Phyllis Williams

PHYLLIS CUTFORTH WILLIAMS PAYSON, UT -- Phyllis Cutforth Williams, age 92, returned to our Heavenly Father Wednesday, September 16, 2009, joining her sweetheart Joseph Marsden Williams. Born June 6, 1917, in Moreland, ID (west of Blackfoot), she was the third of four children of William Claude Cutforth and Kathleen Jessie Jenkins Cutforth. Her parents had settled and established a farm there after emigrating from New Zealand. Phyllis was intelligent and worked hard at everything she did. She always helped her dad in the fields, and could rake hay better than any man. She developed her strong dislike for Holstein cows from all the milking she did in her youth. She also thinned sugar beets and taught her children to “hoe to the end of your row.” Her sister, Leola, remembers how generous she was. Leola learned years later that Phyllis sold magazine subscriptions as a girl to earn money to make sure Leola had a doll for Christmas. She played center on the girls high school basketball team (everyone must have been shorter back then) and graduated valedictorian from Snake River High School when she was 16. She earned her teaching certificate from Ricks College, working her way through school and participating in drama and orchestra. She taught first grade in Grace, ID, while she waited for Marsden as he served an LDS mission in Australia. They were married January 21, 1938, in the Laie Hawaii LDS Temple, and had been married for 48 years at the time of his passing in 1986. As a young married couple, Marsden and Phyllis worked hard in the cattle and sheep business. They established a ranch near Lima, MT, and later near Hebgen Lake. Each summer for years she cooked meals on a wood-burning stove for her family and more than a dozen ranch hands. She loved to host parties and entertained a special group of friends every year at the ranch. We children have many fond memories of family time on horseback, including riding together in the annual summer parades in Idaho Falls. They moved to Idaho Falls in 1948, where they raised their family and actively served in their community and church. Mother was a strong, independent woman, who loved and stood beside her husband throughout his life. For 18 years Daddy commuted to and from Boise each year while serving in the Idaho State Senate; Mother was able to join him the last several years. After Marsden suffered a heart attack during the legislative session in 1977, Phyllis was appointed by Governor Evans to finish Marsden’s term. She and Marsden also sold real estate, and she later served a full-time service mission at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City. Phyllis and Marsden were proud parents of eight children: J. Marlis Williams (Kuralay), Phoenix, AZ; Bonnie Thompson (Ken), Mount Vernon, WA; Nancy Stewart, Smithfield, UT; Marjorie Karren (Gaylord), Woodland Hills, UT; Douglas C. Williams (Rozanne), Tucson, AZ; Thomas M. Williams (Debbie), South Jordan, UT; Wendy Clark (Rob), Sandy, UT; and Shannon Ostler (James), St. George, UT. They have 42 grandchildren and 68 great-grandchildren. She remembered birthdays of each of her posterity, and for decades (even at age 92 after her eyesight failed), we could count on a birthday card with a crisp two-dollar bill. We have been blessed by our Mother’s extraordinary love! Mother had great faith! She instilled in us a love for the Lord and to keep His commandments. Our treasured memories of Mother have shaped our lives: Marlis recalls her counsel to “Remember who you are.” Bonnie learned, “You can do hard things.” Nancy gained an appreciation for creativity as Mother shared her time and talents working with the youth in singing groups and road shows. Marjorie learned from Mother’s example that service to others is a pleasure. She was always there for her family, especially when there was a new grandbaby. While Marjorie attended nursing school at Ricks College and had early-morning training at the Idaho Falls hospital, Mother would always wait at the bus stop with a lunch for her to make it through the day. Doug is grateful for how Mother always took good care of us when we were little. He noted that “she has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ that was never shaken.” Tom learned faith that Heavenly Father would always be there to help us no matter what. He was sure that Mother loved him best because she always made spaghetti and rainbow cake for him on every birthday. Wendy says, “Mamma is the one who taught me that the kitchen is the place in the home for loved ones to gather and share their lives.” She remembers sitting up Saturday nights getting her hair curled in ringlets, and Mother sewing all night to finish a cheerleader costume or formal dress. Shannon learned from Mother’s example to always do your best and to never give up. No matter what the problem was, we knew that Mother could take care of it. Mother also made sure we always had a nice dress or outfit for any special occasion. Mother was an amazing cook. We can still smell her home-made bread, cinnamon rolls, and pies. She was very proud of the legisladies cookbook she helped compile and publish. Even though she was small in stature, she could command the attention of everyone in the room and was very persuasive and persistent. Phyllis had many gifts that she freely shared with others, including singing in quartets and choirs; giving musical readings; playing the piano and organ; and serving in various callings in the Relief Society, MIA, and Primary organizations. She loved her home ward of Taylor Crossing in Idaho Falls. Each Sunday after meetings she sat in the foyer and handed out candy to every child in the congregation. It was one of the things she missed most when she moved earlier this year. She continued to exhibit amazing energy, working tirelessly for years on a 670-page volume of personal and family history that was published in 2007 and is cherished by her posterity. Phyllis was blessed to have wonderful friends and neighbors in Idaho Falls who became almost like family, especially in the last several years. Our family thanks you for your expressions of love and service! Phyllis out-lived most of the friends of her youth, but she had the capacity to make friends of all ages and in all circumstances. Our hearts are filled with admiration, respect, and gratitude for the heart-care Mother poured into our family. She is dearly loved and treasured and will always be missed. Phyllis was preceded in death by her brother, Bertram Connorton Cutforth, and her sister Irene Cutforth Evans Stewart. She is survived by her dear, younger sister Leola Cutforth Draper Dabell. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Shauna Lee Williams, and grandson, Casey James Williams. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Taylor Crossing Ward, 2040 Brentwood Dr., Idaho Falls. Visitations will be Tuesday 6:00-8:00 pm at the Wood Funeral Home, 273 Northridge Ave., Idaho Falls, and again Wednesday 9:00-10:30 am prior to the funeral. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Connie Evans Griffith clgriffi1@msn.com Aunt Phyllis was an incredible person who lived an extraordinary life! We all have wonderful memories of her and all that she was and did for everyone. She and I shared a birth day and I always thought that was so special...hoping in some way that meant that someday I would grow up to be even a little bit like her. She was very proud of her wonderful family and all that you've accomplished...each and every one of you. It was so fun to have spent time at our family reunions with her and Leola and Bonnie. She will be missed. All of the family is in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Take care... Connie Evans Griffith (Bill Evans' oldest daughter) K.C. and Christine Jones skyjones@srv.net Doug and Family, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother and a dear friend of ours. She was a wonderful lady who raised a wonderful son. I am sure your brothers and sisters are top quality as well. She was one of the kindest and purest ladies I have ever met. She was always so nice to those around her and always had a positive comment on every situation. Enjoy the memories and celebrate her life. She is now with her celestial companion and will never cease to care for you. Kent and Elyse Browning elysescorner@cableone.net We were deeply saddened when we heard our dear Phyllis had passed. I guess we felt like she would go on forever. We love her. We have missed her. "Sort of been thinking she would come home soon. This last trip to visit her kids has lasted way too long." Her spot in our ward and in our hearts will remain empty. No one can take her place. We too learned so much from your Mom and your Dad. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to know and associate with your parents. Our thoughts and our prayers are with all of you. Thanks for sharing Phyllis with us! Kent and Elyse Browning Dane & Sherry Watkins Dear Family, I want to send my condolences on the recent passing of your mother. She will be missed by all who knew her. She was a great person, and her outstanding accomplishments in the community will always be remembered. Sincerely, Dane & Sherry Watkins