Bula Gurr

Bula Gillman Gurr was born the 19th of November 1919 in Vernal, Utah. She was the second child born to Horace Philip and Leona Watkins Gillman. When she was about 7 years old, her mother died leaving a family of five children. She lived with her Grandmother Gillman for about a month and them her grandmother died. After that she was taken care of by various Aunts and Uncles and sometimes she stayed with her Grandfather and Grandmother Watkins. Her two sisters, Reva and Vergie stayed with the Walktins grandparents, her brother Kenneth stayed with his dad and sometime with his Aunt Belle Anderson. Garth was only 1 year old and he spent the rest of this childhood with Horace's cousins, Vern Gillman in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Horace and his brother, Leland hauled freight and worked at the Sawmill. When Bula and the girls were a little older they moved back in with their dad and Uncle Leland. Bula Attended schools in the vernal area. She loved playing basketball and softball with her friends at school. She married earl Gurr at the age of 17, on April 13, 1937. The marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on June 29, 1953. Earl and Bula had 3 children while living in Vernal, Marlene, Gene and reed. They moved to Peasant Grove for a short time and while there their fourth child Alice Ellen was born. They moved back to Vernal and Earl went into the Navy in February 24, 1945. Ellen became very ill in early October of the same year and had to be taken to Salt Lake to the hospital for treatment. She died November 24, Earl was discharged and sent home in time for the funeral. This was a very difficult time for Mother. Dad went to work for American Gilsonite Company at Bonanza and they moved to Bonanza in September of 1946. While there they had two more children, Linda Elaine and George Allen. Mother worked at the Commissary Boarding House and Post Office and cleaned the Lodge and Guesthouse in the years they lived there. She was always giving perms and cutting and fixing hair for her friends and neighbors. They were active in the Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and filled any position that needed done. Mother was very much respected and neighbors could count of her for a helping hand whenever it was needed. She was kind, but you knew where you stood with her. She was a no-nonsenses of person. In 1978 Dad and Mother built them a home in Jensen. The only home they ever owned. They were happy there and loved the people there. They spent many hours doing work in the Provo temple and visited most of the temple in Utah. When the Vernal Temple opened Mother started serving there. She served there until 2009. They moved from Jensen to Vernal in 2000. Mother loved to crochet and embroidery. She shared her talents with her family and friends. She loved organ music and played the piano for her own enjoyment. The last years of her life she lived at the Care Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughters, Alice Ellen and Linda Elaine Stuart; daughter-in-law Jackie Gurr, her brother and sister and all their spouses, 3 great grandchildren, Leslie Hazlbush, Daniel Gurr and Rodney Blackburn. She is survived by her children, Marlene (Dalvis) Kendall, Gene (Janet) Gurr, Reed Gurr, George Allen; Jane Gurr; Son-in-law, James E.B. Stuart; sister-in-law, Lola Peterson; 22 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and many great-great grandchildren. She left behind a great legacy and set a great example for strength and endurance for us all. Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, February 24, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Glines 3rd Ward LDS Chapel (475 West 100 South). A viewing for family and friends will be Thursday from 6-8 at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary and Friday at the chapel from 9:45-10:45 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park, services are under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.