Arthur LaVen Williams
Obituary & Life Sketch as read by Ann W. Clawson, a granddaughter, at the funeral of Arthur LaVen Williams.
Obituary:
Arthur LaVen Williams, 69, 464 E. 600 S Logan, died Wednesday in the Logan Hospital of natural causes. He was born Sept. 1, 1909, at Malad to Arthur Thompson and Nora Harrison Williams. He married Hazel Hayball Davis May 9, 1930, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She died April 23, 1961. He married Laura Wells Harrison Nov. 27, 1961 in the Logan LDS Temple. Survivors include his wife, Logan: two sons and five daughters, Arthur Davis Williams, Blackfoot; Timothy Davis Williams, Malad; Mrs. Deloy (Charlotte) Giles, Pocatello; Mrs. Don (Alaina) Jones, Boise; Mrs. William (Ruth) Thomas, Malad; Mrs. Griff (LaRetta) Davis, Soda Springs; Mrs. Elease King, Layton, Utah; his father,Malad; 31 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sisters, Mrs. Nolan (Lillith) Tuck, Brigham City, Utah; Mrs. William (Lucille) Olsen, Jerome; Mrs. J.L. Lester (June) Jones, Dillion, Mont.; Mrs. John (Mary Emma) Rodrick, Malad; Mrs. Varlo (Nora) Price. Darlington; Mrs. Dee Jay (Hanna Louise) Williams, Boise; Mrs. Harold (Darlene) Nielsen. Malta; Mrs. Lloyd (Barbara) Hollingsworth, Sunset, Utah.
(picture of mother and baby, older picture of him and a homestead)
Life Sketch:
LaVen, as he is known, was born on the family ranch on lower Deep Creek, and raised on the family ranch in upper Deep Creek.
When LaVen was a small boy, he and his younger sister Lillith Ione were riding Keeno, an old mare they owned and they were both thrown off. The old mare stopped dead still on Lillith’s dress and would not move for fear she would step on one of the children. After many tears, and many times of trying to free Lillith’s dress, he finally gave up and went home crying to mommy to come and get Lillith free.
Another time, when he was about fifteen years old, he was up in the mountains when Old Buck, another horse, fell on him. His foot went through the stirrup. He knew if the horse got up he would get drug. When he got home, he said to his mother, “Mother, if I ever prayed, I prayed then.” He kept talking to the horse until he got the cinch untied so when the horse stood up the saddle fell off.
The family bought an old pick-up and they called it “Alice”. It was the very first vehicle they owned. One night, LaVen took the truck on a date. He was double dating with another couple. The truck stopped on them and they had to get out and crank it several times. While LaVen ws cranking the truck, he was saying aloud “Come on Alice, Come on Alice”. Then he realized his friend’s date was named Alice and he was sure embarrassed.
He was married to Hazel Haybell Davis on 9 May, 1930, in the Salt Lake L.D.S. Temple. Tho this union was born seven children.
“DADDY” by Ruth Williams Thomas read to the music of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”
Memories are the feelings that I have had, and still have, and will have eternally.
Love, Love hurts- to love and respect one so-that tears come, is hard to bear, I awe at his being. He is not gone. There is a bond that we have, I reach out and touch him. His kindness radiates. I see it in the ground he worked with, the animals he labored with, the fence he repaired, the people he touched. I see his love in me, in my four sisters and two brothers. I see his love in my children.
His trust I will always have and so his trust I must give to my posterity.
His whole being is everywhere. It is Nagoia, Japan walking beside a grandson- Joe. To Daddy Joe was “Son”. “ Son, you do not have to worry.” “ Son, I am so proud of you.” His words echo. His love echoes.
I have a serene feeling because of Daddy. Peace and calmness overcome me. Respect- I listen to people about me and hear them tell of Daddy’s family and the respect they have for him. This instills respect in me.
I see Mamma and Daddy holding hands, reminiscing, sharing, planning, loving, and now looking down at their family- proud. I must live up to the feelings I have. Tears will become tears of joy because of two parents. How proud we will be in eternity.
(picture of grandson Elder Joe Thomas and a picture of him and his wife.)
I remember hearing these words every night from Daddy, “Settle down up there.” I never did see that ominous buggy whip!” I remember being trusted and forgiven many many times, (With Mamma’s help, I am sure).
(picture of three people.)
“I Remember Dad” by Timothy Davis Williams read to the music of “Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd”
I remember Dad because Dad spent time with me, lots of time. Like the hours we spent boxing, playing bucking horse and catch. Dad talked with me, even big people talk. When he would go to the sale in Ogden or Preston, he always asked me what I thought the cattle would sell for or what each critter in the truck weighed. Sometimes he would ask such big people questions, I would look to see who else was near.
Dad always showed affection for me. He would kiss me, whisker me and itch my back. I loved to have my Dad dress me for bed.
I remember how happy it made me to see Dad, especially the time we were elk hunting and I had followed elk tracks into a strange valley, only to find myself lost and alone. I wasn’t all alone because Dad had shoved a Hershey bar, Nibs, and some matches into my pocket early that morning. After scouring the horizon I let out in the direction that seemed most promising…Oh how I wanted to be with Dad and just as I was beginning to panic, the faint glow of a far off fire brought peace to an eighteen year old married baby. As I stumbled into my Dad’s well kept camp, that night, tears welled up into my eyes because I was so happy to see my Dad. (picture of them on horses)
In my preschool days, Daddy would try to sneak to the ranch at day break. I’d be awake waiting to hear his footsteps on the floor. I’d quickly dress and be waiting at the bottom of the stairs to go to the ranch and have breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa.
Daddy had me working beside him from the time I was six, doing chores, holding gates, herding horses, driving the team, driving truck, driving tractor, herding sheep, and herding cows. All the while he was a teacher, and a fun, enjoyable companion. (picture of three people.)
“I Remember Daddy” by Elease Williams King read to the music “Love at Home”
My earliest memory of Daddy is the day he came home from a 2 week elk hunt when I was 2 or 3. All his coaxing could not convince me that the man at the door with the thick black beard was my Daddy!! Thank you very much, but I will just stay under the kitchen table with Shep.
I loved to sit on the back of the couch behind Daddy, while he read the scriptures. I straddled his shoulders so I could comb his shiny black hair, arranging it any way to my liking, even down over his eyes. What faith he must have had to keep reading the scriptures every night, through strands of hair.
I remember going to Downata swimming all together and how amazed I was that Mamma and Daddy could swim!! And oh, how good those Downata hamburgers tasted!
Riding on the sleigh behind the pickup, while Daddy did the feeding was a special joy. We took turns sitting on the front of the sleigh to break the flying snow. I remember how hard it was to wait for the sandwiches that I knew were in the sack on the floor of the pickup. After feeding and taking extra sleigh rides, we sometimes slept in the living room up at the ranch. We waited all curled up in quilts on the couch, while Daddy made a fire in the stove, so we could color and listen to the old radio.
Going to the cattle sale and spending the day alone with Daddy, was a carefully planned memory for each of us. Walking along the tops of the vast corrals there, and then eating lunch at the auction cafe or Maddox topped off the day. I usually fell asleep listening to the sound of the tires going over the cement sections of the road on the way home.
I remember the day I took Daddy’s toes out of his boot and then put the boot in the garbage barrel. Or maybe I put the toes in the garbage barrel.
I remember Daddy picking us up at the show every Friday night and patiently listening while we recited the whole movie to him.
Daddy always took a rest or nap on the floor without a pillow.
I remember horses being saddled and unsaddled and stirrups being raised and lowered, raised and lowered, again and again for each new leg length. I remember how every pair of feet had to have at least a close match of boots, before they were allowed to ride.
“I Remember Dad” by Arthur Davis Williams read to the music of “Oh My Father.”
The very earliest things that come to mind were always involved with being taught to be a cowboy or how to tell a cow apart from all other cows. I was taught at an early age to ride a horse with authority. Dad’s personality made him fit anywhere, no matter what the environment.
Dad was always cleaning something: The drill, tractor, harness, gun, knife, barn, corral, harvester, his hands. He never had dirty hands for very long: He could kill and dress and butcher wild or tame meat, better than anyone in the world.
Dad was quite patient. He gave me the reins of my first teamster job by 8 years old. Yes, I took out more than one gate post with loads of hay.
Dad knew a lot about animals, especially sheep, then cows, horses and dogs. Dad was an excellent hunter. He was not the best shot but he was a good hunter. The thing about his success as a hunter was how slow he was.
Dad tried not to ever let a bad word lie. I once saw him go to a man’s ranch to tell him he was sorry in the dead of winter at 5:00 A.M.
I remember how proud I was when I joined in the circle for Dad to be set apart as a High Councilman. President Elray Christiansen told him “Brother Williams, you are the salt of the earth.”
Showing trust in me at an early age, Dad allowed me to drive ahead of him with a load for the cattle sale in Ogden. I remember going with Dad to the different ranches to pick up our load very early in the mornings.
I have a strong testimony of the Gospel because Dad bore his testimony to me many times when I was a boy. My Dad loved me, he told me so last Sunday.
(pictures of farm machinery, and a picture of two men.)
“I Remember Daddy” by LaRetta Williams Davis read to the music of “Scarlet Ribbons”
I was always Daddy’s “Little Indian Girl”. When people would ask me “Who’s girl are you?” I would say, “I’m LaVen Williams’ girl.” “Well where did he get you?” I’d reply, “From Washaki.”
Daddy loved to rock me and play with my braids and ringlets.
When I was in the 6th grade, I had my hair cut. He came home from the ranch, took one look at me, touched my hair, and with tears in his eyes said, “My Dear, My Dear.” Oh! What had I done? Just 14 days ago in Logan, he touched my hair again and remarked how black and pretty it was.
I remember running to get the comb, so I could straddle Daddy’s neck on the couch and comb his hair. My favorite hairdo was fixing his black hair to look like Moe in the Three Stooges.
Watching Daddy eat, Oh! How Fun! Watching Daddy’s jaws move up and down!
Watching Daddy’s temples go in and out! Listening to the Celery Chew! Chew! Chew!
True love, is a man that appreciated a good farm dog, allowing his living in town family to have a worthless pup, that grew into a worthless huge red husky dog named Shep, who was a house dog.
I remember the time he met Barbara and I at the door coming home too late from a date. He came out so quickly!!
When the rodeo started in Malad: Oh!– How handsome and grand was my father riding around in the arena. When he would pass carrying the flag, my heart would beat with love and pride, for my flag and my Dad!
I remember Daddy helping us do dishes. We would whisper to each other that he’d be in the kitchen in a minute. It was always fun when Daddy came in to help.
There was nothing like Saturday morning in the winter on the ranch. This was feeding cattle time. Daddy would tie our sleds on back of the team and sleigh. Armed with extra mittens and a big box of oatmeal cookies, we were off.
When we fell off our sleigh, we would run to catch up. Just as we would jump on our sleigh, Daddy would getty up the horses. This went on a time or two and then he would come back and get us all settled again. He’d get us all on top of the hay stack with him while he pitched hay off onto the sleigh.
When we would get cold, he’d take our hand and run with us, up and down and around and around with our legs flying and skipping, until we were all laughing and warm. Then he’d grab us and off we’d fly unexpectedly into a pile of hay someplace. When we got back, Mamma would have a good dinner, homemade ice cream, and late at night we’d listen to “The Squeaking Door”, huddled around the radio with Daddy. We were so happy!
We tried to act grown-up and be a “Lady”!
But Daddy always treated us like his own precious baby!
At age 16 years, it was very hard to act dignified,
While being bounced on Daddy’s shoulders in a horsey ride.
(Three pictures, Aug 1934)
“I remember Daddy” by Charlotte Williams Giles read to the music of “It’s 3 O’Clock in the Morning”
I remember well, the trips I made with Daddy down to Ogden to the sale. We always went into the cafe there and had a good dinner. Then we would go over to Aunt Marie’s to see June and the kids, and then on home. It was always a special day.
Riding into our beautiful mountains with Daddy was a pleasure Darlene and I often enjoyed. She and I took turns on Cocoa, our pinto stallion, the other riding Fuss. These were memorable moments, eating our lunch and talking about the cattle.
Going to Salt Lake to the Dance Festival with Daddy as my partner was a thrill at 16. I was the envy of all my friends. At 17, Mamma excitedly watched, while Daddy proudly led me out on the dance floor, as Queen of the Gold and Green Ball, and danced the first dance.
I remember when Daddy got his toes cut off while weighing grain at the mill. As each young grandchild came along, Daddy enjoyed making them think that they had pulled his toes off with his boot.
(picture April 25, 1932 and family in front of a truck)
“I Remember Daddy” by Alaina Williams Jones read to the music of “Young At Heart”
My first thoughts of Daddy, is being lifted into a sheep camp and getting down into the sheep camp bed, snuggled in Daddy’s arms.
In my early memories of church, Daddy would sit on the stand very often. In the third ward, first ward building, we would hold meetings in the recreation hall. As a three year old, sitting on the front row in Sunday School, there was a little game I used to play. I would close my eyes to a squint, look over all the Brethren’s shoes, pick out the pair I thought were Daddy’s and then slowly with my eyes still at a shutting squint, work up until I came to his face.! All over his face! Watching Daddy shave was a fun thing to do! Cover the Whiskers with a hot wash cloth and then with his eyes he’d play Peek-a-boo!
There’s nothing better than a double decker ice cream cone that your own Daddy dipped up automatically when you walked through the door of the Millstream Grocery Store.
Our Brother LaVen read to the music of “I Stand All Amazed”
We know that LaVen longed for a brother, but he always made a fuss over his sisters, and loved each little new sister when she arrived. He played with us a lot, giving ujs rides on his back–bucking us off–if he could. Telling us stories of things he’d done and heard. He also teased us a lot. He had a space between his front teeth and he’d take a mouth full of water and could “squirt” it any place he wanted to. And it wasn’t unusual for us to get taken by surprise–which always ended up in a water fight that took us all over the house and yard.
He loved dogs and horses, and wouldn’t trade or sell them like our Dad always did.
One night we girls were left alone at home on the ranch. Dad always gave last minute instructions like “Don’t tip over the lamp and burn the house down”or something equally sinister until we would be in a state of terror before they ever left. Sitting around the table getting our lessons, suddenly there was a terrible noise on top of the house. We were just petrified. It happened again and again, then suddenly in walked “Big Brother”. Our lives were saved from a cougar, bobcat, or whatever. It was not until years later we figured out it was him making that noise with a long stick just to scare us.
Hunting was a special tradition for Dad, LaVen and his loved brothers-in-law. All the sisters would stay with Mother and watch the men ride off. Sometimes we all got in the truck and drove up into the field to watch for their return.
All LaVen’s sisters agreed that one of their most precious memories of him was being swept away from a dance partner by her brother. He danced around with her for a few minutes holding her tight and then upon returning her to her partner, he always gave her a warm squeeze and a kiss. He also checked to make sure she had a proper, reliable escort home.
He always had time to baby each sister when she needed it. We wondered how he could possibly have more of himself to share after giving so much already. He never neglected Mother and Dad. He showed each one of us our own special love.
Aunt Mary Emma says: He was my ideal. I remember riding behind the saddle and holding tight to his shirt–riding fast too! But his hand was always on my leg and I had a feeling of complete security.
The couch in the kitchen was his bed and how nice it was for me to get up early in the morning, sneak in and cuddle down in bed with him.
I loved to be with LeVen doing whatever he was doing.
If we were to say who had influenced our lives most for good, we would have to name Mother and Dad and our brother LaVen equally. Perhaps him even more than them. He was that kind of a brother.
(picture of LaVen, Lillith, Angelina, June, Mary Emma, Lucille) (1975 picture) (Picture of Barbara, Hanna Lou, Darlene, Lucillle, June, Mary Emma, Nora, LaVen) ( picture of baby sister Barbara)
I will now read a story in Grandpa’s own words…..
I started herding sheep when I was 8 years old. I took the sheep out at daylight and got them settled, then hurried home to catch the school bus. The teachers would let me have a nap. If they didn’t , they knew I’d just take one anyway. I herded sheep steady until I got married and then I herded them some more.
I had some sheep out on the desert by Jerome. I got so home sick, I couldn’t eat. Mother and Dad could tell from my letters, so Dad brought Hazel and the two babies to surprise me. In the meantime, the men and I had gone into town for supper. As I was eating, I looked up and saw Dad standing in the doorway hanging onto the babies. I was so surprised and happy. Hazel stayed a few days at the sheep camp.
I herded sheep for Jessie Dredge for nine years for 50 dollars a month, and clothes and groceries. When it came to settling up, he just took my word on what I deserved. There hadn’t been a word said about my wages the whole nine years. I saved my wages and bought the Smith place on Deep Creek. I turned out 15 head of steers the first year and got only 5 of them back. The next year, I had 15 pigs, and lost all 15 to cholera. Then I had my grain all hailed out, so I had to take a job working at the Millstream grocery store, cutting meat and then managing the store for Earnest Horsley. I had to work for six years to get back on my feet. Working day at the grocery store and night at the mill while putting in crops in my spare time.
It was while I was working at the Millstream that I hurt my knee bad enough to have surgery. I stepped off the platform with two sacks of flour. My knee buckled under the weight and went out. It went out many times before. I remember one time, was when a cow pulled Cocoa over onto my knee.
In September, 1947, they purchased a home in Malad and lived there until he and his wife, Hazel, bought a small 160 acre cattle ranch near Lyman, Wyoming.
(picture of the house our beloved home at 44 West 400 North, Malad Idaho. It is fondly referred to as “The White House” or “The White House on the hill”. We are thankful to our Mother and Father for the cherished memories we have of our childhood home.)
After moving to Lyman, Wyoming, his wife, Hazel, had very poor health and it is believed that the high altitude was responsible for it. In the spring of 1961, she became very ill and was taken to Malad, Idaho for medical treatment. But on the 23rd of April 1961, his beloved wife passed away of an attack of asthma and heart failure due to the shock. She was laid to rest in the Malad Cemetery on the 26th of April 1961.
On the 27th of November, 1961, LaVen was married to Laura Wells Harrison in the Logan Temple for time only. He sold his ranch in Lyman, Wyoming, and moved to the ranch in Raymond, Idaho. When his retiring years arrived, the Raymond ranch was sold. He worked as Range Rider for the Cattlemen’s Association in Oneida County, also working the ranch in Deep Creek. A house in Logan was purchased.
(A whole page of pictures)