David and Marti

David Lawson and Marti Smith were married  5 March 2012 at their home in Commerce City. A few church members, close friends, and Marti’s son were present for the ceremony and Bishop Taylor of the  Woodglen Ward officiated.  Marti had a beautiful bouquet and was in her bed as David sat beside her holding her hand.

 

David is the son of Harold and LaRue Lawson. 

Teddy Leon Bingham, Sept. 21, 1930 to Dec. 23, 2011.

Teddy Leon Bingham- 81- peacefully passed away on December 23, 2011, at his home in Washington, UT. He was born September 21, 1930, to James Edward Bingham and Cora Emily Dunn Bingham, at his Grandmother Dunn’s home in Manassa, CO.

He attended area schools and graduated from Manassa High School in 1949. On August 29, 1950, he married Ramona Jean Coleman in the Logan Temple. They were married 42 years and together raised nine children. After Jean’s passing he married Lani Losee, on June 19, 1993, in the St. George Temple.
Leon was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a missionary heart and served stake missions in Maricopa, Casa Grande, Chandler and Mesa AZ. He and Lani served together in the New York, Yonkers mission and at the Family History Center in Mesa, AZ. He loved people and loved sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. He was an ordinance worker in both the Mesa, and St. George temples. He devoted many years to the scouting program. Leon was a farmer, welder, truck driver, salesman, business owner and worked many years in the drywall industry. He played many sports in his younger years. He enjoyed attending and coaching his son’s baseball games and loved a good game on TV. He was a poet, a tease, a joke teller and a gardener. His greatest love in life was his family.
He is survived by: his wife, Lani; sisters, Gatha Vance, Barbara White, LaRue Lawson and Doris Faye (Bert) Tieman; sister-in-law, Erma Bingham; daughters, Teddi (Fred) Schroeder, Brenda (Lynn) Reber, Cindy (Lars) Sorensen, Carol (Derek) DePriest; sons, Jim, Jack (Kim), Justin (Denise), Jay (Kimberlee), Jeff (NiKael); Step daughters, Kari (Brent) Theobald, Debbie (Vince) Cramer, Peggy (Todd) Woolley, Judy (Chris) Fischer; sixty-five grandchildren and sixty-three great grandchildren. Leon is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; brother, Keith; and grandson, Zachary Evans.
Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011, at the Washington Fields 10th Ward Chapel 628 S. 3000 E. Washington, UT. Friends and family may call from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the church. Interment will be Saturday, December 31, 2011. at the Mesa City Cemetery, Mesa, AZ.
Friends and family are invited to share condolences online at www.serenicare.com. Arrangements are under the direction of SereniCare Funeral Home, St. George, UT 986-2085.

Family is More Than Brothers and Sisters

 I love my brothers and sisters, but when I think of family, it is much more.  It was indeed a blessing to grow up in a small community  filled with extended family.  Aunts and uncles and cousins are an important part of my family.  Cousins were playmates and the adults in the family were important role models for me.

 

 I especially loved the times that we would gather as extended family at special times.  There were Thanksgiving dinners and trips to the mountains when we divided up and went with our peers to play and to catch up with those who had moved away.  I tired of the parade down main street each ear, but I never tired of renewing relationships with those who gathered.

It saddens me that our families have scattered and that our relationships have suffered.  Seeing the photographs of those dear to me help me remember how much extended family means to me.

My Early Years

This is the time that our family still lived in Manassa. We lived in a house that was across the street from the McKenzie family. I was about 5 years old when we moved from the house where the Johnsons live. Helen and I were the same age. We enjoyed each other, but our mothers didn't let us have much time together. That is were we lived when I started school.

My first grade teacher was Edna Potts. She was my dad's cousin. I don't remember a lot about that year, but some of my classmates were: Helen McKenzie; Betty Jean Johnson (DeGolyer), my cousin; Coral Bagwell (Sowards); Dorothy Weston; Coleen Sowards; ViDella McKinney (Jack); and Shirley Jackson (Lippincott).

My second grade teacher was Lois Jackson and my third grade teacher was Maxine Jensen. Our school building was the same as my children went to school in. It hadn't changed from the time I was there until it was destroyed.

We moved to the house between Romeo and Antonito when I was in the fourth grade. That is the home that I look at as my old home. That is the time that I remember the best.

New Beginnings

I was born on the 24th of October 1928 in Antonito, Conejos County, Colorado, to James Edward Bingham and Cora Emily Dunn.

My parents were married in Manassa, at the home of my grandparents, Simeon Harmon Dunn and Anna Buletta Jensen. My dads parents had died when he was young, so grandma and grandpa Dunn were our only living grandparents.

I was born in Antonito, because my dad was working in a grocery store there. He was a meat cutter. We only lived there a short time and next we moved to Manassa, Colorado.

My brothers and sisters are: Keith Edward, he was born in Manassa, at the home of my grandparents, Sim and Annie Dunn. He was older than me. Leon, is my brother just younger than me. Leon and I were the only ones who were born in a home other than my grandparents. Leon was born in a house on the northwest side of Manassa. Keith, (Barbara, LaRue and Doris Faye, my sisters), were born at the home of our grandparents.

My memories of my youngest years are vague. The first that I remember was when we lived in Saguache, Colorado. My dad worked on a farm there. Keith and I were playing in a two wheeled trailer . We would go to the back and it would go to the ground , and then we'd go to the front and it would go to the ground. That seemed to be a lot of fun, until we fell our. I cut my head and Keith broke his arm. I still have a bald spot on my head from that sore.

We moved from Saguache to a home in the northeast side of Manassa. Eda and Rex Johnson own that home now. Keith and I were playing under the front porch of that home and Keith started a fire. It started the porch on fire. Mom was working behind the house and she came and saw the fire and put it our.

We moved from that house in the southwest corner of Manassa. We were across the street from Arch and Lillie McKenzie. Their daughter Helen was my age and we were good friends. We wanted to play together a lot, but our mothers wouldn't let us play very often. We lived there until I was eight years old. Helen is Gloria's, (my daughter-in-law), mother.

While we lived there, my dad's aunt Mattie, died. (She had helped to raise my dad, after his parents died). Mom and Dad went to California to the funeral and later we drove to California when they settled her estate. That time all of us went. Aunt Doris went with us, too. Doris Faye wasn't born yet. LaRue was less than a year old. That was a fun trip. Aunt Ethel and Aunt Hazel lived there and we spent time with each of them. While we were there we went to the beach and on the way back to Ethel's home there was a sign, "airplane rides $2", so Keith and Leon and Aunt Doris and Aunt Hazel and Mom and Dad and I went for a plane ride in a small plane. That was at a time that I had never seen an airplane on the ground and few times in the air.

On the way home we went to Mesa Arizona, to the temple and were sealed as a family for time and eternity. That was a great blessing in my life.

Georgia Ann Jack

(Taken from the writings of Garth N. Jones Dean/Professor Emeritus, College of Business and Public Policy, University of Alaska, Anchorage)

Doris Faye Bingham—Father, James Edward Bingham—Grandmother, Ada Zoa Jack—Great Grandmother, Georgia Ann Horton

Born on the 30th of May 1841, Georgia Ann Horton, one of six sisters of part Cherokee blood, remembers that just before the Civil War, several denominations “came into the county: Methodists, Campbellites, Hard Shells…. They were very strenuous in their preaching”.

The war had taken its toll on the South, not to exclude the small hollow community of Groveoak, Alabama. Georgia Ann, now 35 years of age, and her husband James Hazlette Jack were living near extended family, in the tight knit community. In the fall of 1876, a Mormon Elder by the name of James T. Lisonbee came to their little settlement preaching the restoration of the gospel.

On November 5th, 1876, Georgia Ann attended a meeting held by Elder Lisonbee at the Pine Grove School House, about three miles from Groveoak. She opened her home for a second preaching service the very next day at “early candle lighting”. The house was filled to capacity with people sitting and standing on the front porch. She responded promptly and enthusiastically to his message. She readily accepted the gospel, made every effort to share the truth she had found and later wrote: “I don’t know how anyone with my sense could fail to see the light”

When aggressive preachers and individuals sought to drive Elder Lisonbee from the area, Georgia Ann was not intimidated. Throughout November and December, she opened door after door for Elder Lisonbee to deliver his gospel message. As opposition increased, she became bolder and bolder, finally becoming alienated from her husband’s family as well as several of her own family. Georgia Ann was a person of conviction. She had seen the light and her soul burned with the Truth.

Georgia Ann was instrumental in introducing the gospel to many of her family, friends and neighbors. Scores were baptized and would soon gather to “Zion”. Only their Zion would be Manassa Colorado: A unique settlement of southern saints.

Compiled by E.J. Dobbins

80--CONTINUED---34

One year all of our family, (Gatha, Arlo and children) went with Aunt Isabel and Gordon, to see Richard and Roxanne in Iowa. We went in Isabel's pickup, which had a cover on the back, where the children and I rode. It was the only trip we ever made with all of us. Iowa was a fun experience. Alta and Tiny also lived there.

When the children were all at home, we took several trips, without Arlo. One year we went to Los Alamos to visit Keith and Erma and their family. We went in the Voltswagon pickup. Another year we went to Pueblo to visit Nona and her family. The Voltswagon died and we had to have Arlo come and get us. Tom Rogers brought it home on one of his trucks and we took it the car to Santa Fe to get it repaired.

We spent many times in the mountains, camping out and when we got the cabin, we went to the cabin and spent many good times there. We had several reunions there, One time with Arlo's brothers and sisters. Earl and Winnie and their chidren and Isabel and Gordon and Raedeen and her family, Richard and his family and Jessie and Cecil were all there. It was a special time.

Several times we had Dunn reunions there also. There were a lot of us. We have also had reunions with our family, (Gatha and Arlo). We also had reunions after Arlo was no longer with us. Those are great memories. The last time we were there with my children's families, There was a hail storm that had such big hail stones that one of the stones went through a plastic water bucket lid. It was about 2 inches across. The hole is still in that lid.

When Emery J. was born, Arlo and I flew to California, Bonnie wanted us to come, but Arlo didn't want to go. It was Christmas time so I told Arlo that I wouldn't go and leave him home alone for Christmas. He finally dedided to go, to be with Bonnie, Emery and Shandi. John Henry was already born, but was very small. We had a wonderful time. We went to Wild Animal Park, Sea World, and many other things. We carried Emery J in a child carrier that fit in the front. I carried him most of the time. That was so special. We went to Lancaster and visited Loyd and Catherine. Bonnie and Emery drove us to Provo, where Larry and Jeanette were living, as He was in school. That is the only plane trip Arlo ever took. He was surprised at how much fun we had.

After I moved to Mesa, Bonnie, Shandi, Emery J, Monica, and I went from Mesa to Albuquerque and spent a night with Barbara, We went to Manassa to Marcy's wedding and from there Bonnie, Shandi, Emery J, Monica, Danette and I went on a three week trip. We went to Yellowstone National Park. We spent several days there. That is a beautiful place. We were there when there was a forest fire there. We saw the smoke, but were not aware that it was in the park. From there, we drove across Idaho and to Portland, Oregon, where we stayed with Jane Pagett and her family overnight and then we went down the coast highway on our way back to Fallbrook. We went through the red woods. I have a picture of all of us with our hands together reaching around one of the Huge trees. We spent a night in a park there and then we stayed in a nice motel along the coast. We were the first people to walk in the sand on the beach the next morning. Ours were the only foot prints in the sand on the beach.
We spent several days in Yosemite National Park. That is a beautiful place. We went on to Fallbrook. and Bonnie took me back to Mesa, where I was living.

I went on several trips with our singles group to singles conferences. I went with a group to San Diego and met Bonnie on a beach. She brought John Henry for me to see. He was still very small. I went to 4 or 5 conferences. Those were fun times for me. Dottie and Carol, my friends were fun to go with.

While I lived in Mesa, I went back to Colorado every year. I still had my house there and Don and Gloria lived in Alamosa. I enjoyed going to the library in LaJara to see Marie and Vangie. I worked there with them for 7 year.

I have gone with Larry and Jeanette to the Salt Lake area to see their children and spend time with them. Those times are very special to me.

I have gone on several trips since I have lived in St George. Those are for another story.

80-continued -33--- More angels in my life. grand children and great grandchildren

After all of Arlo and I had our children and began to have grandchildren, our lives changed. Don and Gloria gave us 3 grandchildren, Marcy, Danette and Cory. Marcy is married to Troy Zinn and they gave us Jason and Becky. Danette and Gary gave us Adam, Aubree, Katee and Riley. Cory and Lorrita gave us Brandi, Austin and Jacob. Can you think of a greater blessing than those members of our family?

Don and Gloria gave us a wonderful addition to our family. Each one of them is precious.

Kent and Betty gave us 4 grandchildren. Andrea and Robert, and Betty brought Brenda and Ed. Ed is no longer with us, but he left his mark on us. We miss him. Andrea brought to us, 3 wonderful great grandchildren, Matthew, Luke and Ashliegh. Robert has Hannah. Brenda and Tim have Aubrey and Chloe. A very nice family. I am happy that they are mine.

I see Kent and Betty cherishing their children and grandchildren. Great!

Bonnie and Emery have four children, Shandi, Emery J, Monica and John Henry. Shandi and her husband Todd have three chidren, Amber, Michael and Maegen. They are a joy to me. Emery J and Daylynn have Alex and Anthony. Two sweet boys. We are waiting for Monica and John Henry. (one day!).

I wish all of you lived as close to me as Bonnie and Emery, so I could be as close to your children and grandchildren.

Larry and Jeanette have seven children, Arlo, Craig, Brian, Julie, Anita Debra and Eric. Great people. Craig and Brina have three children. Bradley, Luke and Makayla.(she hasn't been here very long), Wonderful children.
Julie and Clint have two children, Leslie and David. I am grateful for them. Debra and Jon have a new little girl. She was born on my birthday. Elaine. (a special gift), Arlo, Brian, and Eric's days are coming. All of them are wonderful to me.

That makes us a big and wonderful family. My grandchildren are very precious to me and my great grandchildren are just as precious. Thank all of you for belonging to me. I love you.

Grandma Gatha

UNCLE LEON'S 80TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

We attended the 80th birthday party for Uncle Leon on the 11th, even though his birthday is the 26th. All of his and Lani's children were there and lots of grandkids. It was a good memory for Uncle Leon and his family. Here are some of the pictures I took. See if you can recognize these people! (In this one they had both taken out their teeth and sang a song, which I was told they did often when on their mission as well!) Aunt Barbara couldn't make it and felt very bad.

Some Things I Remember About My Dad, James Edward Bingham (Ted)

Ted was born in Manassa Colorado to Jeremiah Edward Bingham and Ada Zoa Jack on the 5th of August 1898. He had two living sisters. His older sister was Eliza May Bingham and his younger sister was Bessie Bingham, who was born on the 30th of May 1900 and died on the 1st of July 1900. 

 On the 4th of June 1901, Dad’s dad was killed in a logging accident. He was working on the Tusas, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. That was near Tres Piedres, New Mexico. His wife, my grandmother, Adah Zoa was pregnant with their daughter, who was born on the 18th of July 1901. She was named Dorothy. I know very little about Dorothy. I think she lived with Grandma Jack, Grandma Zoa’s mother until she died on the 5th of March 1909.

Grandma Zoa moved to Espanola, New Mexico where she married Charles Peterson in 1904. I understand that she went to Espanola, New Mexico to work for Mr. Peterson, and married him. Aunt May and Dad lived with their Aunt Mattie. I don’t know if Dad and Aunt May and Dorothy ever lived with Grandma Bingham. I don’t know why they didn’t live with her. Maybe she had to make a living and that is what she chose. My dad lived between the homes of Aunt Mattie and Aunt Zem and Uncle Ab Jack. Aunt Mattie never had children and Uncle Ab and Aunt Zem had a large family. Aunt Jennie was part of that family There was a house full of boys. He would stay at one place until he wasn’t happy and then went to the other. I don’t think he was happy at either place. He finished 8th grade and didn’t go back to school. Several older people said he would stay with their boys some of the time. He never felt he had a home of his own until he and Mom were married. He loved Mom and his children.

He learned several trades. Aunt Mattie sent him to barber school, but he never worked at that profession, except for family and friends. He was a guide on a dude ranch where he took people on pack trips, in the Rio Grande Canyon. . At one time he worked for the D&RGW Railroad, but he didn’t seem to stay at jobs very long. He worked as a farm hand with some people in Saguache, Colorado. He was a meat cutter for 2 grocery stores that I know of. One was Daniels in Antonito. That was when I was born. The other was in Manassa for Delbert Haynie, who owned the store where Gilliland’s own the store now.

He loved horses and we had 3 horses, the mare (Dixie), was the mother of the other two. One of the colts was half Shetland(Tiny Tim) and the other was one fourth Shetland was (Charlie).Charlie belonged to Keith. Dad was handy with shoeing the horses and caring for them. He said he was a jack of all trades, a master of none.

After Mom and Dad bought the farm, He did everything that can be done on a farm. We had cows, sheep and of course the horses. He also had a team of white work horses. They were Maud and Dobbins. We raised grain and alfalfa and one year we raised a field of head lettuce. It was the best I ever tasted. We sold it to the stores. I think they made pretty good on the crop. We had as big a garden as I ever saw a family have. We raised vegetables and strawberries and raspberries and rhubarb. Some of the people who lived up the canyon came by and bought things from our garden.

We were raised in a home of love. My Dad loved my Mom very much. He was so broken hearted when she died. Sometimes he would say to us, “if it weren’t for you kids, I would just as soon be with your mom. One thing we were never allowed to do was to talk back to Mom. There was no mistreating our Mom, our Dad wouldn’t hear of it.

After Mom died and we lived in Romeo he worked with a surveyor group, when they were surveying for the Platoro dam, up the canyon. That is where he was working when he went to the hospital to repair a hernia, the surgery caused adhesions and that lead to two more surgeries. He got blockage of the bowels and didn’t survive. He Had the surgery because he had insurance to pay for it.

There were several little ditties, that Dad used to say. One of them was a b c d puppies, o l m n o puppies, o s a r some puppies. C m p n.

He used to sing “The Man on the Flying Trapeze”. I can’t think now what some of them were. He had a better singing voice than Mom. Mom was like me. She sang in church, but she was like me. She never felt that she could sing.

Every night in the winter was like home evening. Sometimes we would sit around the table after meals and visit. Those were special times, Our parents read stories to us.

You asked how Dad showed his affection to Mom. He called her sweetheart. It was not unusual to see them kiss or for him to put his arms around her. You hardly ever saw one of the without the other when they were farming. That is why Mom was hurt. She was on the tractor with him as he was combining a field. The power takeoff on the tractor broke and swung around and cut Mom’s leg to the bone. She had complications from it and never recovered.

The boys milked the cows and got the wood and coal in. The girls did house work. We were a busy family.

One summer after Mom died. I went with Nona to the Soldiers and Sailors home up by Monte Vista, to work. I don’t know why Dad let me go but he said I should still have some childhood.

I think that Dad’s childhood made him a very compassionate Dad. Our lives were different after Mom died. All of the house work and taking care of the things that mom did were up to us girls. Because I was the oldest a lot became my responsibility. I was four years older than Barbara, so a lot was up to me. I look back now and realize what a poor help I really was..