Virginia Laird

VIRGINIA LAIRD DUBOIS, ID -- Virginia Ruthette Ericksen Laird, 98, long time resident of Dubois, Idaho, passed away June 8, 2010, at her home in Overton, Nevada. She was born February 1, 1912, in Mt. Pleasant, Utah to Leonard Ericksen and Jennette Staples Ericksen. As a young girl she moved with her family to Hamer, Idaho where she graduated from Hamer High School. She continued her education by attending Ricks College in Rexburg where she received an Associate Degree in Education. She taught school in Hamer and Dubois, Idaho for over 30 years until her retirement in 1976. On December 31, 1934, she married Lyndon “Slim” Laird in Evanston, Wyoming. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on March 13, 1965. Slim preceded her in death on December 24, 1986. Virginia was a devoted mother, grandmother and homemaker. She also volunteered at the Senior Citizens Center. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Virginia enjoyed playing the piano and playing cards. She especially loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Survivors include: Daughter: Lynda (Boyd) Brown, Overton, NV Daughter: Janet (Michael) Leonardson, St. Anthony, ID Brother: Max (LeIsle) Ericksen, Dutch John, UT 6 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 8 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a grandson, Patric Leonardson; and a brother, Douglas Ericksen. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 14, 2010, at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge). The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and on Monday from 12 noon until 12:45 p.m., both at the funeral home. Burial will be in Dubois Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Senior Citizen’s Center, P.O. Box 154, Dubois, Idaho 83423 or Senior Citizen’s Center, 325 Cooper Street, Overton, Nevada 89040. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Dane & Sherry Watkins thewatkinscompany@cs.com Dear Virginia Laird Family, We want to send our 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 Angela Wood Hill kfc35sma@hotmail.com The family of Roger and Claudia Wood send our sincere condolences on the passing of Virginia. We all have such wonderful memories of her. She was a wonderful spark in our lives. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sincerely, Roger & Claudia Wood, Kevin & Angie Hill, Chris Wood Kay and Ernie Sill Janet ane Linda, We were so saddened by the news of your Mothers passing, what a precious lady she was. She truly lived a good life, and made so many people so happy when she sat down at the piano and started playing. She brought a smile on everyones face, there was a whole lot of toe tapping, and dancing too!!! Our kids sure felt bad when we called and told them, they both loved her and will miss her, as we will. She was one of our summer highlights to see her when she came home for the summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time. Janet, I remember us talking about her playing the piano in heaven, I'll just bet she has her old friends from Dubois dancing, and happy she is there with them. Love and Blessings, Kay and Ernie Sill Jeff Eagle jannae@centurytel.net J anet and Mike, so sorry to hear of Virginia's passing, She was one of the best teachers I ever had. Such a nice lady toO. My thoughts are with you. John and Marla Anderson jonmar@cableone.net To Janet and Michael: We send our sincere sympathy and our love to you at this time of sadness. Aren't we happy that we have the Gospel and know the plan of life. We send our love to you. Betty (Johnston) Fullmer I was so sorry to read in the paper about your mom. She was a very special lady. One I will alway's remember. She was one of my favorite teachers. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of saddness. My God be with you as you say good-bye to your mom. Betty Brad & Annette Eddins Virginia was always a special lady to us. She always had a smile on her face and always made us feel welcome when we moved to Duois. We loved her playing the piano and will always remember how wonderful she was. She will be missed. Jacqui Walbom jaxwalbo@hotmail.com Dear Linda and Boyd, Janet and Mike, I am saddened to hear of your dear Mother's passing. What a wonderful example and influence she has been for us all. I will always remember her gracious manner, her kindness and her wonderful sense of humor. May you all be blessed with peace and comfort at this time and bouyed up by wonderful warm memories of her. With our love and sympathy, Jacqui and Jeff and family, Pat and family, Jo and Brad and family David Leonardson bullelk_68@hotmail.com We are sorry to read of the loss of your dear one. Mrs. Laird was a unique, one of a kind, person. Her enthusiasm for life and her ability to motivate her students was one of her greatest accomplishments. I will always be indebted to her for helping to facilitate within me a love for music. May these words bring comfort to you as you reflect upon her life: "It has been said that when a great leader dies, she dies; but when a great teacher dies, she lives on. Even though Mrs. Laird (Virginia) has departed this mortal life and we are apart for a season, she continues to live on through the lives of those students she has touched and influenced. God bless you at this time of your loss. Loren and Julie Brooks sebagome@q.com Virginia was a very special person, who we loved dearly. We hope to attend services in memory of Virginia. We send our love and prayers. She was always happy and had a great interest in those visiting her. We loved her candy and her songs and dance. What a gal. God bless all of you. With love, Loren and Julianna Jo Martin Lynda and Janet, We were saddened to hear the news of Aunt Virgina's passing. She was such a wonderful lady. Her example of graciousness and kindness was teaching us way past her retirement. Know that you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. Best wishes, Jo, Brad and Anna Martin Gary Grimmett gary_annette@mvdsl.com I read today in the paper about Virginia's passing. I have known her for quite some time. My first wife grew up in Dubois, Selma Williams Grimmett, and her sister lives not far from there still. Virginia taught my wife in school and we also saw her while she was in Overton, we vacation there as well. I hate to say I am sorry for your loss, 98 years deserves a celebration, but I am sure she will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family.