Ada Larsen Smith Tolman, 21 December 1899

ADA LARSEN SMITH TOLMAN

As the wind whipped the newly spaded earth around the graveyard of the Holbrook Cemetery, one of the valiant noble ladies of the 20th century was laid to rest. Ada Larsen Smith Tolman, 87 years of age, realized her final wish as her fragile body was placed in a pale pink bronze casket at the side of her beloved husband, Joel Allen Smith, who died on February 14, 1974. She was back again in the little town of Holbrook, ID where she chose to live for 51 years. She died in Salt lake City, UT, April 21, 1987 and was buried April 25, 1987.

Ada was born December 21, 1899 in Cove, UT, the daughter of Elias Silverene Larsen and Clarinda Hannah Goaslind Larsen. Her young and tender years were spent on the farm in Cove, tromping hay, milking cows, and riding horses. She had a great love of animals, horses, cows, dogs, etc. which continued all her life. Proudly she rode horseback from youth on through the years as her husband Joel was a noteable horseman raising famous quarter horses from Piggin Bar and Tinky Shine.

Ada attended college at Brigham Young College in Logan, UT as she also attended Utah State Agricultural College and the Idaho Technical College in Pocatello, ID. She was very talented in art, music, drama, literature, sewing, singing, etc. These talents were enlarged with sharing in school, church and the community where ever she lived.

Ada taught school in Moreland, ID for three years and also one year in Riverdale, ID. While attending summer school in Pocatello, she met Maude Smith (Burton) and through her acquaintance, she introduced Ada to her brother, Joel Allen Smith who was serving on a mission to England. This friendship grew through the years and they were married June 4, 1924 in the Logan LDS Temple. The happy young couple moved onto a rented dry farm in Holbrook, ID. As the wind blew, both summer and winter, Ada was a little homesick for her family and friends in Cache Valley but she learned to adjust and much happiness was achieved through the birth of her daughters Barbara (Mrs. Claron McGhie) Citrus Heights, CA; Joye S. Wyatt, Salt Lake City, UT; Colleen (Mrs. Kent Williams) Morgan, UT; Janet Smith, Mountain View, WY. Their only son, Joes Richard died at birth in November, 1929.

The Joel Smith family moved from the small ranch house into their home in Holbrook in 1936, the landmark home across the street from the Holbrook LDS church house. It has been a retreat and place of joy these many years for relatives, friends and acquaintances. It was surrounded by many trees and the garden. Ada was well known for her large colorful flower garden and the flowers she shared. She also added much with the huge canvas painting of the pioneer scene at the Holbrook Ward Chapel.

Ada’s life was constantly teaching, from piano lessons (Many years), one year 1945-46 at the Holbrook Elementary School. She also did much substitution in the Holbrook Elementary School. She taught in every organization in the LDS Church.

She served from 1928 to 1936 as first counselor in the Curlew Stake Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Assoc. and from 1938-39 as president of that organization. Many will fondly remember the “Mothers and Daughters” outings as they camped out for several days in the wilds. She has taught children of the children in the Holbrook Ward Primary and in Relief Society and Mutual also. Her countless years as Relief Society and Sunday School teacher has enlarged her testimony and she was always eager to share her testimony that Jesus was the Christ.

AS a news reporter of Holbrook for 19 years with the Idaho Enterprise newspaper, she made friends and daily events a part of her life. Some old acquaintances from California, Utah and other parts of the USA often remarked to her that they kept their subscription because of her weekly column with it’s people interest and touch of warmth.

After Joel’s health began to decrease, several grandsons came to live through the years with their grandparents, helping on the farm. Ada then had the opportunity to patch overalls, levis and feed more hungry boys. They seemed to take the place that was lost in never having any sons.

After Joel’s death in 1974, Ada married Austin Tolman on July 25, 1975 inMorgan, UT. He died August 13, 1975, living only 19 days after their marriage. She moved to Ogden in 1975 and has since remained a resident of that city. She has participated in many community events and has sung with the Ogden Community Chorus and served also as the Relief Society coordinator of the Golden Manor and Aspen Care Center.

She is survived by one brother, Melvin Larsen, Richmond, UT. She has 21 living grandchildren (3 deceased), also one great grandson deceased. She has 66 great grandchildren living.

Her vitality and love of people is shown quite notably with all the friends that she has across the USA. James Allen of the BYU staff remarked about Ada after a tour of the historical sights back east which she attended, “She was such an asset, as she’d get the people to singing and was alert and happy at all times.” She has indeed left a noble heritage with her love of life and desire for the best and most beautiful in word and deed. Her oil paintings have thrilled many and her talents seemed never to end. What a remarkable woman.