it was decided that it would be best to be released from our temple work. We were told that anytime we were able to go back, we would be welcome.

A family party was planned to celebrate my eightieth birthday in October 1990. All the children were notified and a big affair was planned. Warner R came from California and Jeanne and Sandie came from Utah with their children. Russell was unable to make it because he was building a home in Flagstaff and had to get the roof on before winter set in. He works on it constantly and needs the help of his sons who come on the week-end. The party was wonderful. About sixty people attended. It was held at Candle Light Park near Loraine and Perry's home. What a special surprise for me to have such a celebration. It was thrilling to see so many family members together. We enjoyed delicious food and I was presented a "gold

mine"...a short history of twenty four of our grandchildren and one of a great grandchild. I had wanted this so much a year ago, but finally my dream had come true. Each time I read one of their history's I feel I know that child better. . I really appreciate all that went into this family party. Loraine is president and always goes all out. Norman and Cheryl and others are all good to help. She has been in for quite awhile and carried quite a load so she felt it was time to re-elect, officers again. Wayne said he would be acting president for awhile until a meeting could be held. Oh how we love our children and their families. They are all

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W

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Warner, Ida, Marva and Harry

so very good to us.

For my eightieth birthday I was presented a beautiful necklace pendant with seven stones in it, each stone representing one of our children's birthdays. It is precious and beautiful. I wear it around my neck and feel the arms of each child close to me. I am especially thankful to my Heavenly Father to still have my dear husband and companion by my side. He has not been too well. Oh how I love him and am so thankful he was there to help celebrate this wonderful occasion.

On October 27, 1990, Warner and I celebrated our 63rd wedding anniversary. Warner R and Jan celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary the same day and Russell

celebrated his 62nd birthday. What a very important date it is for all of us. The Lord has truly blessed our family. Paul and Margaret Wells, our friends, took Warner find I to the Village Inn for a special early morning breakfast to celebrate my 80th birthday. I received many cards and phone calls and am so thankful for friends and family.

By Christmas 1990 Warner's poor health had me deeply worried. So often he would need oxygen in order to breathe and he was wearing Nitro patches day and night. At times he needed additional nitro to keep breathing. I prayed and asked the Lord to please let him stay with me through Christmas as least. The Lord heard and answered my prayers and he was with me, but by January 1991, he was very bad. We went in to see the doctor and he said surgery was the last resort. On January 15, (the day that war began in the Middle East) Warner went, in for surgery. He had a quadruple by-pass. Through all of this he never complained but he did slow down a little. He was so dear to me. He tried to do things to save me. He was never cross

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Prayer

I know not by what method rare,But this I know God answers prayer

I know that He has given His wordWhich tells me prayer is always heard

And will be answered soon or late,And so I pray and calmly wait.

I know not if the blessing soughtWill come just in the way I thought

But leave my prayers with him aloneWhose ways are wiser than my own

Assured that He will grant my request,Or send some answer far more blessed.

with me but continued to tell me several times a day how much he loved me. He always called me 'sweetheart'.

Susan Ellsworth, my sister's daughter, was in surgery at the same time Warner was. She had a brain tumor.

Warner had blessings given to him and many prayers offered in his behalf. His surgery was successful. It surprised the three doctors who were there and also the office staff. He came through beautifully. How thankful I was for this successful surgery and the privilege I had to bring my dear companion home again after ten days in the hospital. He is so kind and appreciative of all I do for him. The Lord blessed me with additional strength and he was a joy to care for. I love him so much and our home is so peaceful and such a comfort to both of us. Our dear children were always by our side to help. Norman slept by his father's bedside for two nights. What a special family we have and so many dear friends who care.

In April 1991 another great loss came to me when my dear sister, Willa, passed away. She was such a spiritual giant to us all. We will really miss her.

Our posterity has grown so much with new marriages and new precious babies. We have lost two family members since we came home from our mission, Owen Allen, and our tiny great-granddaughter Barbara Johnson. We know they are happy and home again with our Heavenly Father.

After dad recovered from his surgery, as soon as he was able he started going back to the Temple to work as often as he could. Dad was also so good to wash up the dishes and clean up the kitchen after a meal. He would put me down for a nap and then do the dishes. Dad has always been so kind and thoughtful and good to me. He would do anything to save me. He would run the vacuum to save me from pushing it. We have had a wonderful life together. We loved our family and thanked the Lord every day for each one. They have brought so much joy into our home and always been kind and good to us.

We still liked to get away once in awhile. In 1994 we flew up to Jeanne's and went to the beautiful Bountiful Temple that had just been finished. We also saw the movie "Legacy".

We always enjoyed visiting with Jeanne and Owen. They treat us so good and always make room for us.

In 1983 dad's brother Ned d ied f rom a hear t a t tack shoveling snow off the roof. In 1993 dad's oldest brother, Olen, passed away in Sacramento and Dad flew over to be there with the family. Heber died a short time later. In 1996 his brother Galen passed away. Warner's family was leaving this old world fast. Later on dad and his sons made a trip to his brother Olen's

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home, to pick up the Watkins genealogy that Debbie had worked on for so many years so the family could do their genealogy work. We always tried to go to the temple as often as we could. In 1995 I broke my big toe and could not go. But Dad would get up early and make a session. Dad and I always enjoyed our home and being together. We both loved our children dearly. Our lives centered around our precious family and each other. Dad would always try and see that a fresh rose was on the table each day when they were in bloom. He was always doing kind things for me. We always knelt together night and morning to thank the dear Lord for all our blessings. Dad always kept his big warm hand around mine. In the evening Dad and I would read our scriptures together. Dad had lost one eye and the other was not too good so I did most of the reading. The boys loved to have Dad make trips with them. Wayne wanted him to go into Mexico and see his nice home down there, so Dad did make the trip and enjoyed it very much

Dad had the privilege of ordaining his four sons to the Melchezidek Priesthood. Two were living out of town but received permission to have it done in our home. The Bishop would always come and be with us.

In 1989, our daughter Jeanne met a wonderful man, Sidney Stephenson, who had recently lost his wife. They were married in January of 1990 and we love Sid very much. He has spent many hours helping with our garden and being our personal chauffeur countless times. In 1993 my dear sister Marva lost her husband, Harry. They had lived next door to us for over 35 years. Marva was alone now and that was hard for her. Marva and I have always enjoyed being together. Another great loss came into my life in 1997. I lost my dear brother Lamar. Ruthe and Lamar had bought mom and dad's home so we had shared our back yards together for several years. He was a wonderful brother. Also in 1997 my sister, Norma, lost her husband, Bud. That left us three sisters alone without our husbands. It seemed like our family was going too fast. Norma has been so good to take Marva and me different places. We would shop until we were tired then eat lunch together. We enjoyed being together.

My youngest brother, Roy has been so kind

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Wonderful Husband

In the dark hours far into the nightI often lay awake

And think of all he’s done for me.Am I worthy of this good mate?

My heart is filled with gratitudeAnd almost bursts within

When I think of my dear husbandAnd the love I have for him.

He’ll never know in this lifeJust how much we all really careAnd place your trust in him alone

A feeling his family all share.

He’s the special kind of a father and husband

Who would gladly give his lifeIf it would lighten any burdenFor his children or his wife.

Oh he could have been a BishopA teacher or most any thing

His ways are quiet and simpleAnd is praises we all sing.

You are really a chosen son of GodYou have so proved in the way you live

The example you set for othersAnd the way you freely give.

So often I think of the little things Like the roses you bring me each day

And always say those three little wordsI love to hear you say.

I think as we kneel in prayer each nightWith your big warm hand around mineHow thankful I am for my dear mate

To be so close to me all the time.

I think of how you love to sit at my kneeAs we read scriptures together each day

And how e become so united as oneWith the gospel to guide our way.

I think of how tenderly you tuck me in bedTo make me comfortable each night

And how you check to make sure all is wellBefore you turn out the light.

Yes dear we have lots of good memoriesIn the things we love to do

And Warner I’ll always be thankfulFor a wonderful husband like you.

Your loving wifeIda P. Watkins

and good to all of us sisters. He has helped us out in so many ways and is so big hearted to all of us. He gave all of his sister's new computers, printers, scanners, and CD's. Oh what fun we have had taking computer lessons and doing all kinds of things with our computers. Roy seemed to know what we needed. He has his yardman come over and take care of my yard and also Marva's. We love to have Roy spoil us. He keeps his eye on us and seems to know how much we all need him. Once in awhile we all go out to breakfast together and also take Ruthe, as she is alone too. How thankful I am for my brothers and sisters.

Dad and I had lots of friends. We made many while on our mission in Washington DC and also had many friends here in Mesa. We really treasured our friendships.

In in 1997 Warner drove me down to Seagull Book store to pick up a special tape I wanted on the Life of Brigham Young. I was

in the store looking at all the tapes, to find the one I wanted. While I was looking, o n e o f t h e c l e r k s w a s s t a c k i n g shelves, and he set a box of books behind where I was standing. As I turned around I did not see the stack of

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Norman, Loraine, Warner R, Wayne, Jeannie, Merlene and Russell front: Ida and Warner

Dad and Mom’s Favorite Songs

1. Let Me Call You Sweetheart2. I Love You Truly

3. I'll Be Loving You Always4. The Waltz You Saved For Me

5. Are You Lonesome Tonight

6. Melody of Love7. Don't know why I Love You

Like I Do8. Tonight You Belong To Me

9. My Wonderful One

10. To You Sweetheart Aloha11. You Belong To My Heart

12. I'm Alone Because I love You13. You'll Never Walk Alone

14. Oh My Father

15. I Know That My Redeemer Lives

16. How Great Thou Art17. I Need Thee Every Hour

18. Beyond the Sunset

books and I fell and hit a glass display case they had close by. I cut a very deep gash in my head and was bleeding all over. The clerk said "I'll call 911!" Dad said "No, I will take her now to the hospital". Dad said, "I have a tape to pay for"- They said just to take it and go. They wanted us to leave. I held the paper towel to my head, but my clothes were getting blood on them. Dad drove quickly to Dr. Germaine our Dr. and they took me in quickly. Dr. Germaine looked and said "It is too deep for me to take care of - take her across the street to the hospital", which Dad did. At the hospital they put 7 stitches in the side of my head. I felt I looked terrible, but was thankful to have it taken care of. I had the best nurse in the

world to take care of me , it was dad.

In 1997 Dad was told the American Historical Society had planned a big party for him. It was to honor him for his contribution in the trucking industry. It was big party in a friend's back yard. Oh my, the big Kenworth Trucks that pulled into the back yard. Microphones were set up and many chairs for the guests. Many high ups in the Trucking Industry flew in for the occasion. Delicious refreshments were served and a lovely plaque was presented to dad. I was so proud to be by his side. Dad was noted for his honesty in all of his transactions with any of the trucks that he sold. He was a dispatcher for many years and knew every hill and dale in Arizona territory.

In 1997 we celebrated our 70th wedding anniversary. The children had a nice party for us. We were even interviewed by a reporter from channel 15. Many pictures were taken and our picture was shown many times on TV. The people of the world could not understand how people could live together for 70 years and when asked, Dad told the reporter, " She goes 100% of the way and I go 100% of the way".

The children also had a nice party for Dad's 90th birthday. It was a very nice party and many attended. Oh how Dad and I love our family.

Dad made a trip with his sons because he wanted to see where his baby brother James had been buried in Blanding, Utah. The boys were very good to Dad and they made the trip fine. Dad enjoyed getting out and enjoying the beautiful scenery the good Lord has blessed us with.

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To Mom and Dad with Love

May 1992

Theres a lot to say about you, but hardly nought would do

for two so giving and deserving fraught with love so full as you.

If only I could find the words I'd tell what's in my heart

but it's all caught up within And of my being grown apart

As I plod my daily lot I've a place caught deep inside

tucked away from other thoughts when sacred memories there abide

So with bended knee and deep bowed headI thank my Heavenly Father in every prayer I've said

And ask His kindest blessings be always on them shed.To keep them, guard them, guide them as on this mortal path they tread.

Please Father give them thine own manna Bread of life to fill'

instead of empty foods that leave them hungering still.

Please lighten their path and brighten their dayUnbear Thine arm along their way.

Teach them all thou wouldn't have them say,Be there always with them, I humbly pray

Tell them of my loving care of my thoughts and constant prayer

Teach them with a joyful heart Insure to them a better part.

All my love, Jan(I Know it's Mothers Day but it's hard to think of one of you without

the other , Hope you can feel my love in these crazy lines.)

The last part of the year 1998 and in 1999 Warner had been spitting up blood several times a day. He had mentioned this to his doctor and he suggested he might have a touch of pneumonia. The doctor wasn't too concerned at that point. In March of '99 dad went to see Dr.. Germaine again and told him he was still spitting up blood. Dr. Germaine made an appointment with a specialist. They called Warner in and set up a time for him to have a biopsy. They went through his back with a long needle. We were later called in and the doctor said Warner had malignant lung cancer in his left lung. He had four options to choose from:

1. To have surgery - he would probably not survive.

2. Chemotherapy.

3. Radiation.4. Leave it alone and choose the quality of life he still had.

Warner’s choice was #4 as he was 90 years old. The doctor said we could have Hospice come in to help care for him which we agreed upon. It didn't take too long before Warner needed care 24 hours a day.

Warner did go to Hospice, which was a very nice place. They could watch him closely and meet his needs. He lived for. three weeks and then went back to his Heavenly father. The family misses him so much. He was dearly loved by all that knew him. He still never complained.

I miss Dad a great deal but I know that he is free from pain and with our Heavenly Father. I began to see each day that Dad's health was failing. He could not sleep well at night.

Oh how I loved my dear Warner, it hurt me to see him suffer. He kept going by taking many pills each day and going often to see his doctor. He had a good doctor who cared.

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Warner’s Last Days

On February 13&, 1999, Dad has not been feeling well for some time. He has felt soreness in his back for some time. Today I sat next to him. He took hold of my hand and gave me an outline of the things he would like on his funeral. It was a shock to me and I shed many tears. Oh how I love my dear husband. He has told me many times a day how much he loves me. We pray together and read scriptures together. It was then that I knew how close he lived to the Lord and he knew what was ahead for him.

Dad's mind is very sharp. He is very knowledgeable in many, many fields. He has a strong testimony of the gospel and lives it in it's fullness. He is an example to many. We go to all our meetings and just recently had our temple recommends renewed.

My heart has been heavy for a long time. My dear husband is not well. He has had chest pains for over 20 years now, but still carries on. The last six months he has been coughing up a little blood through the day. His doctor seemed a little confused as to what is causing it. The last time he was in to see Dr. Germame, he said he was sending him to a lung specialist.

On March 4,1999, Dad went into the hospital to have a biopsy taken of his left lung. There seems to be a lump there. Russell came down from Flagstaff to be with Dad and drove us to Mesa Lutheran Hospital to have it done. They took a long needle and went into his back and into his lung.

March 9* - Today was a heart breaking day for me. I have had to slip off in my room and shed many tears. Dr. Spradling called us in and told us Dad had lung cancer. The growth was as big as an orange. What a shock to our family. Oh what a special family we have. All the children were called. Jeanne and Sid came over. Sid suggested Jeanne bring me in a rose from one of our rose buses just like Dad would do if he could and has done for so many years.

Russell has called and been here with Dad most of the time. The children are all dropping by to get their picture with Dad. He is loved by everyone.

March 11 * - Dad had a very rough night. He did not sleep well. The results of the biopsy indicated that Dad's cancer is malignant. Dad knows that he will not live very long, but said that he would choose to settle for the good quality of life he has had rather than have surgery. The doctor also discouraged him against having surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatments. It is so hard on the family and me to see him suffer. We have had 71 years together and a wonderful life together with a wonderful family. President Bagley came by to see Dad. He has always thought a lot of Dad.. .also Bishop Moore. Dad has started sleeping a lot through the day. That is not like him. Then he started taking oxygen to help him breathe easier.

April 2nd - We took Dad to a home that was provided by Hospice. There he will be able to get care 24 hours a day and receive the medication he needs to reduce his pain.

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Father

F- Is for fishing you never got to do

A- Is for Alimony, for which Mother never had to sue

T- Is for trucks, you never had to fix.H- Is for all you know, my Dad is no hickE- Is for engines you've run many a mile

R- Is for the roads you've covered, all in style

Children do not realize how much a dad wilt do

To give them love and guidance

they can count on all life through.

Although he's often busy with life's everyday demands,

He takes the time to listen and he always understands.

He sets aside the things he wants

when there's a special need,And he does everything he can

to help his kids succeed.

And when they're grown, his children know, beyond the slightest doubt,

That these were all the reasons they felt loved and cared about.

It's then they understand how much their father's really done

To help to make their family a secure an happy one.

Love, Russell 1994 (father's day)

To Warner Watkins

I would like to write a poem,

Or just a few words would doTo express my love and gratitude

for the special things you do.

For me and for our loved ones

You know the ones I meanBut there just aren't words,

To express my feelings, it seems.

This I know though, the Lord

Is pleased with the way youhave lived for the charity

you have for sisters, brothers.

The Savior lived the self-same way

And I know He is mindfulOf your deeds you do

Each and every day.

So the path that leads to Heaven,

you have surely found the way.Oh, how I pray I can live and

Be there, just like you and others

So please put in a good word for

your sister, Marva, who hasadmired the beautiful example

you have been to me and others.

You know that I love you dearly

How blessed I have surly beenTo have you as my brother

friend and next-door neighbor.

All my love, Marva

Chapter 7

Life Alone

n April 14, 1999 Dad left his earthly home to live with his Heavenly Father. I had to make many adjustments in my life. I no longer have a Priesthood holder in my home, no one to talk things over with, no one to kneel in prayer with, no one to tuck me into bed at night, but I knew in my heart, this was Heavenly Father's plan. Dad would now be free from pain. He had filled his earthly mission well.

Even though Dad was not with us, we had a family gathering celebrating Dad's 91st birthday. He would want us to stay close as a family. Children—you all have been blessed with a wonderful caring dad. He was always kind to me and very thoughtful. He supported me in all my responsibilities and church callings. He helped me care for our precious children. He dearly loved our special family and me. He was also very educated in so many fields of different kinds. His advice was always good. He was more than willing to share what he had.

He loved the Lord also. At four o'clock each morning, as long as I can remember, I would see him on his knees praying to his Heavenly Father night and morning. I want all of you children to know dad and I have a strong testimony of the gospel. We know it is true. We all know the great plan of our Heavenly Father. We will all try and live so we can be together, again and live as an eternal family.

About three months after dad passed away we lost our p r e c i o u s d a u g h t e r- i n - l a w, Frankie. She had suffered for over a year with a brain tumor. This was a great loss to our son, Wayne, and his family. Frankie passed away on July 1, 1999. We miss our loved ones who have gone on. One day we will all be together again.

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I

In January 2000 we lost our son-in-law Merrill. They are all missed but not forgotten. Our son Wayne has since been married to a lovely girl named Peggy. They live in Wayne's beautiful home in Heber, Arizona. Lorraine and Perry and Warner and Jan are also building lovely homes there. They all get together and have some very good times.

Since Dad left our earthly home, I have had to make many changes and adjustments in my life. I no longer have a priesthood holder in our home. No one to talk things over with, no one to pray with, or read the scriptures with, and no one to tuck me into bed and kiss me goodnight, with three special words I loved to hear him say. There are many other things that have changed as well, but I know in my heart this is the plan of our Heavenly Father and someday we will all be together again. I am so thankful that Dad is now free from pain. He filled his earthly mission well. We will all remember him and the joy he has brought into all our lives. As a family, we will continue to be close and celebrate special occasions. This year,

1999, we will have our annual Christmas party at Jeanne and Sid's home. It will be a lovely occasion. Remember how many times Frankie and Wayne had us over to their home to have our Christmas party and what good times we had together. Wayne is still carrying on and pushing us to continue with our parties. Dad will be missed but we will continue to 'carry on'.

Oh the progress that has been made in fifty years time. From no electricity, wood stoves, coal oil lamps, horse and buggy days, out-door to i l e t s , we have changed to all kinds of transportation, we live in

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Everything Gone Wrong Lately

Since I lost my sweetheart, seems like everything has gone wrong. One day, the yard man told me I had a gas leak outside, they could smell it when they came to do the yard. I had other tell me, but I didn’t know what to do about it. I just thought my gas bill would be higher. The leak was just outside the wall of my bedroom. A day or so earlier I had read about an explosion from a gas leak and it had destroyed the home. I knew I should do something about it. I called the city and they found the leak next to my bedroom wall. They said if someone had thrown a cigarette down on a spark from the lawn mower, it would have blown my home up. Again the Lord has blessed me.

Russell was here one day. He opened the door of my refrigerator and fire shot out. There was a short in the switch. I was so thankful Russell was here. I did go and buy a new refrigerator. Again, I thank the Lord for all my blessings.

Mother

Norman, Ida, Wayne, Warner R and Russell

the jet age today. Plane's that can fly faster than sound, man has walked on the moon, missiles are launched, programs come on our TV sets by way of satellite from all over the world. Most every family owns two cars, every kind of appliances are electric. Computers do the work of many. Oh what a blessed people we are.

I am so thankful for the privilege I have had of being a mother and having seven wonderful children sent to our home for-me to Love and teach and guide; through their lives. Warner has provided well for his family. We have always had plenty to eat, a lovely comfortable home to live in, cars to drive, and Warner has never been without a job.I love my dear parents who taught me the true way to happiness and taught me to pray and love the Lord. I'm thankful for my wonderful brothers and sisters and also for many dear friends I have.How thankful I am for the Gospel in my life. The teachings comfort me and help me get

through my trials. I know the Gospel is true. I am thankful for my wonderful parents and their teachings. They lived the Gospel and always taught us righteous principles. I have a great desire to help others and I love everyone. I am thankful my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet and he filled his mission here on earth that he was sent to do. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I love him so much and I want to stay close to Him and live as he would like me live. I feel the deep love he had for all of us when he suffered and died upon the cross. He atoned for our sins and taught us to live more Christ like lives. He loves us and will return again. I know our Heavenly Father can hear and answer our prayers in a way that is best for us. I also know that President Gordon B. Hinckley is a true prophet, seer, and revelator. I hope 1 can live worthy to be with my family again and that we can all live as an eternal family. This is my testimony, and 1 bear it to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Ida Watkins October 2000

I want all of my family to know that. I have a strong testimony of the gospel. Without a doubt I know that it is true. My heart is filled with love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. I feel the

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deep love he had for all of us when he suffered and died upon the cross. I love him so much and I want to stay close to Him and live as he would like me to live. I have a great desire to help others and I love everyone. I am thankful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know the church is true and we have a living prophet her on the earth today to guide us, Ezra Taft Benson. I am thankful for my eternal companion and love him dearly. He has always been so kind, loving and patient with me. I'm thankful for his desire to serve the lord. He is loved by all for his wisdom and counsel he so freely gives. We pray together each day that our dear children will set aside the worldly things in life and seek the better things that have eternal value. I pray we can all endure to the end and someday live as an eternal family.

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Why don’t We Listen?

We have the cutest little squirrelWho runs round and round the trees

Looking for some nuts to hide,In hopes that I won't see.

I watch him work outside my windowHe works hard all day long

He knows winter soon will be hereAnd his supply is nearly gone.

You see—he had a special teacher tooThe same as you and I.

He listened, and is gatheringFood—for his years supply.

Oh! if we could all be faithfulAnd heed counsel we receive

And store enough food and fuel for a year.But we all don't seem to believe.

We want to still enjoy the luxuriesWe have been blessed with in our day,

We don't listen to the counsel of the LordWhen he says. "I take care of my people in mine own

way."

Day after day we put things off,We need our money for other things now,

We'll start later, and buy things for our cupboardWhen the church tells us exactly how.

We are truly a slothful people.How long must we all depend.

On the idea we'll always have plenty,When maybe our very lives will depend

How much we are willing to follow counselAnd instructions given years ago,By those who are sent to guide us

And tell us things we should know.

This tiny squirrel didn't put things off.He didn't put his job aside.

He started early to get things done.He has stored his years supply.

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My Testimony Ida Watkins

I have a strong testimony of the gospel. I know that it is true. I am thankful for wonderful parents who taught me righteous principals, and they lived them in our home. I am so thankful for my rich heritage and faithful and stalwart pioneers who suffered many hardships and trials in their life, but through their faith, they brought the gospel into my life. I know Joseph Smith was and is a true Prophet Seer and Revelator, he filled the mission he was sent to do.

I know Jesus is the Christ the Son of God. He lives, He loves us and He gave his life that we might live again. I know He suffered on the cross for our sins. I know He lives and will come again. I am also thankful we can converse with our Heavenly Father; I know He will answer our prayers in a way that is best for us. I am so thankful for our Prophets today President Gordon B. Hinckley. He also is a true Prophet Seer and Revelator here on earth to help guide us. I am so thankful for our family and for the wonderful companion I had for so many years. For his love and kindness he had for me and for his Heavenly Father. I love him dearly and all my family.

I say this in the Name of Jesus Christ

Amen.

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A Mother’s Role in Life

Dear family, how thankful I am to be here on earth, to work out my salvation, and how I can return back to my Heavenly Father to give my report. I am thankful to my parents, for the opportunity they have given me, to come to earth and get a body. How blessed I am to be a co-creator with my Heavenly Father, I thank Him with all my heart for this greatest gift of all – gift of Motherhood. Each precious child we were blessed with we have had the privilege as parents, to nourish their bodies with food and care, and as they begin to grow. We begin to build their spiritual bodies with spiritual food – faith in their Heavenly Father. We began by teaching them to kneel by our knee and say a tiny prayer to our Heavenly Father and through prayer – put their trust in Him. If we want to be great athletes we build our bodies through exercise and food and care. Our spiritual growth start within our bodies. The first thing we must teach for spiritual growth is faith. Faith does not stand alone – we must have faith in something or someone. The one we trust the most and we need first is faith in our Heavenly Father. He knows us, He loves us, He watches over us. Oh if I could just be counted and known as a worthy mother in Zion. How happy I would be. How thankful I am for my dear precious husband I love dearly and our precious children, We both love with all our hearts. We two dearly love our Heavenly Father and His Son. All of you children have been so good to attend your meetings especially mutual where so many of your friends were.

Jeanne, do you remember when Russell took Wayne to the Rialto Theatre, and many people were hurt? Russell heard a crackling sound, he picked up Wayne who was about eight years old, he quickly ran from the building carrying Wayne in his arms. Again , the Lord was watching over our family. Dear Daddy was seriously burned with diesel fuel when a barrel caught on fire and exploded in 1959, again the Lord spared his life. Today in 1984 we are all here, and trying to serve the Lord. We must never forget to thank Him every day for our many blessings we have been blessed with rich heritage Grandparents who were faithful and true to the gospel. They set a good example for all of us. They crossed the plains and walked many miles. We do live in a choice land, choice above other lands. We must all try to live worthy, so we can live as an eternal family. Our blessings are many, and they all come from our Heavenly Father. He is watching all of us.

Ida’s Patriarchal Blessings

Mesa, Arizona. Sept. 29, 1929A blessing given by Charles Peterson Patriarch, upon the head of,

IDA PERKINS WATKINS

Daughter of Jesse Nelson Perkins, and Mabel Stratton. Born Oct. 10, 1910 at Snowflake, Arizona.

Sister Ida -Watkins in the authority of a patriarch I place my hands upon your head and give unto you a -blessing, and I say unto you that in as much as you will be faithful in keeping the commandments of the lord, and live up to the principals of the Gospel and seek earnestly, to know the Lord you shall he abundantly blessed.

You shall acquire wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that will fit and qualify you for every duty and responsibility in life. You shall enjoy the companionship of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you in all your activities.

Peace, joy, and harmony shall reign in your home, and you shall have wisdom to guide and direct the growth and development of your children in a way that they, will grow up strong in the faith, and faithful workers in the cause of truth, and your heart shall be made to rejoice in the blessings of the Gospel, and in the power of the Priesthood.

You shall rejoice in the companionship of the Holy Spirit to guide end direct you. You shall be able to discharge every duty and responsibility that is placed' upon you in an efficient and satisfactory manner.

Many shall come unto you for counsel and advice, and their heats shall be made to rejoice at your wise counsel, and words of wisdom.

You shall be able to explain the scriptures and teach the Gospel to those who seek after truth, and many a heart shall be made, to rejoice through your efforts.

You are of the house of Israel through the loins of Ephriam, and are entitled to every blessing promised unto the children of Abraham. I bless you with health and strength and a long and useful life here upon the earth. Which I do by virtue and power of the Priesthood which I hold in the name Of the Lord Jesus Christ Amen.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A blessing given by John F. Nash Patriarch upon the head of

Ida P. Watkins,

Daughter of Jesse N. Perkins and Mabel Stratton born 18 Oct. 193 in Snowflake, .Arizona.

Sister Watkins: - As a Patriarch I lay my hands upon your head and bless you and reconfirm upon you your former blessings. The Lord has taken notice of your life and the way you have striven to serve Him and to keep His commandments. He has accepted of your mission of motherhood and will bless your sons and daughters with kindness and obedience that they will accept of your teachings and never go astray and will be a blessing and a comfort to you throughout eternity.

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You shall receive in the House of the Lord those greater blessings and anointings that will insure your heritage in the Celestial Kingdom of our God. If you continue on in your faithfulness the evil one shall have no power to stay your progress. You shall grow in wisdom and understanding and power of comprehension that will fit you for the many important responsibilities and duties that shall be placed upon you in the work of the Lord.

As you grow in years your power to comprehend the truths of everlasting life shall bring to you the greatest joy and comfort. Strive to put the work of the Lord first and He will shower His blessings upon you, all obstacles be removed from your faith and you shall have the good things of the earth a bounteous share. Ever be ready to teach the truths of revelation to those who come in your way for many shall seek to know the way of the Lord at your hands. I seal you up against the power of the destroyer to fulfill a glorious mission upon the earth and to do your part in bringing about a reign of peace upon' the earth., Blest to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection to stand among the sanctified of the Lords faithful servants and to reign over your posterity.

These blessings I seal upon you through your faithfulness in the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

August 3,1934

A blessing by John Hatch, Patriarch, upon the head of Ida PerkinsWatkins, daughter of Jesse Nelson Perkins and Mable Stratton Perkins. Born October

18,1910, Snowflake, Arizona.

Beloved sister, Ida Perkins Watkins, I place my hands upon your head in the Holy authority of the Priesthood which I bear, and in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and I do this with pleasure as a patriarch in the Church and Kingdom of God, to seal and to pronounce upon you a patriarchal blessing, which blessing you have desired in under mine hands as a patriarch. Yea, beloved sister, you have made mention of this blessing in your prayers. You have asked in secret places where no eye hath beheld, but the eye of God of Israel. You have sought Him in humility, in meekness, and in the loneliness of your heart. Yea, you have been prayerful from your youth to the present time and the words of your blessing no one know, neither shall they be known until they are scribed for they shall be in accordance with the desires of your heart, and they are whispered through a still, small voice, which voice no one heareth, but the Patriarch that is giving the blessing and oft-times man secrets of the heart of the one who receives the blessing is revealed.

Now lift up your head and let your heart rejoice exceedingly for thus whispereth the still, small voice. Behold! My handmaiden in whom there is no guile. One who is numbered among the pure in heart; one in whom dwells the spirit of truth; and in whom the promises are made. Yea, the promises that are made to all the daughters born in Zion and they shall not be withheld from you, for you came through the choicest of God's Seed upon this earth. Even through Joseph who was sold into Egypt, and it was through his seed that the mighty blessings were promised and your lineage is through Ephraim, the choicest for he was chosen by his ancestors to take the lead, placed in the position which was occupied Rueben. Through his faithfulness he received this position and you are a literal descendant or in other words, you are a Israelite indeed, and the choicest of God's blessings shall be yours and shall not be withheld from you, for you truly shall stand among the leaders in Zion, and shall be numbered among the most honored mothers in Israel, for there shall be no blessing withheld from you

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for a lawful heir of the Priesthood of God for you were born under the new and everlasting covenant, and as the Priesthood is inseparably connected with the powers of Heaven; therefore, it is through this Priesthood that Gods blessings are made manifest, for without the Priesthood there is no Godliness. This is where you received the mighty blessings for the windows of Heaven can be opened, through the power of that Priesthood and through the Covenants of the Priesthood of God you are a lawful heir to all the blessings, for you have been born of goodly parents, parents who have entered into this Covenant. Therefore, you are numbered among the most honored mothers in Israel, for your offspring shall be shining stars in your crown of glory and become polished shafts in the hands of God and as you journey through the pathway of this journey, your pathways shall be illuminated with a sweet peaceful spirit. A spirit that will inspire your heart and will enlighten your mind and if you will prove faithful and true it will bring hidden things and will reveal many mysteries. Yea, mysteries of days of old and for ages to come, for by the spirit of the true and living God the windows of Heaven will be opened, and you shall receive untold blessings, for multiplied blessings shall come unto you for your name is recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life and it shall never be blotted, neither shall it be stained nor given to another and your executive abilities shall become great and your eye shall behold marvelous changes and you shall assist in the marvelous work and wonders of the Lord and your feet shall stand in Holy places and a vicarious work shall be committed unto you, for you come upon this earth to become a Savior, for you shall unlock the prison cells of many and many of the names of your ancestery will be revealed to you.

Now lift up your head and rejoice exceedingly for you shall be blessed in all you do in righteousness and your life will be precious and inasmuch as you free your mind of the worldly things and put yourself soul in the hands of God, your prayers and petitions shall be heard and you shall not wait for they shall be answered immediately. Yea, you shall be able to provide for many, and many shall rise up and call you blessed, for you are truly one that will receive. Therefore, ask and you shall receive knock and it shall be opened unto you, seek and you shall find for your prayers shall be heard and above all cultivate your precious gifts, for you have many and be not fearful for you shall entertain angels unaware. Therefore, turn not the stranger away, for it will be your privilege of standing as a leader in Zion and among your sect your word shall be sought and your counsel shall be had, and the blessings of your Heavenly Father shall rest upon you from morning to evening, from evening to morning.

The words of this blessing, I seal upon your head and seal you up to come forth on the morning of the first resurrection, there to receive a crown of glory and be clothed upon with immortality to reign as a queen and a Priestess under the most high and to dwell in a mansion that is prepared for you in the Celestial Kingdom to reign with the just and sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Amen (Scribe-Ilene Larson)

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A Century of Recipes

Grandma Watkins Good Home Made Bread

Put in small pan or bowl:1 cup warm water with sprinkle of sugarl/4 cup yeastStir,then let risePut 4 cups of warm water in Bosh Add 2 large tb of shortening1 tb salt3/4 cup honey2 eggs4 cups of whole wheat flour. Mix until smooth.Add yeast then mix again. Then add enough white flour to make a good soft dough.Mix wellLet rise and mould out into loavesWhen it rises againBake in oven 350 degrees for 40 min

Start from Scratch cake Mabel Perkins

This recipe is over 100 years old

Vinegar Doughnuts Grandma Stratton

Cream together: 3/4 cup shortening1 3/4 cup sugar

Add:

Make Syrup

Put about 1 1/2 cups of water in long dripping pan. Add 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 cups sugar or sweeten to taste. Heat syrup until quite hot, then roll out cookie dough and drop in hot syrup. Bake in hot oven 425 degrees for 20 or 25 min or until nice and brown.

1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup shortening2 eggs1/4 tsp salt

3 tsp baking powder2 1/4 cups flour1tsp vanilla1 cup milk

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1/2 cups flour 2 tsp Baking Powder3/4 tsp salt 2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg

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Back: Norma (Perkins) Arnett, Roy Perkins, Marva (Perkins) WilliamsIda (Perkins) Watkins

Back: Norman, Lorraine, Wayne, Russell Warner RFront: Jeanne, Ida, Merlene

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100 Years and Counting7 Children

36 Grandchildren...

...as of October 2010

More than 350 descendants