Kate Law Guthrie

LAVON GUTHRIE IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Lavon Law Guthrie, 100, passed away July 30, 2006, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She was born October 30, 1905, in a family home typical of the times in Twin Groves, a farm community near St. Anthony, Idaho. She spoke often of her love for her mother and father, Charles Hon Law and Sarah Hill Law. She is the last survivor of seven children born to that union. She was raised on their farm, commuting by wagon, sled, and often on foot for three miles to attend high school. She married Thomas Burton "Bert" Guthrie November 15, 1927. They lived in St. Anthony until his death in April, 1970. She is survived by their three children, Darrel (Patt) Guthrie of Farmington, Utah, Arlene (Wayne, deceased) Van Dyke of Ogden, Utah, McKay (Annette) Guthrie of Idaho Falls, and a progeny of 87 literal descendants. In addition, she was “Grandma” to hundreds. Typical of her life of devotion to her church, she served as a senior missionary in Texas and in Minnesota. Over the years, thoughts of our mother were associated with feelings of comfort. Even on those occasions when she threatened a switch or a wooden spoon, there were never any feelings of fear. She just seemed to approve – not just of us, but of everyone she knew. Anyone who came to our door sensed the feelings of acceptance that was generated by her presence. She saw the good in every person she encountered. Her half-glass-full outlook is her legacy. Our home was the gathering place of neighborhood children. She regularly participated with us and encouraged us in our activities. We had tremendous liberties. Regardless of season, there was a habit of play in our home. Furnishings and decor definitely took second position to the desires of the family. Extended family gatherings gave further evidence of the acceptance she afforded to all. As she participated in group discussions, her listeners reflected her humor and her pleasant attitude. It was rare that any person dominated the discussions that were common in our gatherings, but it was easy to associate each personality with a descriptive word. In this process, Mother would have been identified as “Comfort!” She was alert and charming as she greeted friends and relatives in celebration of her hundredth birthday. It was noted then that each child, grandchild and even great, great grandchild, felt that each was her “favorite.” Each of them had their own very special relationship with her. The occasion was a fitting preliminary to her passing eight months later. Her greatest contribution to us was in providing a model of Christ-like behavior. Her early experiences provided the basis for an enduring testimony of Joseph Smith’s relationship to Jesus Christ. She learned her lessons well and taught them by word and deed. Each of us who knew Lavon were blessed by her sweet and loving spirit. She will be greatly missed, but her gifts of love and compassion will be carried on for generations. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 3, 2006, at the Iona LDS 3rd Ward, 5169 East Denning. The family will meet with friends and relatives for one hour prior to the funeral services at the church. She will be buried alongside her husband at the Wilford Cemetery, two miles south of their long-time home in St. Anthony, under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.