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Note: N872 BIRTH: Carey Ward; FHL 7310 Howard, Leona Martha daughter of Josiah Howard = Louisa B. Park, born 2 Jun 1907 Timpanogas Ward, UT, blessed 1 Sep 1907 by Josiah Howard. Baptized by John Adamson 5 June 1915. Confirmed Wm L. Adamson 6 June 1915.
Howard 86
July 27 1932
The Story of My Life
I was born in Provo Bench, Utah June 2 1907 at the home of my grandfather Park. I was there about two months when my mother and father took me to our home in Carey, Idaho. This was a small country town. One street through town. It had one church, which was our L. D. S. Church, One school which I attended at the age of six years until I was in the fifth grade when due to lack of room we were moved to a small one roomed building formerly used for an Ice Cream parlor. I went there two years. Fifth and Sixth Grade. It was then about the year of 1920 that they built the new high school. I went there during my Seventh Eight and Ninth Grades. I started taking music lessons from Irene Case Sparks when I was about eight or nine years old. I played some in Primary and Sunday School. In the Ninth grade I took sewing lessons from Mrs Farley and in the tenth Grade I took Cooking lessons.
I was Baptized by John Adamson June 5, 1915 and was confirmed by his sons Wm L. Adamson June 6 1915.
I went to Pocatello Idaho July 4, 1924 to stay with my older Brother John and his wife who had married the previous fall. They were expecting their first little child and as John worked nights I went to stay with his wife (Lucy). On the 19th of July the same year I went to a dance at the open air Pavilion on Center Street in Pocatello with a lady friend to my sister-in-law. She wanted to show me a real nice time and as she happened to be well acquainted with the dance managers she asked him to introduce some boys to me. It was that nite that I met the boy who later became my husband. The dance manager introduced three boys to me they as well as others showed me a very nice time. I danced several times with the one boy and after some hesitation on my part, and the consent of the lady I was with finally consented to go for a ride with them. In company with Henry. I was so happy that night to find there was at least one boy in Pocatello who could treat a girl with respect as I had heard some very scandalous stories of the Pocatello boys. I was also happy to learn that he was a member of our church. He soon took me to visit his mother and we soon started going together quite steady. I started to school in 10th grade in Pocatello High School. We were married the 20th of December 1924. We lived in Pocatello about a year when he was transferred to Glenns Ferry Idaho. He was serving his apprenticeship as a machinist and spent eleven months there. We took part in Church affairs there. I was Gleaner girl class leader and we got along even tho there were several girls in class older than myself. After finishing the eleven months there. Henry went back to Pocatello to work and I went home to visit my Mother in Carey. It was there on May 8th 1826 that our first child Richard Dean was born. Three months later he was blessed by my uncle Albert A. Park after which I went back to Pocatello where we lived until Henry finished his apprenticeship March 11, 1928. We got a pass and decided to come to California on a visit. We left the baby with my mother and had a very enjoyable trip. Soon after arriving in Long Beach while visiting my aunt & uncle E. F. Howard Henry had a chance to go to work and did so we soon sent for mother to bring Dean here after buying some property in North Long Beach and building a double garage on it to live in until we could build a house. We started going to Virginia Ward. We soon learned to care a lot for the people there and enjoyed working & taking part in the different organizations. It was about that time when my Mother and her four children Virginia, Vernal, Verda and Melvin came to California to live. And it was while living at that place on Los Angeles Street that our second child Shirley Fay was born. March 2. 1930. She was blessed by Bro. T. T. Durham on April 6, 1930 a day to be well remembered as our church had been organized just one hundred years
Shortly after after learning we could not build a house on that lot as it was to be cut so far back on account of the wide street to go throu there (100 ft. wide) we as half owner & Mother as half owner bought our present home on Poppy St. She has one house and us the other. Both houses are on one lot.
I was recently asked to teach the intermediate genealogy class. I was glad to accept it and am very interested in the work. It is the first intermidiate class in our ward and among the first in Los Angeles Stake. Los Angeles Stake is the first stake in the church to organize junior and intermediate genealogy classes. Bro. Ruel C. Durham is President in our Ward.
Five Faith Promoting Experiences
I My Grandfather Howard and his family a wife and nine living children lived in Lancashire England. He had a store there and other Property. They were members of the Methodist Church and were doing quite nicely when they became acquainted with the L.D.S. Missionaries. They immediately welcomed them to there home and soon became interested in their teachings. Soon after they decided to dispose of their property, which that had to do at a sacrifice, as they wanted to come to america and bring all their children before they should Marry and settle there.
It must of taken lots of faith on their part to leave their relatives and friends as well as some property they couldn’t sell and start out with such a family to a strange land they new so little of.
II During the winter of 1924 My Mother had been very sick several times the Doctor there thinking the trouble was caused by Gaul Stones was Doctering for that. She had had several terribly painful attacks which lasted for some time. One morning early one of these attacks came on. Her first thot was to get someone with her as the pain was unbearable. She started outside to call my father he was doing his morning chores the rest of us were still sleeping. She got to the door and seemed to have become unconsecious or fainted and fell to the floor. While lying there she must of been fighting or struggling as she had bruized her leg and body badly. She seemed to come too and get up and as she new there that she couldn’t get daddies attention she started for my Sister Virginia’s bedroom but fell again three different times on her way there each time unconscious of what she was doing while lying there. The last time however she had got throu the kitchen and into her room and fell at the foot of her bed. This woke her and she called daddy and me. We put her on the bed her nose was swollen terrible and a large sliver in one side. Some of the bruizes never left for months. some scars never left. We called Uncle Albert (her brother) who immediately took her to the hospital in Hailey Idaho thirty miles from Carey where we lived. They opperated on her but had no hopes for her. She had tubal pregnancy, had ruptured the tubes and had Internal hemorage. She spent a very bad nite and five days following making no change for the better she was unable to hold a thing on her stomach. Realizing her condition and thinking of her children she requestod of my uncle that they hold a special prayer circle for her. They did this at about Eight O’Clock that night. She had no idea what time it was being held but at about that time she felt an immediate relief, she felt natural again, the next morning when the Doctor took the trailer (drain tube) from her side he stood and looked at her in such a way that it startled her she said “what is the matter Doctor? I am better.” the Doctor said “She fact is Mrs Howard you have no right being as well as you are. I cannot understand the change in you. Doctor recognized that a greater power had healed Mother.
III At the age of four months my little brother Melvin was seriously ill with whooping cough realizing his condition and that medical aid was not sufficient to heal him My Mother in prayer, asked the Lord to help Exercizing Faith after which he was soon restored to his normal condition.
!V When my little boy Dean was a baby five months old he was taken very sick with Scarlet Fever. On top of that he caught cold. Which probably prevented the rash from coming out on him as it should, and it finally developed to Broncial Pneumonia. Our Doctor didn’t seem to be doing very much for him and when my mother wrote and asked me if I was doing certain things for him to reduce his high fever of 104 degrees he had had for days he was quite curt in answering to leave that for my Doctor to decide. We had Elders quite often but he continued to get worse. One nite probably the chrisis he was so low & had lost so much weight he hardly looked like the same baby. We telegraphed for mother to come. We also had the Elders. She took charge of him. Polticed his chest and worked hard with him all night which caused the rash to come out on him as thick as could be after helping him considerably she soon had to go back to her home & children in Carey Idaho about 100 miles from Pocatello where we were living. After she went back we changed Doctors. Dr Call a very good L.D.S. Doctor said he had the worst congestion on his lungs he had ever seen. Several times we were afraid we were going to lose him but throu work and faith & prayers he took a change for the better. Much to every bodies surprise.
During the fall of 1929 & Winter of 1930 my Mother suffered terribly with sciatea. After going to several Doctors who failed to help her to find the base of her trouble, she was compelled to stay in bed. The pain was almost unbearable and it was necessary for her to be given to deaden the pain. Several times she was administered to each time brought relief but only temporary. Finally about the last of April or first of March after spending the night in terrible Agony She asked Bro T. T. Durham and his son Reed Durham to administer to her. She felt that she must get better & would if she exercised sufficient faith. After that administration she received such immediate relief that she was able to be out of bed the night of March the 1st and bring my second child Shirley Fay into the world at about 2 A.M. March the second.
howard 1497
Genalogical Society... Salt Lake City, Utah, 25 April 1934
This Certifies that Leona Andrus has satisfactorily completed the lessons and assignments of the first year course on Our Lineage and is hereby granted this certificate as a Genealogical Student
... Bennett secetary A. W. Ivins President
howard 1524
Letter and picture from R. Crofts Box 711 to Mr Henry Andrus 1007 N. Gardon St. Pomona California
howard 1525
Mrs. Wayne Morey
1107 Pleasant Ave.
Waterford, California 95386
March 4, ‘71
Dear Leona,
It was so good to have your letter at Christmas, and hear Uncle Elmo as well too. It would be nice to get down and see you again, I often think of the pleasant visit we had there even tho it was sad to have Aunt Vetris’s funeral. We’d be happy to have you come up here for a visit. Did you have any ill effects of the earthquake?
I finally got around to looking in my genealogy records and found Uncle Josiah’s date of passing 25 Feb. 1956. Sorry to be so slow. Beth has been in a state of house remodeling and it has been quite slow, but it well be so nice when finished, the kitchen & living rooms are finished except for floors.
Vernon and Russelle moved to Oxnard a year ago in November. Beth, my Lynn & I went down for just a few days before school started last fall, we sure enjoyed the visit, hope to stay longer next time. I have been working 7 house per day as teachers aide and quite a few Saturdays at the post office place 2 hours some days after school. It’s been keeping me very busy but the paydays are sure nice! I’m up to $2.40 per hour at school and $3.40 at P.). One of the best things I’ve bought recently is a “Dish Washer” do I ever enjoy it!
All our children are married, we have one little granddaughter and two to be in June & July so we are looking forward to them. Audrey is 2 1/2 years now and the joy of us all. We get to babysit now and then, thats a fun time.
How is Aunt Lulu, well I hope.
I’d best close for now hoping you have been well also your family. Love Clara
howard 1519
letter now in the possession of Carl Watkins
Edited by Carl Dennis Watkins (nephew) using [ ] for clarifications.
Five Faith Promoting Experiences by
Leona H. Andrus
1. I think one of the most faith promoting experiences of my life was my trip to the Mesa Temple for a week late March (1932). It was the first time I had been to the Temple since we received our endowments in 1927. At that time I was just through once. I didn’t even imagine the beauty and sweetness existed that I found there this time. The association with those wonderful people, and the enthusiasm and faith they exercised was so inspiring, and to enter the temple, the wonderful spirit there could certainly increase any-one’s faith. Each time I went through I felt more thrilled about it, and loved the work that much more.
Another thing that impressed me so while there was a sermon given by A. M. Steed in the First Ward. He related a certain part of his own life - how through a misunderstanding he got his feelings so badly hurt, and decided he would not go to church any more, but instead would have his church lessons at home, and continue to study and pray as faithful as ever.
At home that worked fine for a while, but other things finally began to interfere with his plans, and they began to lose some interest, and then the awakening came to him (that it was him he was hurting by staying away from church, that it was the devil’s cunning way of leading him and his family away from that that was good) when a young man on a train took a seat he had been using in doing some work or studying.
It was quite provoking at first, knowing there were so many vacant seats in the car. But he soon realized that the young man wanted to talk to him. I do not remember whether the young man happened to be a member of the church or not, but in their conversation, something was mentioned of the progression and happenings of the church, of which he had never heard. It came to him as such a shock of what he was missing, and how he was being led away, and he very soon made a new resolution.
This is not better than a lot of other talks I have heard Bro. Steed give, but it impressed me so at the time, and showed me how important it really was to be faithful in attending church meetings.
2. During the winger [winter] of 1924, my mother Mrs. L. B. Howard had suffered terribly several times. The doctor there thinking the trouble was gaul stones [gallstones] was doctoring for that. She had had several terribly painful attacks, which lasted for some time. One morning early she felt one of these attacks coming on. Her first thought was to get some one with her as the pain was unbearable. She started out side to call my father who was doing his morning chores. The rest of us were still sleeping.
She got to the door and seemed to have become unconscious – fainted and fell to the floor. While lying there, she must of [have] been fighting or struggling as she had bruised her leg and body badly. She seemed to come too [to], and got up and as she knew then that she could not get Daddie’s attention, she started for my sister Virginia’s room, but fell again three different times on her way there, each time unconscious of what she was doing while lying there. The last time, however, she had got through the kitchen and into her [Virginia’s] bedroom and fell at the foot of her bed. This awoke Virginia and she called Daddy and me. We put her on the bed. Her nose was swollen terribly and a large sliver was in one side of it. Some of the bruises never left for months, and some scars are still on her leg.
We called her brother (uncle Albert A. Park) who administered to her and then took her to the hospital in Hailey, Idaho, thirty miles from Carey where we were living. The doctor operated on her, but had no hopes for her. He gave her two hours to live.
She did not have gaul stones [gallstones]. The trouble was tubal pregnancy. She had ruptured the tubes and had internal hemorrhage. She spent a very bad night, and five days following, making no change for the better. Her digestive organs failed to function properly.
Realizing her condition and thinking of her little children needing her care, she felt if sufficient faith was exercised, she would get better regardless of the doctor’s doubt. So she asked Uncle Albert to have a special prayer circle held for her. They did this that night at about eight o’clock. She had no idea what time it was held or whether it was held that night or not, but the next morning she told us what an immediate relief came over her at about that time. She felt natural again.
When the doctor came in that morning and took the trailer [cart] from her side, he stood and looked at her in such a way that it startled her. She said, “What is the matter, doctor! I feel so much better.” The doctor said, “The fact is Mrs. Howard, you have no right to be as well as you are. I cannot understand the change that has come in you.” [The] doctor recognized and acknowledged that a great[er] power than his had healed Mother.
3. During the latter part of the year 1929 and the early part of 1930, my mother had suffered from sciatica. After going to several doctors who failed to help her, and to find the base of her trouble, she was compelled to stay in bed. The pain continued to get worse until it was almost unbearable. It became necessary for the doctor to use means to deaden the pain several times. Elders administered to her several times. Each time this brought relief, but only temporary.
About the last of April [February], or the first of March after spending a most painful night and still confined to her bed, she called Bro. T. T. Durham and his son Reed Durham to administer to her. She also exercised great faith. So immediate was her relief that she was able to be out of bed that night and bring her little granddaughter Shirley May Andrus into the world at [a]bout 2 o’clock on the morning of March the second.
4. When my little boy Richard Dean was a baby five months old, he was taken very sick with Scarlet Fever. On top of that, he caught cold, which probably prevented the rash from coming out on him as it should, and it finally developed into Bronchial Pneumonia.
Our doctor didn’t seem to be doing very much for him, and when my mother wrote and asked me if I was doing certain things for him to reduce his high fever of 104 degrees he had had for days, I asked the doctor, and he was quite curt in answering to leave that for my doctor to decide.
We had [the ] Elders [come] quite often, but he continued to get worse. One night, probably the crisis, he was so low and had lost so much weight, he hardly looked like the same baby. We telegraphed for Mother to come. We also had the Elders [come] again. She took charge of him, poulticed his chest, and worked hard with him all night, which caused the rash to come out on him as thick as could be. After helping him considerable [considerably], she soon had to go back to her home and children in Carey, Idaho about 147 miles from Pocatello, where we were living.
After she went back, we changed doctors. Dr. Call, a very good L.D.S. doctor said he had the worst congestion on [in] his lungs he had every seen. Several times we were afraid we were going to lose him, but through work and faith and prayers, he took a change for the better, much to everybody’s surprise.
5. In Carey, Idaho in the year of 1926, while under the care of my mother (a graduate in Obstetrics) who had safely brought my first child, Richard Dean, into the world, after having had a blessing under the hands of my Uncle Albert Park, very serious complications set in. My mother, realizing the seriousness of the trouble, felt she must have the help of the Lord in order for me to be healed, and to prevent the trouble from getting worse. Knowing the pains were getting beyond control, she exercised faith in prayer to the Lord for help. As an answer to her prayer, the pain immediately left.
Leter written April 2 to Ira and Virginia Coulson
Dear Sis and Buss:
Thanks for your very special letters. You are such a super brother Buss. I do appreciate your suggestions for back pain and your concern. I remember you did prefer sleeping on the floor when you visited Mom rather than her bed. I imagine that was because your back felt better on the harder surface.
My Peach and Nectarine trees too, are so beautiful. Like a huge bouquet of flowers. I should of gotten fertilizer before now to put around them. I hope I wil have better tasting fruit this year. I think they do need to be fed though. Am I too late: I understand "Grow Power" is very good. The man who does my lawn said to get that. I did get one bag quite sometime ago. He used the last of it on the lawn. I did get some of it around the trees - that was a long time ago
Sis dear, they do still sell stamps in Calif. Thanks for your thoughtfulness but enough is enough!! I will use your enveloe though since it is already addressed. And your stamp.
Having Larry and Moana drop by would be a great surprise. How nice it is that you are such good friends. I've often thought of the many times they have chosen to have their vacation with you instead of with some of their friends their own ages - or nearer their ages.
Now Sis did that wonderful S. S. teacher leave you in the dark about those squares as you have left me??? Study as I have there is no way those squares can be 30. I think I prefer doing my studying on the scriptures. THAT IS THE TRICK ANSWER???
About Vern's triplex - yes he does have the rent from them. He has a much larger home on John St. too. It's a three bedroom, two bath, large double garage. A large front room and a dining room. The couple living there showed so much concern for him while he was in the hospital. He was surprised that I had not gone to the hospital several times a day as he had done. He took him flowers, a big tablet on which to write what he had to say. He had lived there just about a year. I couldn't quite buy his big concerns, and especially when he showed so much concern about managing Vern's property for him. Verin was in the process of evicting one from the triplex and he knew it. Vern did find that he was not able to manage everything. He spoke of having Curtis move here and just turn the triplex over to him. Curtis however had a job in San Jose. He came down several week-ends to fix doors etc. The party he vern was evicting was angry so of course then they do not take care of anything. That man's brother too lived in the front apartment. He owed Vern money. That was while Vern was in the hospital and then just home from the hospital. I went to him four different times to get his rent for Vern. I never did get it. He was out once, his wife said I'd have to see the husband. When I did finally catch him, he wouldn't give it to me. He said Vern had not told him to give it to anyone else. He evaded my question then as to why he had not either taken it to Vern or sent it by mail. He approached Vern then offering to manage the three apt's. I said, Vern you won't go for that will you? I said then that too many were offering to manage the apartments - people HE DID NOT REALLY KNOW. AND THEN HE WAS A BROTHER TO THE ONE HE WAS EVICTING!!! It was then that Janice came on the scene. Well she had been there but when I told her about all this sweet concern, from really strangers - she decided to help out. She went to the front apt and told him we were not fooling around anymore. She wanted the rent AND NOW!! I was so glad then to go to Lu's stationary store and get the forms necessary to give her power of attorney. Vern agreed to that. She could then collect his rent, pay his bills etc.
When Vern was considering this revocable Trust, he talked to me several times about it. He first thought of leaving Curtis completely out. Curtis had been in an awfully lot of trouble with the law - had been in jail so many times. He still doesn't see fit to marry his girl friends - but he doesn't need to. He surely did do a super job though in coming down and in remodeling Vern's bathroom. I told you about that. He does have a nice personality. He did a great job too in helping out in apt. when Vern needed it so much. I don't know what Vern decided to do about that. (The trust that is) Vern told me too, about the big debts he had bailed verna out of. I think he said $75 grand. He said he told Verna he would help her out this time if she would promise him that she would tear those credit cards up and never get them again. She easily promised to do that. About that time she decided to move back to the East coast with the fellow she would marry if it worked out right. The fellow came to help her. Vern didn't like his looks but Verna moved back with him anyway. Well it did not work out. She had the long trip back here - moved in with her mother, very deep in debt again. The moving, big van and some excuse about her daughter needed something. She needed more money. I don't know whether he gave her more or not. I just listened when he talked to me about it. He reminded her of her promise but it was so easy for her to say "I know Dad, I shouldn't of - but"
Sandra borrowed some, I think he said $125,000.00 with the promise to pay him back with interest. She never did. When she wanted to borrow some more he reminded her of the other. She fired back some remark about - KEEP YOUR FILTHY MONEY. and then she made some remark about him helping Janice. She sent the signed note back for her to see where Janice and Scott had paid it in full. I think it was a down payment on a home - not sure. He didn't like her reaction - he told her then that he was cutting her completely off his will. That made her still more angry. He said then that the part she was to have was to go to her two boys. They have been in different states for some time now. We have no idea what their life style is. Several years ago Joe the older one was in Idaho with some acquaintance who belonged to the church. Joe wanted to join and asked for her permission. Saney told me this. She said "Well if you want to be an L.D.S. BE A GOOD ONE". No one seems to know whether he is still in & a good one or not. When Sandy's husband retired from the Army Air Force though they decided to put their money in a night club. A ROCK & ROLL NIGHT CLUB. She again asked Vern if he would go into it with them. She said the ones who did have it sold dope so they were closed. She and Skip have a liquer license so they will sell liquer - they will not sell DOPE. When Vern told me this I said "WOW, THEY MIGHT JUST AS WELL SELL DOPE TOO--A BUNCH OF DRUNKS AND IN A WILD ROCK & ROLL NIGHT CLUB?? I DOUBT THAT EVEN THEIR MARRIAGE WILL HOLD TOGETHER.
When Melba died so suddenly last spring the way those two girls turned against each other was simply unbelieveable. Sandy called me from I think they are in Virginia and went on four hours - she said she had turned her share over to Arthur and was insisting that Verna do the same. Her only reason was that she had a father and Verna had a father. Arthur's father Denny was dead. Melba was married to him and they had Arthur. It seemed he was very good to the girls, helped them with their home work etc. Sandy said at the time - Just after they came back from Japan that on the other side if she had her choice it would be Daddy Denney's lap she would choose to sit on. Back to now I really think she was drunk the way she went on and on to me. Verna was equally angry. They each thought the other had found a will but was not letting it be known. Of course I had to say to Verna "Well what does Melba's property have to do with you having a father & Sandy having a father and Arthur not having one. This was their mothers home & Property He is a grown man, married and I think has a child. I don't know how they have come out. I told Verna when she called me, that I thought they would have NOTHING TO SAY ABOUT WHO WOULD GET WHAT ANYWAY THE COURT WOULD DECIDE THAT.
The reason I'm telling you all this is my one big reason for favoring Janice in handling Vern's affairs. When Kara, Janices oldest girl turned 8 and Tawna, Ron's daughter just about a week apart were going to be baptised - they were making a real nice affair of it. Ron brought his daughter from San Jose. Janene had gotten each of the girls little white dresses to be baptised in. Janice made some darling little blue dresses just alike, for them to wear after they were baptised. Scott baptised his girl, very sencere and then confirmed her - he gave her a beautiful blessing. Ron did the same for his daughter. Reva gave the talk about why they were being baptised. She sat down and just talked to the girls. Everyone else could just listen in. Gary gave a real nice talk about the confirmation. Scotts family was all there, Close friends and teachers. Janice did a beautiful job in leading the music. She had a big smile all the time and her directing was very good - right on the button. They had a very nice luncheon at Morrises. It was so nice. Vern wouldn't go because Scott's father would be there. I never did get why he didn't like Scott's father. He is a lawyer and has been a bishop. Scott's mother has taught seminary for years. I think she would be a very effective Seminary teacher too. It's so sad that he would miss such a special event. At the time however it was better that he did miss it because of these darn HIGH's. Janice is one that can do anything she is called to do and do it well. I'm sure she was a good Primary President. She loved it. Being the work director in Relief Society was the hardest job she said she ever had. That is a tuff job for everyone. Finding work projects that interest everyone is so hard. Older women are not interested in making the little dust catchers the ones like Those who are younger and with children, would like. Just thought it might be well for you to know their life styles in case Vern did turn to you for advice or suggestions. You wouldn't tell him I had told you all this but you would direct some questions to him that might be different by knowing all this. I was really releaved to have her Janice in charge rather than strangers or even Curtis under the circumstances. They don't put anyone in jail for 6 months at a time without a reason. In writing to Vern too, you kinda need to know circumstances. Ge we have run into the same problem we had with Locust house. Not as bad yet but Roy said he didn't want to wait until he was real bad. He had the water heater put outside. No more worry about it starting to leak in the middle of the house and ruining the rugs. New pipes too so they can get water to sink and drain for washer. don't know yet just what it will cost. I looked at what we had in the check book and said "Wow, Roy, we can't have that done now." He really likes this plumber though. He feels he really knows what he's doing. He said he had been such a great help to him with is remodeling. He doesn't know what he would of done without him. He is very knowledgable about electricity and other things that was just beyond Roy to do. He had time now so instead of just running a snake in the drain - Paul said the pipes were so rusty he was afraid they would break with the snake going down. He said to that the pipes were not standard size and would soon clog up again. The way they were put together was all wrong. Roy said if I would put in some of the money, he would too so he favored getting it done right. We will collect our money when we get the fund built up again. I decided to just leave that up to Roy. Vern has enough problems and he probably would want some of his Mexicans to do it although I told Vern when he had that one do the painting of the woodwork that I would never have anything to do with him again. He told me one price and Roy a different one and then he never did complete the job. When he said the woodwork I meant all the woodwork. He didn't do all of it. I let him have my brushes too and I never did get them back. Vern said you have to watch him. I don't want to deal with anyone you have to watch. Dear ones I do hope you know that as far as I am concerned THERE WILL NEVER BE ANY HOLDING OUT. When Vern asked what Roy had charged for his work on Locust - I didn't know then and I haven't figured it out since nor will I. Verda was keeping track of their time there. I have never had reason to think of her being in anyway but completely honest. She might have failings but being dishonest is NOT ONE OF THEM. And BESIDES THEY WERE BOTH IN AND OUT DAY AFTER DAY THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD KEEP TRACK OF THEIR TIME NOR WOULD I Verda did that. I do trust her.
LOVE YOU BOTH SO MUCH - Le
howard 911
Dearest Sis
Happy Birthday again and again! And its time again to divide no this isn’t my B/Day gift its just a good time to send it.
You know I think you kinda like that little grand daughter of yours. What a lucky find for both of you. Trust Carl to find out who that Coulson girl was who was asked to dismiss the meeting that Night. So very many would never of taken time or of been interested in finding out who she was.
I’m going to re-read your letter to find out just when you said she would report to mission headquarters I hope it will be at a time when I can meet her. in the mean time you might snap a picture - a close up - especially of her face will and all over too.
It’s time for the Mail Man and I’m scribbling so much you won’t be able to read it. No report yet from autopsy. So much yet to be answered or understood. I still just Can’t believe it. She was always so well. My love and best Wishes for your birthday oxox Love Le
howard 1599
Dearest Sis, Buss, Lee Ann and Children
Thanks for your sweet B/Day card--it was nice but “NO” card could ever compare with-or be as great and appreciated as your letter with it was. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful experence with me- I should say us. I couldn’t wait to call Vern to share it with him, and then I read it to Verda. Olive Grant was in the car with me soon after and was delighted to hear about it- she & Joe well remember you & Ira. Florence Glaus (Ramonas mother) enjoyed hearing about it and of course Dean & Ramona- so your cloud nine journey kinda put us all out in orbit.
As caring as Lee R. was I remember how proud he was of his little girl--well each of his little girls & his son who soon got away with his name “Lee R” He settled with the Lee part but being such a “caring” proud father as Lee was-I’m just as sure that he is still caring about each of his children. I’m very sure he was right there at this special meeting - this beautiful tribute to his Mom & Dad and certainly to hear the talk given by his special little girl.
He was such a kind sweet person-so good to Mom-his Grandmother-well he was a kind, sweet person to everyone.
Loving Lee, as I know mom did-and I kinda think she had a real warm spot in her heart for Joy, for her little B/day girl, for you & buss-I think she would be there too if that is possible) to enjoy that special Mothers day program. How can we know what close contact they May have on the other side of the veil.
While I was in The Dalles I read a little book the girls who were friends of Kristi had given to Myrna & Howard. Each girl had put her sweet little tribute of Kristi & of course signed their names. Both front and back pages were full the book by Paul Dunn & Eyring was “The Birth that we call Death” He is as effective a writer as he is a speaker. Reading that book gave me a very different look at this thing we call death.
I think, too, that sometime or some day we will know just what nudgings may of gone on that day or might in Orem when Aleesa was called on to give the closing prayer at that dance. Carl furnished the music-and he is very observative-but with his mind on his music and not having been closer to you than he has been for so many years-distance in living etc- how many would really pay that much attention to the person being called on for that closing prayer. Being the Missionary he was I’m sure he is delighting with what his little girl is doing & with what came of that closing prayer. Well Thanks again for your special letter-Love you, Le
June 27
So I started writing this a good month ago (I failed to date it)
This check went with me to Oregon & back. It was time to decide again. I asked Vern to send yours on-I thought maybe a letter from him would be nice. He’s feeling so low & so depressed. He said he had been trying to get a letter written to Sandra-She spells it SanDee. It seems the higher he flies & the longer it lasts the lower and longer his weakness-and his hurts & his mouth. He said he wanted to pick some oranges for me-but was too weak. He wanted me to get an emergency appointment for him-but his reason changes from day to day-so sad.
Yes I went to Oregon again. Debbie & Joe were to be sealed in the Seattle Temple with their two children. 6-11-88 Joe is a twin He & his twin bro Jim are very close-what one does the other does. When Joe started listening to the missionaries. Jim did to they were baptized as the same time and so were they sealed to their wives. Girls very much alike both small big blue eyes long brown hair and now the four of them have their mother, Joe & Jim’s and Grandmother reading the Book of Mormon and “A Marvelous Work & a Wonder.” The two are the only members of the church and such a beautiful occasion the weather perfect Washington is so beautiful & green & the temple so special!
Stopped to see Lu she looked good has lost a lot of weight wich is good. Must get this in the mail today and mail man will soon be here
Love you a lot & thanks again for your letter
Le
howard 1882
Priesthood
Our Father sent great poser
Unto his sons below
Its light, high from a tower
Show men the path to go.
This light a glorious becon
Shines forth through all the earth.
It shows from this great station
The path for men since birth.
This light has strength and power
It comes devine and true
Like lofty mountains tower
High over oceans blue.
This light, the Glorious Priesthood
God given unt men,
Most Glorious priceless, men should
Cleave to it to the end.
This power should be trasured
It comes through men of worth
Its might can ne’er be measured
This greatest power on earth.
Though it sick and blind can walk
The wise can understand
Through it Prophets always talk
God’s chosen in this land.
All these blessings so complete
Come through the Priesthoods light
More blessed than all men we meet
God’s sealing power’s our right.
Eternal Temple Marriage is our goal
With rights to rule and reign
Families linked, so that our roll
Is one Celestial chain.
L. Andrus
howard 1530
Two Little Pals (picture of Shirley and Dean at the top of page)
Two little pals so grand and dear
Bro’t to our lives to bless and cheer
Each moment with your smiles and tears
Your joyous laughter - frankness - fears.
Dear little pals - how kind God is
To send such happiness and bliss
Into our lives to comfort - fill
Each day with joys - each hour with thrills.
What joy could come that’s more complete
Than days and moments, months and weeks
That’s spent with little pals like these
Sent from on high for us to teach.
Two little souls that came from God
Pure - sincere - with honest heart
Cleaner in body, spirit, mind
Than any other thing you’d find.
Pals in the evening, Pals at morn
Pals in every deed thats done
Pals at work and Pals at play
Pals in every kind of way.
Pals that’s genuine in youth
Pals in each other find the truth
At times with different views in sight
Conclusions that are always right.
May you my Pals go on thru’ life
Loving each other thru’ all the strife
Helping each other thru all your days
True brother and sisterly love display.
Help me Oh God that I may be
A mother to these souls from thee
That I may teach them, help them thru
This earthly school - from sin be free.
They’re sent to me - divine and true
Pure, clean of body, spirit too
Held in reserve to come to earth
In these last days to show their worth.
Mother
howard 1532
Letter written by Leona to Ira and Virginia Coulson
Well I witnesses the ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE a few days ago. I went out to Yarn Mart, not too far from the Watkins home, so decided to swing by their home to see if everything seemed to be OK, you know like papers all picked up etc. They do have some real good neighbors, they each watch each others home so no papers or junk mail make it clear that no one is home. I hadn’t even parked when I saw this huge motor home, no it was a truck or pick-up with a trailor home attached coming. By then it was right there. Yes it was Roy and Vicki. He was making a big swing in order to get that big trailor backing into their drive. Back and forth several times to get it started right. A neighbor across the street saw the problem so he went out and moved his parked car so they had the entire street to make the swing. Their drive is quite narrow. I always have a problem backing out of their drive. THAT IS WITH A SMALL CAR - NOT A HUGE HOME BACK OF A TRUCK. I always seem to either get too close to their home and flower border edge or onto the grass area on the other side of their drive. When you get far enough back you are right to a quick turn in front of their garage and to the cemented area where they have a concrete slab on which they park their R.V. I tried once to just nose into that slab so I could turn around and go out straight forward. I WAS REALLY IN TROUBLE THEN. The garage was too close, no room to swing the car. The fence on the north too close, the wall back of their house too close. Vewrda laughed when I told her how I had tried to turn around. She said that would be impossible. To back out was terrible. I would either be too close to their home or on the grass on their neighbors side. HOW ROY EVER GOT THAT TRUCK AND HUGE HOME STRAIGHT BACK AND THEN THE QUICK TURN SO AS TO BACK THE TRAILER ONTO THAT SLAB, AND STILL HAVE HIS PICK-UP TO CONTEND WITH IS STILL SIMPLY UN-BELIEVEABLE. I found it better to just nose in a little ways and THEN DON’T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I asked how their trip was. Vicki said “TERRIBLE” Roy said he knew now why he left Oklahoma. It was so cold - something went wrong with their heating system, they had to use water from a bottle, heat it on the stove. Their clutch went out on the way so they were stranded while that was being fixed. SO NEVER AGAIN TO OKLAHOMA FOR THANKSGIVING, Icy Streets too were scarry they hadn’t forgotten the Utah Ice.
I’ll go out to Marks for Christmas. Have a GREAT CHRISTMAS. A card from Moana said they would be with you for Christmas - so you will really have a house full with their kids and Lee’s. My Love to all - Le
You do have special musicals in Salt Lake I’d love to go to them. Verda showed me a most beautiful album their friends had made up for their 50th anniversary. The cover so beautiful with a needlepoint center ruffled lace edging and all their anniversary cards in the book. Also pictures of the friends giving them with little hearts. And such around the pictures. The bood was completely full but no card or picture from her sisters. I don’t bother so much with cards. As soon as they look at them they throw them away. They don’t collect them like I do. I asked her nhow she was going to dispose of those cards - she said “no way” they are all mounted in that beautiful book.
Ramona told her mother when she was getting ready to move - (she too was a saver - years of beautiful cards still with her) Anyway Ramona said “Mom if you start reading the cards again, or even looking at them, you will never get rid of them. Just get a bag. Put them in it, tie the bag and put it in the trash.” Well that was what she had to do. Ramona, Dean & Mark were there to help her move. Guess this is why Verda is so much more devoted to their friends. I felt bad that she didn’t go for Dean’s funeral. Reva, Janice & Scott took off work to go. Have a Great Christmas
howard 1618
Letter written by Leona to Ira and Virginia Coulson November 13 before 1986
Dear Ones:
This will kinda confirm your belief in lots of water Sis. When I had that bout of Kidney infection along in July I guess it was. I felt so bad and finally went down to my Dr. to see if it was all in my mind - like missing Terry or being concerned about Vern, but after my Dr’s check up I found it really was a kidney infection. He gave me a prescription for it.
Talking to Dean about it, he gave orders that I must drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. After that I discussed it with the F.H.P. dietician at one of our meetings on this weight loss program. She went int her office and got the enclosed article about lots of water although she felt this might be a little too much. My Dr. too thinks this might be overdoing it a little - and I find it really hard to get so much water down and still able to be away from the bathroom very long - like on Sunday or before going to town. She wondered too about it over-working the kidney. I sent a copy with Mark out for Dean’s reaction. He’s really well versed on health issues. I gave Verda a copy too but she’s so busy I guess she hasn’t taken time to read it. Anyway on days at home I make sure I drink at least 10 glasses or at times 11 and even 12. I take it much easier on Sunday or before shopping. While I was working at Norwalk High School gee it was some maybe 25 years ago I had a bout. Dr. Hinkley gave me a Sulpha Drug which caused a pain through my shoulder and down my arm. He said not to take any more of those pills - that I was allergic to the Sulpha. He did say to drink water like I was being paid to drink it. I really did too and haven’t or hadn’t been bothered since.
If I had written you even a small part of the letters I’ve “THOUGHT” to you, you would be well acquainted with everything that has happened or that I would think might happen around here. The trouble is = I just THINK them. It’s so easy to just keep putting off writing - well it’s just as easy to keep putting off doing other things too. I’m doing real well at riding my stationary bike a good 1/2 hour every A.M. and I get along real well on walking my mile in the afternoon or evening. I feel better after doing it. Just trying to do housework seems to be something else- my back starts hurting and I need to lie down. Dean thinks or suggests it may be posture. I think that might be it too. Out walking you can stand straighter and it’s more of an arobic exercise like bicycling which they stress doing.
I was delighted to hear about Aleesa. How is it working out? And what about Lee R. Where is he and what is he doing? What happened about Lee Ann? I understand her marriage didn’t work out so well.
Vern is real low now as you may well know. His mouth and lips hurt him a lot. He was having trouble with his legs too. He thought it might be phlebities but looking in my medical dictionary he decided it wasn’t that. I called him once to see how he was. He said worse than ever so I asked if he would like me to call his Dr. or rather a Dr. He said “Oh would you?” I was so glad to do that and managed to get him right in. I then talked to the Dr. they assigned him to and asked him to really listen to the trouble he was having with his throat and I told him how long Vern had been on liquid food. I told him that Vern would tell him about that but that he is hard to understand. I told him too that Vern would talk to him about his legs but then I said but what he will not talk to you about and what I think is even more important because of his highs and lows is his need for Lithium. That really backfired. Vern was very angry. He’s so sensitive about that. I said but Vern do you remember the things you do when you are high? I don’t want to see you go through that again. He says now that it was a mistake to of rented his home to that Mexican family - Four teen age boys besides Mr. and Mrs. They are really good people and very considerate of Vern. Jesse came in to see me once. He said he wouldn’t let Vern go around the side of the house to his little quarters between his house and the garage. Jesse said “you come in the front door, if you don’t I’ll put a lock on the gate. He went on to say “You are Mormon, we are Mormon - we are all family” He even administered to Vern. It was very hard to discuss anything with him - he spoke little English and I didn’t understand Spanish. To tell me that he said how do you say - oil on the head. I said administer? He said yes but he still couldn’t say Administer. Back about the Lithium - I really don’t think the Dr. would tell him that I had told him about the high’s and lows but Vern said he kept talking to him about taking it. I think he surmized that I had told the Dr. He said “Your are not a Dr. and I don’t have them very often any more. Of course I said “but Vern I don’t want to see you ever have another. In the course of our conversation I said what Verda said she was going to say to him - and that was to remind him of some of the things that happen when he is high, so I asked if he remembered sitting in Church with his cap on. Three men asked him to take his hat off in the Chapel. He said no I can’t - I didn’t have time to comb my hair. It was a soft cap with a bill for shade when in the sun. Vern was very angry then. He said “I don’t want to talk about it, and hung up. He didn’t talk to me for a long time then. We just don’t talk about it. Unless he wants help no one can really help him.
If he ever needs it again or asks your opinion if he should get it Try, without upsetting him, to cinvince him that we all may have need for medication. High blood pressure, diabetics etc. are al because of some kind of an imbalance. Verda thinks he feels it’s labeling himself.
Well it’s beginning to get dark and I want to walk to the Post Office. And I want to do it before time to pick the mail up before it gets dar.
Terry seems to like where she is. Of course there is no church. I guess we have to do what we can do though. The seem to be real relaxed and good to her. I thought of bringing her home for Hallowenn. She always loved to pass out the trick or treats. I wasn’t real sure that that would be a good idea though, and then when I was out there on Saturday and saw the spook alley, the cob webs, scarocrows, the graves with the foot prints around it - and she told me about the hot dogs, apple cider, chips etc, etc. I decided it would not of been fair to take her from all that the just handing out candies. At first when I was down to Therapudic Arts to see her she asked if we were going home. I said “no darling, Doctor says not yet.” She hasn’t asked since then and when I asked once where her purse was, I had taken one down with her brush, comb, lipstick and mirror for their grooming class, she said she left it home. That kinda hit me. I wanted to say your home is on Ellis St. I didn’t say it though.
Bye, Bye for now Love you, Le
howard 1612
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Note: N23101 Letter written by Leona Andrus to Ira and Virginia Coulson Sunday
Sis Darling and Buss:
I do want to apologize for keeping you on the phone so long. I didn’t think to ask you what you were doing when I called. Looking back now - you were trying to tell me all the time that you were just putting dinner on the table - and that the whole family was there. I just was not listening. I don’t know now how I knew Joy was there. You might of said something to that effect - maybe when you mentioned that the Howard reunion would be in Salt Lake this year. and called to ask Joy something and then to think I sould then want to talk to Joy. It was then - when you said joy was eating and that you had not gotten everything on the table that I was jolted into realizing I had really cut in on your family dinner. I feel so dumb. so very inconsiderate so very embarrassed. Please apologize to the family for me. And sis I’m so sorry to put you in such a situation.
I was so glad to hear about your very pleasing bath room the use of oak, gold and chrom the plumbers was ready to start to work Monday A.M. He had offered to put the Vanity in for me. To get one the length of ... would take at least 2 weeks so I needed to get it ordered. He could go ahead with gas lines under the house - also the water lines and the drain lines - but then I wanted to take advantage of his offer while he was still here and doing the job. I calld Vern - no answer.
Monday A.M. I had called Saturday no answer then I supposed Janice had taken him to the Dr. I knew she had a lot to do on Friday Dau. Chelsies school open house & work Anyway when there was still no answer this a.m. I called the office where Janice works to see what was going on. She has him in the hospital when they will remove the tube he has had which he said was worn & in bad condition - they will put a new tube in - so I guess all will be O.K. will let mail man take this - love you Le
and again I’m so sorry for causing you a problem.
howard 1628
Letter written to Ira and Virginia Coulson March 16
Dearest Sis and Buss:
Sis, you and I sometimes do the craziest things! When the Lord blessed you with children, he sent them ONE AT A TIME He sent me two. I’m sure you and Buss would easily of managed two. BUT NOT FOUR! If you were to be called to teach Primary, you would easily manage that. You would have them no longer than 2 hours at the most - NOT THREE DAYS AND AT LEAST TWO NIGHT. How about taking them JUST ONE AT A TIME? I’ll bet they have very little one to one communication at home. With just one you could have a good teaching time, time to find out their abilities on the piano. It would be a great time too for her to work with their grandfather, or to sit on his knee, I’ll bet they do not have a knee to sit on at home. I well remember too, the great lesson he taught Joys children on the law of tithing when we stopped at is home (the home he grew up in) when on our way home from his brothers funeral. I’m quite sure they are more acquainted with those teachings than LeeAnn’s children are. that one to one time would be golden. Next week another turn. OK?
About sleeping: I mentioned to you once what they said at FHP about imaging your body is filled with sand. Zippers along the way would let the sand ooze out. The idea would be to completely relax you. Very deep breaths too would help. That way really doesn’t appeal to me. Soft music and deep breathing does. I told Verda I was going to suggest to you that you imagine you are at a beautiful concert - you can see Mary up there with her violin, you notice the way she is sitting, You look at her dress - its beautiful! The music is so beautiful, you look at some of the others, then you see Joy there too with her beautiful instrument, all the time you are breathing deeper and deeper, you are thoroughly enjoying that beautiful music and seeing Mary and Joy. Well Verda didn’t buy it. In fact she was quite impatient. She said “a bed is a place to sleep in, if you are not going to sleep then get up, go to a comfortable chair with a robe on, so you are not cold. Find something to read until you are ready to sleep. Maybe she does have something there. You cannot MAKE yourself go to sleep. Reading a good article would take your mind off the activities that are keeping you awake. Maybe a good article on the Church Section of the Deseret News, or a good place in the Book of Mormon. NOT THE WARS OR CONTENTIONS. Ira is so dear and I’m sure the massaging would help to relax you but if that does not do the trick then let him sleep - he will understand if you are not there. The first issure in January Church News really interested me - the great roll Adam playbed both before and after his great roll in the Garden of Eden. The forbidden fruit - it really went along with the Adam God theory. I even went to Talmages “Jesus The Christ” to see what he had to say about it. He seemed to say the same thing. His body was not conditioned to eat mortal food.
Now if you do foolish things, I am about 60 times more foolish - in fact I’m sure I would rank with the “PLAIN STUPID ONES.” We are told again and again AND AGAIN about the importance of knowing the right way to lift anything. When Mom was in the hospital at St. Mary’s, I noticed once when I was there that she was skooped way down in bed, she looked so uncomfortable so I tried to get her up on her pillow. The next day when I was there I mentioned to the nurse how very painful my arm was. To make a long story short, after conversing with her awhile, she told me I had hurt my arm because I had not lifted Mom correctly. She said they learn how to lift. They never let the strain be on their arms and especially NOT ON THEIR BACK. (Back to that subject.) Yes I read the article from Reader’s Digest that you sent. It says the same thing FHP Physical Therapist and dietician says and also the “Prevention” magazine I have subscribed to several years. They all say “moderation”. FHP says if you are at a party, eat before going so you will not fill up on things you should not have, but then if you would like a little dessert, have it and do not feel guilty. Enjoy it but then you do not keep on eating such things. I need to limit these great oranges. THEY ARE SOOOO GOOD! but they also do have sugar in them - natural of course. They all say exercise is so important. It’s almost impossible to lose weight by dieting alone - you just keep on staying the same.
Because of that I have been trying to do more walking and more on my exercise bike. Dean brought me one of those walkers like you spoke of a long time ago too. He too, said it should be at your own pace. Not motorized. In walking I have been really concerned about my leg hurting, almost like my right leg did when I tore the ligimates when trying to walk to church with slightly higher heels. At that time my left leg walked along real fine, my right leg was twisting, turning and hurting like mad. It would not hold up. I had tried the shoes out at home first. They were fine, looked good too. I had not worn them since I had the stroke. I haven’t worn them since either.
I naturally, was real concerned about the hurt when walking. Verda brought a tape over for me to hear on different strokes and how you could know if one was coming on. I surely didn’t want to hear tell of that - so then when I felt a real sharp pain in my hip when I tried to walk or to do anything, I called Emergency at FHP. It was on Saturday. The nurse I talked to said it didn’t sound like a stroke, my voice was clear, no slur and she told me move my toes up and down. Wanted me to check with my Dr. on Monday. Sunday of course I went to Church and the pain seemed to come and go. When I got home I called Emergency again and asked if a cardiovascular Dr. was there, I decided it must be something in that area. She was real nice but she said the same as the other nurse and made an appointment for me Monday A.M. I went along with it. I decided I might need a referral for that special Dr. from my Dr. Well my Dr. knew all about my hurts. She explained how very careful we must be both in our posture and certainly in any kind of lifting. Our spine is right there with the largest and widest nerve in our body - The Siatic nerve is also the longest. At the knee it branches into several and goes right down to our toes. she said complete bed rest is the best cure. COMPLETE BED REST? Who has time for that?
When I got home I went to my Medical Encyclopedia to see what it had to say on the subject. I found they had a picture of the spine as well as a full description of the sciatica nerve, and then I thought about the many, many times I had taken the trash out especially right after the gardener had mowed the lawn. Many times I had thought about having him set it out in the alley for me but then I have had people dump my barrel and take the barrel with them. I had lost two that way. I could roll it out by opening the siding gate all the way. It is slow moving sideways and I’d have to have the remote with me. The little swinging gate within the big sliding gate opens with a key and is real handy to use to take the trash out. It’s on the end by the avocado tree. The only problem there, is that you have to lift the barrel over the chain link which pulls the big gate. Many times I have thought the barrel was too heavy but then I would lift it anyway - probably about 3” but I had to be sure not to damage the chain. This has gone on and on. Then I thought of all the junk my neighbor put out there and on the other side where I would have to swing in order to turn in the gate. Too, I thought of the huge cardboard box filled with the filthiest magazines you could ever imagine. They were spilling over the side and the box was right on the ground. The trash man WILL NEVER PICK ANYTHING UP LIKE THAT EVEN IF THEY DROP IT IT WOULD JUST STAY THERE. I could NOT leave them to be seen by passers by or to drive over them. I picked up ever so many and put them in and on my trash barrel - THEY JUST HAD TO GO! The trash man would come the next morning. Still the box was still there and with a lot more magazines so I picked it up and took it to the trash barrels back of the Care Home on thew West. There was room for the rest in their barrel - and for a lot more stuff they had left. They had already moved so I couldn’t ask for their help - anyway I wouldn’t want help from anyone in disposing of such filth. NOW PLEASE DO NOT SYMPATHICIZE WITH ME OR SAY ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ANYONE WHO DOES SUCH STUPID THINGS IS SIMPLY ASKING FOR TROUBLE. I started to pick something up last Monday and “OUCH” it surely lt me know. I’ll find another way. I can have Jose put heavy stuff in a bag and set that out. I wonder if those who go thru the trash (trying to find pop cans or whatever they are looking for) would or COULD READ a sign on your trash bag saying “NO POP CANS IN HERE” or if they could read “LAWN CLIPPINGS ONLY)
Mary is quite the little go-getter. She has some really cute ideas for the next reunion. Even Verda mentioned wanting to go. THAT’S REALLY SOMETHING FOR HER TO WANT TO GO! She even talked about putting one of Elmo’s poems to music, that is if she could find a funny one. Most, she though, were too stuffy. I told her I might see about doing one but I would have Mary sing it and accompany herself on her violin. She said Carl could do it too. Either way would be fine. She should have Larry do his number again too, only this time we or they should make sure everyone is well up to the front where they could all hear. Too many were too far back at the Park reunion. They couldn’t hear and their talking got in the way for those in front to hear. Billie didn’t like the program because they couldn’t hear it. I wondered why in the world she wouldn’t see that they all would get up further so they could hear.
March 24
One week since I had this just about ready to go. I had gotten to “they all” when the phone rang. Several times since then I have thought I should see what I was saying so at least I could finish my sentence - I didn’t get that done until now. At least I think I finished that sentence so that it makes sense. The phone call was from Alicia Andrus, Blain and Maxene’s daughter. They live in Reno, Nevada. She is a Junior in college there and was here representing her school in a diving competition at our new “Belmont Plaza Recreation Center - at Termino & Ocean Ave, in Long Beach. She has done real well in swimming since she was in H.S. and has done real well teaching swimming to help in her college expenses. She has here a few years ago in swimming competition. Dean was here then. We all went to see the swimmers from so many schools and states. Dean could easily point out to her how she could save a lot of time in making turns at each endo of the pool by just making a somersault or a flip. The diving was just amazing - all their spins and several somersaults before straigntening out to hit the water head first. Students from Arizona, Nevada other than Reno - she represented Reno, others from various schools in California Denver etc. etc. Blain as you know is Dean and Ramonas oldest son. He did real well in swimming too when in High School I don’t know of him doing much in college. I know one year he was to participate in Water Polo competition. He was also in the High School Band. They were both performing the same night and of course in entirely different places. No way could he participate in both and I never did find out which he participated in. He had a real big decision to make recently. The Law firm he had been with such a long time and for which he did so much traveling all over the world - wherever the company he was with had oil or land rights. Problems that came up, he would go there to help solve the problem. When the company moved to Denver he of course was to go with them. The kids did not want to go. They liked their school - They all really liked their ward, their neighborhood and RENO Period. At the last moment seemingly, a job with another law firm showed up in Reno.
Surely wish I could send a box of these delicious oranges to you. I guess I won’t try. They are heavy, heavy, heavy and would cost more I’m sure than you could buy them there. The only problem those you buy wil not be off this tree Ira planted. It’s the first time I have had to have stakes put under almost every limb. Even then one big branch, just loaded with oranges broke. Roy put stakes around and then a clamp where the one that broke was peeling down. Jose (the gardner suggested pruning it a couple of weeks ago. I needed to get the oranges off first thought so had him wait until last Monday. He said it was a little late, it was beginning to flower, should be done before, so he didn’t prune as much as he would have done. Roy and Verda came over to get the oranges off and into refrigerators When Jose got through and put his ladder in his truck I noticed several oranges still right up on top. I thought Gee that’s too bad, I’ll have to ask Roy to get them and he would need a ladder. With that thought then I decided Jose could more easily bring his ladder back. When I mentioned that to him though he said “OH NO THOSE ORANGES WILL TELL US SOMETHING, IF THE TREE IS HEALTHY, AND IT IS, THEY WILL FALL OFF WHEN THE TREE REALLY GETS IN BLOOM, IF THEY GET DRY, THEN WE WILL KNOW THE TREE NEEDS SOMETHING” Interesting huh? Did you know that Ira? Of course being in Salt Lake you will not be as experienced with oranges as you are with cherries, apples etc.
The tiny buds that finally came on the avocado tree has finally opened up into flowers. Some years I have been fooled when they would open up to more new leaves. Verda and I both thought for awhile that we would have no avocadoes this year. It was such a heavy year last year, we thought this year would be a year to just rest. LOTS OF BLOOMS. Our peach tree is & has been just like a gorgeous bouquet. Nectarine now is blooming too.
I think I’d better give you a rest. And by the way I am feeling a lot better. Before my bout with Sciatica hurts, I had the flu - first in so long. Love you, Love you, LOVE YOU!
howard 1615
Letter written by Leona to Ira and Virginia Coulson December 13, 1992
Dear Sis and Buss:
Well your story about Santa probably should make a believer out of you. Spreading love, happiness a sunshine to children where ever they go. What a nice way to enjoy their retirement. I guess that is really what Christmas is all about except not forgetting the one who really deserves our love and devotion. I’m sure they include that too. What do they do at the North Pole though? Well you said Alaska. Evidently they have money enough for such traveling. How nice you could and DID go and hear Cari sing. I wonder if Lee was bewing given permission to hear her too. It’s hard to believe his little baby girl would be 15 years old now. How do you arrange getting away this way Sis?
Myrna and Debbie keep reminding me that I have never seen Debbies baby and now she is 4 years old. I don’t know what I will do however. It is a very cold time to go to Oregon - well they live there and do alright It is hard to guess what will happen about Vern. He is giving them at the Skilled Nursing Facility so much trouble. It was so surprising that he would decide to go there after refusing so many, many times. The last time Paramedics was there the nurse too - I went over to let Paramedics and the nurse in. They had found a window in the back without bars through and had broken it so they were already in the house. They told Vern that they could not keep coming back every day and so strongly advised him to be checked over. I had his Dr. on the phone too, At this point his Dr. and F.H.P. Social Services had already made arrangements to get help he really needed in spite of him. Paramedics said they could commit anyone who was a danger to anyone else. He was not but they could also commit anyone who was also a danger to anyone else. He was not but they could also commit anyone who was also a danger to himself. This he definitely was. At this point Dr. Chan didn’t want him to go to the hospital. The nurse had already dressed his bleeding arm and leg. The hospital would only redo that and then they would release him to go back home. We would be right back in square one. Vern just might of realized this - especially with the talk about Social Services being there the next day. That night then when I didn’t go over to get him water and Scott didn’t go and hive him a bath. He said he had not had a bath for two weeks - I told him he had a bath that day when he fell and was so covered. Anyway he called paramedics then and decided to go to the hospital. Of course then I had to call Social Services, the nurse who would be there the next day and his Dr. Evidently he was just too bad for the hospital to release him. Maybe his Dr. or Social Services interviened - who knows. His legs were swollen & had sores on them. They have kept him quite heavily sedated. I had discouraged Eddie and Jo (his tenant, the one who was so willing to help him manage his affairs or his apartments - collecting the rent, getting necessary repairs done etc) I was really afraid he would insist on going home with him. Then last Sunday a nurse told me it might be nice for him to have some company so I decided to go. IT WAS SIMPLY DEVISTATING!!! As soon as he recognized me he started talking, pointing to a door - very static - very hostile - pointing, shaking his hand. Of course his hands were strapped down on each side. He could move them about a foot only. He kept pointing to the door, talking real loud but I couldn’t understand a word - I said I don’t know what you want Vern! More waving his hand just as much as he could and then he pointed to his mouth. I had opened the door - just a toilet and a sink in there. When he opened his mouth and pointed, then I said you want to gargle your throat? That was it. To go in the room you had to wear a mask and put rubber gloves on your hands - a protection both for him and for you. He had infection in his throat as well as his legs. He was so hostile, wanting it right now. I guess I would of given it to him if I had anything to put it in and some salt. As it was I had to ask the nurse. He came in and told Vern he would swab his throat. Vern shook his head, screamed at him. In bed the nurse said he would of choked. That made sense. The swabs had some medication on them. He used a good 6 or 8 swabs coating his throat. Vern resisted so he (the nurse) held his nose, forced it open. Of course you know how Vern would like that. Then Vern waved his hand like writing. I asked the nurse for some paper. It was a male nurse who swabbed his throat. Before doing it though he also wore a mask, gloves and completely covered himself with a plastic coat. After treating him the coat went in the trash as well as the mask and gloves. It was a tiny piece of paper she a girl nurse found but then the pen I had, had to be completely covered with scotch tape. She said after he used it I could take the tape off. Well he could just scribble. I had a little notebook in my purse so held it so he could write. With his hands tied it was hard but he insisted on page after page of just scribbles until I finally raised him a little and held the tablet a little better. I told him I had to go, he shook his head “NO”. It was so hectic and I knew I was doing him no good or myself either but he still wanted to write so I then made out with his shaking his head “DEAD - 2 MIN” He kept the pen wouldn’t let me have it - & by now, I had taken the tape off so I was afraid I was causeing the nurse more trouble. That has been his big trouble every time he had been in the hospital - he wants to be on top of everything. When he committed himself that time in Compton he complained so much about their brutal treatment - making him stay in the bath until he was completely exhaused. When I asked the nurse there why they treated him this way, he looked at me and said “Do you really think this hurts him - sitting in a tepid bath with the water moving all the time? We want to completely exhaust him so he will sleep”. I thought MY GOSH THAT IS ALL WE REALLY WANT - TO GET HIM TO GO TO SLEEP MORE THAN JUST 5 OR 10 MINUTES. Vern bragged then too because he outsmarted the nurse when they gave him Lithium - he held it under his tongue until the nurse left the room and then spit it in the toilet. He never would let me have the pen. I had taken the tape off so I was violating their rules by letting him have it but he was insisting I stay - and he held onto the pen. IT IS SO SAD. I know how he will be hating them holding his nose and swabbing his throat. I’m sure the medication on the swab will be too treat the infection. He wants to do it his way though.
I talked to his Dr. too about the Lithium. I’m sure she hates the law more than we do. She see’s so many neurotic people out there who could be helped. It is because of law suits - malpractice suits and cases where peope felt they were being locked up by family members who just wanted to get them out of the way. Vern has always felt that way. Mom (bless her heart) always believed Vern when he would talk about how terrible they were treating him if he could.
It seems he will have to be declared imcompetent - and someone having to take over guardianship of him in order to get the Lithium down him. I’m not sure I understand all about it. - and we don’t know wnat is going to happen. While I was talking to the Dr. and she mentioned releasing him, I said it would be completely devistating to have him home - even if he could be released - that he just should not be alone. She agreed. I’m hoping that Social Services can take over without him going home, only to have to leave again. It will really be a blessing if he could go first - I mean sometimes death is really a blessing. If he would only cooperate - just relax and know they are doing everything they can for his well-being. After he fired Janice Dr. Chan gave him a perscription of Lithium but put it under a different name. Vern recognized the capsule so then he was mad at the whole world and of course would not take them. He takes a heart pill - what a blessing it would be if his heart just gave out. HOW HE HAS STOOD SO MUCH AND IN SUCH A WEAKENED CONDITION IS A MYSTERY. The nursing facility was lovely, clean & beautifully landscaped. If he would only cooperate with them. The heck of it - WHY WON’T HE TAKE THE LITHIUM WHEN IT COULD KEEP HIM FROM THE DEPRESSIONS AS WELL AS THE HIGH’S. He sees the crazy things he does when he’s high - why after so many, many years does he still impose this on himself and others. I’ll keep you posted. Love you both Le
(unnumbered page uncertain where it fits in.)
Eddie, being so close and so considerate of Vern, it was real nice to have him even with Janice coming in each week. Eddie, too, was getting his groceries - that was a big help. He was not rational - but when he gets high he never is rational. All the time Eddie has been putting his paper up on the porch for Vern, knowint it was so hard for Vwern to get it. Living right next door was such a big plus too. When he startes telling people off though and demands so much, he’s so hard to deal with. He’s angry too because Janice still has his car, and then she had it painted a blue color. It was a horrible kind of an apricot color. He said he liked that color. I sure didn’t like it and especially when he would get a flower attached to the antanna.
Thursday night I was talking to Dean. He called to see how I was. He knew I had been bothered with a cold and coughing spells which I surely do not like. We were interrupted by the Fire department cutting in asking us to hang up because an important call was trying to get thru to 422-2748. Of course we hung right up. it was paramedics trying to get me. Sandra had called Vern - it was about 11 p.m. that would mean that she was calling from Kentucky or Georga - not sure about 1 or 2 a.m. with the time change. Why she would call at that time was crazy. In trying to get up and to the phone he fell. He said he knocked himself out for awhile. I guess he barked at her why she would call and wake him up. He let her know that he had fallen and couldn’t get up. I guess he managed to get the phone down on the floor with him. She then called 911, then she called Ron in San Jose and then she called me to see if Paramedics had gotten thru to me. I had called Fred Rogers to see if he could let Paramedics in. He was in bed and asleep but his son went over to let Paramedics in. He, Vern, surely is not thinking right - how can that boy on John Street help him at such a time. Of course I called Dean back to let him know why the emergency call. He was imagining all kinds of things going on - like someone in the ally being caught or a fire somewhere that I didn’t know about.
When Vern started complaining about Janice spending so much in fixing his apartments, buying new rugs, paying so much to paint etc. I told him that I had not told him of our expense on Mom’s home because I knew he would never agree with the things Verda and Roy had done in repairing and updating those two homes, but I said Vern, when Verda and Roy both felt it should be done, I was not about interfering with their decision. I told him too that except for some of the wood work that was supposed to be painted when we went along with his Mexican friend doing the outside painting work, the place looks real neat. He gave a price, I said O.K. but then he did only so much. When Roy asked him why he didn’t do the rest of it he said, oh that will have to be $20.00 more. He then went to Mexico
howard 1611
Letter written by Leona Andrus to Ira and Virginia Coulson January 12, 1993
The weather man is surely focusing in on Salt Lake and all its snow. Seemingly more than you have ever had. Who was it who said you in Salt Lake had been praying for rain?
The funeral went over really well - well all but one big goof and the heck of it - I was a big part of the goof! I really felt bad about that. We had not gotten together to know exactly what we were going to do. All through the years that I have played for anything and especially for a group to sing would be to know (ahead of time) exactly what you were going to have as an introduction. There where the organ is in a little room by itself that was especially important. They had tape music on though, I looked at all the buttons we would need to turn in order to turn it off so I could see what stops I would use - and to know just how loud I would need to play so that they in front of the audience could hear. I also needed to hear them. It’s a bad arrangement in that way. I have wondered why Jay has not done away with the walls and put curtains up like some mortuaries have. Well again I should of asked Jay or Isabell to turn it off - but I didn’t - so when it was time for the grandchildren to sing, I played the introduction good and loud - I wanted to make sure they would get their pitch. The heck of it was They started right in singing. I was playing too loud to hear them and they were singing so softly I couldn’t hear them anyway. I played the first few measures and then dropped down to the ending measures as they were singing - I guess it was “Lead me, Guide Me etc. Janice was leading them so then she cut them off. They didn’t finish singing. Gary said they should of kept right on singing - and maybe they should of.
The room was pretty well filled. Several from Garden Grove were there as well as from our ward. Reva and Leroy were there. Leroy had to leave for an appointment he had in Long Beach. Reva went to the cemetery as well as the rest of the family - all but Roy and Verda. Her back was hurting too much to stay up any longer.
I went over to help pick out his casket. We ended up with a silver on the outside and a light blue inside. The casket flowers were red. This was not the time of year to get roses - They were mums and probably carnations - I’m not really sure just what but they were flowers now in season - full and beautiful. The attached ribbon had “Dad” on it.
Verda said she was so disappointed when she saw the flowers she ordered for Terry. They were from a nursery but she said so scant for the price they charged so this time she wanted to see what she was paying for. She ordered them through Von’s grocery store there in Lakewood. They have a nice flower section. She went ahead and ordered three arrangements. On one she had “The Watkins Family” on another “The Coulson Family” and another “The Andrus Family.” She couldn’t know how many flowers would be there. Vern not being well known in our ward & he was our brother. We had talked about one big arrangement from you, she and me. It was really nice that she got the three. They were just beautiful! One was largely red, another more to the orange tones and the other more on the peach colors. They had tall Gladiolas with mums etc. They were so full and arranged so beautifully sorta like this (hand drawn picture) these were little flowers at boarder. Well if I could draw - it would look better. I don’t know which color had your tag or which had mine - they were all so beautiful so it really didn’t matter. They were all so full and so artistically arranged. I wondered if they didn’t make them even fuller because of her ordering them at the same time. She too had to pick them up - well Roy did. I suggested that she pay for them out of our combined money. She did say they were $25.00 each plus tax - less than $30.00 each. She had it figured right to the penny. She had them charged to her charge card and then would each pay her - that getting just that amount to her nickles and pennies too - said “Sis, make a check out of our combined account for the whole lot.” Yes a little part will be on Vern, too but I don’t think that is such a big deal. I’ll have to find out what we do with his part now. Ron is his executer - will I send it to him or will it go to Janice who has Power of Attorney. I’m sure not going to take on the job of distributing it to each of his six children. Where Verna and SanDee had such a big problem over Melba’s what will they do about Vern’s. Yes they were both at his funeral. Verna had two daughters with her. They drove from Escondido. The one daughter flew in from I think they said Texas. She flew out on Sunday P.M. I missed relief society and sunday school class to take her to the airport. Verda and Roy would do it but I would of had to leave her here alone until about 1:30. Our new schedule is relief society at 1 p.m. Sunday School class after that and the sunday closing exercises in the chapel before sacrament meeting. I found some one to play for Relief Society for me. I was back in time for sunday school closing exercises.
The boys - Ron and Gary did real well in talking. Gary brought a lot of laughts from the congregation - things he remembered as a child when growing up. Vern was always so intent on Work, Work, Work. He remembered when they were supposed to be working and he was away - so on went the T.V. when they heard him coming they all scattered like flies. He Vern came into an empty room - but the T.V. was still on so they had to face that - of course no one was to blame. And then while he was still to young to drive but gophers were in abundance. He was glad about that because then he would get to sit in the car - rib up the motor with a hose attached to the exhaust pipe and the other end in the gopher hole. He would pretend to be driving too. Ron’s talk was more as a tribute. He had taught them to work and to enjoy it. - to be positive in his attitude. Verda tried recording the service but she was too far back and too much was missed. Some didn’t speak up enough. I forgot to ask Gary if he had taped it. Before the service I noticed he had his player, he wanted to play, during his talk, one of the tunes he remembered that Vern liked. I mentioned taping the service. He didn’t have a blank with him but he did say that would be a good idea and that maybe he would have time to dash out and get a tape. I didn’t think to ask then whether he did it or not. We’ll find out.
After the Cemetery session we went on to Huntington Beach where Janice had made reservations for the family to have a luncheon together and in one room reserved. After the luncheon (salad bar type), but in a room reserved just for the family, Ron’s family, Janices family - 3 children, Reva, Curtis, Gary & wife, SanDee, Verna, Crystal and SoFee - I think we had 20 there - they really featured the Mountain Dew - and even had a can in his casket with him - He so liked Mountain Dew. After the luncheon they went to have pictures taken - one picture was of all his and Reva’s children and grandchildren - quite a group. The other picture was of his six children.
Before I forget it Vern was in Temple clothes. I wondered about that where he didn’t wear them in life. When I mentioned it once he associated them only with his marriage. When that went he figured the Temple clothes should go too. Ron & Gary wanted to dress him. I think it was a harder job than they thought it would be SanDee sure wondered about the clothes.
1/19
Well I guess I had better go ahead and send this. I had decided I had just spent too much time and space dwelling too much on the negative like the first page. Verda said it was not that bad - the children were children and not perfect. Olive Grant said they thought nothing of it - that children often do not sing loud enough to be heard. It would of been better though. Any goofs like that though that did not have to be really bothers me though - and as I think about it, it always gets bigger and bigger. They did need their pitch and I did need to be able to hear them. They were scared - we did need to have an understanding as to an introduction. Well I finally decided that what was done was done - no need dwelling on it this way - it would not un-do anything. I was going to tear it up and start over. That has not happened and to start over now I’ll be sure to leave something out or think I had already told you - so I guess I’d better forget about re-writing.
I think the weather man really got mixed up - California got the rain intended for Utah and Utah seemingly got the blanket of snow meant for Canada. I do remember one winter in Carey though when the snow was so deep it covered the fence and the posts around our home and all the homes to and including the Eldredge Lane or did they call it the Park Lane/ Uncle Albert and the Eldredges both lived on that lane - anyway the fences were all covered so the trail was cut short by crossing the fields, cutting right across instead of making the corner where the road was. When spring came then and the snow started melting and the fence posts started appearing - anyone wanting to come that way really had trouble because the real road had not been used and now with fences appearing they couldn’t cut across anymore. I don’t think we ever had as much as you seemingly have had this year.
While I was at Spongbergs I asked again about those lots Uncle Elmo and Aunt Vetris has in Green Hills Memorial Park. I was first told that it could never be sold. I supposed it was because it was in Vetris and Elmo’s names, but that a blood relative could use them. checking on it for Terry who we were told forms would have to be filled out by other relatives in order to use them. There was no time for that. There is no reason to just leave them there forever. In talking to Leah we thought the family organization could have them released to the organization for research and Genealogical work. Jay called me after talking to them at Green Hills that if they were sent the names and addresses of all grandchildren or the children of each of their brothers and sisters - Green Hills would send such forms to each of them to be signed. We’d have to explain to some what this is all about. Do you have a complete list? or does Joy have one? We wouldn’t have to go to grandchildren. Their addresses is: Green Hills Memorial Park 27501 So. Western Ave. Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90732. The graves: sunset terrace plot 25 spaces C & D I may need to write to Leah or Akurelia bout you and Joy need to know too.
Love you - Le
howard 1623
Letter written by Leona Andrus to Ira and Virginia Coulson May 14, 1993
Dearest Sis and Buss:
Thanks for your beautiful letters! I love you both so much. You are always there with just the right things to say.
The Service for Dean was really a beautiful one. That young Bishop was so warm - so very caring. He had a tape there ready to tape the services but then forgot to turn it on. I’d give a lot to be able to hear all the talks again as well as the choir and the piano solo. the choir was preparing to sing at the dedicatory services of the San Diego Temple. Such a great choir and the pianist was such a professional - anyone could hear that over and over. Jay and Dean grew up together and were such good friends. I never knew of Jay ever giving trouble or getting into trouble. He told of their many trips when they would pack their bags and take off to explore Mexico and some of the canyons with interesting places to explore. I asked Blain for a copy of the talk he gave. It was excellent! He spoke from notes but I have asked him to put it down. I really want to review it again. He has quite an ability as a writer. In High School any one asked to give a talk in church would turn to Blain for help. Mark was not on the program, he wasn’t sure he could do it. But his reading was great he really came through. Being in San Juan so much with his Dad and Mom, they were so close, just as Mark and Ramona still are. Especially after Dean & Ramona moved there, they did so much together. He has a Masters degree in professional writing and it surely shows up in the way he says things. It was so good and brought a lot of laughs too. I’ll try to get a copy of both boys.
You spoke of your new chapel that will soon be under construction. If they don’t get a pipe organ - you will miss that. Sister Jones had an Alan. She loved it. We have a Rogers in our ward. So many wards do have the Rogers. Bob Tall, a returned missionary was also sdelling Rogers. He was a terrific organist - really knew how to entertain on it and was always ready to put on a concert to demonstrate the new organ.
How much transposing have you done? That was never my thing to do. Lori did quite a bit of it in High school in the piano class she was in. Verda knew a lot about it too. Well for the funeral Howard Zimmerman was to sing for, they requested the song “Abide with Me ‘Tis Eventide” He has such a wonderful voice but in places that song just as places in “In the Garden” has places just a little too high in a place or two for him to feel comfortable in singing. I always think it is a shame for anyone to have to strain to get a few notes. He got the piano copy that is a better range for “In the Garden” It doesn’t lend itself very well on the organ. Back to “Abide with Me ‘Tis Eventide” he thought of asking them to let him sing something else, but hated to in as much as they had requested it, so I decided I was going to do something about it. Not doing much in music Verda tried to help me but I ended up doing it myself. Of course I did it the hard way. I got music paper and simply wrote it all note by note. I brought it down a full step and a helf. He was so delighted. Now I must do the same with “In the Garden”. I remember once when Fay Kerner was singing for a funeral, the song was in just too low a range. Do you remember her and her beautiful soprano voice. The alto range just was not for her - she said she would never do that again.
I was about to divide the money in Mom’s account last month. It would of cut it a little short so I decided I’d better wait until this month. When the Coronado’s moved in we collected the first and last month’s rent plus a $200.00 cleaning deposit with the understanding that the $200.00 would be returned if they left the place in good, clean condition. On the 15th when their rent was due last month they came over with the bad news that they would be going back to Lorado, Texas. He has been working with imports and exports and she is an accountant. He had reached the retirement age so it was a manditory retirement for him. She will have to work 2 more years. He is not ready to retire but to have much of a job in California. So much would be deducted from his Social Securithy if he worked very much. They have a home in Texas, their daughter and her husband have been living in it but I guess he was transferred so the house will be empty. Under Texas laws he can work full timne so that is what they decided they should do. So instead of having money to devide we’re going to have to pay a painter and be without income until we can get it rented. Roy did it before but with all the trips they have planned he won’t have time to do it. They just got back from a trip up into Canada, to the East coast, etc. They plan to go to Idaho I think for a graduation in June. I got a price from the man who painted my house. He did a good job. He’ll have to give it two coates and take care of a few mildew places back of furniture in bedroom. Probable so much moisture this year. He gave me a price of $1,250.00 for paint and labor. He did Ramona’s mothers home inside and out. He did a good job there so I had him paint my home. It’s holding up OK. He lives on Lemon so is not a fly by night. In fact his home is right across the street from Glaus’s. what do you think about that price Buss? Surely hope we can get good renters again. It’s scarry so many, many places for sale and rent. so many seemingly leaving this area. Ramona and Mark still hope I will sell and move there. That’s a big step. Hope we can get it rented so I can go for Sherri’s Utah State Graduation on the 5th and Bryces Jr. high school graduation on the 3rd.
Lu says Billie is there with Betty Rokes for the Dilworth and Park reunions. I haven’t heard about the Park yet. The Howard will be in August again I imagine.
One thing about having this painter do Mom’s home, he will come in with his crew and have it all done in just a day or two. On my house they did a lot of sanding, replacing some boards where the plumber had had to remove to replace the vent pipe that was completely severed on both ends. The boards were so broken in trying to put them back on so they really looked bad. That was the reason I had to get it painted. It needed it all over too. This painter went out and bought several new boards to replace the old and broken ones.
Oh and about the music you sent me. I havent gotten at all of them yet but some are just great. I like my “Sweet hour of Prayer” probably because I know it, it is not as long and soesn’t change keys so it can more easily be ended when the Bishop gets up and is ready to start. I have a copy of it for you. I just need to get it in the mail. I really like your “Rock of Ages” and have used it for several funerals. I like it so much. I like the arrangement of “How Great Thou Art” too. Several others I am so anxious to get at. Thank you so much Sis - you are so dear.
I did as Melvin used to do as he would read letters. He would write on the envelope things he needed to comment on or questions he needed to answer. I think I’ve covered everything I wrote on the envelope - and I think I had better give you a rest. Love and thanks again Le
It was the Mitral Valve that gave the trouble. I’m going to ask my Dr. just how that valve effects the heart. His Dr. asked if he had had Rhumatic Fever - Shirley Dr. asked the same thing & both Dr’s said what we may of thought was a cold could really of been a light case of Rheumatic Fever. Or it could of been something he inherited so knew nothing about it. Jay thought by being so health minded & exercising he could of prolonged his life Didn’t Aunt Villa & Nora each have heart trouble? Henry’s father too died at about 56. I will miss him checkent up on my exercising - not too much - He says your body & the back tells you when youve done enough - to listen to your body & to back off when youve done enough
howard 1625
Letter written by Leona Andrus to Ira and Virginia Coulson June 8 year unknown
Dearest Sis & Buss
Well after all we have had to spend to get Mom’s house painted $1,5000.00 new faucets in bath $50.00 for a helper to get them attached - (Roy needed some one who could go under the house to attach a new pipe to the pipes below) - Rugs shampooed $85.00 - a new little red rug to go under the red table in the kitchen $30.00 Making it a darling breakfast nook. Linoleum was worn there so we followed Coranadoes way of carpeting that section - only Caronadoes had a blue or blue gree carpet. Roy and Verda found a red that matched so well it really looks nice. Roy used the old rug for a pattern to cut the red rug so it fits in the curve just perfectly. Roy does do neat work.
You will know all about the renters. Verda said Mom would turn over in her grave if she knew we rented to a Black girl with an Indian boy friend. The are so excited and are going to be married in that beautiful large front room. He is well educated. Was a police man before going into the work he currently is excited about - getting different cultures together - recognizing the good qualities of the different cultures - Mexican, Black, Indian, Hawaiian etc and bringing about a Bond or brotherhood to benefit all. His talk sounded great almost like L.D.S. We both (Verda & I) agreed that we saw no place where we could follow through with his wages. On the rental agreement he had $36,000.00 per year. She works with American Health, ... as administrative assistant. I called her at work and got thru to her on the number she gave me. I talkied to her former Land Lord - He’d take her back in a minute - really tried to find a larger apartment for her - knew of her reason for wanting a larger house - he said she was tops. Paid always on time & took good care of her apartment. He has several - but they are all small. Well they are apartments. They were both just wild about this beautiful - beautiful home - so many closets - it did look great. Several times he would leave us to see that beautiful front room again His work has something to do with writing for the broadcast media. How we would check his credit - we just didn’t know - she was the one who did most of the application and paid first & last months rent $770. per month. So I’m mailing in $1.540.00 today her $300.00 Security will be paid on her next pay day June 11.
After so many applicants all one black girl with from 1 to three little black stair steps about 4, 5, & 6 years for one up to a family of 6 wanting it. They (the six) were quite white and spoke English except the grand mother coming to live with them she was white but spoke a foreign language.
One couple or family from Vietnaum - refergies come to U.S. to get away from communism and U.S. Government is giving them some $1,600.00 a month to live on. How long - I don’t know. It was a real struggle to communicate with them. Thats where our taxes go - well there for Clinton Hair cut and all these others who wanted it but we would have to qualify for the Section 8. One black girl, 3 children, no husband even brought me materal showing me how “We could qualify for Section 8 Welfare!
We talked about selling - Verda stopped in to a realition - he came to appraise the house - gave a figure of $135,000.00 I said that is what Mark got for Florences (Ramoanas Mother) Home 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, large garage & front room & small dining room He, real estate man, tried the scare tatics she was East of Atlantic on Lemon a better area he said. Mark said I could get more than $135.000.00 for mine because of my den added on & New high fence and automatic gate. I think will make it east its earning money now. Moms home 2 front rooms, 3 bed rooms 2 baths etc.
I talked to another Real Estate agent with Century 21. Olive Grant told me to talk to her & she is L.D.S. I think we can talk to her better. I don’t want the pressure of a Hurry Hurry sale.
Its going to be hard tho. I’m too close to those beautiful roses mom planted and the very nice large home to see it go down hill whether we still own it or not. Much more I want to say - so Ill write again - should of typed this so you could read it Love It was going to be just a hurried note.
howard 1626
Letter written by Leona Andrus to Virginia Coulson February 2 year unknown
Dearest Sis.
Now how am I going to have time to write letters with all this New Music to try. I can’t wait to get at it! They all look like they would be so interesting - so very beautiful - in fact as I’m looking at “Our God Is Great” I’m having a very difficult time keeping from going to the Organ right now. I do have a sheet arrangement of “How Great Thou Art” Lu sent it to me years ago. I like the accompaniment and the introduction so much better than the arrangement in the Hymn book. The hymn arrangement is better for choir or part singing. For a solo I use the copy Lu sent me. Now I’mve got to go try this.
I have an arrangement of “I Need thee Every Hour” I use it a lot its different than this tho: Can’t wait to see how it is different. Maybe I’ll send you a copy of Mine. Do you have “Sweet Hour of Prayer? I have a Nice arrangement of that its nice for when they are coming in for Sacrament Meeting. I also have a nice arrangement of a Melody Celeste - Its really “The Lord Is my Shepherd.” It’s nice too to add a reverence touch. Thank you so much Sis recieved the copies today - all taped together - all ready to go.
Poor Mary - She will Never believe We do not have thunder, Lightening & Hail in Southern California. Not after her concert night here. Or hopefully they were in a sound proof Hall - and Music going so they couldn’t hear it. They would surely of been playing lloud to not hear that Hail peppering down though. I had Lawrence Welk on the storm Wednesday turned my TV off. Electric protection I understand. I had to go turn it on again. A real Frick storm - it crept in completely b surprise - weather man didn’t know it was coming.
Wish I could of gotten this afghan in the Car when the kids were here - the one for Lee R. Lucy expected a larger car to go back in - so I didn’t even mention the afghan to them. So many in the same small car - so crowded up - I was afraid something would happen to it. I’ll yet get the right kind of box - & get it down to U.P.S. thats the hardest part for me.
GayLee likes green - I think she said a dark green Do you think she would like different colors of green in it, or one color? I thought I really had it made - they had a sale on yarn at K. Mart so I went to get some - they didn’t have a single skien of Green. If she had in mind the pattern like yours she might want just one color - dark or maybe moss green or some such color if she likes different colors of green maybe real dark, lighter or mid & then lighter & lifhter still I might surprise her with a different pattern “Apache Tears” That want mean anything to her but I made one with lite Mauve, a lighter Mauve, Peach & country cream - they are all more subdued colors - country colors let me know OK I’d like it to be as she’d like it - just as well. thanks again Sis Love you
p.s. Verda goes for physical therapy 3 times a week. At least 20 minutes each day of Moist Heat on her back. (The fracture was close to the one she had when they had that accident in Utah on black Ice). they apply some electrical device - I don’t fully understand that & then exercises - some kinda hurt - getting on the floor for some - she does some walking each day too. Not as much as she did for sure It is improving - very slowly a back injury or fracture takes a long time.
Did you see Carl, Linda & Denice on the Jessy Sally Raphel talk show? I imagine they told you about it when you picked them up. I’m dropping Denice a card - I’m reminding her of her beautiful smile, her cute figure and how when Pres. Sponberg finally realized everyone was not noticing him so much - his tie, the color etc. he did a lot better - He was timid or introvert by Nature but went on from Sunday School Supertendent to Bishop - then Stake President as well as on the City Councel did a lit in community service Last his concern about his looks so much by the many things he was doing. From Stake President he bounced back to sunday school supertendent very effective then teacher - especially good & then Patriarch. He didn’t have time for so much self centerdness. That was virgil.
Happy Birthday again Oh I tried the Music I love it! Will see about combining our two I need thee Every Hour - They are different and go to different keys but - well we’ll see Thanks
They Sand blasted the house next door - what a mess & my poor flowers!
I promised to send you the address and info re- those graves of Uncle Elmos. You said you thought you and Aurelia could come up with a letter head and letter from an organization that would be effective certainly better than anything I have found out or Pres. Spongburg either - we get different information each time we call them - probably all the one answering the phone can come up with them being in Elmo & Vetriss names I’m sure has not helped, and no mention of them in his well. He probably didn’t think of them at the time of the will. He was quite Ill too when Lee Stokes took him down to draw up the will.
Green Hills Memoral Park 27501 So. Western ave. Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90732
Sunset Terrace plot 25 spaces C & D
howard 1627
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Note: N23140 Letter written by Leona Andrus to Ira and Virginia Coulson June 18 probably 1993
Dearest Sis and Buss:
Received your letter. What a wonderful Sis and Brother I have - They really do “COUNT THEIR MANY BLESSINGS” and they do “NAME THEM ONE BY ONE’ Their wonderful son, worthy to be called to such an important & big calling as BISHOP. Their beautiful and talented daughter and granddaughter. their also very talented grandsons, son-in-law, daughter Barbara. etc. etc. The big part they both played in other also talented and beautiful missionaries. Yes you are truly blessed - and YOU SURELY DO DESERVE IT.
I think we all felt good about the letter from Larry. three ACTIVE families moving into his ward. Kind of an answer to all our prayers for his success. Three active families would be a great blessing to any ward - large or small. I imagine his ward would not be a very large ward.
I liked your story of the 100 spiritual Experiences we should all try to have each day. Yes, reading the Scriptures, the Ensign, Conference reports really can give us a spiritual experience IF WE DO AS OUR AUTHROITY TELLS US TO DO, PRAY ABOUT IT, MEDIATE AND STUDY. The same thing would apply to our prayers. Unless we do apply ourselves, I’m sure many prayers never reach the ceiling. I have that big book or Pres. Benson’s Biography. So much to read in the D. & C. for each Sunday’s lesson - also R. S. lessons so I seem to never get through reading it. Each time I do pick it up though I marvel at what a really great man he is. So completely honest in all his dealings. He surely does what is right regardless of the consequence or the opinion of others. His wife too - so honest and JUST HER OWN SELF, regardless of the opinions of others.
I didn’t know about your tow nails Sis, what happened?
Another Mamogram last week tells me I am O.K. Good news. They sure recommend having one every year. I can surely think of other things I would rather have done. I asked at one point why she had to have that device so tight - why it had to hurt. Of course that is soon over and the results are satisfying if the machine shows no problem.
I’m sure Billie is thrilled to have Raymond and his wife so active. None of her children took to the Followers Church. Is the new Genealogical Library in the new Joseph Smith Memorial Building? In the Church section of the Deseret News we read about that beautiful Hotel Utah being remodeled and re-named. So many interesting and inspirational things going on there.
Did Verda and Roy leave some tapes and some other reading material with you? The tapes were Leroy Harris’s (Reva’s husband) testimonials about some new devices, something like some magnets in a sleeping device you sleep on. After his stroke he was having such a bad time, no energy, his memory so bad. This supposedly made him feel like a new man - now he can get up in the morning, do his exercises, jog, do so much he was unable to do. She called me on the phone and asked if I would read it if she sent it to me. I said I would. Roy has a problem remembering, getting confused so I thought it might be well for them to listen to the tapes while traveling. Verda was hesitant about taking them. She was disgusted with them once when they came by to see them but then it turned out that they had something to sell or some device - I don’t remember what it was. She thought it quite corny to use what she thought was a nice visit into some means to sell something. About these tapes and the booklets, she said she didn’t go for those gimmics. I said, well it won’t hurt to see just what it is. I haven’t asked since what happened. I told her to listen to them and then leave them with you. I told Reva I sent them on. She said great! but don’t bother sending them back - they have more. I just wondered. Reva said it was amazing the way these magnets keep the blood circulating when a drop was put on a glass over magnet.
And speaking of tapes, Sis darling, you had already sent me the tape of George Durrant’s “MY BEST DAY SO FAR”. I even made another tape of it so in case anything would happen to it I would have another. Shill I let Verda and Roy hear this one and then send it back to you - or have you sent one to her too? You sent the one to me about the time you sent the Michael Bellam tapes. I made a tape of just his music to play to go to sleep by. I didn’t need the stories - just his beautiful singing. I really did a good job too. this Sony recorder did a great job by just putting it on pause when he got through singing. I was afraid it would have a clink noise when I would cut off his talking. It turned out real good. Shall I run it through on a tape for you to go to sleep by?
You asked about the avacadoes and lemon cubes. Knowing about Verda’s hurt hands, I knew she couldn’t squeeze lemons so I had quite a few for her. Needing space in my deep freeze I told her about them, thought she could put them in her refergerator. She grabbed onto that in such a hurry telling me they had a good refergerator in their R.V. and that she could take some to you. I was just delighted = my lemons needed to come off the tree - they would soon be pethy. I had the Mexican gardners top the avocado tree. They said they wouldn’t charge me if they could have some Avocadoes. There were just loads up there but up so high even a 6’ man could not touch them with the picker. It was so hard to find a man who could climb the tree and then use the picker, and of course anyone I would get would get so many which was O.K. if it was not a street bum. They would even come over that high fence and get them anyway. I knew that was happening when a plastic bucket came up missing and also a big plastic tub the city gives up for recyclable articles. When I saw all the things I had in the basket scattered over the apron and the basket or bin gone I knew that was what had happened. They wouldn’t bother to come over the fence just for the bin or whatever you call it.
July 8
Well Sis you are really something! I do have an envelope already addressed. It is not stamped though. I have “THOUGHT” just dozens and dozens of letters to you. My problem is I don’t get them down on paper. I think when I was writing that letter which was still in the typewriter, and I was making such a mess of, that it was because my back was hurting. I don’t see how you and Buss can do all the gardening, pruning trees, spraying for bugs, thining the fruit, picking it and putting it up that you do. I didn’t have quite so much to do in the yard before my neighbors had their house sand blasted and then color coated. I had such beautiful flowers and shrubs on this side of their house. I’m sure if I was having the work done I would of cautioned the workers to respect their flowers. I took some plants out that I thought would be in their way - not so with them - & the rest of my plants - They just tramped them into the ground. Some shrubs were expensive too - from a nursery. My pansy geraniums were just a sight - so beautiful and the ground so completely covered. There was not a spot for weeds to grow. The lawn too was all dead. I had the gardner dig the space up the ($160.00) level it off - in places the lawn was highter than the walk so every time I watered, the walk was flooded. New grass required much watering - every day. Of course being out watering I would see every weed, get a shovel and get the weed out and then I was constantly putting new slips in so to get my flowers back. Using a shovel is not my best thing to do. Then I would just want to sit with a good back on my chair. My typing chair is real comfortable but you can’t very well take advantage of the back rest and type. I think that is what happened when I saw I was making such a mess of my letter. Leaving it is no good. I just do not get back to it. Sorry.
Used your copy of “Rock of Ages” again today for a funeral. Need to get “How Great Thou Art” about two steps lower for Howard Zimmerman. I promised him I would. I did really O.K. on Abide with me ‘Tis Eventide.” No I don’t think you can get (buy) hymns in a lower key. He has such a great voice but he does better in the lower ranges.
So Aleesa does have two little girls. You said you had 9 great grandchildren. I knew Larana had 2, I thought Aleesa one and LeeAnn 3 - she must have 4 then. Barbara is really something - I’m sure she has made the first step in that closeness with Aleesa, & how special to have Bryan in the circle. What is the babies name? Lindsay so cute for No 1. Love you both & thanks Le
howard 1616
Letter written by Leona Andrus to Ira and Virginia Coulson Jan 27, year unknown
Dear ones:
What a beautiful blessing you are and have been to your family, your neighbors, friends and certainly to your grandchildren. And now you are reaching out to Lee’s grandchildren. More and more I am convinced that we are NOT born equally. Really, what chance does LeeAnn’s children have against Aleersa’s or Gaylee’s when we think of the differences in their home environment and the teachings they each have and the examples that are there for them - and yet, how can we know just what they were before they were born? Maybe through them LeeAnn will still be blessed At least WHAT DO WE HAVE TO LOOSE? How much of the Lee attitude and his father and mothers attitude and testimony will they have inherited?
February 2
Will I think I really had a good thing started. It stayed right in my typewriter - waiting for me. I think it was Roy who cut in on my good intentions. He came over to measure the space between my garage and the garage on the East. The garage that was sand blasted, and then colorcoated. I had always had a gate there - real rickety. After closing in the apron back of my garage though it was no longer used as a gate - in fact it had not been used as a gate for years. They had another gate way to use to put their trash out for the trash pick-up. Now that Al and Loren Chiraco have sold their home - at least they think it is sold. It will be to two families though. Loran hasn’t seen them but she said several names were on the contract. Al said he thought there would be children in the family. The big home is three bed room, and then what was a garage but hears ago was converted into a one bedroom apartment or home - and with sales being so much on the down side it probably will be two families in order to make the price. Kinda scarry. It will undoubtedly be Mexican families, Samoan, Black or ???? Since the Earth Quake with so many leaving it’s hard to know what will happen. I’m sure it is because of her pregnancy - their first babies and she is carrying two babies - a boy and a girl. They will hame them Joseph (call him Joey) and the baby girl will be Jaime. So Joey and Jaime. They are a lot more friendly or neighborly since she is not working. Of course I can understand their seemingly indifference before. Both working, then meeting at a spa or place where they could work out. He was taking night classes too so they were very much involved in their own lives. Well back to the space between the two garages - a real open invitation for kids to run through - OF FOR BIG ONES IF THEY FEEL SO INCLINED. Roy will have a very neat and strong fence. He does do neat work. With my high 6 1/2 foot fence - yes they could get over it but not as easily. The area is bad and surely not getting any better. We would have to consider Mexicans, Blacks or such for sure An L.D.S. 7th ward relief society president I talked to though in a year or so we’d have a better chance. But who knows, since the Earth quake??? Still there is a thought thou with so many without homes maybe that will be a reason for them to want a home and in any location. No need to worry about it for sure.
I knew you would have a great Christmas with teasy, fun loving Larry and Moana there but I had no idea it would be as far reaching as it was. You did such of great job in filling in all the details. It’s so great that Danny would so live his life as to be worthy to be a veil worker. And just maybe Mary will find another way to fill her Mission or that Mission will come at a later date - who knows? I’m sure a right decision will be made.
Mark came for me on Friday before Christmas. His home was so beautifully decorated inside and out. His beautiful tree and all the santas etc. I stayed there Friday night and Saturday night. Reva had invited me to come there Sunday P.M. to have Christmas with them. Their Sacrament meeting was 9 - 12 Ron with his family would be there in the P.M. also Janice and her family. Since Marks Sacrament meeting was at 1:30 to 4:30 I had the choice of going to Revas or Sacrament meeting with them. He took me then to Reva’s. It was nice. She is a great cook; had made trays and trays of delicious cinnamon rolls so many of which she took to various families, the ones on her visiting teachers list as well as neighbors. Turkey and all the trimmings. Well we had either turkey or ham at Marks too and all the good vegetables that go with it. Naturally I wanted to take something to Leroy and Reva so I got a box a Truffle at Helen Graces for Leroy. He love that even though Reva had tones of homemade fudge. I had a small afghan in the making - but with Ron’s twin girls, his older Tanya and Janices two girls - Kara the same age as Tanya and then Chelsie now 11. Who would I give it to? Well Mark helped me decide which of the younger girls would get the Peach colored afghan. We thought only of the younger girls. They would guess the color or give me the color of their bedrooms. I hadn’t seen the twins for some time. They at 13 were no longer little girls. All 5 girls joined in the guessing game. Purple, green, green, etc. etc. It was Kara (Janices older girl who guessed peach - so what could I do but give it to Kara. She would put it in her hope chest. Now what do I do about four other girls??? I have a light blue for Chelsie so far - Revas??? Well to go on with the story, I, of course, was there without my car. Reva had said some one would see that I got home. Janice then wanted me to spend the night with them, see their new home and then go with Scott (her husband) who works in Long Beach the next A.M. So that was what I did. Their home was so lovely. It was the same plan she wanted so much to buy while Vern was still here. Their bedrooms were all upstairs. The home she wanted for Vern had a bedroom down stairs with a bath right next to it. This plan is the same except instead of it having a bedroom down stairs that space is in a family room. They have a pool they all love. It is “Home Base” for all their friends just as their small rented home was. The two girls have a bath room between their two bedrooms - a shower over the tub and the long vanity has two sinks - much like your down stairs bath has only I think you have one sink. They have a mirror the whole side so there is no waiting to get ready for school. It’s nice! It really would of been so much easier for Janice to take care of Vern in the home they wanted him to help them get by selling his. Its a nice change from taking turns in a one bath they had in the rented home.
On the way home I mentioned to Scott the long distance he had to drive every day for work. He said he moved to Corona especially because of the great program they had going on there for their young people. He liked the Ward, the schools and the activities and friends the kids all had there.
Reva’s Bishop had something to do with a fun place they called the “Camelot”. When I head them talking about going there on Monday I thought they were talking about a light opera “Camelot”. Not so. Reva had gotten tickets for all of them to go there. Scott had to work so of course I came home with him then. They had a real good time and then Ron’s girls stayed with Jan’s girls a few days. They are great cousins - have real fun being together. I think the Camelot must have been the place Brent (Lori’s son) took Lisa, a little girl from our ward, when he was here. They have minature golf, a lake with a boat. I know Brent took Lisa for a boat ride. His long arms could reach into the water and splash lisa. She, so much smaller and shorter, couldn’t reach the water. She was soggy wet when they finished their ride. She was a good sport, talked about how her shoes went sloch, slotch when she tried to walk and her clothes were dripping.
One reason I didn’t get back to my letter: When I woke up Friday I had a sore throat, sprayed my throat with Chloreseptic sore throat spray even if it had expired long ago. No choice - and it did help altho I didn’t feel good - didn’t even dress. Sunday I was fine, went to conference - Great - walked over to Joe and Olive Grants and soon after started sneezing and coughing, felt real bad. I had some newer Robitussin I took some - no good! It was like taking horrible syrup so I have just been real lazy. didn’t even go out to rake the leaves off my lawn today. I’ll be O.K. though. Want this to go with mail man. Love you, Le
Excuse mistakes, Verda asked if I had rubbed my eyes. She said it was a direct route for cold germs to get into your body. I’m surprised at how often I automatically reach up & rub my eyes. Thats terrible for those little cold germs to take advantage & get in that way. Joe Grant has had a bad time & conference ... do have you heard that?
howard 1624
Letter written by Leona Andrus to Ira and Virginia Coulson May 21, year probably 1991
Dearest Sis and Buss:
Gee but I would love to get an answer to the thousand and one question I have had for you. I guess it would help if I would ever get those questions down on paper and in the mail to you instead of just thinking them. I do have a big part of a letter I started writing to you while I was waiting for an appointment to see the Dr. at least a week ago. Something had happened to my leg - the one on my right side where I had the stroke and also a varicose slser. I didn’t want to take a chance at having another ulser. I still do not know why my leg was so sore - no bruise and I didn’t know when I could of strained or tore a muscle. Dr. just told me to keep off it, keep it elevated and a heating pad on it. Surely hard to get all the things done that I need so much to do with my leg elevated and a bulky heating pad around it. As long as I don’t have another vericose ulser on the way though, I think I’ll make it, and with a little time I’m hoping it will soon feel better. I did take advantage of every stair I could find to climb - good exercise you know. AND NOW NO EXERCISE!
Sis, I was so releaved to get your letter and to know the Mammogram test was so good. So great to know. I just couldn’t believe though that your cholestrol was high. You with your excellent diet. There is no cholestrol in those good vegetables you enjoy so much. Verda too has high cholestrol and she has been such a choosy eater - and for such a long time. After Roy had those heart attacks and the last one so very bad with the resulting by-passes, she was a real bear about what he would eat. His father and one brother died of a heart attack. She wanted to keep Roy around. He had high cholestrol but his early eating habits could account for that. Salt pork, fried potatoes, etc. etc. Mom was so much ahead of her times in the food we ate or that we grew up with. We had real butter and cream and eggs. That’s a no no now.
When the Dr. or rather the dietician started talking so much about the importance of knowing what our cholestrol level was - that was October 89 mine was 265 with the H.D.L. at 52 and the L.D.L. (bad cholestrol) 182. In January 1990 the cholestrol went up to 294 real scarry! By March 1990 it went down to 291 and then 2/19/91 it was 264. With a new Dr. and one concerned about cholestrol level (it seemed the older Dr’s just were not as concerned about this cholesterol, I wonder if they really studied about it as the younger Dr’s have, I’m sure we didn’t hear about it until just lately, Verda was more on top of the egg yolks, palm oils, cocoanut etc.) Now this is what I’m leading up to. The younger Dr’s prescribed Niacin for me to take. I knew I had had Niacin before from the Health Store. I called the health store near me to ask what Niacin was for. He said it was for circulation and the lowering of cholesterol. That was great for me. My circulation was real bad after that stroke and by then I was well aware of the cholesterol level. My last Dr. doubled the strength and the amount. I would take every day. He said he didn’t want to resort to drugs which if I started taking I would always have to take. He wanted me to take 4 a day - two in the morning and two in the evening and they are 500 MG. I’m sure I started with about 250 MG. They had to be after eating. A note on each bottle says to avoid taking on an empty stomach. I think you would feel hot flashes especially on the face. I think I remember having them - it may be that it was by taking them on an empty stomach though. I don’t think any thing was said about not taking them on an empty stomach - not real sure - it was a long time ago and I can’t remember just why I had them - anyway on april 1 91 my cholesterol was down to 225. HDL was 51 LDL 150. I don’t understand too much about the High Densidy Level and the Low Density Level.
When I got your letter I immediately picked up several articles on cholesterol and a booklet about it from F.H.P. I intended to send them to you. The hastle I got into in getting a fence built - the young man a new convert to the church with an 18 month old baby and a new one soon to be here, he needing work and saying he could save me a lot of money - he got it up in a hurry but when Dean saw it he said “Mom, a good wind will blow that over.” Lynn Davis is a very experienced builder and contractor, he’s in charge of the building for our stake and a counselor to President Jay Spongberg - a real sweet person. Yes and his father is Lorenzo Davis from Carey - his grandfather was our Patriarch Davis in Carey - I had him look at it - results were it had to be done over - yes and that didn NOT save me money. I have a wrought iron gate with an automatic opener, it goes straight across the apron real nice, no place for street people to sleep there now or for Graffetti writers to write. My garage and the neighbors were just covered. It looked terrible! And about the place for street people to sleep - it is true - a sleeping bag had been there for several weeks. I just supposed it was my neighbors on the east. They have lots of cats. I thought they had laid it out there to air out. No big deal. Then I noticed it was not always in the same place - sometimes spread out - at other times I would find it wadded up in the corner next to their gate, so I asked them if it was theirs. They knew nothing about it so we let the trash man take it.
This was to be just a quick note. Lu called me this evening. She wants to come to spend a few days with me. Wants to see the Lawrence Welk Ranch and Cafe in Escondido. Will call me tomorrow to say what flight. She said it would be May 29 and would arrive in Long Beach Air port at 2:30 P.M. and could I meet her. Of course I will. I’ll have a house full. Doug is here and his friend, the friend just returned from his mission in the Phillipines. He’s a super sweent young man. He’s working with Doug in selling - by far the hardest job either one of them have ever had. He will go back to the Y for fall. With Lu coming I knew I just had to get at least a note off to you - there will be no writing letters after she gets here.
It’s time to divide again too so I wanted to get this right off to you. I know I’ll think of more I wanted to say. When I finally get started there is no stopping.
Love you both so very much - I know I wanted to ask you more about your pipe organ. Can’t think right now just what it was - so that will have to be later.
Love again - Le
howard 1652
Obituary and Utah funeral program
Leona Howard Andrus
Leona Martha Howard Andrus, age 91, passed away September 23, 1998 in Murray, Utah.
Born June 2, 1907 in Orem, Utah, daughter of Josiah and Louisa B. Park Howard. Married Henry Telford Andrus December 20, 1924 in Pocatello, Idaho; solemnized July 27, 1927 in the Logan LDS Temple; he preceded her in death in 1981. Active member of LDS Church where she served on Stake MIA and Primary Boards and Ward Relief Society Board, as MIA President and as a ward organist for many years. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting afghans for her children and grandchildren. Mom was a special caring person, not only with her family but others, especially teenagers. The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Murray Care Center for their loving care of mother.
Survived by daughters Lorna (Lori) Walker, West Valley City; Myrna Kirchgestner, The Dalles, Oregon, daughter-in-law, Ramona Andrus, CA; 20 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; sisters, Virginia Coulson, Salt Lake City; Verda Watkins, Lakewood, CA. Preceded in death by parents; son, Richard Dean; daughters, Shirley Reed and Terrie Andrus; brothers Jack Howard, Vernal Howard and Melvin J. Howard; granddaughter, Kristi Kirchgestner; grandson, Kenneth Andrus.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, 3 p.m. at Mc Dougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road where friends may call Monday, 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday one hour prior to services. Interment, Rose Hills Cemetery, Whittier, California.
Park 440
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