Patriarchal Blessing: Jenna

This morning Jenna received her patriarchal blessing! It was SO beautiful and amazing as we knew it would be! She is definitely a very special girl!! Josh hasn't gotten his yet, but we hope he does soon. We had to call the Patriarch to get permission for him to come to Jenna's blessing, since they generally only allow parents to come. 

Today was also our primary program, which is always fun. Jared and Hallie came to church with us and then headed back up north. Then Ellen came with Evan and Eli a few hours later. She is staying at an Airbnb with her family this week since it is their Fall Break. 

I am the music coordinator in our ward and therefore responsible for finding the musical numbers for sacrament meetings. So I asked Rick to sing next week. That request prompted him to spend some time in the studio reviewing his music and gave him the itch to write a new song (not for Sunday, just for the future). I requested that he write an arrangement of "Go Forth With Faith," since it was my mission song and I love the message. I have ever been able to find any good arrangements for it. So he did! It is beautiful! 

Liz Perkins' Funeral

Tonight Rick and I had the opportunity to go to the viewing and funeral for Liz Perkins. She passed away Saturday morning after a rapid decline in health over the past few days. Rick and I both had the opportunity to be with her during these past few days and Rick had been called in to give her a blessing on Friday (basically a blessing of release). 

Her passing happened one year and one day after her husband's Dave's passing. It had been a rough year for her ever since Dave passed away. She has missed him so much and has had a lonely year living alone while her health and living conditions declined. Her family members had tried to get Liz to move to Salt Lake to live with them after Dave passed away, but Liz refused. St. George is where her life is with the Deaf Branch and Deaf Community. Thankfully she has had a good SSP who would take her places and help her with shopping and so forth and she has lots of friends who have continually checked in on her throughout this time.   

Liz will be missed, but her passing was also a blessing. She was deaf, legally blind, had heart problems, high cholesterol, diabetes, and more. We are happy thinking about her reuniting with her husband with both of them free of all of their earthly limitations. It must have been such a joyous reunion! Her parents and brother have both passed away also and so I am sure they were there to welcome her with open arms also! What a celebration must have been going on in heaven this weekend! 

The funeral service today was so beautiful! Rick gave the family prayer and also gave a talk. He and the other speakers did such a wonderful job and the service was very touching! Rick and I were both filled with emotions throughout the viewing and prayer. We also had lots of laughter as story after story was shared about Liz and the impact she has had on all of us! 

Liz's Obituary: 

Obituary:

Elizabeth McClellan Perkins passed away peacefully December 11, 2021 after a brief illness. She was born on January 30, 1954, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Joan Elizabeth Fechser McClellan and Kenneth George McClellan.

Elizabeth was born with several health and life challenges including deafness, legal blindness and a heart condition. The doctors did not hold out much hope for this newborn baby and told Liz's parents as they left the hospital that "maybe a mothers love can do what we haven't been able to do".

Not until age three did Elizabeth's mother Joan suspect that her young daughter might be deaf. Leaning over her sleeping baby she yelled ELIZABETH, ELIZABETH! She did not move, Joan realizing that Liz could not hear her and said to her daughter "I love you just the way you are with your poor little heart and thick little glasses."

As a baby and a small child, Elizabeth underwent several surgeries for her eyes and a heart surgery by then renowned heart surgeon Dr. Russell M Nelson (current President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). After her heart surgery, Dr. Nelson approaching two frightened parents, said with a look of almost reverence "Everything went beautifully. I couldn't have asked for things to go any more smoothly. That little soul is going to be just fine!" These critical and successful operations contributed to Liz's long life and made it possible for other doors and blessings to be opened to her.

One blessing came when six year old Elizabeth was accepted to Perkins School for the Deaf and Blind in Boston, Massachusetts. This opportunity and challenge required Elizabeth to be away from her family for months at a time. At first, this was an impossible challenge for young Elizabeth to understand and was heart wrenching for her parents. But, over time, Elizabeth grew to appreciate Perkin's School and the education she gained there taught her many important skills which would later help her throughout her life.

In March of 1976, while attending a BYU workshop event and activity at Lagoon amusement park, Elizabeth met Dave Perkins (who was also deaf and legally blind). They're initial meeting did not go well. As Dave described it, "I acted out of character and pushed Liz to ride the roll-o-plane in a teasing way" She was furious and frightened, and it took another six years of friends coaxing them before they began to speak to each other again.

But after perseverance, by both Liz and Dave, their relationship mended, and they grew to love each other and become married. Elizabeth's mother described it this way "Perkins! Mrs. David Ross Perkins! That would be Elizabeth's name. That name had become quite significant in her life! Liz attended Perkins School, her interpreter in High School had been Susan Perkins, and now she herself would become Mrs. Perkins!"

Elizabeth married David Ross Perkins on Oct 16, 1982, in the Jordan River Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah for Time and all Eternity! Liz and Dave had 38 incredible years together! They lived for many years in California and later in St. George, Utah where they were actively involved in their deaf communities and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

One year ago, Liz and Dave were separated for the first time since their marriage began when Dave passed away. The heartbreak at times was almost too much for Liz to bear, but with the help of family, her branch members and community, and her social media friendships, Liz pushed on until at last the day she longed for came and Liz was reunited with her precious Dave!

We love you sweet Liz!

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband Dave Perkins, parents Ken and Joan McClellan, and brother Paul. She is survived by her siblings, Mary (David) Lattin, David (Tammy) McClellan, Becky (Steve) Erickson. Also, Liz has many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and great nephews, all of which loved her dearly.

Our family wishes to express our sincere love and appreciation to the many friends and community members who loved and supported Liz and Dave over the years!

Viewing and memorial services to be held at the St. George 7th ASL (American Sign Language) Branch in St George, Utah on December 13, 2021. Viewing and funeral services will be at the Southwind church building at 1155 N 1400 W, St. George Utah. The Viewing will be from 4:00 – 4:50pm, the funeral will be from 5:00 – 6:00pm.

Here is an old picture of Liz holding Jaiden when she was little!

Rick and I went to Liz's apartment after the funeral with Liz's sister to get some things from there. I thought it was cute that Jase and Ellen's wedding invitation is still on their fridge (from March of 2020). 

 

Temple: Janelle Endowment

Tonight we had the opportunity to bring Janelle to the Cedar City temple to receive her endowment!

Rick and I left early with her and brought her out to dinner in Cedar City before we went to the temple. The St. George Temple is still under construction, which is why we went to Cedar City. Because of the ongoing effects of Covid, masks are now required in the temple. 

The rest of our adult kids were planning to meet us at the temple before the session. Janika texted and asked us to pray for them that they would make it in time. They got stuck in really bad traffic in Spanish Fork due to an accident which put them behind schedule and she was worried that they might not make it. I checked the GPS and it showed that they would arrive thirty minutes after our 8:00 session was to begin. Nonetheless we prayed for a miracle -- and our prayers were answered! They were able to arrive twenty minutes before the session started.

While I was with Janelle as her escort, Rick managed to lock his keys in his car! He talked to the temple presidency who gave him a phone number to call and then joined us in the session. His keys were waiting for him at the front desk when we finished the session. The locksmith had offered his services for free, but Rick called him back and insisted on paying him. 

Other than those two things everything went smoothly and we were able to enjoy a beautiful, sacred experience with Janelle and our other endowed children. Afterwards we took pictures with our family and with Janelle's friends, Brea Bulkley and Clay McFadden, who had also come to support her. We had a funny moment when we went to leave and saw that Clay was still inside the gates, which were now locked. He was locked inside the temple grounds! After a few moments of wondering what to do we realized that the gate was still open on the other side of the temple! 

Just a little bit about the temple endowment from ChurchofJesusChrist.org: 

The word endowment means “a gift.” In this context, the temple endowment is literally a gift from God whereby He bestows sacred blessings upon you. The endowment can only be received in His way and in His holy temple. Some of the gifts you receive through the temple endowment include:

1. Greater knowledge of the Lord’s purposes and teachings.
2. Power to do all that God wants us to do.
3. Divine direction and protection as we serve the Lord, our families, and others.
4. Increased hope, comfort, and peace.
5. Promised blessings now and forever.

Jaiden Patriarchal Blessing

Jaiden received her Patriarchal Blessing today! It was a beautiful blessing for a beautiful girl! I am so glad that Rick and I could join her in that special experience! 

Dave Perkins Obituary

This morning Rick and I had the opportunity to attend the funeral of a great man -- Brother David Perkins. Dave passed away on Thursday morning. Rick had to opportunity to go see Dave before he passed away and gave him a beautiful blessing. We have known Dave and Liz for many years while working with the deaf in our area and they are dear friends. When we served in the Deaf Branch, Dave was our home teacher.  Since Dave couldn't drive, Rick would drive into town to pick him up and bring him to our house so that he could home teach us. I was also Liz's visiting teacher and enjoyed going to her home to visit. We haven't been able to see Liz and Dave much this past year since Covid has kept them confined to their home much of the time. I am sure that this past year has been a very lonely time for them.

Dave had many physical challenges -- he was deaf, mostly blind, relied on a walker to walk, and would shake due to palsy. But what he lacked physically he made up for spiritually! He has the strongest spirit of about anyone we know! He is very intelligent and was constantly studying the scriptures and gospel at home. He was always ready to jump in and teach a lesson if a last minute sub was needed. He was amazingly positive and was never one to complain. I learned during his funeral that he had recently written his life history. A copy was sent to us and I have just started to read it. It is amazing! I can't wait to read the rest of it! 

In his history he talks about how his life was a "fairy story" and he wouldn't change it. How amazing and humbling that someone with so many physical challenges could have such an amazing attitude! Rick and I both found ourselves deeply touched and quite emotional throughout the service. The branch president and his wife didn't know that we would be able to attend since we were heading to the airport that day, or else they would have had Rick speak at the funeral. But we were happy to be on the receiving end and the three speakers did a fabulous job. I for one was deeply touched by the spirit! Heaven just received one of it's most celestial spirits this week! 

Here is Dave's obituary, which Rick informed me Dave wrote himself some time ago: (except for the information about his passing and details of the funeral and memorial service, of course).

Dave Ross Perkins returned home to his precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 10, 2020. Dave was the second of three sons born to Daniel Ward and Winnibelle Binion Perkins on Nov 2, 1941 in Riverside, California. Dave’s life had its challenges. One was deafness at age 11 in 1952 caused by a progressive hearing loss from German measles and a high fever at age 5. Dave’s life was turned upside down. Remembering his childhood church experiences of God, prayers and scriptures Dave was given faith comfort and strength to go on with his life. Dave had faith God did hear his prayers and help him carry the burden of deafness.

Dave attended high school at Calif School for the Deaf Riverside learning a new language and culture. He excelled in academics graduating with honors in 1961. Dave also attended Gallaudet University in the world for the Deaf in Wash. D.C. from 1961-1966. A second challenge for Dave came shortly after graduating from Gallaudet. Dave had a stressful time there and shortly after graduation he suffered a mild nervous breakdown becoming visually impaired. It took Dave 8 years of working with his father at odd jobs to get his life back together again. It would be 8 years before Dave got his life together to try again with encouragement from his mother and VR counselor not to give up his dream to become a teacher for the deaf. Dave attended Calif St Univ Northridge from 1974-1981. 

On March 30, 1974 the most important (event) in Dave’s life happened as he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Accepting the Lord’s challenge to pay his tithing Dave was blessed as he earned a BA in liberal studies, a MA in Special Ed and a Calif Teaching Cred. He taught priesthood and Sunday School classes to the deaf for many years. Professionally he taught adults with learning disabilities in Fountain Valley, Calif. The second most important event in Dave’s life came as he married Elizabeth McClellan Perkins on Oct 16, 1982 in the Jordan River Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah for Time and eternity. 

Reflecting on his life Dave said it was like a fairy story and you can see what the Lord can do with an average person. Preceded by his father in 1990, his mother in 2000 and his older brother Dennis in 2008. Survived by his wife Elizabeth of St George, Utah and his youngest brother Tim of Banning, Calif. Viewing and memorial services to be held at the St. George 7th ASL (American Sign Language) Branch in St George, Utah on December 12, 2020. Viewing and funeral services at the Southwind church building at 1155 N 1400 W, St. George Utah. The Viewing will be from 10:00 – 11:00am, the funeral will be from 11:00am – 12:00pm. Online streaming through Zoom will be available for the funeral. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday December 16, 2020 at 1:00pm, located at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 Highland Dr. Salt Lake City, Utah 84106

Jared is Home!!

Jared is home from his mission! It was just three days after Jase's wedding (March 17th) that we learned that the Church would be sending missionaries home early due to Covid-19. We then received an e-mail saying that Jared would be coming home May 27th (three months early). His original date was August 19th. I had mixed feelings about this! I was excited at the prospect of getting to see him in just over two months, but also sad that his mission was being cut short.

Later on the church started sending home missionaries in droves! All foreign missionaries immediately came home (many to be re-assigned to missions in the states a couple of months later). Everyone in Jared's original MTC group got sent home except for him. We wondered if this was because Jared was serving as Assistant to the President at the time. All of Jared's friends also started returning home. If they had served 18 months or longer (which I think was the case with all of his friends) then they were given an honorable release and were home to stay. Other missionaries who had served less than 18 months would be home temporarily and then reassigned to a mission within the states. So at 21 months Jared actually ended up serving longer than most of the other missionaries. He was grateful that he could stay as long as he did.

Jared was such an awesome missionary! I loved receiving his letters each week and always felt so inspired by them! There were so many changes that happened during Jared's mission (Rick points out some of them in the MISSIONARY VIDEO he made for him). Jared still received his call through the mail in a big white envelope -- now missionaries open their calls online on their device. Instead of being nick-named "The Mormons," we are now are to refer to the church by it's official title only, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints."

February 15, 2019 the church sent out an official letter explaining that missionaries could now call, text, or Skype home on P-days. In the past missionaries could only e-mail and were only allowed to call or Skype on Mother's Day and Christmas. This was a HUGE change! I wasn't sure how I felt about this change at first -- it definitely took some getting used to, but I learned to love it! I felt SO connected with Jared throughout his mission because there was such open communication with him. Then Covid-19 and the resulting quarantine hit the past couple of months and that severely impacted the way missionaries did their missionary work! No more knocking doors -- most missionaries were quarantined to their apartment most of the time. Missionary work was done through social media such as Facebook and lessons were taught through video calls. Amazingly enough the work still continued to progress! As Joseph Smith stated in the Standard of Truth: "...the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly and independent..."

Now back to today...we spent yesterday and today cleaning the house, preparing food, making posters, buying balloons, preparing Jared's room (he is sharing with Josh -- good thing Jase got married just in time so that Jared had a room to come home to, ha ha!) Rick didn't want to leave too early to go to the airport because only the first hour of parking is free and then you have to pay. He originally planned on leaving at 12:45. I told him that was cutting it too close since Jared was flying in at 1:12 and it was a 25 minute drive, so we decided to leave around 12:20 instead.

Good thing we left earlier! Jared's flight was 25 minutes early! We can't fit our whole family in one car and so we drove two separate cars, actually three cars since Jase and Ellen were meeting us there. I rode with Jaiden (she drove to get driving hours) and Rick took the three youngest. Rick and the kids arrived about five minutes before we did. We were just walking into the airport when I heard Rick cheering and looked up to see Jared walking off the plane! We had barely made it just in time! Whew! I was so grateful that we left early! I would have felt so awful if he had walked off the plane and no one was there to greet him! Jared and Ellen arrived just a couple of minutes later as we were taking turns hugging Jared!

He looked great! Jared told us that he gained 30 pounds on his mission! His legs definitely look bigger and more muscular -- must have been all that time on a bike! Rick videotaped him "running" across the finish line! With all of our missionaries Rick has come up with some silly chant and then had a piece of crepe paper representing the finish line that the kids held up while the missionary ran through it. I don't think he had a chant for Janika, but he did have the finish line. Of course Jared did his serious "runner" pose just as Josh had predicted and then he ran dramatically in slow motion as we all cheered for him. He is such a nut -- boy have we missed him!

We came home (we had hung up his mission state flag and also the missionary sign that Jared had made for Jase in Digital Graphics that said "Welcome Home Elder Jensen" with a big picture of the Book of Mormon." Jenna also made a little sign for him and we had balloons hanging up.) We ate Papa Murphy's pizzas for lunch, including a Chicago Deep-Dish style pizza in honor of Jared. Then Jared gave us a really awesome lesson. Rick had Janika and Jase teach a special family lesson after their missions also. Jared said that he had remembered Jase giving his lesson and that it had really impacted him and he wanted to do the same. In fact he asked if he could give the lesson as soon as he got home, before he was released.

He taught about the apostasy and restoration and shared some really neat personal experiences about when he first received his testimony of the Book of Mormon and of the gospel. He said that he only read the Book of Mormon four times on his mission because he really wanted to delve deeply into it and study it instead of just reading it. He said when he finished the first time he prayed really hard to know if it was true. Finally, after much prayer, he had a vivid memory pop into his mind. It was when he went to his first EFY when he was 14 years old. He said that the first couple of days he really had an attitude and thought everything was dumb and that he was "too cool" for all of activities. Then some things happened that changed his attitude and he ended up having a great experience. He said that during a testimony meeting with his company he felt the spirit so strong -- it was literally a "burning in his bosom."

He acknowledged that we don't always feel an actual burning in the bosom when we feel the spirit, but he said that time he did. It impacted him so much. He said that he didn't share his testimony -- he didn't even want to move because he didn't want to lose that feeling. That really changed things for him. So when he prayed about the Book of Mormon this time he remembered that experience and he knew that he already had a testimony and already knew that the Book of Mormon was true. He said there were many times during his mission when things were "brought to his remembrance" and he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his Savior, for the gospel, and for his family. Jared also emphasized the importance of writing things down when we felt the spirit and received personal revelation. We really felt the spirit during his lesson and both Rick and I got a little emotional. In fact Rick was really weepy on and off the rest of the day.

After the lesson Jaiden went to her rehearsal for dance concert that is coming up this weekend. Jared and Rick had a neat discussion and then we took naps while Jared unpacked and visited with Josh. He was excited to ride his unicycle again and got out his juggling supplies!

Then Rick and I took Jared to the Stake President's house for him to be released. President Nadauld  visited with Jared alone for a while and then called us in. He had Jared share some feelings and experiences from his mission and gave him some advice. He asked Jared what his morning routine was (getting up early, exercising, and studying the scriptures) and his first piece of advice to Jared was to continue this morning routine and not let those things slide. He said in following up with missionaries who had been home for a little while he could definitely tell the difference between those who had kept up these important habits and those who hadn't. His next advice was to study the scriptures (which is included in the morning routine). He also admonished him to pay his tithing and asked Jared why he thought that was so important and they shared a discussion about that. He finished with "always having a current temple recommend." At the end of the meeting he had Jared share his testimony. The meeting was really neat and the spirit was definitely present!

When we got home we late a late dinner of marinated barbecued chicken and squash, salad, and rice. Then the kids went swimming! The pool probably felt so good to Jared since he hasn't been able to swim in almost two years! Jared was able to call Janika and then later on Jared's friend, Broden came over to visit. All in all it was a perfect day!

Rick wrote a nice thank you letter to both of Jared's mission presidents and they both wrote glowing letters back about how much they enjoyed working with Jared! I have included Rick's letters and the two letters from the Mission Presidents in my journal.

Our Christmas Eve (2016)

Tonight we had our family's Christmas Eve. We had a yummy dinner of ham and cheesy potatoes (Janika made the cheesy potatoes and yummy salad).  Rick is always in charge of the Christmas Eve lesson/activity and he puts a lot of thought into it and always has something really cool prepared. This year he taught a really neat lesson about the ten Virgins, teaching about how half were ready for the Savior's arrival and half were not. We looked up a bunch of scriptures about the how various prophets testified of Christ's birth and asked what we would do if we knew Christ was coming in just a few days. We talked about preparing for Christ to come again and then watched the video on the ten virgins.  It was a great lesson! 

We then went to the kitchen and he brought out and authentic oil lamp from Israel and lit it. That got the kids attention and then he pulled out a little oil lamp for each member of the family and the kids eyes got really big. They were excited to get their own oil lamp. He poured olive oil into each one and each child would share a part of their testimony to another family member one at a time and then light their lamp. Josh shared his testimony about Faith and told the story about Enos and I shared an experience from after my mission when I had specific prayers answered and each of the kids shared their testimony with a personal experience or example from the scriptures.  We then sang a song together (this is the part where Jared tunes out -- he hates singing with the family). But other than that the spirit was present and it was a neat lesson.

We always have really cool Christmas Eve experiences like that.  At least Rick and I think they are pretty neat -- the kids are probably just anxious to open one of their presents -- another tradition. But they often talk about past Christmas Eve activities.  One of their favorites is when we dressed up in Nativity garb and had goat cheese and pita bread in tents in the basement and roasted S'mores in the wood burning stove. Anyway, the idea tonight was to go out and go caroling to some neighbors who might need some cheer and then give them one of the oil lamps to keep.  It was raining, however, and so we decided not to go caroling (much to Jared's relief). 

 

Eliza

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.

Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.

Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.

Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.

Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

Eliza is the daughter of my cousin, Nikki (Norman) Williams and her husband Callahan.  (Nikki's dad and my mom are brother and sister).  Even though I didn't have the opportunity to see Eliza very often, I am grateful for the influence she has had on my life and on the lives of so many others. My children and I had many conversations about Eliza as we followed her story on her blog and watched the sweet videos that her parents had produced.  These brought many tender, emotional moments as we talked about Eliza and what a sweet pure soul she has and how she will automatically qualify for the Celestial Kingdom.

I am grateful that she and my children could attend the same school even though they were not able to see her very often.  I am grateful that I had the opportunity to attend Eliza's funeral and graveside service.  The spirit was so strong as truths were taught and testimonies given.  I shed tears through the entire service.  I was especially touched as Nikki and Callahan expressed their love for little Eliza and the blessings that she brought to their lives.  Nikki shared her feelings about what an honor it was to care for Eliza.  This family has certainly learned the meaning of unconditional Christ-like love.    

 

 

 

 

 

Eliza Kate Williams

Obituary |  Condolences

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.
Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.
Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.
Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

Published in Deseret News on July 12, 2015

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=175269049#sthash.yImazlLJ.dpuf

Eliza Kate Williams

Obituary |  Condolences

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.
Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.
Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.
Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

Published in Deseret News on July 12, 2015

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=175269049#sthash.yImazlLJ.dpuf

Eliza Kate Williams

Obituary |  Condolences

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.
Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.
Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.
Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

Published in Deseret News on July 12, 2015

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=175269049#sthash.yImazlLJ.dpuf

Eliza Kate Williams

Obituary |  Condolences

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.
Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.
Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.
Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

Published in Deseret News on July 12, 2015

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=175269049#sthash.yImazlLJ.dpuf

Eliza Kate Williams

Obituary |  Condolences

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.
Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.
Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.
Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=175269049#sthash.yImazlLJ.dpuf

Eliza Kate Williams

Obituary |  Condolences

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.
Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.
Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.
Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=175269049#sthash.yImazlLJ.dpuf