Autobiography of Iris Johnson Stubbs by Grant N. Stubbs

Stubbs Nelson Hart Pickett Home Tervort Wride Davis Bradshaw

 

On the 25 February 1965 Iris Johnson was born January 2, 1933, the 7th child of Charles Melvin Johnson and Elva Ann Simonsen, in Fountain Green, Sanpete, Utah in a humble home. Iris was blessed the 5 of March 1933, in the Fountain Green Ward of the Moroni Stake, by George F. Johnson. Iris's early life as remembered by her sister's Thelma Inglefield and Kenna Nelson, quote by Ilelm Johnson Inglefield. "I do remember when his was born, maybe because I was at the impressionable age or a curious age. She was born in the only home I remember. It was small for the size family we had, but as I remember we always seemed happy in it. I remember it was just after New Years and all of us children had turned a bowl over on the table the day before for Santa to fill with candy, this was a treat not everyone did. But we loved it and looked forward to it each year. When Mama was R I remember wondering what was wrong with her. And the Doctor came to the house; Mama was in a middle room that we used both as a bedroom and living room. My bowl of candy was in that room on the organ, I remember the Doctor handing it to me, and hearing Mama cry and in a little while the Doctor came out and told us we had a new sister. We were au thrilled when they let us see her; she was so dark and pretty. She had so much hair. I remember Iris was always in plays, Operas, and she sang in everything. Sometimes alone, sometimes with Kenna. She was always so pretty and seemed to have friends everywhere. The town people always made a big fuss over her. I know she was always a hard worker in everything she did and that she enjoyed cooking and working around the house. I know I enjoyed having her come to see me after I got married, because she always seemed to make me want to try harder in doing well in the things I attempted to do. Iris and Kenna would come up and stay weeks at a time. We would have so much fun while they were here and when they would go home; I remember how empty I would feel. Iris went to live with Aunt Effie Johnson in Fountain Green, so she could still go to school, after Mama and Dad died. Quote Kenna Johnson Nelson; " Charles Melvein Johnson and Elva Ann Simonsen were the parents of seven children, Morris, Vema, LaMar, Nita, Thehna, Kenna and Iris. Morris and Nita died at birth. We lived in a humble little log home in the small community of Fountain Green, Utah. Father was sheepherder and away most of the time. Mother gave us much love and understanding, and when Father came home there was much happiness. We didn't have any modem conveniences in our home. And were very cramped for space, but, somehow we got along. Mother had much faith and not having the modem medicine and Doctor's right in our town she relied on the Elders coming into our home at times of sickness.

They administered to Thelma, especially for her ear troubles. We all went through normal childhood, and the childhood diseases and sicknesses, I (Kenna) was almost two years old when Iris was born. We might just as well have been twins, for as the years went by, we were always together and dressed alike. Mother taught us little songs, She loved music, his and I sang together in public from the time I was six and Iris was four. We sang at Verna and Dee's wedding reception. We were on almost every program. Labor Day and the programs for the servicemen. We would walk to the other end of town to practice and would sing almost all the way. We loved music too.  Thelma also sang with the dance orchestra. Iris and road on floats, we were attendants to queens. I remember the dandelion heads we used for dolls and the wonderful wardrobe they had, made from other flowers. We would play with these for hours. We had to Barbie, Ken and etc. we would wallpaper cardboard boxes and make our own furniture from boxes for playhouses. We also played hospital for wounded insects making little beds of leaves.  I remember the cold winters we had in Fountain Green. We had some real good snowstorms. Our old faithful dog named White pulled us on sleighs in the winter.  We went to Elementary School and up to the 9th grade in Fountain Green; we went to high school at Moroni High School in Moroni Utah.  We also later moved into a much bigger home. We enjoyed this place every much. Iris had the leads in several operettas and was Drum Majorette while at Moroni High. She had a beautiful voice and a winning personality." End of Quote. Iris was very active as a child; she loved animals and ffe. She related many pleasant experiences of her childhood to me. She loved the mountains and the beauty found in the mountains. Iris and her sister Kenna sang together at almost every event in Fountain Green. Although their family did not have a lot of money, Iris stated she could never remember when her Mother didn't dress them in clean clothes. Adelbert S. Lott baptized Iris April 19, 1941 at the Manti Temple, Manti, and Sanpete, Utah. Confirmed April 19 1941 at the Manti Temple by Niels W. Oldroyd. Iris graduated from Fountain Green Elementary and Fountain Green Junior High School. Tuesday May 11, 1948. She sang a vocal solo "Bridge Builder" at her graduation from Junior High. One of her teachers, Victor Rasmussen, in remembrance of Iris speaking at her Funeral had the following to say. " I am deeply honored this day in being asked to say a few words in this great and impressionable and lovely occasion. Lovely because of the many wonderful things that we know of the life of Sister Iris, And, I humbly pray that my Heavenly Father will look down on me and bless me with his spirit that I might say something that will be uplifting and consoling to Brother Grant and his family. I appreciate the faith that they have in me in asking me to speak. I hope that I will be to control my emotions. In 1933, a very wonderful blessed occasion took place for Mel and Elva, Verna, LaMar, Thelma and Kenna. - They were looking forward to a little baby sister or brother and of course were thrilled and very happy when it was this very beautiful and choice soul, sent here from Heavenly Father, I've known Iris all her life,  

I think I was quite young at that time. In our own home we were looking forward to a happy occasion, for the same year my younger brother was born, and he grew up with Iris, went to school with her, participated with her in the many functions of school life, and he and his classmates are here in goodly numbers today to pay there respects to this wonderful girl. I remember Iris as a very active, full of life, child. And one who was happy, one who was always in the bubbling over stage in everything she seemed to do. AU you have to do is look at Debbie and you know what Iris looked like when she as that age. Her Mother used to keep her hair, her beautiful long hair in ringlets. Her and her sister Kenna on many occasions gladdened the hearts of the people of Fountain Green; through they're singing. I don't think that any one, who heard them, win ever forget the glorious music that came from those two sweet little voices. Sister Iris as has been brought out in the opening remarks has held many leads in operetta's, I remember her most in the lead of a Hawaiian, excuse me, Love Pirates of Hawaii you can image what a beautiful Hawaiian she made with her beautiful long black hair. The beautiful girl she was. The photographer in Nephi told me the other day, He said, She was one of the most beautiful girls I ever photographed. I remember her as a student, my band, she was very active, very happy, so one thing that happened one day, I remember her and two of her close girl friends who had been over to band, I went up into my room, I would say they were in the ninth grade, at that time, I looked out the window just as they were seeing who could jump over the fountain, two of them made it, one of them didn't, one of them set right in the middle of the fountain but it was amusing and it is one of those things I like to remember about Iris, because of the activity she seemed to, I don't know she always seemed to be full of it. I can hear her laugh; she had kind of an infectious laugh, the type of laugh that just made you feel good all over. And to people from Fountain Green have been saddened with her passing. When we were in Salina, Utah. When Grant and Iris moved here, I had the privilege with Bishop Bastian of going into there home, I remember, how she supported Grant in the call we had come to ask him to take. And how thrilled she was that he had accepted and how much support she gave him while he was in the position in the Bishopric. A lot of you don't know that this family had, had other heartaches, there Mother passed away and left all the children, they were not to old, and six months, six weeks I think it was or very shortly after they lost there Father, and these kids have had to go through life without there Father and Mother for the past eleven years. There Mother and Father were very devoted to each other and it was just as the one daughter told me today, she knows that her Mother and Father could not have had it any differently if they could have chosen when to go, because they were that devoted, but, as the song says, There is no death, its a parting, just a change from mortality to immortality.

I am sure you have all heard of the statement made by, I think, John Quincy Adams, at one time when someone asked him how he felt, and he answered this way, "Well as far as brother John Quincy Adams, I feel fine, but as far as this old house that I am living in, that's not so good, and I know the time is coming when this house is going to have to be laid down to return to Mother earth, but as far as John Quincy Adams, he is just fme, thank you," and I know that is the case and the way Sister " felt. You couldn't be in her presence, I don't think any of you, I'm sure, I have never heard her in the sickness that she has had, complain, I have many others who have said the same thing, even though you could see on her face that she was suffering, and suffering greatly, but as far as " was concerned, she was just fine. Brother Richards has stated, that there are things we need to do on the earth, the purpose of earth life, he says, the purpose or mans existence on earth can be summed up in just about six statements or seven. First, to be proved by God to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord our God has commanded. Sister Iris has done that very thing. This phase that she has completed. She has received her body of: flesh and bones and this body is hers and she has kept it. This ffe we are living in is called a school a testing time of life, to see it we will keep the commandments that God has given us to keep, and I'm sure that each one of you win agree that she has done that to the best of her ability. To develop the gifts and talent's to which they are born heirs, Surly Iris has fulfilled this requirement, We heard what Bishop Bastian has said about the many responsibility's that Sister Iris has had in the wards, I miss very deeply the smiling face of his in this wonderful beautiful chorus today, and you notice as well those who are participating in this chorus, miss her as well, she has developed the talents that God gave her. I don't know if she got to develop all of them are not, She had quite a talent for art, as well as singing, I don't know how much are she has been able to do, but, I do know that with the time she has been here, she has developed the talents with which God has given her, And she is, I'm sure, been worthy of the statement, "Enter into the Glory, Enter into the joy of the home. To be sealed to a companion for time and all eternity, by one having authority of the Lord, through the Holy Priesthood. Brother Grant and Sister " and there family know the power of the Priesthood, because, it has been stated she has been allowed, pern3itted, to remain here upon the earth for these number of months that actually by any other measure she should have been taken years ago. But, Because of the Priesthood, she was spared to Eve these extra years. She has gone to the temple; to be sealed to her Husband for Time and All Eternity, for she knew the commandment was given to man. So this requirement, Sister ", and Brother Grant have fuMUed, they kept themselves worthy, they went to the house of the Lord and had these blessings renounced upon them. They know that there children will be there's for all time and eternity, and this little child that died, I'm sure that there has been a wonderful reunion with his Mother, since she went on the other side, and to think, that someday, when Grant and these children are called home, that there will be another reunion and this

Little kingdom that was started on this earth with grow and, continue to grow, into a larger kingdom The last one Brother Richard's speaks of is to have children for, Io Children are heritage to the Lord and the fimit of the womb, and Iris has fulfilled this. May we all remember the wonderful example that has been set, before them by these wonderful women? We will all miss her, even though we have been expecting her to be taker4 It always comes when your not quite ready for it, May her life, may the life she has lived here upon the earth, continue to burn, that all of us might see it, that we might guide our lives in such a way, that we will be able to fuffiu the commandments of God, that we will be united with her once again, and we will hear her beautiful voice, and she will thrill us with her singing and the personality that she is." End of quote.  Iris's High School years were spent at Moroni High School, Moroni Utah. Where she was very active in school having leads in all the school plays and Operetta's. Her voice was always as an angel singing.  Experiences of her school days as told by her classmates and girl friends, LaJune Morley  Larsen and Rhea Thomas Rasmussen.  Quote, LaJune Morley Larser4 " I didn't live in Fountain Green until I was I 0 years old  and in the 5th grade. I was really backward, but, Iris and I became very close friends, She  helped me so much to get acquainted, in the 5th grade, Mrs. Mildred Mower was our  teacher when she needed an example, she always used Iris.  I remember we had made a little puppet stage and each one of us had made a puppet, I  made a boy and Iris made a girl with long black ringlets, just like herself. We had our  parents come to the school for the show. Iris's puppet and mine did the soft shoe dance  together and it was really a hit. Iris had such a beautiful voice, she and Kema sang in  Church, Mutual Road Shows, and anything that came along, and they always got clapped  over they were so good. In the sixth grade, Joseph R Christiansen was our teacher, that  year, I can't remember anything.  When we went in Junior High, Iris, Carolyn Cook, and I joined the band, we all played the  drums, the snare and base; we'd trade off all the time. I think you know the little story of  us jumping over the fountain that was our daily run when band was out.  We had sewing in the 7th, 8th and 9th grades and Iris loved to sew, crochet; She always  made some beautiful things.  In the 9th grade, she was the cheerleader and a very good one. She was our assembly  manager and what some assemblies we did. One where she danced as a Hawaiian dancer  with a long grass skirt and in the middle, I chased her off with a lawn mower. Then another time, She was Carmen Miranda, her hair curled high on her head and sang the banana song. She loved things, Re this, She was very active, We’d Sluff School on Halloween, April Fools and etc. And walk the pipeline clear to the big spring. We stuffed  one day and all got expelled for one whole week.  In the 9th grade of course we were boy crazy, Every Sunday, Iris, Carolyn, LaRue, Karen,  LeNote and I would ride our bikes to Moroni and back. We loved to have candy puus,  the whole class, together, at some one's house. Then we'd play, up table, Iris and I lived  near each other and we always were afraid to walk home.

On Halloween, we always made our trip around the cemetery, In Junior High, each year we put on an operetta, Iris had the leading part three years in a row, she could sing beautifly, dance divinely, and memorize like a whiz. We went on a correlation trip up through Yellowstone Park, Four big truckloads of girls and chaperones. We were gone about IO days, we made camp at nights with tents and pull them down the next morning, but it was fun and fiffl of memories. We camped every year with the 4-, One year we went to Boulder and it rained and hailed. Iris and I dug a trench around our tent with big spoons, so our bedding wouldn't get wet, but we went home, homesick, and with swollen glands. his and Kenna would always come to our Mutual Halloween dances dressed up so good, you could never tell them and they always took the prizes. Our High School days were always fun. Iris had the lead in the operas and was very good; She put on some very good assembly's, I remember Iris loved her Mother so much and after Kenna left home. Iris and her Mother lived alone; Iris never would leave her alone. When she lost her Parents it hit Iris awfully hard, I remember, She was lick for quite awhile then She lived with her Aunt Effie and she would go to school a few days and miss a few," end quote, Quote Rhea Thomas Rasmussen. "What I remember most about Iris was her beautiful eyes, smile, and hair. Many girls envied her hair. She had a sweet personality and was always willing and anxious to please. Iris always looked neat and charming, no matter what she wore, she was always attractive. Iris had a special talent, her beautiful voice, and she developed it wherever she could. We loved to have her sing for us. She took part in many assemblies and participated in all activities and was well liked by everyone. We had such fun occasions, Like that wet New Year's Eve when Iris was going to show us her cooking techniques at her home, She burned the meat black, but the waffles were really quite good. Also the nights in the snow trying to get Iris and myself home and not really knowing where the road was, it was covered so high with snow. I probably know " intimately for only about one and one half years and I'm sure I missed something not knowing her longer or keeping in better contact. Iris had one of the leads in the Operetta "Belle of Baghdad" that Moroni High presented in 1949. We had a wonderful time practicing for this Opera. She and I were the traveling girls from America.' In 1950, Iris had the lead in the Operetta "the Gypsy Troubadour." She played the part of Rosetta. Iris held class offices in 1949 and 1950 in her class, but not being in her class, I can't remember what. I'm sure thankful for the opportunity of knowing Iris, " end of quote. Iris was very active in church all her life, having a burning testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; She went through the Primary, YWMA, gaining individual awards in the years 1947,1948, 1949.

I first saw Iris at a dance in Ephraim, Utah at our Snow High Prom, on January 28, 1949. When Iris was a sophomore in High School. Her beauty stood out then and always did in a crowd; we met right after this in Moroni, Utah, Where we were roller-skating. From this time on we went many places together Dating, Dancing, Roller Skating, Swimming, Hunting, Easter Trips, etc. We went to dances in Moroni each Saturday night. Her favorite orchestra was the "Revelers" from  Moroni and Fountain Green.  She loved to dance and was like dancing with a cloud. It was no wonder every one wanted to dance with Iris. It always made you feel proud to be with her.  Iris had many friends, LaJune Morley, Carolyn Cook, Karen Robinsor4 LaRue NEckelsen, Dora Collard, LaNore Cook, Loina Draper, Vaunile Anderson, Rhea Thomas and many others.  Iris was one of the class officers during her sophomore year, also active in the commercial club, chorus, and future homemakers of America and in the Operetta “Bell of Baghdad” where she had one of the leads.  As a Junior in High School, Iris, was active in the school chorus, commercial club, the pep  club, the "Buccannettes" Girls Phys, Ed., Operetta's.  In the summer of 1950, Iris lost both of her parents, her Mother on the 17th day of June 1950, who died after a lingering illness. I never remember going into their home that it wasn't sparkling clean; Iris's Mother was always pleasant when I was there. This is something, which her Mother passed on to Iris, to take pride in her home and the ones you love. Also never to complain, even when they were very sick.  Five weeks after this, On July 27, 1950 her Dad was found in the mountains, east of Fairview, Sanpete County, Utah being thrown over a cliff by his horse. The following is a story, which Iris wrote about her Fathers death.  "The lightning and thunder crashed through the huge aspens and tall pines, somehow, the clap of thunder sounded likes huge artillery shells and hand grenades going off all around.  The canyons and trees seem to echo the sound, till it was almost frightening. Outside, the  rain was coming down in buckets, The sound of the steady drizzle almost lulled one from  the other terrible clattering, But, this was not a battle field at all, but a small sheep camp  nestled in the top of the lost Fairview mountains. There was Grandfather putting his hand on my shoulder, reassuring and telling me "Be Brave Little Soldier Now I'll be Back Soon'. Through it was still pitch dark that early morning the sheep had begun to stir and Grandfather had to be going out to round them together, His face seemed somewhat pale, no Grandfather could never be afraid, it was sort off a look of anticipation or perhaps sadness, you see Grandmother had passed away only a month ago, perhaps dreariness of the weather made him very lonely. Soon Grandfather was on his horse, riding of@ and waving good by to me in the doorway. "Hurry Back, I Called". Then he was gone,  swallowed up by the fog and darkness of that damp, cold, big mountain. As Grandfather  rode along he breathed deeply, no matter rain, snow or sunshine Grandfather always saw  only the beauty of the mountains. He breathed deeply and drank of the sweet clean smell  of the pines, and black-eyed Sus&s. He could hear the tingle of bells in far off distance,  and a flew sheep were bleating in the quiet darkness on the other side of that particular  mountain. He thought, "If only Elva could have seen and felt all this, She would have  known why these mountains get in your blood, so, perhaps, she understood, we were  apart so much though." The lightning was still flashing all around, suddenly just as he  arrived at the top of the ledge, a huge bolt struck a tree near by, the horse reared,  Grandfather could feel the saddle give way, and that he was falling into nothingness over the cliff, hitting on a sharp rock or stick, and grasping to hold on till his hands were bleeding, then this excruciating pain and Grandfather looking upward, the rain pounding on his face, saw a light so brilliant, he had to shade his eyes, descending from the point where the lightning had struck, as it became closer it seemed to take fom-4 There was Grandmother, "Do You Want to Come," she ask, Yes, He answered, Don't leave me, than all was still, only the sound of a distant bell and the steady patter of the rain. Back at camp, I lay wide eyed, listening to the drizzle outside and the old clock as the minutes seemed to be hours, I kept listening for the sound of the horses hoofs. And waiting for Grandfather to return, suddenly, the bloodcurdling cry of a coyote near by sent me shivering, scrambling to get the old coal oil lantern ]it. Then I removed the old 22 rifle from the wall of the camp, loaded it, and perched cross-legged on the bed. With the gun aimed toward the door for the remainder of that night. If anyone had come through the door I would have pulled the trigger, than the sun had risen, the rain had stopped, but Grandfather had not returned, I went to the door of the camp, I t was beautiful up here I thought, the air was clean and fresh, the beads of dew and rain sitting undisturbed a top the grass and black eyes Susan's, reflected every color of the rainbow. The pines smelled like perfume, and the aspen leaves shimmered in the sunlight, this seemed almost as calm and peaceful and beautiful as heaven must be. Suddenly I saw what looked Eke the form of a horse coming over the ridge, "Grandfather" I called, but as the horse came closer, I could see Grandfather wasn't there, the saddle on the horse was turned to one side and I became very frightened, I threw myself on the ground and sobbed. "Grandfather, Oh Grandfather, where are you", After a while, I remembered what he had told me about being brave and I fixed the saddle in place, got on the horse and began riding for help. About half way I met my uncle, who was coming over to our camp. (He had his own herd of sheep of another allotment) I related to him the happenings of that morning and I could see by the look on his face he was very frightened. "Dear God" he said, "What Next", Then we hurriedly rode around the trail Grandfather would have taken that morning, but found no sighs of him or what had happened. We headed down the trail toward the road, there we were lucky enough to hail down a truck and get back to town for help. For two days the posse covered the mountains, searching, finally my uncle, led by some strange power was guided to the bottom of a ravine and 67 foot ledge, where Grandfather lay still and quiet, "There has been no struggle, someone said, must have died instantly, Dead, no not Grandfather, I thought, He was so strong and brave, he couldn't be dead. Then I became hysterical; the next few months were lonely beyond all explanations just knowing I wouldn't spend anymore-happy days tripping around the mountains with Grandfather. A sudden crash of a branch near by, a sudden pain, yes, I am a soldier, this is a battlefield, Suddenly Grandfathers face appeared before me amid all the flashes and shells, "Be Brave Little Soldier" he says, I am at peace." Iris was very talented in writing and making up short stories, at one time; she was a winner in a contest and won an automatic dryer by writing why she wanted a dryer. Her talents seemed never ending, after her parents passed away she lived with her Sister Vema, at Nephi, Utah. Until school started, at which time she lived with her Aunt Effie Johnson, in Fountain Green, so that she could go to school in Moroni High.

During her senior year in school, Iris was program chairman of the senior officers, Drum Majorette, Commercial dept, Chorus and served as vice-president. On Christmas Eve, Iris and I became engaged, and on the 15th day of March 1951, we were married for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple by Lewis R Anderson, President of the temple. Glendon K. Stubbs, Dee Wright were witness's, Iris was truly a beautiful bride, the photographer that took the wedding pictures said she was one on the most beautiful subjects he had ever photographed.  I will never forget the feeling that I had in the Temple when we were married, stating for better or worse, in sickness and in health. We held a reception in the city hall in Fountain Green, again seeing the great love people had for Iris by the large crowd that was present at the reception, after the reception, we danced to our song " Our Very Own', and left for a very short honeymoon to St. George, Utah. Afterwards making our home in Ephraim, Sanpete, Utah. Where " finished her schooling at Snow High, going to Moroni High to graduate with her class from High School May 18, 1951, Iris graduated from Seminary May 6, 1951, she sang a vocal solo, "I Love Life", Our first home was owned by John Peterson, in Ephraim it was a small stucco house with a kitchen, front room, one bedroom and a bath. We rented the house for $25.00 a month, We lived in this home for about a year after which we moved to a large two story home, owned by Catherine Christensen. On December 9th 1951 a baby boy was born to us, he was named Grant J. Stubbs, and it is about here that “developed some of her trouble which stayed with her the night was real cold when Grant J. was born, it was around 18 degrees below zero and the roads were Icy. During the night " woke up and she was hemorrhaging, we rushed to the hospital in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, where Doctor H. B, McQuarrie delivered Grant J. forcing the birth.  He was born about 20 minutes after we arrived at the hospital.  They had to give Iris blood transfusions at this time. During the years 1952-1953, " enjoyed good health, being able to do the things, which she liked. Iris always worked in the church, even when she was sick, I can't remember when she didn't have a job in the Church. She served as a teacher in the Primary, NUA, Junior Sunday School, Chorister, in the Junior Sunday School and the Relief Society in Ephraim also Junior Sunday School Coordinator, and in the Supt. of the YWNffA, Iris sang solo's, but sang mostly in a trio with Barbara Frischnecht and Clara Larsen.

In 1953, during the summer, she came to Fort Lewis, Washington and met me, where I was in encampment with the Army Reserve for two weeks. This was really the only time that we had a trip together. It was a delayed honeymoon, we traveled to Portland, Oregon, Down the pacific coast highway, following the ocean, staying a couple of days by the ocean, until we came to San Francisco, California where we stayed one night. Then through Reno, Nevada and home. On May 15, 1954, Debra Kay Stubbs was born to us at Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete, Utah. Everything went along fine at this time with no complications, Dr Rigby, Moroni, was her Doctor at this time, due to the illness of Doctor Currie, Right after Debra was born, we started building a basement home in Ephraim.  This was something Iris wanted. She always took great pride in her home and kept the house spotless. This was one of the talents she was blessed with, homemaking, Iris was an Exceptional good cook, She took pride in her washing, ironing and sewing. Iris loved to cook for people and was a good hostess.  On June 19, 1955, we had the first of a great deal of sadness come to us; Kelly N. Stubbs was born premature to us. He lived just a few hours,’ we had him blessed and named during the day while alive. Before his birth, the Doctor kept " in the hospital about a week trying to give the baby a better chance to live; she developed toxemia, after which she never seemed to recover. She was kept in the hospital in Mt. Pleasant for a few days after Kelly's death. It was some time before she was able to do anything.  Following is a talk by Milton Armstrong, given during the funeral for Iris, December 17, 1962, He knew her during her life in Ephraim \ Quote, " About 12 years ago, I had this honor, similar to this when I was asked to give a toast at the wedding of this young couple. Grant and Iris, In Fountain Green, and I recall at that time, the many people who came out to wish them well at there wedding. Similar to day, the many people who are here today to pay tribute to Grant, Iris and family.  One of the things that impressed me at that time, still impresses me in several of the remarks given by the speakers, mentioned the fact that Grant and Iris had chosen to become married in the temple, There's was a Temple Wedding and as we look around us in the world today, very, very few people think about great privilege and opportunity, even in our own Latter Day Saint Church. Only about one half of the young people take  this step to consider the Etemity's, But, Grant and Iris at that young age had considered  it, and they were married in the Temple for time and all eternity, This was a inspiration at  there wedding and its a inspiration here at this sad time.  Both of these young people have gained a good reputation at that time. Having been  active in their school functions. They had been honorable people, good Latter Day Saint  young people and then since there marriage. They moved to Ephraim and they gained the  respect and love, and honor of all the people of Ephraim. Her friends and neighbors loved Iris as a sweet, charming, person. She had talents of singing, she had the talent of  love and kindness with her neighbors and friends, and this talent and this personality was  exhibited in her home, also Grant had this same type of personality, and he was respected  and loved by everyone there in his community. They were active in the church, many  times, young people do not think seriously of these things and then they moved to Salina,  as has been mentioned they still remained active in their ward. And the people here felt her talents the same way in this community as well as other communities. land  even during the time they were living here in Salina. Like in Ephrain-4 We had many  occasions to have this couple come back with some of the there friends, and with their  special talents, entertain us. I don't know how any one could treat her children and her  husband more than Sister Iris, Never complaining and always trying to make things for the  best happiness, and then to the great responsibly of service to others, and when we think  of our own children, especially the young people, how much we should appreciate the  value, the service, that is given to these young people, to the people who go to our  Primary, to our NHA, to our Church functions, when we have lovely people Eke this who  take charge of the activities of the young people in the world, We are living in today.  Now, Iris, has left this place of existence, She was permitted, I understand to Eve even  longer than those who are on the other side wished her to.

I understand when Grant J. was born that at that particular time. It seems that her Mother had come and was asking her to come on the other side at this time. But she was permitted to live until now, and then she had two other children, beautiful daughter, Debra Kay and another little boy that died in infancy named Kelly N. that was given to them. She will be reunited with his child at this time and at this particular time when Kelly was born, Iris became very sick, I suppose at that time that she started to develop the trouble, which lead to her passing away." End quote. In Feb. 1958, we moved to Salina, Sevier, Utah, where I became manager of Christensen's Dept Store. Although " was sick, she always did everything she could to help me out. We moved into the basement apartment of Ted Burr's, during the summer of 1958, Iris spent 3 months in bed. Two weeks of this time in the hospital in Gunnison, Utah. It was at this time that we found out Iris had nephritis, a disease of the kidney's, She seemed to over come the disease during the winter months. Iris again worked in the Church, serving in the Primary, NffA, Junior Sunday School and Sunday School, going to meeting when she could hardly walk, She sang in a trio with Madge Wilson and LaJuana Bastian, with Sheron Madsen accp, them. They sang in Funerals, Sacrament Meetings, Ward Christmas Party's, Weddings, Relief Society, Iris was also talented in putting lyrics to music, this is one, which she made for Relief Society, lyrics to the tune of Dear Hearts and Gentle People, Quote. " There's a place I like to be and its Relief Society, where friends and neighbors smile and say hello, Its a pleasure and a treat every Tuesday here we meet that's why I want the whole wide world to know, I love those dear hearts and gentle sisters who five in my home town, because those dear hearts and gentle sisters win never ever let you down. They read the good book from Friday till Monday and how the weekend goes, I got a dream house, and I’ll build there one day with picket fence and rarnbling rose. I feel so welcome each time that I return, that my happy heart keeps laughing like a cloud, I love those dear hearts and gentle sisters who live and love in my home town>" end quote. The following is a quote from the Funeral Service for Iris on a talk given by Bishop Arno D. Bastian. 'This truly an opportunity and privilege, I'm great full for the faith they expressed in me to ask me to say a few words. In the short time that we have known the Stubbs family, in our community here. I think it would come to somewhere around six years, live and one half perhaps. During this time I think I can speak for the entire community as well as our stake, we have truly learned to love them and appreciate time for the many talents and the many good things they have about them. I remember one evening, before being set apart as a Bishopric, The Stake Presidency and myself went down and ask Brother Stubbs to be a member of the Second Ward Bishopric. I can remember very well Brother Grant looking at Iris, after we confronted him with our request and looked over to his wife for her approval. Brother Grant felt at that time that he may be a little timid to take such a position, but it was Iris's will that he did receive this call. So this is the’ point that I would like to put out, that Sister Iris, lived the Gospel and that it was her everyday thought 6f doing that which our heavenly Father wanted her to do. I suppose more than any other person I can think of, I think Iris strengthen my faith in the Gospel and in our Heavenly Father, for she did have an exceedly amount of faith.

And this was very evident by the many trials she was placed in this life, I can't recall of hearing her ever doubt that only saying that if the Lord wius it, I shall be well. She had previous illness before she came into our conu-nurtity, but I know that our community here lived every day of her illness with her. There was much fasting and praying and I know beyond a doubt that these things preserved her or kept her here with us in mortality as long as she was here. She has certainly given us a good example to follow. Among other of her talents was her ability to love her family, to make her home a pleasant atmosphere for her children, And I think perhaps that we can prove this by these two lovely little letters; One written by Debbie and the other by Grant J., This one was received by " prior, while she was in the hospital this last time written by Debbie. "Dear Mother, how are you, I am fine, I have had a cold and I'm getting lonesome for you. I love you; you are very nice, I will be happy when you are home. I saw a play on Monday, December 3rd, and I'm going to sing in the Ward Christmas party and so is Grant J. I saw Santa on Sat. I hope you will not mind this letter is so short and here is a poem I have made up. Dear Mother, you are so sweet, your hands so clear4 and your never mean, sweet Mother, My Queen. And Brother Grant J received this earlier on Mothers Day. My Mother is so gentle in every kind of way; she cheers up and brightens too every passing day. She always seems to care when I wake up each morning, She helps me comb my hair, I love my Mother, sure enough, I know she loves me to." End quote. Iris enjoyed going into the mountains for picnics. We went on several Easters with the Arlen Madsen and the Dean Wilson family's. In the spring of 1960, Iris's sickness became acute. She went into the hospital in Salina for around three weeks, becoming worse day by day, until her kidneys stopped working, we rushed her into the LDS hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Where between the specialists and the blessing of the Lord through the power of the Priesthood, Iris was able to come home again after being in the hospital for about six months. Elder Harold B. Lee gave Iris a blessing at this time, promising that she would come home and be with her family again, ( Even though the Doctors said she couldn't Eve) Iris had the desire to come home and do for herself. Always telling everyone that she was feeling fine. She was helping other people when she was in no condition to do anything. She would tend children for people when they had something to do. In the fall of 1960, Iris had a stroke, we started for Salt Lake City, " coming out of the stroke some, enough to talk to me when we left, by the time we reached Mt. Pleasant, Iris was in convulsions, I stopped at the hospital in Mt. Pleasant, The Doctor looked at her and said, she would never make it to Salt Lake City, and that he couldn't do anything for her. We left and again with the help of the Lord, " was able to come home to her family again. She was in and out of the hospitals from then on. By now the Doctors said she had Lupus, which affected her kidneys. In 1961, we built a house, which she always wanted; She was able to enjoy the home for about a year. This was a dream, which she always had, to have a home of her own. In the fall of 1962, Iris insisted on taking a vacation with me, we went to Las Vegas, Nevada. For a couple of days with Dean and Madge Wilson. We spent two days in Las Vegas, on the way home we went to the parks in Southern Utah, Zion's, Bryce's and the

Grand Canyon. Never once on this trip did she complain or let anyone know the pain she  was in, this was typical of her.  It was right after this that we took Iris back to the hospital for the last time. This was one  time that Iris knew she wouldn't be coming home to her family. Never once, did she  complain or let on to people how sick she was. She often consoled others when they  were sick, even though she was sicker than the other people. On December 9th, 1962,  Doctor Allen H. Barker called and said Iris would not live out the night. She kept trying  to fight until on the night of December 13th, 1962, She passed away.  During the day of the 13th, " told me three different times that her Mother was in the  room with us. trying to get me to see her. The final time saying that she was going with  her Mother, as she passed away.  This should be a testimony to all that, "Between earth and Heaven there is but a very thin veil"

Memories of Melvin Johnson        

My good friend Victor Rassmusson asked me if I would write down some of the things I remember about Mel Johnson, which I was so glad to do. This gives me great pleasure to remember and think about the times I had with Mel when I was a young boy growing up.        

First I want to say that Mel worked for my father, Matthias Allred, for a long time. Probably longer than anyone else he ever worked for. My father has some records in which I found a check that was made out to Melvin Johnson back in 1921 for work he did for my father. Then in 1932 he started to work full time for my father, and he worked through the 1930s, the 1940s, up until July, 1950 when Mel passed away from an accident while herding sheep on the East Mountain.        

I first want to tell you about how the sheep business was run. In the fall of the year the sheep herd got prepared for the winter. The old ewes were taken out because they couldn't survive the winter; their eyes were sheared so as the wool grew longer they could see. They were then branded and were ready for the long trade-drive out to the winter range, which was out on the west desert on the Utah-Nevada line west of Delta. In those early days the sheep were trailed out, a man with the camp outfit followed the herder on horseback. The camp outfit consisted of a commissary wagon, which was about ten feet long, pulled by two horses, with a third horse along in case something happened to one of the horses in the team. In the commissary wagon there was a place for oats to feed the horses, and there was a 60-gallon water tank, with a 30-gallon tank on each side of the wagon. Then there was room for other things like an extra harness, saddle, a #3 tub for bathing, and what other things they might need, including camp wood and kerosene oil for the lamp. Hooked behind this wagon was the camp wagon. These old camp wagons had a canvas top for the cover, and inside there was a great western stove, bed, grub boxes and food to last for some time. It was surely not like we would supply a camp today. There might have been a case of eggs, flour, potatoes, salt and pepper, baking power, soda, a stab of cured bacon, salt bacon, canned milk and some other canned vegetables.        

When everything was ready they would head out from Fountain Green, trailing down Nephi canyon headed for the desert. Mel took a lot of pride in his work and wanted the fattest herd, good horses and he always had a good dog, which he trained himself. I remember one dog. He had whose name was Zipp. It was a special dog and"@ one Mell thought the world of In those days trailing the sheep west, Mel knew ware the water holes were and he had to make it to those places so his sheep could get a drink each day. It was also necessary to fill the tanks up with water in the wagon so the men would have drinking water. They always seemed to have plenty because they never passed up a spring without filling up. After about three weeks on the trail they would arrive on the winter allotment. A little snow was always welcome so the sheep could get the water they needed without hauling water to them.

Met spent many winters out in Snake Valley with the sheep. One very important task for the herders was to cut and gather large piles of wood scattered around the allotment. Then when snow came they always knew where they could easily go to get firewood, which was very important. While herding the sheep Mel took a lot of pride in his work and was determined to give the sheep the best feed he could find because he wanted la good looking herd. He took great care to watch the sheep to avoid any unnecessary loss to the coyotes. In those days when a sheep died or was killed by coyotes they were always pelted. The pelt would account for the loss and the carcass was taken to camp to feed the dogs.        

The camp outfit would be moved around the allotment to use the feed to the best advantage and not overgraze it. Sometimes the winters were severe, and other winters were mild. No matter what the weather however, Mel and the companion herder would be out in the weather early each morning, and throughout the day. Mixing up the sour dough for biscuits was a twice daily task, and they cooked mutton, bacon and eggs, and used the canned goods and cookies and a little candy that was brought out as Dad made his monthly treks out to see how things were going. The old Kerosene lamp was the only source of light and the fellows use to go to bed pretty early as the nights were long and there was little to do but play a few cards, read, and talk. It wasn't until the 1940s that they had a radio and would enjoy listening to that when they could pick up a station. It was a pretty lonesome life, and when a couple of herders would ride over from their camp it was a good change of pace to visit and hear what was going on from their camp and any news of home. Sometimes the fellows would get to go home for Christmas while my Dad stayed with the sheep.        

After spending five months of winter it was time to start back on the trail again. Trailing over the same trail back, they would arrive at Jericho. This was a good time as it was there the sheep would be sheared and there were quite a few men around then. After the wool was all shorn and the wool bags packed and stacked, they would take off trailing the sheep back to Sanpete and up to Water Hollow, which is northeast of Fountain Green about 8 miles. This is where the lambs would be born. Mel was known to be one of the best hands to take care of the herd during lambing time. He was always happy to have had a good winter with little loss and have the sheep in good shape. Then it was a new challenge to produce a good lamb crop. This is where I knew Mel best. My father would take me to the herd and I always liked to ride Mel's horse. He would let me ride on back of him to go around the sheep or to go get a can of camp water or just let me ride his horse. He was always good to us kids. After the herd was lambed out and the herd together Mel would have a little more time. Often he would ride his horse home from Water Hallow to spend a night with his family. The next morning at 4A.M. he would ride his horse back to the herd to care for them. All of this took place in May and June.        

Then around July 1st it was off to the summer range. About four days trailing the sheep through Water Hollow, up through NEtbum and on up to the East Mountain, Mel would be on his summer allotment. His summer job was different than allot of others herders. He always had a horse he would ride and three pack horses to pack his tent, little tent stove, grub boxes, grain for his horses, sheep salt and anything else he had to use during the summer. I-le camped up on what we called the Yellow Brush Flat. This was,:ZLY

Dad's summer allotment and there was no road up to it, only a horse trail. Once each week he would take his horse and pack horses and come down to the bottom of the canyon to meet someone with supplies. It would take a couple of hours to get down and about 3 hours to get back. He had a neat camp sight where he had his tent. A pole fence surrounding the camp sight to keep the horses away from it protected it. The tent itself was set on a platform made from lumber Mel got from a sawmill a few miles down the canyon. The spring where he got his drinking water was about 2 blocks away. He always saved the feed around the top of the Yellow Brush Flat for his horses so they would have feed and be close to camp when he needed them. Then when it was about time come down with the sheep he would let the sheep on it for the last few days. Summers were enjoyable, but short, and soon it would be time to head back down off the mountain to deliver the lambs down in the valley. That was the routine in one. Complete circle. Then it would be time again to head for there winter range. Mel did this for many years.        

It was in 1950 that Mel lost his wife, and a month later, in the month of July, after the sheep were settled down for the summer, Mel's life ended from a serious accident, falling off a cliff. It sure was a saddness to my Dad, Matthias, and the rest of us and his friends who thought a great deal of him. Mel was a great man. If I were to describe him I would say he was honest, faithful, a good hard worker, and very dependable. Though he had to be away a much of the time, he loved to go home and be with his wife and children. He worked diligently to provide for them and he was a good husband and good father to his children. FEs family n@ssed him. And besides his family, he was n@ssed greatly by my father, myself, and all of our family. Calvin M. Allred December 26, 1998