Bettie Blair Bond
Bettie Elaine Blair Bond, 91, of Roy, Utah passed away July 13, 2012. Bettie was born February 13, 1921 in Ogden, Utah to Seth M. and Zella C. Blair, a true pioneer family. Living at the end of the street car line on the corner of 36th and Washington in Ogden, she had so much fun growing up in Burch Creek. She loved her family dearly.
Bettie married Lawrence Max Bond on January 15, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple. She graduated from Weber High, then Weber College in 1941. While she was working for Lockheed and attending to university studies in Los Angeles, her brother Robert was killed as a pilot in the Air Force. Because of her patriotic nature and desire that someone represent the family in the U.S.'s World War II effort, she was one of the first women to join the Navy as a WAVE (Women Accepted for Voluntary Service). For two years she served proudly as Master-of-Arms of Barracks in San Francisco.
Bettie lived two full lives… Until the age of 48, she enjoyed raising her children, serving in PTA, being a substitute teacher in area elementary schools, playing the organ for weddings at her sister Maggie's wedding reception center (The White House), teaching piano lessons to young and old, being a second mom to neighborhood children, helping dad on the farm (raising tomatoes, sugar beets and alfalfa), and of course, church callings. At the age of 48, she experienced an aneurysm in her brain that left her paralyzed on her left side. She re-invented her entire life. She re-learned walking, talking, eating, and all of the normal life skills. She had grit and laughter. This led her to re-learning to expertly play the piano and organ with only her right hand, along with painting, and ceramics. She joined the McKay-Dee Hospital Volunteers where she volunteered almost 9, 000 hours. Here she broadened her friendships and influence. She could comfort and bless patients differently than any other volunteer because of her own life-changing experiences. With one of her hundreds of home-grown, trademark African Violet flowers in hand, her visits would begin and continue until the patient was discharged. Her tender and special influence was significantly felt in the Stewart Rehabilitation Center where paralyzed patients felt her love and inspiration. Her strong belief in God directed and sweetened her path.
She loved Lynn Child, her nephew, who patiently and lovingly helped her annually plant and attend to her flower garden. She loved the Weber State University Sorority – La Dianeda and served as their advisor for years. Easter Breakfast especially brought current and former 'Swabbies' together and she loved their association. She simply was 'the' example of courage and being valiant, hallmarks of enduring to the end. Love is the answer. Thanks to our kind friends at the Wahlen Veteran Home, also our Dr. Harry Senekjian, and friends at Country Pines Retirement Home. May God Bless You.
Bettie is survived by her three children: Larry, Rindy (Tim) Wilson and John (T.J.); nine grandchildren: Blair (Julie), Brigham, Evan, Parker, Mackey, Alex, Katie (Kenneth), Liz and Tori and three great grandchildren: Eden, Dean and June; and family: Thelma Blair; Karen (Val) Lofgreen; Seth (Arlene) Blair and Peg – Margaret Favero; Ellen (Melvin) Rogers; Bob Shupe and Margaret Stimpson Child. She was preceded in death by her husband, Max; parents, Seth and Zella Blair; sister, Marion Hoyt; brothers, Robert and Ed; in-laws; Walter Hoyt, Ned Favero; Lawrence and Martha Bond; Eloise and Revella Child; Donna Shupe; Lorin Stimpson and Don Child.
Funeral services will be held on July 20, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Municipal Park Ward, 5930 South 2200 West, Roy, Utah. Family and friends may call on July 19, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Myers Mortuary in Roy, 5865 South 1900 West and on July 20, 2012, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment, Roy City Cemetery.
Elder Parker, who won't be able to join us at the services made the following observations: |
