Fern Audrey Thompson Curtis Hartvigsen, 2 September 1910

DOWNEY – Fern Audrey Thompson Curtis Hartvigsen, 92, passed away January 8, 2003 at the home of her daughter, Susan Sayles in Kanab, Utah.

She was born September 2, 1910 in the family home at Downey (Cambridge), Idaho, a daughter of William Orville and Nancy Abi Lawrence Thompson. She received her education in Cambridge and Downey. As a small child, she grew up doing farm chores and helping around the house. She loved horses and wrote poetry.

On November 28, 1928, she married Kenneth ElRoy Curtis, and on October 30, 1931, they solemnized their marriage in the Logan, Utah temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They made their home in Downey and Omaha, Nebraska. Kenneth died August 10, 1936, leaving her a widow with three young children, the youngest being just seven days old.

On December 12, 1940, she married Joseph Vernon Hartvigsen, a Cherry Creek farmer. They were blessed with two children. Vernon died June 15, 1983.

She worked first as the local Avon representative, Downey Café, correspondent for the Pocatello Tribune, Baker’s Pro Hardware and the marsh Valley Hospital as a nurse’s aide.

Church was very important as were her family and friends. She compiled her church service thus: 24 years as president of four organizations, twice as Downey Ward MIA president, once as Downey Ward Relief Society president and Portneuf Stake Relief Society president, 40 years of teaching in Sunday School, Primary, Relief Society and MIA.

Fern loved ceramics and made beautiful Nativity sets, vases, Christmas trees and others that she gave to family and friends. She also spent many hours quilting, crocheting and doing embroidery work.

She received a special award from the City of Downey for her work covering the local news and city meetings and reporting to the Idaho State Journal.

She is survived by children, Colleen (Robert) Baker of Downey; Mariene (Jerome) Hall of Pocatello; Susan (Lee) Sayles of Kanab, UT; and a daughter-in-law, Doreen Curtis of Island Park, ID; 17 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Kenneth Curtis and Vernon Hartvigsen, four brothers, five sisters, two sons, Gardell and Kenneth.

Funeral services will be held in the Downey LDS Ward Chapel on January 13, 2003. Burial will follow in the Downey City Cemetery.