Classification: COMPILED: Newspaper Location: USA, Utah, Uintah, Vernal Date Range: BTWN 1891 and 2008 Obituary for MARKHAM, Sarah Elizabeth Document Entry Number: 1
Information: Vernal Express, January 3, 1913, transcribed by 2nd great-granddaughter, Rhonda Thacker Holton
Transcription: Death Of Mrs. William Ashby.
Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Ashby, wife of William Ashby, died in Maeser Ward New Year's day after a long illness of arteriosclerosis, which developed into Bright's disease. The funeral was this morning at Maeser meeting house and was conducted by Bishop B. O. Colton. The speakers were Thomas J. Caldwell, Nancy Colton and Nelson Merkley. Deceased was born at Spanish Fork fifty-five years ago. She came to the Ashley Valley about twelve years ago, where she has since resided. The husband and nine children, six sons and three daughters survive her. All the children except a daughter, Mrs. James Murray, of the reservation, reside in the valley.
Information: Vernal Express, January 10, 1913, transcribed by 2nd great-granddaughter, Rhonda Thacker Holton
Transcription: On New Year's day the wife of William Ashby passed away at her home in Maeser.
Death came as a relief after a lingering illness of many months. Sarah Elizabeth Ashby was born at Spanish Fork in 1857. She was the daughter of Stephen and Mary Markham, her father being one of the pioneers of 1847. Her girlhood was spent among the trials and hardships that beset the early settlers of Utah. In 1878, she was married to William Ashby. They made their home at Lake Shore, Utah, being pioneers to that place. Here her family was born. It consists of six sons and three daughters, all of whom survive her and were at her bedside when death came. In 1900, the family sold their home in Lake Shore and moved to Ashley Valley, in Maeser Ward, where they have since lived. Mrs. Ashby was born and raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was a firm believer in its principles. At the time of her death she was a counselor in the Relief Society of Maeser Ward. The funeral was held January 3rd at Maeser Ward House, Bishop B. O. Colton conducting it. The speakers were Thos. J. Caldwell, Nancy Colton, Nelson Merkley and Bishop Colton, The songs, "Beautiful Isle," "Sister Thou Wert Mild and Lovely," "I Need Thee Every Hour," and "Oh My Father," were sung by the ward choir. Benediction was offered by O. D. Allen. The remains were intered in Maeser Cemetery.
Information: Vernal Express, September 7, 1939, transcribed by Rhonda Thacker Holton
Transcription: Auto Wreck Fatal to S. L. Mother. Car Overturns With Party On Way to Eaton Funeral.
Mrs. Sarah Ann Markham Larsen, 59, of Salt Lake City, mother of nine sons and daughters, died Sunday noon at a Red Cross first aid station in Duchesne, a short time after an automobile in which she was riding went out of control and overturned twice near Currant Creek about 30 miles west of Duchesne. Her husband, John L. Larsen, also a passenger in the sedan, was taken to the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake Sunday night for treatment of possible internal injuries: fractured ribs, lacerations, bruises and shock. Mrs. Larsen's death brought the Utah automobile fatality toll for 1939 to 97, compared with 136 during the same period in 1938, and was the first to be recorded in Duchesne County this year. Last year, four persons had been killed in Duchesne County up to September 4. The accident occurred on U. S. Highway 40 while Mr. and Mrs. Larsen and their daughters, Miss Gertrude Larsen, driver of the machine, and Mrs. Leland T. Ford were en route to Vernal to attend the funeral of Ernest Eaton. Miss Larsen told witnesses she had been driving east on a newly graveled part of the highway. Coming suddenly to the end of the graveled section, she said the sedan veered suddenly when it met the paved highway. Before the machine was righted it struck a bank at the side of the highway and overturned twice, throwing all but the driver out of the machine. Although Mrs. Larsen and Mrs. Ford were only scratched and bruised, Mr. and Mrs. Larsen were seriously injured, were rushed by passing motorists into Duchesne where Mrs. Larsen died shortly after arrival. Her body was interred at Salt Lake City. In attendance, besides her husband are nine sons and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Smith, Mrs. Harold G. Hulse, Gertrude Larsen, Mrs. Ford, Glen Larsen, Lucille Larsen and Harold Larsen all of Salt Lake; Mrs. Armet Miller and John C. Larsen, San Francisco, and 6 brothers and sisters. Miss Effie Markham of Los Angeles, Joseph and Stephen Markham, and Mrs. Frances Beck of Spanish Fork; Mrs. Thomas Patterson of Carey, Idaho, and Mrs. Lorin Chadwick of Ontario, Oregon.
Information: Vernal Express, January 28, 1943, transcribed by Rhonda Thacker Holton
Transcription: Interment was at the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of the Swain Funeral Home. Mrs. Rasmussen was born November 3, 1873 in Spanish Fork, the daugther of Andrew and Mary Markham Dudley. She was married to Ephraim Rasmussen December 31, 1891 at Jensen. The couple moved to Lapoint in 1907, residing here until 1938 when they moved to Salt Lake City to make their home with their daughter, Mrs. Mary Sessions. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen were active in LDS church work. Mr. Rasmussen preceded his wife in death October 25, 1942. Besides her daughter, Mrs. Sessions, Mrs. Rasmussen is survived by four sons, Grand and Thurmer Rasmussen of Lapoint, Ollie Rasmussen of Roosevelt and Louis Lloyd Rasmussen of the U. S. Marines; eleven grandchildren; five brothers, Andrew , Joseph and Sanford Dudley of Jensen, and Steven and Osmar Dudley of Canada; and three sisters, Mrs. Guyletta Campbell and Mrs. Julina Butcher of Vernal, and Mrs. Parney Witherall of Kansas City, Kansas. Those attending the service from distant points were Andrew Dudley, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dudley, Mary Ellen Wilkins, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Butcher, A. DeMar Dudley, George E. Wilkins, Mr. and Mrs. Harland Wilkins, Orvil Dudley, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hall, Mr. and Mrs. William Ashby, Mr. and Mrs. Wells Ashby, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Billings, Mrs. Sam Hatch, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Woodard, Verdin R. Johnson, Archie Johnson, Ernest M. Johnson, Mrs. Effie Powell, Mrs. A. T. Johnson, Mrs. J. W. Bastian, Mrs. Eleanor Chew and Dean Bigelow.
Information: Vernal Express, October 10, 1924, transcribed by Rhonda Thacker Holton
Transcription: Funeral Services for Mrs. R. L. Woodard Largely Attended. Last Loving Tribute of Many Friends Paid To One Whose Memory They Honor.
The funeral services of Mrs. Helen Woodard, wife of R. L. Woodard, who died Wednesday evening, October 1, 1924, following a serious operation made in a futile attempt to save her life, was held at the Vernal Second Ward Chapel at 12:15 p. m. Sunday afternoon, October 6. The house was crowded by many friends and relatives. Bishop Hyrum B. Calder of Vernal First Ward presided. The house was beautifully decorated in white. Mrs. Frank Swain was the funeral director. H. Walter Wooley delivered the funeral oration, his theme being "Immortality of the Soul." Bishop Calder in a few words told of the great appreciation of the departed friends and particularly did mention the one little neighbor, Aunt Mary Butler, who was absent because of being away in Salt Lake City and that it was an inspiration to the living to witness the appreciation of the many present. The deceased was born April 20, 1876 in Spanish Fork, Utah, her parents being Mary Lucy Markham Dudley and Andrew Dudley, Sr. Coming to the Ashley Valley in 1888, she grew to womanhood in Jensen and was married to L. H. Woodard March 21, 1893. Two daughters were born to them, Mrs. Sybil Collier who survives and Barbara who died when 9 years old. Mrs. Woodard had a large circle of friends, was of a charitable disposition and gave no chance for display of her many gifts to the needy. Her home was the scene of many social functions, for she loved to make others happy. For several years she suffered intensely at times with the peculiar condition which only a surgeon's knife revealed in the attempt to save her life. The great wonder is she lived the number of years she did, for some of the cause of her death dated back to her babyhood. The respect which she held in the memory of her many friends is shown by the many at the funeral services. She will be missed in the town not only in social activities, but in community betterment. She was a member of the P. E. O. sisterhood, an educational and benevolent association, the Guild of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the Twentieth Century Club, The Current Topics Club, The Rebekahs. She was a loving wife and mother not only to her own girls but to others as well and who will hold her memory as a priceless gift. She was a great lover of flowers and the house was always surrounded with their beauty a perfect setting for the splendidly kept lawn. She seemed to know just when and how to work with them to bring forth their greatest beauty. Frequently on a summer's morning she could be seen before sun up working among the flowers, giving a cheery smile and a pleasant word to the passersby. One always felt better after passing by her home. The music was by special double quartet composed of Mrs. George Walker, Miss May Nielson, Mrs. C. J. Neal, Miss Gus Davis, A. G. Goodrich, Byron Goodrich, A. B. Thomas and J. N. Lybbert, who sang, "Abide With Me" and "I Need Thee Every Hour." Mrs. C. J. Neal sang, "Face To Face." Miss Evan Eaton presided at the piano. C. B. Bartlett offered the opening prayer and the benediction was given by Bishop George E. Wilkins of Vernal Second Ward. The grave was dedicated by Bishop Calder. Interment was in the Maeser Cemetery by the side of her daughter Barbara, who died when 9 years of age. The pallbearers were members of the P. E. O. sisterhood and were dressed in white. Mrs. E. A. Manker, Mrs. John McAndrews, Mrs. W. A. Banks, Mrs. Horace Coltharp, Miss Julia Herriott, Mrs. M. P. Smith who took the place of Mrs. Walter G. Barnes of Rangely, Colorado, who was unable to arrive in time for the funeral service. The flowers were beautiful and profuse for that time of year, and would have been much more so had Mrs. James McNaughtan been able to procure them as her large order to Grand Junction, Colorado, they were unable to fill, so many, many friends were unable to send the flower tributes. The following set pieces: Her sisters, a broken wheel; Vernal Gun Club, large bouquet; P. E. O. sisterhood, gold star; Rebekahs, three links; Ashley Co-op, large bouquet; Current Topics Club, bouquet; Twentieth Century Club. Besides these there were many beautiful offerings from friends, several of which were telegraphed orders. Besides the bereaved husband, the deceased is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Sybil Collier, of Vernal, an aged father, Andrew Dudley Sr., of Jensen; five brothers, Andrew Jr., Joseph S. both of Jensen; Stephen, Hosmer and Sanford of Glenwoodville, Alberta, Canada; six sisters, Mrs. Al Wilkins, Mrs. Atta Chatwin, Mrs. Jesse Butcher, Mrs. Otis Witherall, all of Jensen; Mrs. Guyletta Stewart of Vernal, and Mrs. Ephraim Rasmussen of Lapoint and one grandchild. None of the brothers in Canada were present at the funeral.
Information: Vernal Express, September 9, 1903, transcribed by Rhonda Thacker Holton
Transcription: Sudden Death.
Just as we go to press we learn of the death of Mary L. Dudley, wife of Andrew Dudley, Sr., of Jensen, which occurred yesterday at 11:30 o'clock a.m. after a brief illness of only a few days' duration. Death was due to some internal complication, the nature of which is not certain. The deceased was born at Spanish Fork fifty years ago, and was a daughter of Stephen Markham of that place. With her husband she came to Uintah County and settled at Jensen in 1887, where the family has since resided. She leaves quite a large family, five of whom are still living at home, three girls and two boys, the youngest being five years of age, The funeral will take place tomorrow.
Information: Vernal Express, July 1949, transcribed by Rhonda Thacker Holton
Transcription: STEPHEN WELLS ASHBY SERVICE HELD SATURDAY
Funeral services for Stephen Wells Ashby, 64, Uintah resident for many years, who died in his Maeser home 5 July after a lingering illness, were conducted last Saturday morning in the Maeser Ward chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Ferron Hacking, member of the bishopric...Pall bearers were Mark M. Hall, Joseph Bodily, Ed Bodily, Arthur Curtis, Verdin Johnson and Thomas E. Caldwell, all of the Maeser Ward high priest quorum of whom Brother Ashby was a member. Internment was in the Fairview Cemetery, in the family lot with his daughter Sara, who died just 19 years to the second prior to Mr. Ashby, 3:00 A.M. on July 5, 1930. And, as we know, Mr. Ashby died at 3:00 A.M. on July 5, 1949. Mr. Ashby is survived by his widow, Ambrosine Hacking Ashby and three sons and two daughters and fourteen grandchildren, two brothers and three sisters. Rulon Wells Ashby and Harold Clive Ashby, both of Vernal. Ward Hacking Ashby of Midvale, Utah, Thora Ashby Hall of Vernal, Utah, Anna Ashby Oldham of Toledo, Oregon. Lila, Gary H. and Kenny Ashby of McKinnon, Wyoming, Clyde Harold and Boyd Ray Ashby of Vernal, Dee Ashby Hall, Ivan Ashby Hall, Donna and Vera Hall of Vernal, Dennis Ward Ashby and David Lon Ashby of Midvale, and Leslie Carroll Oldham, Stephen George Oldham and James Allison Oldham of Toledo, Oregon. Don C. Ashby, Salt Lake City, Utah and Elias Ashby of Benjamin, Utah. Atta Murray of Taylorsville, Utah, Leona Hall of Vernal, Utah, and Mary Smith of Santaquin, Utah.
The following is the transcription of the funeral services. I do not think it was published in the Vernal Express, but it is included here.
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR STEPHEN WELLS ASHBY Held at Maeser Ward Chapel 9 July 1949
Opening Song: Oh My Father by male quartet composed of George Davis, Leslie P. Thacker, Ernest Caldwell and Frank Walker
Opening prayer: John L. McConkie
All wise heavenly father, On this occasion a few of thy children have been called together in honor of one of those of our number who has departed this life. Our father in heaven, we pray that while we are thus convened today, that thou wilt bless us with thy spirit, that thy spirit may be on those who preside, on those who will speak and take part in the service, and on those who have come out today to pay their respects to Brother Ashby, who has been ill for some time, and now has been called home.
Our father in heaven, we are truly grateful unto thee today for this last dispensation of the fulness of times. We are grateful that we have been permitted to come to the earth in this wonderful day to take part in this wonderful work. We are grateful for our experiences here, for our association with Brother Ashby. We know, as thou knowest, that he has lived a good and straightforward life, even from a youth up. He has always been ready and willing to take his part in the labors assigned to him. He has been true and faithful and has lived a life that would be worthy of imitation by the ordinary man today.
We are grateful and thankful for this association and for the assistance he has given unto the people of this ward for so many years. We are truly grateful that he has been permitted to live at this time. Sister Ashby and Brother Ashby have lived together in peace, and they have worked together and they have put forth a strong effort to serve thee and keep thy commandments while upon the earth. They have accepted of the gospel of Jesus Christ that has been given unto the people in this day and age, and have obeyed the Lord and the commandments that have been given unto them. They have been sealed not only for this life, but for all eternity. They have raised an honorable and upright family that has been taught the gospel by example and by precept. They have lived the ordinances and laws of the gospel and have built upon this foundation sufficiently that as time goes on they will be permitted to enjoy the blessings of the faithful throughout all eternity.
Father in heaven, be mindful of this family, of Sister Ashby, at this time. Bless her that her health may be improved, that the organs of her body may function properly, and that she may be blessed to the privilege of living yet for many years, that she may assist her family and do the things that she would like to do here upon the earth.
Father in heaven, wilt thou be mindful of the family, each and every one of them, that they may understand the gospel principles, that they may sense the responsibility that will bring them great rewards if they will keep thy commandments.
We are grateful for this opportunity of meeting today on this occasion, and pray that thou wilt be mindful of those who will speak to us today. May they give us counsel that will seep into our hearts and influence our associates and those with whom we come in contact.
May thy blessings be on each and everyone here today, that they may be able to understand more thoroughly the commandments and covenants that thou hast given unto thy children. May we be assisted in all of our righteous undertakings, we humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Vocal Solo: Harvey Knight The Old Rugged Cross Accompanied by Mable Stagg
Speaker: Carl R. Richens
I do feel highly honored in being asked by this good family to participate in this service here today. I feel incompetent and sincerely pray that God will be good to me and bless me with his spirit, that I may be able to say those things which will be pleasing unto him.
As I sat here through the service thus far, looked over this splendid audience, these beautiful floral offerings, and listened to the beautiful music, I couldn't help but feel that it is as Brother Ashby would have it.
Indeed, my brothers and sisters, I do rejoice in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the simplicity of these Mormon funerals and the grandeur of them in their simplicity. There is no attempt at pomp or display in these services, but I am sure all of you can bear witness today of the wonderful peaceful influence and spirit that are here. I trust sincerely that I shall be able, with the help of the Lord, to maintain that through the time that I shall speak, and if possible, that I might add something here that will help to make this service a success.
It never has been the plan of the church, nor it is the plan of God himself that there shall be pomp and display and false pride. Simplicity, genuine sympathy, honest heartfelt feeling for those who mourn is the thing that God would have us do. Indeed, he has said, "Thou shalt live together in love insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die." And I believe that we have learned to do that to some extent, perhaps not fully, but to the extent that we, the friends and relatives and loved ones of this good brother do come and in the parting we do weep for the loss of them that have gone. And it is right that it should be that way.
I have known Brother Wells nearly all my life. The Ashby family moved here into the Maeser Ward a year or two ahead of us. And we have been neighbors and associates most of the time since then.
I noticed that out of the six boys of the Ashby family, only two now remain. With the passing of Brother Ashby, I think all of us who know him as neighbors and friends and associates just begin to realize more completely that our turn is not too far away.
The Lord said unto Adam, "Thou shalt not partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; nevertheless you have your agency and if you choose to partake of that fruit and disobey my commandment, in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." And from that day on, death has been the legacy of the human family. We have inherited it as his children. And so, of course, we know sooner or later all who come into this life will pass out of this life.
Brother Ashby was over 64 years old. As I think of this service being a fruit of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its simplicity and in its purity, I think in that light our brother is a product of the gospel of Jesus Christ: a boy born under the covenant, raised in the church, and working in the church from the time he was old enough to act as a deacon. All the way up through the quorums of the priesthood he has been active and has advanced and grown, assuming responsibility as he grew older and taking on himself responsibilities of those who are willing to serve in the work of the Lord. And I think after his 64 years of life here in the earth, we can well feel he is a product of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I don't believe that we have to feel bad for Brother Wells Ashby. The Lord said we should feel badly for those who have not hope of a glorious resurrection, for those who have not lived unto him. And I don't think we need to feel that way about Brother Ashby. He has lived under the law, he has striven all the days of his life to do his duty in the work of the Lord, in his obligations to his fellowmen, to his family and all those with whom he came in contact.
I have been quite closely associated with him throughout the years in various capacities. I found that he applied the gospel of Jesus Christ in all his activities. I don't know in my contacts with Wells that I ever heard him say anything but pretty proper language. I don't believe that I ever heard him talk about other people in a slanderous way. If he felt that he had been done an injustice, he kept the complaint to himself. If he felt that someone had done him that which was not right, he didn't say too much about it. Never at any time did I ever hear him say anything against anyone, even though others may have been participating in the comment about other people. Wells generally left that for someone else.
He had a very kind disposition in many ways. I have seen him in his family. I know his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his concern for measuring up to the things that the gospel called for. And I am sure these boys and girls can say that in all his anxiety to have them go as the Lord would have them, he never forced them, he never tried to force them. He was not made up that way. He led the way. He wanted them to choose the path. And I am sure he is concerned that his children choose the path that leads unto eternal life. But he never was so anxious that he tried to drive those children. I am sure these boys and girls can tell you that same thing.
As near as I could tell, there always seemed to be in the home the proper love and respect for each other. I am sure that Brother and Sister Ashby thought much of each other. They lived together in love. They loved their family. They loved each other. They sacrificed for each other and always thought of each other and the family, and for others. And so their home was a home where I am sure the spirit of the Lord could find abode.
And so I rejoice in the life of a man like this. I feel that we who have met here today, even though this occasion is sad, can rejoice to know that Brother Ashby has lived such a splendid life.
I know, of course, that he wanted for some of the things of this life. He worked hard all his life. I know he used to use the expression, "We will dash and..." And he did dash here and dash there, trying to do his duty. He didn't want anyone to feel they were not getting the consideration they were entitled to because he was not doing his part. I think perhaps, sometimes he took on more of a load than was wisdom because he was anxious to do his part. In church activity he was always reluctant, if he couldn't lead out and do his part, to ask others to do it. I have seem him leave his own work very willingly and gladly go to do the work of the Lord. He had been trained in that way. I am sure the Lord loved and blessed him.
Perhaps the Lord didn't see fit to bestow upon him and his family too much of this world's good. But I am sure he blessed him, his family, and his good wife.
I think all of us know the situation. I have often thought of Brother and Sister Ashby, both stricken with broken health at the same time. And in my contact with Wells during that time, I never heard him complain. I know there was anxiety and vital concern on his part that something might be done that those who depended upon him might be secure, and I am sure that it worried him during his sickness, and he knew his wife's condition and worried about her for fear she would break down under the burden placed upon her because of his condition.
The Lord was good to them. He has been good to Sister Ashby and blessed her with the power to hold up through this trial. They have had plenty of trials throughout their lives and struggled with lots of problems, going without many things, but they did it willingly and uncomplainingly. So growth and development have come to them. We grow and develop by coming in contact with that which is difficult and surmounting the obstacle. So these good people through the years have overcome many difficulties and obstacles and have grown and developed until their power and appreciation of their fellowmen is greater, their love of the Lord is greater. I am sure they are secure in the faith and trust they have in the Lord.
It is important for all of us as we sit here as a congregation met to do honor and pay tribute to this brother--we don't know, any of us, what tomorrow may bring to us--that sooner or later we will follow on the same path back, be called home, and how soon we cannot know. Life is a serious matter. It is important that we understand it, that we understand the laws that pertain most completely to it and that we adhere to those laws and principles.
May I say this, if there are any who may feel that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not as important as some would have us believe, can we not feel that there might be something to those things as others have testified? When Joseph Smith gave his life and sealed his testimony with his blood, and when Christ himself died on the cross to atone for a fallen people, it was no idle moment. My admonition to all of us is that lest we make a mistake and turn away from that which is important to our eternal benefit, let us analyze what God would have us do and determine to comply with God's commandments, that when our turn comes we might be worthy to go back and meet our Father in Heaven. The prophet of old said, "This is the time and the place to prepare to meet God." And when we have those of our number called home, it is a serious and grave reminder that our turn is coming sooner or later. While we yet have life and opportunity to overcome weaknesses, may God give us the strength to overcome them, that we may not be among those who are going to be disappointed when we get over there and the reward is measured out.
God bless us all. Bless and be with this good sister and this family. I trust that God will bless these children, that his spirit will come into their souls and that they will see the things their father saw, the importance of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and strive constantly and conscientiously and honestly to hold to those principles and be faithful true unto the end, and that they may be worthy to come and meet their father and mother when they get on the other side.
God bless us all that we may have in our hearts a true love for one another, that we may be a strength to each other, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Vocal Solo: Angel's Serenade Amber Adams Accompanied by Mable Stagg
Speaker: Archie Johnson
The beautiful song you have just listened to is the Angel's Serenade, the song that Sister Ashby used to sing and that Brother Ashby loved to hear her sing. In fact, she told me when Brother Ashby heard her sing this song, the song is what made him love her. Angel's Serenade--very beautifully given at this time--very appropriate to sing at this service for Brother Ashby.
As I have listened to the program and have read the program to follow, I think all of it has been very appropriate.
I noticed that before the family left the home, Harold Clive Ashby offered the prayer. I don't know what could be more appropriate when the father is being taken away than for one of his sons to ask the blessings of the Lord on the home and on the services to be held for the father.
When we came here, I listened to one of the finest prayers that I have ever listened to, by one of the associates of Brother Ashby, one who worked with him and labored with him and knew him well. And the thought came to my mind at the close of that prayer that if we should go now to the cemetery and not hold any other numbers, we would be well paid for coming. Well, it continued on. If any of you haven't heard, or it hasn't entered your heart, I mean, if you haven't understood, at least, the gospel of Jesus Christ, you read the words of the song "Oh My Father", so beautifully given by the male chorus. Perhaps I was just in the frame of mind today to enjoy and appreciate it. But I don't know when I have heard "Oh My Father" sung more beautifully. And I suggest to you, my brothers and sisters, that you read the words over and over again if you want to understand the mission of life, if you want to know why you are here, if you want to know where you are going, if you want to know where you came from before you came here. You get the message in that poem by Sister Eliza R. Snow, "Oh My Father."
And other things have been appropriate today: the house filled with people, crowed for sitting room; all the space available taken up with flowers, which are sentiments of love and appreciation for this man. I notice there will be a song at the close, "Going Home." I know we hear it many times and like other things, perhaps, it just passes over our minds without any thought. But I would like to suggest to you, my brothers and sisters, that with all the power you have, particularly this family, realize that those words are true. "Going Home." This hasn't been the home of Brother Ashby, I mean this isn't his eternal home. He is going home. And that makes life beautiful, that makes death sweet, if you and I can feel and know that we are going home. The closing prayers, one will be offered by John G. Hacking. The last resting place for the mortal body of Brother Ashby, the grave, to be dedicated by another brother-in-law, Brother J. C. Hacking. And so, as someone has said, I don't know that Brother Ashby could have had those parts of the program arranged for him any better than they have been.
I asked the family on my visit to them the other day, or when they asked me to come to this service, if I might have a little information that might be interesting to you. Of course, they gave me the clipping from the paper. That gives the birth and other information about him. I shall not take time to read it. You may all do that. But there came into my hands a little article, I don't know whether they would like me to read it or not, but I am taking the liberty, in regard to him. And I couldn't preach any finer sermon than they have preached for him. I am sure this comes from his most beloved wife. This is the feeling of the family, mine, and I am sure, yours.
"Wells believed implicitely in the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." And rather than read it just through, I would like to comment as I go along. I think Brother Richens said today that the life of Brother Ashby is the product of the Church of Jesus Christ. I pass that on to you. If the gospel of Jesus Christ is of any benefit in this world, it will show in the life of a man like this, because he put all he had into it. He lived it more completely than most of us do. And so his life, my brothers and sisters, is a product of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And when they say he believed implicitely in it, I agree with them, and I bear testimony to you that in all my associations with him in an official way as well as just friendly associations, I don't know of anybody who was more dutiful to the church to which he belonged than was Brother Wells Ashby. And his life shows it.
..."The same gospel that was given to Adam..." and I bear testimony to you of that. "Few men live closer and more fully abide by every principle of the gospel than did Wells. No one was more grateful for every thought, deed, or act of kindness shown than was he. No one was more unselfish. Around these two principles he founded his whole life." And when you say that-- gratitude for things given to him, unselfishness in regard to the things he might attain--are two of the greatest principles that I know, and I say again that they were part of the life of Stephen Wells Ashby.
..."He knew the gospel. Even the first law given to Adam seemed to fit into his very life and became part of him." Now listen to this: "Adam, because of thy transgression, thou must earn thy bread by the sweat of thy brow all the days of thy life." That was the commandment given to Adam, and Brother Ashby loved it. As has already been stated, he loved to work. He loved to keep that commandment, and all the days of his life he loved to earn his bread by keeping this commandment of God. Here is another thing that I appreciate aboutk him.
..."The good earth and all that grew thereon; the fish in the sea and the brook, the animals on the land; the horse, the cow, the dog, and all the beasts of the field and all the fowls of both land and air--these were all a very important part of his life." He was a man who lived close to the soil, to the out-of-doors. And I love that about him.
..."The very recent quotation of his..." I love this one, too. "'You know, I came into this world with very little of the material things of this life. I haven't acquired much while I have lived here. But when I die, I will die with one of the greatest treasures God ever gave to Mankind, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with the priesthood.'" May all of you, my brothers and sisters, take that as a theme for life if you desire, one of the greatest. Through this he obtained his happiness. And I say, my brothers and sisters, I don't know that I could even add to those thoughts.
I went into the home last Sunday morning, and I am sorry--was sorry then--that I couldn't talk to Brother Ashby, or that he couldn't talk to me. But he was nearing the close of the long days of affliction which had been his lot. And then there came to my knowledge a beautiful thought. For all these months he had a companion who stood by his bedside, and was greater than any trained nurse could have been. I saw the record that had been kept of every hour of that time, of what to do for him now, what to do for him the next time, how best to help relieve his suffering and to prolong his life. His companion, his wife, did this because she loved to do it, she enjoys helping him. Let me say that she was not alone, that every member of their family stood by. And while I sat there I made note of the fact that the sons seemed to me to be trained nurses, watching every moment and doing everything that they could. And so, my brothers and sisters, the sons and the daughters, the wife, and the friends who have assisted, have only done things that have made them happy in assisting in this suffering and death of Brother Ashby.
And as was said in this little quotation, "He was grateful." And so, let me tell you, you who have assisted, and particularly the family who have done so much, I bear testimony to you for Brother Ashby, he is grateful, and he loves those who have given any attention to him. And so I felt to offer that little word of appreciation that I am sure Brother Ashby would love to have mentioned here today if he himself could.
Now I shouldn't prolong my remarks, brothers and sisters. Just perhaps one other little thought and then I shall close. I want you to know as the testimony has come to me today, and I don't know whenever in my life I have felt it more and with all certainty, without any question, I bear testimony to you that Brother Ashby lives, that he is just as alive and more alive than you and I. And sometimes, I know, in this worldly affair, and this doubt and questioning that comes to us in mortality, sometimes we doubt--that Brother Wells Ashby is alive, and those others who have gone before him are alive, and there will be a resurrection and he, with us, will come forth and we will live. Now after all this, not sorrow, but just this bereavement, passes, that has come to the family and to those who have to part with him now--after that can be dispelled with assurance that they will see him again, it will make them happy. And I tell them, it is no more unreasonable, it is no more uncertain than if he had just been taking a trip to a neighboring town or state and then he had come here. And if he had been gone a long time, how they would love to see him. Brother Ashby has just gone to a neighboring state. He likely will not come back here before we go there with him. And brothers and sisters, when we go, Sister Ashby will greet him, or he will greet her, as husband and wife. And it may be quite a number of years before his family goes, but oh, what a rejoicing and what a greeting when these sons and daughters meet their father! And that's the testimony I have to bear to you.
God bless you all, my brothers and sisters. May we be worthy children of God. May we be happy when we again meet our Father in Heaven and our loved ones in that great eternal place. I pray humbly that Sister Ashby's life shall continue to be a happy one, that she may live as long as she desires and the Lord desires for her to live on the earth, and that the family may continue to enjoy that peaceful spirit of their father, and that we may all meet in that great eternal world. God bless us all is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Speaker: J. Ferron Hacking, for the bishopric
My brothers and sisters, at this time we should like to take this opportunity for Sister Ashby to thank each and everyone of you. She is grateful for all that has been done and for the kindnesses shown to her.
We consider that Brother Ashby has lived his religion as well as any man among us. I would like to say this to his sons and daughters, that you can be well proud of your father, the way he lived his religion. He has tried to teach you the gospel of Jesus Christ, the plan of life, first-hand. He came on this earth and has passed through the second estate. From this time on, I should like to say to you that you are going to miss your father. This is going to be different than it has been heretofore, due to the fact that maybe you have been away from your father for a while. But every once in a while you would have the opportunity of visiting him. That opportunity will not be yours until you pass through this life. The responsibility as the head of a family has been shifted from him to you. As head of his family, he has passed on. From here on you will be the head of your families. But I would like to say to you this, remember the gospel, the way your father tried to teach it to you. And when you would like to visit him, go back and say, "Am I living my religion or the gospel plan like my father would like to have me?" And if you will do this, it will give you the comfort you would have if you could visit with your father. I ask that the Lord continue his blessings on you, and I do it in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Quartet: I Need Thee Every Hour
Closing Prayer: John G. Hacking
Our Father in Heaven, we do humbly bow our heads at this time for the many blessings that thou hast given us, for the many sympathetic feelings and words and acts of this day; for the flowers, for the sentiments of our friends. We pray that we may remember them forever and that they will help us bear up at this time in our bereavement, and that we may be able, through the sentiments and acts to live better from now on, and that we may be able to shun the wickedness of this world and be able to protect ourselves from the acts of evil men and women, and that we may all live better lives.
And we pray that the family that have now lost their father may try their best to excel his good works. And if they do, we will not fear their future.
We pray that thy spirit may attend us to the cemetery and be there, and attend all who go there, and remain with them hereafter, that they may be able to live better lives.
We pray for the good wife of this brother that she may have thy spirit to bear her up and that she may be able to live and to do the work that she desires from now on.
We pray for all these blessings and that thou should dismiss this meeting with thy blessings. We ask it in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Dedicatory Prayer: James Clair Hacking
Our Father in Heaven, we bow our heads humbly before thee at this time and ask that thy spirit may continue to be in the balance of these services.
We dedicate this spot of ground and we ask thee to approve it and set it apart as the last resting place here on earth for the remains of this our brother, Stephen Wells Ashby, and that this body may lie here and rest in peace until the morning of the resurrection, at which time we are sure that he will come forth and enter into his glory which he has earned here upon this earth.
These blessings, with all others that are necessary to ask for, we ask for in the name of thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Information: Vernal Express, April 27, 1961, transcribed by Rhonda Thacker Holton
Transcription: Funeral Held in Colorado For S. H. Dudley.
Funeral services were held Saturday in Grand Junction, Colorado for Sanford Hyrum Dudley, 71, who died at the Veterans Hospital there following a heart attack. He is the father of Orvil, DeMarr and Lynne Dudley of Jensen and a brother to Joseph Dudley, also of Jensen who all attended the services. Mr. Dudley is also survived by his wife, Victoria and two sons, Hyrum T. Dudley and Robert Dudley serving in the Navy, who were unable to come home and one daughter, Margaret. There are four step children, Dean, Albert, Vera and Irene who survive and a sister Juline Butcher. Also attending the services from Vernal was Mrs. May Woodard Rowley.