Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9

Monday, August 31, 2020

August 2020

On August the 2nd, Judy, Connie and I were given permission to enter Serenity Care Center and watch the memorial in honor of John Turley with Mom.  Our temperature was checked at the door, we were given gowns, gloves, and masks to wear and told that if we were caught getting closer than 6 feet from Mom she would have to be put on a 14 day quarantine with her door shut.  Then the nurse said, "I will get the computer all set up and close the door and leave you to enjoy your family".  So - - what happens behind closed doors - - let's just say that finally after waiting 20 months I was able to give my dear Mother a real hug!!  The memorial was held in Sharon's living room and her family presented an amazing tribute to their father and grandfather. 

Eternal Sweethearts.

John Newell Turley, born October 16, 1945 to Wayne and Virginia Turley in Ellensburg, Washington, died at his home in Loveland, Colorado on Thursday, July 30, 2020, where he lived with his sweetheart of 50 years, Sharon Linette (Reid) Turley.

John and Sharon married in the Logan Utah LDS temple in 1969. Prior to his marriage, John served in the U.S. Army National Guard as well as a 2 year mission in England as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In the LDS church, he and his wife have enjoyed serving others in numerous leadership positions, helping both young and old find the peace and joy of following the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He also served many years in the Boy Scouts of America, motivating his 3 sons to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

John was an avid supporter of his alma mater Brigham Young University, especially sports. He was the valedictorian graduate from the College of Business in 1969 with a degree in Accounting. He spent the majority of his career in corporate finance and retired as the Chief Financial Officer of McElroy Metal, Inc. in 2012.

John enjoyed dancing, swimming, biking, running, reading, and studying family history. He touched the lives of many in the communities where he lived by simply being himself; a fun loving motivator who helped others believe in themselves.

Mr. Turley was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Virginia Turley, and his sister Pandra (Bob) Oliphant. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, his brother Kim (Carol), and his sister Annette (Stan) Herron. Also survived by his daughter Brigitte (David ) Means of Fruit Heights, UT; his son Craig (Shannon) of Loveland, CO; his daughter Shauna (Rodric) Mitchell of Jacksonville, FL; his son Steve (Angela) from Hagerstown, MD; his son Richard (Brittany) from Loveland, CO; his 20 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

I love you 

Sharon and John Turley
Mom really struggled to stay awake as it was nap time for her.  Connie and I would take turns rubbing her shoulders to wake her up from time to time.  It was so wonderful to be in the same room with our Mother, not just looking through her window, talking on the phone.  After one last hug from each, we opened the door and made sure we were 6 feet apart!
Mom was allowed to attend the graveside for John on Tuesday morning, August 4th.  Mick, Linda, Judy and Mike went to the care center to pick her up.  Sharon, Rich and his family, Shauna and her family, and Craig and his family arrived Monday night and left Wednesday morning to return to Colorado.  It was so great to see them all.  It had been a very long time since we were together.  
Anyone who wanted to give their Mom, Grandmother, or friend a hug had to be gowned, gloved, and masked.  With the masks, it was hard for Mom to really know who she was greeting but for all of us, it was a tender mercy to be able to really be with her again.
Judy and Mom
Nancy, Sharon, Linda, Mick (Connie and Dennis had already left)
on the count of three, drop the masks
Sharon, just before she left, saying good-by one last time to her eternal sweetheart till they meet again.  John has gone ahead to prepare their mansion (and Sharon will remodel it when she gets there)
We are so thankful for our Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness!
Mindi and Tracy and Sarah came to the graveside and then we went to lunch.  Mindi stayed over night with us so she could golf with us Wednesday morning.  We sure do love having her living in Utah instead of Georgia!
At 93 Golf Ranch
It was a beautiful morning

So fun to spend time with our children

Ready for our exercise

On August 1st, we received word that Tara Longmore (Ken and Lynn's daughter) had passed away.

Obituary

Tara Lynn Longmore Moss, 40, of Idaho Falls, passed away on August 1, 2020 at her home. She was under the care of Aspen Hospice. 

Tara was born on April 3, 1980, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Kenneth Duane Longmore and Lynn Thompson Longmore. She grew up in Iona and attended Iona Elementary as a child. She graduated from Bonneville High School in 1998 and furthered her education at Idaho State University and Boise State University.

On November 21, 2012, she married her sweetheart, Bruce Moss, in Idaho Falls, where they chose to make their home.

At a very young age it was discovered that Tara had been blessed with a beautiful singing voice, a gift that she loved sharing throughout her life. She was a member of the reputable Bonnevaires Choir of Bonneville High School and was often asked to sing at various functions in the community, as well as the National Anthem at sporting events. She loved performing in musical productions and played the lead role in The Pirates of Penzance her senior year. She could sing just about anything at the drop of a hat, requiring little practice or preparation. She also had a love for softball and enjoyed playing the sport in her youth, participating on local teams.

Her father, Ken, was in the advertising business and, one day, recruited Tara to do a voiceover for a radio commercial. At the recording studio she was thrilled to meet Mike Nelson, a popular radio DJ. Mike must have seen something special in Tara, because he offered her an internship on the spot, which she enthusiastically accepted. It was to be the beginning of her life’s passion; Tara, it seemed, was born for radio. She spent the next 25 years working as a DJ and morning show cohost. The Brad and Tara Show enjoyed the number one position in the ratings for most of its duration.

She loved music and attended many concerts with her husband, Bruce, often receiving backstage access. She loved the outdoors and the couple tried to get away on camping trips as much as they could. As a little girl, she had developed a special fondness for Bear Lake and would literally spend hours in the water. She always looked forward to her yearly vacation there with her family.

She loved to travel and see new and interesting places. A lifelong dream came true a earlier this year, when Tara and Bruce were able to take a trip to Europe. Her family greatly enjoyed the wacky video updates they sent from places like Paris, Amsterdam, and the famous Fluevog shoe store.

Tara had a larger than life personality and a sense of humor that could not be matched. Her infectious laugh was immediately recognizable by almost anybody in the community. Her family and friends knew her for her big heart and fierce loyalty. She cared deeply about people and was passionate about the things she believed in. Her smile could light up any room. To know her was a blessing and a gift. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Tara is survived by her loving husband, Bruce; parents, Kenneth Duane and Lynn Thompson Longmore of Iona, ID; step-daughters, Savahnna Moss of Idaho falls, ID, and Elyssa Moss of Blackfoot, ID; brothers Brady (Kimberly) Longmore of Iona, ID, Rett (Anna) Longmore of Idaho Falls, ID, and Blake (Kalysta) Longmore of Saratoga Springs, UT; and sister, Kindy Longmore of Idaho Falls, ID.

The family will be holding a private memorial in her honor.

So hard to loose someone so young.  
Eisley invited us to go camping with her and her Dad.  Sarah does not like to camp and she had a test to take and the boys had work so the 4 of us planned a camp out.
We left on Thursday the 6th and drove to Baker Creek.  We took Eisley with us as Tracy had to work on Thursday.  We were afraid that if we waited till Friday we wouldn't find a camping spot.  We were right.  Every campsite was taken except 3 when we arrived.  We picked the best of the 3 and enjoyed an afternoon with Eisley.  We borrowed George and Kim's camper (which we sold to them when we went on our first mission).  Eisley had planned all of the meals for us and we tried to do whatever she wanted to do.  She and I enjoyed a few games of UNO and Grandpa and Eisley took the 4wheeler to look around.
Roasting hot dogs and s'mores before calling it a day.
I knew that Kim had 2 chairs in the camper so I only brought one for Eisley.  Kim had taken the chairs out 2 days earlier so we only had one chair, a rock, and a baby chair to sit on this first night.
Tracy arrived about 10:00am on Friday.  He brought up Tony's pop-up trailer to use.
Eisley was excited to have their very own trailer to sleep in
Tracy setting up his kitchen where he took over all of the cooking NICE!

Eisley had to be quick to get the hammock before her Dad

Trying to get the generator started to help with the camp setup.  It had worked the day before when we set up our trailer but no such luck now.

The mountain across from our camp had a fire a few years ago
 

Eisley anxiously waiting for her Dad to arrive.  Waiting by the road


Even with the burn on the mountain, the area was beautiful
After lunch off they went to explore and enjoy the 4-wheelers.  Eisley was so thrilled to be able to drive for a time.  Then the terrain got a little steep and her thumb was falling asleep so she let her Dad drive.
They got home in time to enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers then took off on the bikes.  Eisley came back first.  The trail was a little steeper than she liked.  Grandpa did his best to keep up with Tracy but soon found that the higher altitude made the ride very difficult.  Tracy thrived on it and wished he could take longer and steeper rides.

As we were enjoying our campfire and s'mores that evening we had company
 
We couldn't believe how close these two came.  They wondered around us for about a half hour before they finally headed up the mountain.
The temperature dropped a bit this second night.  We got cold before morning and worried about Tracy and Eisley freezing in the pop-up tent.  We will find more blankets for everyone tonight and even turn on the catalytic heater in our trailer.
Saturday morning was clear and cold.  After a breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausage, we headed to the Baker Creek Lake Trailhead.  

 
It was a little over 900 feet altitude difference from bottom to top, coming back down will be much easier

We didn't have many others on the path going up but coming down it was a constant stream of people heading up to the lake.

Lon trying to catch a fish


Tracy getting his fly rod ready and Eisley deciding if she has the courage to get wet
 

The lake wasn't big but it was beautiful here

Too many trees to cast out well

 
We walked clear to the far side to try the fishing.  The wind was blowing just hard enough that casting was impossible.  Eisley loved climbing on the rocks, can you spot her?

 

Trying the other side.  Tracy finally just gave up - not a good day for fly fishing


Eisley finally began playing in the water, it was very cold!

Grandpa caught a fish and landed it right beside Eisley, scared her!

Letting the fish go.  Grandpa said that this was the longest walk he had ever taken to catch a fish.  We ate our lunch before we started back to camp.  

The forest would have been beautiful had it not been burned.  It is amazing to see the green trees that are right in the middle of the burn and are green

We ended up walking 4 miles this morning.  We got back to camp and took a nap.  Eisley, Tracy and I played several hands of UNO and we enjoyed Taco Salad for dinner.  Of course we had to have s'mores again😋
Sunday morning after breakfast we broke camp and headed for home.  Thank you Eisley for inviting us to your campout and for planning such a fun adventure for us.
Ron and Jane Bloxham are finishing their MLS Mission in Craig, Alaska next month. 
Ron has been trying to convince Lon and I to come up and fish with him before they head for home.  I hate to fly and get on boats and have been to Alaska 3 times already so it was decided that this trip should be for father and son.  
Covid19 has been making getting to Alaska very difficult for Lon and Tracy.  The travel restrictions have been changing almost daily but I think that we finally have every "i" dotted and each "t" crossed.  They both had to get a covid test, but probably won't get the results back till they return home😜
Chan took Lon and Tracy to Boise to catch their plane on the 17th.  
They landed in Ketchikan, Alaska at about 2:30pm
This is where they will catch the ferry to Prince of Whales Island.  They have about an hour to wait till the ferry arrives and then a 3 hour trip.

Tracy on the ferry
 
Father and Son loved the ferry ride

Too much water for me😓  Isn't it beautiful!
Tuesday was windy and rainy so no chance to fish for halibut but they still caught fish.
They look sooo wet and cold, but proud of their catch

Ron and Lon on the boat.
Wednesday was a better day
Caught the first halibut


Salmon, sea bass and halibut with 2 very happy fishermen!
Thursday was another very windy day.
The flag at times was standing straight out!
So no halibut fishing but catching many varieties of bottom fish

But the regulations have changed and these all had to be catch and release

Very sad cause some of the best tasting fish had to be set free: the rock fish, red snapper.


Caught some crab for dinner though

cleaning the crab
That black spot in the center of the photo is a black bear
now that is a "tiny" house

the view from the totem pole park


Thursday afternoon was spent doing some sightseeing and shopping. 

Had a wonderful dinner of crab legs with Elder and Sister Bloxham then packed for the trip home.
Friday was a long day.  We picked up the frozen and boxed fish at 6am and arrived home at 11:15pm.  It was a great trip!
2 boxes of fish and heading home (and both fishermen tested negative for covid)
I've always said that funerals come in 3's and sure enough we got our third funeral for the month on August the 21st.  Our Temple President from the San Salvador, El Salvador Temple passed away.

Nancy, Lon, President Petersen y Hermana Petersen


17, 1934 - Aug. 21, 2020

Date of Service: Aug. 29, 2020

Walter Ray Petersen, 86, formerly of Burley, Idaho, currently residing in Saratoga Springs, Utah, died August 21, 2020, due to causes incident to age. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children.
 
He was born April 17, 1934, in Wendell, Idaho, to Raymond O. Petersen and Jane Prescott Petersen. He had two older sisters, Bonnie and Phyllis, and a younger brother, Dale. His family lived briefly in Hailey and Pocatello and then returned to Wendell where he spent the summers doing farm work, learning carpentry, attended school and graduated from Wendell High School in 1952. He was an outstanding athlete, on the football field and basketball court, and captained both teams. He was a natural leader from a young age, serving as student body president, and receiving the Babe Ruth award for outstanding sportsmanship, the Beryl Passmore award for scholastic and athletic achievement, and the American Legion award for outstanding senior boy.
 
He went on to play basketball for both the University of Idaho and Boise Jr. College, graduating from BJC as valedictorian. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Uruguay-Paraguay Mission. He was able to use his Spanish fluency throughout his life to communicate with patients and in other capacities.
 
He began dating Eileen Albertson in the summer of 1960 when they had both returned home to Wendell during their summer break. They were pinned before he left for medical school, and got engaged at Christmas. They were married on June 14, 1961, in the Salt Lake Temple. Their family grew to seven children, 39 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
 
Following his mission, he returned to the University of Idaho to complete his bachelor’s degree. He changed from engineering to pre-medical studies, and graduated in 1959. He attended Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, Missouri, earning his M.D. degree in June 1963. He then interned at Minneapolis General Hospital in Minnesota for one year and then served two years in the public health service at the Indian Hospital in Talihina, Oklahoma. In 1966, they returned to their Southern Idaho roots to begin his medical practice as a family physician in Burley. Through his 39 years of medical practice, it is estimated that he delivered 4000 babies. He healed many hearts, heads, hands, and everything in-between.
 
In Burley, he was involved in many aspects of the community. He was a true Burley Bobcat fan. He loved supporting not only his own children in sports, but also served as the Burley High School team physician for 27 years. He was a fixture on the football sidelines in his green Bobcat letterman’s jacket. Most evenings during sports seasons were spent at games. He treated hundreds of athletes during these years.
 
He was involved in many civic and professional organizations, often serving in leadership positions. He served on the Burley City Council from 1977-1983. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, a delegate for the Idaho Medical Association, the Chief of Staff at Cassia Memorial Hospital, and the president of the Idaho Academy of Family Physicians. He was named the Burley Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year in 1991, Idaho Family Physician of the Year in 1994, and the 2000 Magic Valley President’s award in recognition of his many years of service to the youth and community.
 
He enjoyed many hobbies and activities, always involving his family. He loved snow skiing at Pomerelle and Sun Valley, spending summer days water skiing on the Snake River, flying his Cessna airplane all over the country, and playing basketball regularly into his 70s.
 
He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was valiant in his testimony of his Savior Jesus Christ. He served in many capacities throughout his life, including as a bishop (Burley 7th Ward), stake president (Burley Idaho West Stake), mission president (Mexico Mérida Mission), temple president (El Salvador Temple), and as a stake patriarch. He spent additional years in missionary service with his beloved companion at his side, serving as the area medical advisors in Central America area and the South America south area.
 
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eileen Marie Albertson Petersen, currently residing in Saratoga Springs, Utah; his children, Mary Jane Fisher (Shawn) of Rexburg, Gary Petersen (looking) of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Steven Petersen (Natalie) of Saratoga Springs, Utah, David Petersen (Julie) of Draper, Utah, Julie Peterson (John) of Saratoga Springs, Utah, Brian Petersen (Jennifer) of Shelbyville, Tennessee, and Jennifer Brewer (Jerry) of Rochester, Minnesota; 39 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brother, Dale Petersen (Connie); and a sister-in-law, Janice Robertson.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 29, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Burley West Stake Center, located at 2420 Parke Ave., in Burley, with President Matthew Cook officiating. Burial will be in Wendell Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, August 28, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and at the church on Saturday, from 10 until 10:45 a.m.

He loved his Idaho home dearly. His last spoken word was, “Burley.”

Due to the mandated 99-person-or-less attendance policy at a Church service, the funeral service at the Church is intended to be for family members only. Walter's many dear friends are invited to view the service via a live webcast at the following link: https://youtu.be/x-ofeY39sFU.

President Petersen had asked me to sing "O Divine Redeemer" at his funeral when we were in El Salvador.  I sang it there a couple of times, in Spanish, with Sherilee playing it on the keyboard, lowered 3 half steps cause the music is not written in a key low enough for my voice.  The lady that was playing for the funeral said no when I asked her to play for me.  She recommended that I ask Jeff Rasmussen to play.  Well, he ended up being the funeral home director and a very accomplished organist so he played the organ and I sang.  It went well.  It was a wonderful funeral with Elder Brent H. Neilson presiding and speaking.  We will miss our association with President Petersen.  He is such a great friend, example, and mentor to us.  We were thrilled to be able to visit with the Youngs and the Gibbons after the services.  We then went to lunch with Frank and Diane Wall who came up from Utah.  We served together under President Petersen in the El Salvador Temple.  Such amazing memories that we share with these dear people. 


 

Sunday the 30th we attended the Eagle Court of Honor for Ashton.

Ashton was one of 9 young men receiving their Eagle Award
Tracy and Sarah sponsored the ceremony in their back yard.

Very proud Mom and Dad
Ashton trying to get their pins on

putting on Ashton's new Eagle neckerchief
 He will be our last Eagle as the church has broken their association with the Boy Scouts of America and are running their own programs for the youth now.  Well, it has been a very busy moth.  We have enjoyed golfing and Lon and George have also enjoyed fishing.  We attended church on the 16th and reported our mission.  We spoke in both of the meetings, one at 9:30 and then at 11:00.  The 11 o'clock meeting was broadcast for all who didn't feel safe coming to the church so members of our family were able to tune in and hear our talks, a tender mercy thanks to the pandemic.

My computer is starting to act funny so I will stop now before I loose everything.  Have a great September!
  








 





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