Verla Wright Williams

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Verla Dean Wright Williams, died on July 30, 2017 in Vernal at the age of 84. Mom is enjoying a glorious reunion with Dad, Thomas John Williams, Jr., and many other family members. Mom was born on March 17, 1933 in Hinckley, Utah to Ivan Morris Wright and Hilda Castina Christensen Wright. She was the fifth child and second daughter in the family. Her brothers and sisters are Dee Wright (deceased), Boyd Wright, Lawrence Wright (deceased), Lola Farnsworth, Corma Evans, and Jay Wright. Mom enjoyed her childhood on her parents' farm in Hinckley, playing with siblings, cousins, and friends and working on the farm. Mom graduated from Hinckley High School and attended college in St. George, Cedar City, and Provo. In the 1950s, Mom was called on an LDS mission to the Northern Far East Mission, serving in Japan. She enjoyed the experience very much. For the rest of her life she enjoyed recounting her experiences in Japan. She retained some of the language and could be heard in church singing hymns in Japanese, especially the chorus to "Count Your Many Blessings," much to Dad's delight. Mom and Dad met briefly in Dillon, Montana, where Mom was staying with her sister Lola Farnsworth and her family and Dad was working for the U.S. Forest Service. After Mom returned home to Hinckley, they corresponded by mail for several months, during which time they fell in love and determined to marry. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Manti LDS Temple on September 24, 1960. Mom and Dad made their home in Great Falls, Montana and St. Anthony, Idaho, before moving to Vernal, Utah in the 1960s. They were blessed with eight children and ten grandchildren. Mom was a wonderful mother and grandmother, always selflessly serving her family and those around her. Her children and grandchildren always felt and continue to feel the warmth of her love, her good humor, her wisdom, and her strength. Mom encouraged her children to read. Her children have fond memories of Mom reading a variety of books to them and then taking them to the library and bookmobile. Her children also have fond memories of Mom singing in the kitchen. She had a beautiful voice. Mom was always looking for ways to serve her neighbors, friends, ward members, doctors, nurses and others. Countless people are the recipients of her special "Verla-made" knitted dishcloths, for example, and she loved sharing her jams, jellies and preserves. Toward the end of her life, Mom got involved in the Project Linus, creating blankets for children in need, and encouraging others to do the same. Mom served faithfully in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as a leader in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for many years, diligently and lovingly molding the character of countless boys. She received a top award from the Boy Scouts of America for her years of service. When the Vernal LDS Temple was dedicated, Mom and Dad were called as temple workers. This became one of the great blessings of their lives. They served faithfully every Friday and Saturday for 11 years, enjoying every minute and building friendships with many co-workers and temple patrons. Prior to the construction of the Vernal Temple, Mom and Dad traveled regularly to the Provo Temple and, when they lived in Montana, to the Cardston Alberta Canada temple. They derived much peace and joy from temple service. Mom is survived by her eight children, Thomas Wright Williams (Becky), Jane Williams, Mary Williams, Ruth Williams (Michael Hossom), Gwen Williams, John Morris Williams, Hugh David Williams, and Sarah Williams. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, Emily Margaret Hossom, Anthony Thomas Hossom, Drake Williams, Alexa Williams, London Williams, Adrianna Williams, Castina Gabriella Barrera, Elizabeth Natalie Barrera, Nathaniel Carlos Barrera, and Sarah Abigail Williams Barrera. She was preceded in death by her husband, father, mother, and brothers, Dee Wright and Lawrence Wright. Funeral services were held Friday, August 4, 2017, at the Vernal First Ward with Bishop Mitch Blackburn conducting. Interment was at the Vernal Memorial Park. Funeral services will be Friday, August 4, 2017 at 12:00 Noon at the Vernal 1st Ward Chapel. (475 West 100 South). A viewing will be at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary, Thursday evening from 6-8 and at the Chapel one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park.