Written Wednesday, July 9, 2008.
What did you do as a child that got you into the most trouble with your parents? How did they handle it?
"Well, this is the last one, but I'll write a few things that are going on right now. For now I'll answer this. I think I have answered similar questions that will have the same answers. None of my brothers and sisters, as well as myself, ever had a spanking. We were talked to sometimes by our mother, but she was so gentle and soft spoken it never hurt us. We did feel bad if we said something unkind and she would say that wasn't very nice to say or do. The soft tone of her voice made us feel worse than if she ever yelled at us. Which she never did.
"Our dad was gone a lot, so he never said anything. Once in a while he would say we were just like the Berrys (my mother's family). I never minded him saying that because I loved my mom's family. They were closer to us and they loved us."
Monday, October 8, 2018
Life Story--Historic Events--Grandma Anna
Written Tuesday, July 8, 2008.
Where were you and what were you doing the day the wall came down in East Germany? The day President Kennedy was assassinated?
"I was home sewing for people. i was so happy the wall came down. It assured me we wouldn't have another world war. At least that's what I thought. I was working in a store when a lady came in and told about President Kennedy. When I got home I turned on the T.V. and watched it. We just had a very small T.V.l It was worse to me when his brother, Ted Kennedy, was assassinated. I felt bad for their mother. Mote than I did for them and now that we have lost 2 sons, I know more than ever it had to be hard on her."
Where were you and what were you doing the day the wall came down in East Germany? The day President Kennedy was assassinated?
"I was home sewing for people. i was so happy the wall came down. It assured me we wouldn't have another world war. At least that's what I thought. I was working in a store when a lady came in and told about President Kennedy. When I got home I turned on the T.V. and watched it. We just had a very small T.V.l It was worse to me when his brother, Ted Kennedy, was assassinated. I felt bad for their mother. Mote than I did for them and now that we have lost 2 sons, I know more than ever it had to be hard on her."
Life Story--Shopping--Grandma Anna
Written Monday, July 7, 2008.
Did you go shopping much with your mother? Where was you favorite place to go shopping?
"We never went shopping because there was no place to shop here, and we didn't have the money to go shopping. Our shopping was done out of Montgomery Ward Catalog. If we saw a cute dress or skirt and blouse we liked, she would make one just like it for us with no pattern. She ordered the material from Montgomery Ward or used material from something some one gave her for sewing for them. Some of the ladies were quite large and she could get 2 dresses from one they have her for sewing for them."
Did you go shopping much with your mother? Where was you favorite place to go shopping?
"We never went shopping because there was no place to shop here, and we didn't have the money to go shopping. Our shopping was done out of Montgomery Ward Catalog. If we saw a cute dress or skirt and blouse we liked, she would make one just like it for us with no pattern. She ordered the material from Montgomery Ward or used material from something some one gave her for sewing for them. Some of the ladies were quite large and she could get 2 dresses from one they have her for sewing for them."
Life Story--Favorite Magazine--Grandma Anna
Written Sunday, July 6, 2008.
Do you have a favorite magazine? Describe it and the kinds of things you learn from it or enjoy about it.
"My favorite magazine was the Relief Society magazine and Children's Friend. My kids loved that one. I enjoy the Ensign, even though I don't read all of it. It is a wonderful magazine. I do take the Good House Keeping magazine. It's interesting because of the recipes, the different ways of describing decorating. Some I like and some don't appeal to me at all. But every one can't like the same thing."
Do you have a favorite magazine? Describe it and the kinds of things you learn from it or enjoy about it.
"My favorite magazine was the Relief Society magazine and Children's Friend. My kids loved that one. I enjoy the Ensign, even though I don't read all of it. It is a wonderful magazine. I do take the Good House Keeping magazine. It's interesting because of the recipes, the different ways of describing decorating. Some I like and some don't appeal to me at all. But every one can't like the same thing."
Life Story--Household Chores--Grandma Anna
Written Saturday, July 5, 2008.
"Were you responsible for any household chores growing up? What were they? Which did you most enjoy and least enjoy?
"We weren't assigned any particular job, but most of us did just about anything from washing laundry on a wash board, doing dishes, tending babies, sweeping the floor. We had no carpet.
"I would love to have had my mother have a home as nice as mine. It needs a lot of repairs, and they will get done, but it was more important to send our two grandsons on missions. The house will keep and if it falls in we have a very nice travel trailer with a king sized bed, night stands, closets, cupboards, bath with a nice shower, living area with couch, chairs, cupboards, and a nice kitchen with a nice stove and over, microwave, central heating and cooling. What more could we ask for. Think of the homeless."
"Were you responsible for any household chores growing up? What were they? Which did you most enjoy and least enjoy?
"We weren't assigned any particular job, but most of us did just about anything from washing laundry on a wash board, doing dishes, tending babies, sweeping the floor. We had no carpet.
"I would love to have had my mother have a home as nice as mine. It needs a lot of repairs, and they will get done, but it was more important to send our two grandsons on missions. The house will keep and if it falls in we have a very nice travel trailer with a king sized bed, night stands, closets, cupboards, bath with a nice shower, living area with couch, chairs, cupboards, and a nice kitchen with a nice stove and over, microwave, central heating and cooling. What more could we ask for. Think of the homeless."
Life Story--Water--Grandma Anna
Written Friday, July 4, 2008.
Tell how you feel about water, playing in it, seeing it, using it. Tell various bodies of water you have seen and how they made you feel.
"I can't swim, so I'm afraid to get in big bodies of water. When we were little kids, we played in the irrigation ditch water, until the people made us stop. I have seen the Pacific Ocean and big lakes. They are beautiful. I wouldn't want to get in them or go boating in a small boat, or a large one."
Tell how you feel about water, playing in it, seeing it, using it. Tell various bodies of water you have seen and how they made you feel.
"I can't swim, so I'm afraid to get in big bodies of water. When we were little kids, we played in the irrigation ditch water, until the people made us stop. I have seen the Pacific Ocean and big lakes. They are beautiful. I wouldn't want to get in them or go boating in a small boat, or a large one."
Life Story--Childhood Friend--Grandma Anna
Written Thursday, July 3, 2008.
Describe a favorite childhood friend and some things you did with her.
"My favorite friend was my sister Colleen. We went to school together. She was a year older and a grade ahead of me. We went to different places together, like ball games.
"Once in a while, when we could each save a dime, we would go to a movie. We mostly stayed home and talked, read, homework, or helped our mom with the babies.
"If we ever had a nickel we'd buy a candy bar, She always broke in a little uneven and then said, "Oh, I'll just take a little from yours." It took me a long time to know I was being snookered."
Describe a favorite childhood friend and some things you did with her.
"My favorite friend was my sister Colleen. We went to school together. She was a year older and a grade ahead of me. We went to different places together, like ball games.
"Once in a while, when we could each save a dime, we would go to a movie. We mostly stayed home and talked, read, homework, or helped our mom with the babies.
"If we ever had a nickel we'd buy a candy bar, She always broke in a little uneven and then said, "Oh, I'll just take a little from yours." It took me a long time to know I was being snookered."
Life Story--Family Trips--Grandma Anna
Written Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008.
Do you recall any outstanding family trips or summer holidays you experienced as a youth?
"We couldn't afford to go anyplace, nor did we ever have a vehicle big enough to go. The first trip I ever took was after I married and Bill was in the service. His brother rode the bus where Linda and I were staying in Tuscon and he took us to California to spend time with his mother for a few months before Bill came. He would be on a ship that came close to where his mother lived."
Do you recall any outstanding family trips or summer holidays you experienced as a youth?
"We couldn't afford to go anyplace, nor did we ever have a vehicle big enough to go. The first trip I ever took was after I married and Bill was in the service. His brother rode the bus where Linda and I were staying in Tuscon and he took us to California to spend time with his mother for a few months before Bill came. He would be on a ship that came close to where his mother lived."
Life Story--Ancestors--Grandma Anna
Written Tuesday, July 1, 2008.
Tell about any ancestors you know about. Any stories about them.
"I don't know about some of them, but I'll tell you about Grandma's mother, Priscilla Parrish Roundy. When she was crossing the plains with her family, her responsibility was to keep track of the milk cow and help push the handcart. She was about 10 years old.
"When the group could stop to rest, the ladies would knit gloves and socks. Priscilla found 2 sticks and rubbed them together until they were smooth. With a rock she made the ends quite pointed so she could learn to knit.
"One day, when she was pulling the handcart with her father, he said, "Priscilla, last Christmas we were in no position to have Christmas. I think things will be different this year. If you could get anything you wanted, what would it be?"
"She thought for a while and said she would like to have a needle.
"When I heard the story about Great Grandmother Priscilla, I thought how selfish we are.
"Well, her father found a hard bone and with his pocket knife he filed and filed until it was smooth and pointed at one end. Then he carefully made a hole in the other end for the thread to go through. He wrapped it in just some old paper and kept it in his coat pocket until they reached the Salt Lake Valley. When Christmas came, she was so excited about her needle, she cried.
This story has always touched me, and Bill knew how I felt about it. So! Guess what I got for Christmas that year. You guessed it. A needle he had made of bone. I will cherish it forever."
Tell about any ancestors you know about. Any stories about them.
"I don't know about some of them, but I'll tell you about Grandma's mother, Priscilla Parrish Roundy. When she was crossing the plains with her family, her responsibility was to keep track of the milk cow and help push the handcart. She was about 10 years old.
"When the group could stop to rest, the ladies would knit gloves and socks. Priscilla found 2 sticks and rubbed them together until they were smooth. With a rock she made the ends quite pointed so she could learn to knit.
"One day, when she was pulling the handcart with her father, he said, "Priscilla, last Christmas we were in no position to have Christmas. I think things will be different this year. If you could get anything you wanted, what would it be?"
"She thought for a while and said she would like to have a needle.
"When I heard the story about Great Grandmother Priscilla, I thought how selfish we are.
"Well, her father found a hard bone and with his pocket knife he filed and filed until it was smooth and pointed at one end. Then he carefully made a hole in the other end for the thread to go through. He wrapped it in just some old paper and kept it in his coat pocket until they reached the Salt Lake Valley. When Christmas came, she was so excited about her needle, she cried.
This story has always touched me, and Bill knew how I felt about it. So! Guess what I got for Christmas that year. You guessed it. A needle he had made of bone. I will cherish it forever."
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Life Story--Grandparents and Great Grandparents--Grandma Anna
Written Monday, June 30, 2008.
Tell about your grandparents. Great-grandparents. Any memories?
"My grandparents on my mother's side helped settle St. Johns. Grandma Berry drove a team of horses and wagon while Grandpa Berry and two of his brothers, Wiley and William, drove cattle to trade to Solomon Barth for property. They drove them from Hurricane, Utah. Grandma had some scary times, but Grandpa told her just rap her foot on the brake going down steep hills and all would be OK. He couldn't stop to help her because he was keeping the cows together."
Tell about your grandparents. Great-grandparents. Any memories?
"My grandparents on my mother's side helped settle St. Johns. Grandma Berry drove a team of horses and wagon while Grandpa Berry and two of his brothers, Wiley and William, drove cattle to trade to Solomon Barth for property. They drove them from Hurricane, Utah. Grandma had some scary times, but Grandpa told her just rap her foot on the brake going down steep hills and all would be OK. He couldn't stop to help her because he was keeping the cows together."
Life Story--=Successful Life--Grandma Anna
Written Sunday, June 29, 2008.
One word on how to live successfully.
"Frugal. Thrifty. Be happy with what you have; don't try to keep up with the neighbors or anyone else."
One word on how to live successfully.
"Frugal. Thrifty. Be happy with what you have; don't try to keep up with the neighbors or anyone else."
Life Story--High School Extracurricular--Grandma Anna
Written Saturday. June 28, 2008.
Were you ever in a drama, speech, sport, pep, or glee club?
"Yes. I was always in Glee Club 4 years in high school and in drama. I was in a play, "The Marriage of Nanette". I was the king's daughter. I was chosen queen in a musical play when I was in the 8th grade. Merle Shumway was our teacher.l Letty A. Patterson was our music teacher in high school."
Were you ever in a drama, speech, sport, pep, or glee club?
"Yes. I was always in Glee Club 4 years in high school and in drama. I was in a play, "The Marriage of Nanette". I was the king's daughter. I was chosen queen in a musical play when I was in the 8th grade. Merle Shumway was our teacher.l Letty A. Patterson was our music teacher in high school."
Life Story--Community Activities--Grandma Anna
Written Friday, June 27, 2008.
Tell about your community activities.
"We have Cinco de Mayo- a parade, big Bar-B-Que, dance, etc. We have a 4th of July parade and program. I spoke at it once. Then we have the 24th Celebration, when the Mormons reached the Salt Lake Valley, with a parade and program, an ice cream social, a bean and corn bread meal. A rodeo for 2 days. A campfire circle one evening with wards and branches and some families getting together and eating potluck & visiting people we haven't see for a long time. Then 3 wards get-together at the stake center for sacrament meeting. 2 wards & branch get together in the town building for sacrament meeting."
Life Story--School Achievements--Grandma Anna
Written Thursday, June 26, 2008.
Tell about any special school achievements you have received.
"In High School we had only manual typewriters and I got a certificate for typing 110 words correctly on a normal typewriter in 1 minute. The boys were fanning my typewriter and I didn't notice. I was too busy typing."
Tell about any special school achievements you have received.
"In High School we had only manual typewriters and I got a certificate for typing 110 words correctly on a normal typewriter in 1 minute. The boys were fanning my typewriter and I didn't notice. I was too busy typing."
Life Story--Birth Order--Grandma Anna
Written Monday, June 23, 2008.
What is your place in the family? How do you feel about it?
"I'm 8th, the middle because an elder brother named Kelly (Richard Kelly, b. 1924, d. 1926) died before I was born, so that put me in the middle.
"How do I feel about it? There is nothing I could or can do about it. I tended the younger kids a lot when my mom went to help the older girls when they had children. It almost made me feel like I raised two families. Although I had fun playing with the kids and could get them to mind me pretty good.
"Then I had a family and when Linda had hers, she went to school in Tempe and even though I was working, I took care of her 6 children during the week. She came home over the weekend and took care of them. Bill helped a lot. We always had family prayer and home evening and scripture study. We enjoyed having them here. The twins were babies and are now on missions and will be home in less than a month."
What is your place in the family? How do you feel about it?
"I'm 8th, the middle because an elder brother named Kelly (Richard Kelly, b. 1924, d. 1926) died before I was born, so that put me in the middle.
"How do I feel about it? There is nothing I could or can do about it. I tended the younger kids a lot when my mom went to help the older girls when they had children. It almost made me feel like I raised two families. Although I had fun playing with the kids and could get them to mind me pretty good.
"Then I had a family and when Linda had hers, she went to school in Tempe and even though I was working, I took care of her 6 children during the week. She came home over the weekend and took care of them. Bill helped a lot. We always had family prayer and home evening and scripture study. We enjoyed having them here. The twins were babies and are now on missions and will be home in less than a month."
Life Story--Favorite Animal--Grandma Anna
Written Sunday, June 22, 2008.
What is your favorite animal? Why? Tell about any pets you have had.
"I really don't have a favorite animal. We do have two Bassett hounds we are taking care of that belonged to our son before he passed away. I know they miss him because they don't get the attention they had from him. I'm afraid to be around horses. Baby calves don't scare me, but big cows with horns do."
What is your favorite animal? Why? Tell about any pets you have had.
"I really don't have a favorite animal. We do have two Bassett hounds we are taking care of that belonged to our son before he passed away. I know they miss him because they don't get the attention they had from him. I'm afraid to be around horses. Baby calves don't scare me, but big cows with horns do."
Life Story--Winter Snow--Grandma Anna
Written Saturday, June 21, 2008.
Does it snow where you live? What kinds of things do you like to do in the snow?
"It doesn't snow as much now as it did when we were children. We liked to have snowball fights until someone put a rock in the center of the snowball and we weren't allowed to do that anymore. We also made snowmen. They were huge because there was so much snow."
Does it snow where you live? What kinds of things do you like to do in the snow?
"It doesn't snow as much now as it did when we were children. We liked to have snowball fights until someone put a rock in the center of the snowball and we weren't allowed to do that anymore. We also made snowmen. They were huge because there was so much snow."
Life Story--Neighborhood Games-Grandma Anna
Written Friday, June 20th, 2008.
What games did you play in the neighborhood when you were a child?
"Oversons and Waites were our neighbors. We had bonfires at night and played Hide-and-Seek. We also played Kick-the-Can and Annie-I-Over. We divided up the neighbors and us and each group got on one side of the houses and named the person we wanted to send over then if that person could catch the ball, they would stay on their side until all the players were sent over. The best one would win the game and got to choose the next game we played."
What games did you play in the neighborhood when you were a child?
"Oversons and Waites were our neighbors. We had bonfires at night and played Hide-and-Seek. We also played Kick-the-Can and Annie-I-Over. We divided up the neighbors and us and each group got on one side of the houses and named the person we wanted to send over then if that person could catch the ball, they would stay on their side until all the players were sent over. The best one would win the game and got to choose the next game we played."
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Life Story--Favorite Aunt--Grandma Anna
Written Thursday, June 19, 2008.
Tell about your favorite aunt.
"Aunt Marjorie Hermina Maertens Berry is my favorite aunt because she always loved my mother and all of us even thought we were so poor. She treated all of us as though we were special people. She is now 94 and gets around pretty good, but is slowly failing."
Tell about your favorite aunt.
"Aunt Marjorie Hermina Maertens Berry is my favorite aunt because she always loved my mother and all of us even thought we were so poor. She treated all of us as though we were special people. She is now 94 and gets around pretty good, but is slowly failing."
Life Story--Best Advice--Grandma Anna
Written Wednesday, June 18, 2008.
What is your advice to those younger than you?
"Be active in church, study scriptures, teach the Gospel to your children, love your children unconditionally. Remember in 5 or 10 years no one will know if you have a clean house, but they will know if you taught the gospel (and lived it) to your children."
What is your advice to those younger than you?
"Be active in church, study scriptures, teach the Gospel to your children, love your children unconditionally. Remember in 5 or 10 years no one will know if you have a clean house, but they will know if you taught the gospel (and lived it) to your children."
Life Story--Serious Illnesses--Grandma Anna
Written Tuesday, June 17, 2008.
Describe the most serious illness you have had.
"Scarlatina, Tuberculosis, heart surgery, two valves replaced and one repaired half way for lack of time to keep me out. After 6 weeks in the hospital I went into cardiac arrest and didn't know anything for 4 days. Then I was in the hospital for 6 more weeks having therapy to walk and think and be able to get up."
Describe the most serious illness you have had.
"Scarlatina, Tuberculosis, heart surgery, two valves replaced and one repaired half way for lack of time to keep me out. After 6 weeks in the hospital I went into cardiac arrest and didn't know anything for 4 days. Then I was in the hospital for 6 more weeks having therapy to walk and think and be able to get up."
Life Story--Mother's Activities--Grandma Anna
Written Monday, June 16, 2008.
How does your mother spend her time?
"With 16 children, I'll let you guess. Working on the house, cooking, sewing, repairing, cleaning, canning, worrying, chopping wood, gardening, tending babied, and sick children; you name it."
How does your mother spend her time?
"With 16 children, I'll let you guess. Working on the house, cooking, sewing, repairing, cleaning, canning, worrying, chopping wood, gardening, tending babied, and sick children; you name it."
Life Story--Favorite Subject in School--Grandma Anna
Written Sunday, June 15, 2008.
Did you have a favorite subject in school?
"My favorite was not math. I did like reading and spelling. Our 1st grade teacher was Mrs. Green. She taught us phonics, phonics, phonics. We all were good readers and spellers."
Did you have a favorite subject in school?
"My favorite was not math. I did like reading and spelling. Our 1st grade teacher was Mrs. Green. She taught us phonics, phonics, phonics. We all were good readers and spellers."
Life Story--Husband--Grandma Anna
Written Saturday, June 14, 2008.
Describe your husband.
"Tall, thin, brown eyes, now he had grey hair. He is a hard worker, a stalwart in the church, a caring person. He hasn't always, but he now treats me like a queen. Before he was too busy with his jobs that the children and I very seldom saw him. He still works at the shoe shop, or hauls wood or goes to Concho to help someone so I still don't see his as often as I would like to, but maybe he will run down sometime. But I really doubt it. It's just his nature."
Describe your husband.
"Tall, thin, brown eyes, now he had grey hair. He is a hard worker, a stalwart in the church, a caring person. He hasn't always, but he now treats me like a queen. Before he was too busy with his jobs that the children and I very seldom saw him. He still works at the shoe shop, or hauls wood or goes to Concho to help someone so I still don't see his as often as I would like to, but maybe he will run down sometime. But I really doubt it. It's just his nature."
Life Story--Baptism Day--Grandma Anna
Written Friday, June 13, 2008.
What do you remember about the day you were baptized?
"I remember I was wearing an old ragged dress. It was during summer and a pickup with a flatbed trailer with some kids I went to school with were already on there. They asked how old I was and I said 8. They told me to get on, so I did and we went to the Little Reservoir just south of town and they baptized us. There was only the 2 so that made only one waters. Then they took us home.
"My mother said, "How did you get so wet?" I told her I had just been baptized and she was OK just like it was the normal thing to do.
"The next day she went to church with me to be confirmed. I can remember exactly how it happened and how much better it is today."
What do you remember about the day you were baptized?
"I remember I was wearing an old ragged dress. It was during summer and a pickup with a flatbed trailer with some kids I went to school with were already on there. They asked how old I was and I said 8. They told me to get on, so I did and we went to the Little Reservoir just south of town and they baptized us. There was only the 2 so that made only one waters. Then they took us home.
"My mother said, "How did you get so wet?" I told her I had just been baptized and she was OK just like it was the normal thing to do.
"The next day she went to church with me to be confirmed. I can remember exactly how it happened and how much better it is today."
Life Story--Tree--Grandma Anna
Written Thursday, June 12, 2008.
If you could be a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?
"I would be a blue spruce because they are so beautiful and remind me of Christmas. I love to celebrate Christmas. My thoughts are always on doing good for others more than any other time of the year."
If you could be a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?
"I would be a blue spruce because they are so beautiful and remind me of Christmas. I love to celebrate Christmas. My thoughts are always on doing good for others more than any other time of the year."
Life Story--Children--Grandma Anna
Written Tuesday, June 9, 2008.
How many children did you want to have when you grew up? How many did you have?
"I wanted 10 or 12. I've had two, and later we adopted one; Linda, James (Jim), and Matthew."
How many children did you want to have when you grew up? How many did you have?
"I wanted 10 or 12. I've had two, and later we adopted one; Linda, James (Jim), and Matthew."
Life Story--Grandparents' Homes--Grandma Anna
Written Wednesday, June 10, 2008.
Where did your grandparents live? What were their homes like? Did they have a certain smell or look or feel?
"First they lived on a farm, which is now the stake center. Then they moved to town on a corner house and lot, just north of main street and just south of the corner block where we lived. Their home wasn't new or really large, but it had 3 bedrooms and no bathroom. Hardly anyone had a bathroom at the time.
"I remember that house smelled like fresh bread being baked in their wood stove oven.
"I never felt close to Grandpa, he was so tall. But I felt close to Grandma. She was tiny, a hard worker, very kind, and very crippled from a buggy and horse ride."
Where did your grandparents live? What were their homes like? Did they have a certain smell or look or feel?
"First they lived on a farm, which is now the stake center. Then they moved to town on a corner house and lot, just north of main street and just south of the corner block where we lived. Their home wasn't new or really large, but it had 3 bedrooms and no bathroom. Hardly anyone had a bathroom at the time.
"I remember that house smelled like fresh bread being baked in their wood stove oven.
"I never felt close to Grandpa, he was so tall. But I felt close to Grandma. She was tiny, a hard worker, very kind, and very crippled from a buggy and horse ride."
Life Story--Living Quarters--Grandma Anna
Written Monday, June 9, 2008.
What color is your house, your bedroom, your living room?
"The outside is light tan or cream colored siding. The roof and shutters and screen doors are brown metal. Ever inside room is Navajo white. The color comes from furniture, drapes, and pictures, etc."
What color is your house, your bedroom, your living room?
"The outside is light tan or cream colored siding. The roof and shutters and screen doors are brown metal. Ever inside room is Navajo white. The color comes from furniture, drapes, and pictures, etc."
Monday, September 24, 2018
Life Story--Beginning--Grandma Anna
Written Sunday, June 8, 2008.
Tell about any conditions surrounding your birth that you are aware of. Tell any interesting stories about your beginnings. How was your name chose?
"I was born at home in a cold house. I was quite sickly when I was young and also in my teen years. I'm not sure I remember any interesting stories about myself. No one has ever mentioned anything about my early life.
"My dad named all 16 of us. Not too many years ago I had my name changed in the courts. The reason being, my name was Anna Louise McCray. After Bill and I were married, the missionaries (Jack Brown, Earl Jarvis, and Harry Wilhelm) came and brought the gospel to us. I was assigned to the primary first, then I was assigned to teach the 18 and 19 year old Sunday School. No one knew who I was. They all thought I was from back East some place. I was proud to be a McCray, but no one knew who I was. So I went to court and had Louise removed from my name so that I could legally sign Anna McCray Prentice."
Tell about any conditions surrounding your birth that you are aware of. Tell any interesting stories about your beginnings. How was your name chose?
"I was born at home in a cold house. I was quite sickly when I was young and also in my teen years. I'm not sure I remember any interesting stories about myself. No one has ever mentioned anything about my early life.
"My dad named all 16 of us. Not too many years ago I had my name changed in the courts. The reason being, my name was Anna Louise McCray. After Bill and I were married, the missionaries (Jack Brown, Earl Jarvis, and Harry Wilhelm) came and brought the gospel to us. I was assigned to the primary first, then I was assigned to teach the 18 and 19 year old Sunday School. No one knew who I was. They all thought I was from back East some place. I was proud to be a McCray, but no one knew who I was. So I went to court and had Louise removed from my name so that I could legally sign Anna McCray Prentice."
Life Story--Favorite General Authority--Grandma Anna
Written Saturday, June 7, 2008.
Do you have a favorite general authority? Who? Why?
"Every Prophet and Apostle and Seventy and Sister are my favorite because I learn so much from each of them. Missionaries are my favorite, also."
Do you have a favorite general authority? Who? Why?
"Every Prophet and Apostle and Seventy and Sister are my favorite because I learn so much from each of them. Missionaries are my favorite, also."
Life Story--Favorite Clothes--Grandma Anna
Written Friday, June 6, 2008.
Describe your favorite dress or outfit.
"I have three favorite dresses. One is yellow with blue flowers and has a belt which ties behind and short sleeves, comes about 4" from the floor.
"Another is a white and blue trimmed blouse and pleated skirt made of chiffon. It has long sleeves and a top that hangs over the skirt a little ways.
"Another favorite is very plain and simple. It is a denim skirt almost to my ankles. Light blue and a white and blue blouse with long sleeves and a collar. I wore this for our 50th wedding anniversary."
Describe your favorite dress or outfit.
"I have three favorite dresses. One is yellow with blue flowers and has a belt which ties behind and short sleeves, comes about 4" from the floor.
"Another is a white and blue trimmed blouse and pleated skirt made of chiffon. It has long sleeves and a top that hangs over the skirt a little ways.
"Another favorite is very plain and simple. It is a denim skirt almost to my ankles. Light blue and a white and blue blouse with long sleeves and a collar. I wore this for our 50th wedding anniversary."
Life Story--Father's Traits--Grandma Anna
Written Thursday, June 5, 2008.
Tell about your father's personality, characteristics, stature, coloring,, talents, temperament, family stories about him, etc.
"It depended on who was around. I was never at ease around him. Some, other than our family, must have thought so because when the twins were born and my youngest brother, Mrs Colter came around campaigning for County Recorded. He was playing with the twins and she said, "I would never have thought you were that way. You always give the impression you're tough and gruff."
He was a tall man, not really thin nor fat, but very stout looking. He was handsome and charming when he wanted to be. But never more handsome than my mother was beautiful. He had brown eyes and brown hair.
He could do almost anything; making tools, clocks, carved chairs, mechanics, repairing things with parts not available but that he had made.
The reason I was afraid of him is if things didn't go his way, he would slam down what he had and leave, sometimes for the rest of the day.
He was in the First World War, stationed in Russia and guarded the Bolshevik prisoners. Those stationed there were forgotten for almost a year before they came home after the war was over.
He passed away after several months of stomach cancer."
Tell about your father's personality, characteristics, stature, coloring,, talents, temperament, family stories about him, etc.
"It depended on who was around. I was never at ease around him. Some, other than our family, must have thought so because when the twins were born and my youngest brother, Mrs Colter came around campaigning for County Recorded. He was playing with the twins and she said, "I would never have thought you were that way. You always give the impression you're tough and gruff."
He was a tall man, not really thin nor fat, but very stout looking. He was handsome and charming when he wanted to be. But never more handsome than my mother was beautiful. He had brown eyes and brown hair.
He could do almost anything; making tools, clocks, carved chairs, mechanics, repairing things with parts not available but that he had made.
The reason I was afraid of him is if things didn't go his way, he would slam down what he had and leave, sometimes for the rest of the day.
He was in the First World War, stationed in Russia and guarded the Bolshevik prisoners. Those stationed there were forgotten for almost a year before they came home after the war was over.
He passed away after several months of stomach cancer."
Life Story--Adventures--Grandma Anna
Written Wednesday, June 4, 2008.
What is the most adventuresome thing you have ever done?
"Join the church and go to the temple. And see my tiny babies be born."
What is the most adventuresome thing you have ever done?
"Join the church and go to the temple. And see my tiny babies be born."
Life Story--Father--Grandma Anna
Written Tuesday, June 3, 2008.
What special things did you do with your father?
"Nothing. There were too many boys to have the girls fit in. And he was gone a lot anyway."
What special things did you do with your father?
"Nothing. There were too many boys to have the girls fit in. And he was gone a lot anyway."
Life Story--Doctors--Grandma Anna
Written Monday, June 2, 2008.
How do you feel about Doctors? Why?
"I feel that I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for extra special doctors. When I had open heart surgery, I was grateful for them. After I had a Priesthood blessing I felt good about the surgery. I had complications after I had been there 6 weeks. I went into cardiac arrest and had a real fight for life, but knew nothing for 4 days. i know Michael and Marcus needed to go on a mission and we were the ones to send them. They will be home (Mike) in about 5 weeks and Marc in about 10 weeks. The 2 years have passed by so fast. They had sent their papers i the same day but Michael got his back earlier, which is why he will be home 1st, but it's OK with Marc."
How do you feel about Doctors? Why?
"I feel that I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for extra special doctors. When I had open heart surgery, I was grateful for them. After I had a Priesthood blessing I felt good about the surgery. I had complications after I had been there 6 weeks. I went into cardiac arrest and had a real fight for life, but knew nothing for 4 days. i know Michael and Marcus needed to go on a mission and we were the ones to send them. They will be home (Mike) in about 5 weeks and Marc in about 10 weeks. The 2 years have passed by so fast. They had sent their papers i the same day but Michael got his back earlier, which is why he will be home 1st, but it's OK with Marc."
Life Story--Favorite TV and Radio--Grandma Anna
Written Sunday June 1, 2008.
Do you have a favorite TV show? Radio Channel?
"Yes! BYU is my favorite, but sometimes they play the same things over and over. They do that on all the channels. I also like American Movie Classics when they have good old movies. They do for a while then it goes back to bad, bad, bad ones, and then I turn if off. Bill likes the Bull Riding and I watch that. There is no swearing and most of the men are clean cut and polite acting, so it's interesting to watch."
Do you have a favorite TV show? Radio Channel?
"Yes! BYU is my favorite, but sometimes they play the same things over and over. They do that on all the channels. I also like American Movie Classics when they have good old movies. They do for a while then it goes back to bad, bad, bad ones, and then I turn if off. Bill likes the Bull Riding and I watch that. There is no swearing and most of the men are clean cut and polite acting, so it's interesting to watch."
Life Story--Winning and Losing--Grandma Anna
Written Saturday, May 31, 2008.
How do you feel about winning? Losing?
"I think I'm like others, I like to win but I don't want to not give another a chance at winning. When I lose I think someone will be happy about it. I think about my Grandson who when he was living in Oregon, played baseball and all of the best players were picked from different schools in the surrounding regions. Then they divided them up and played a game two nights. The first night Michael won most valuable player in all of the 2 teams. The second night Michael again won most valuable player, but one of the coaches talked to him and said, "Mike, there is another boy who was only a few points behind you. Since you won last night and received, would you mind if we give him the award tonight?" The boy really played his heart out and Mike said, "Coach, I would be happy to see that young man get the award and jacket. I can't use 2 jackets anyway." I was really proud of him. I think losers need to be good sports and not go off the field and the the bus bawling like a baby. That ruins a game for me. Good sports are the best players."
How do you feel about winning? Losing?
"I think I'm like others, I like to win but I don't want to not give another a chance at winning. When I lose I think someone will be happy about it. I think about my Grandson who when he was living in Oregon, played baseball and all of the best players were picked from different schools in the surrounding regions. Then they divided them up and played a game two nights. The first night Michael won most valuable player in all of the 2 teams. The second night Michael again won most valuable player, but one of the coaches talked to him and said, "Mike, there is another boy who was only a few points behind you. Since you won last night and received, would you mind if we give him the award tonight?" The boy really played his heart out and Mike said, "Coach, I would be happy to see that young man get the award and jacket. I can't use 2 jackets anyway." I was really proud of him. I think losers need to be good sports and not go off the field and the the bus bawling like a baby. That ruins a game for me. Good sports are the best players."
Life Story--Times are Changes--Grandma Anna
Written May 26, 2008
Tell about the changes you have seen in your lifetime. Society in general, technology, fashion, morality, politics, etc.
"Great changes have been made in all of those things. Women wear strapless clothes, short short shorts, showing as much of their body they can. It's terrible. Society used to be such that if a member of your family was doing something they shouldn't, they were talked to freely by your friends. Everyone helped everyone. Technology has flourished. Television, internet, computers, copy machine, microwave, funny cars. Cell phones in every color and what it can do. Young women and young me in the Concho Branch are dressing very modest and appropriately. It's nice to see. In the schools that have dormitories they are for girls and boys, men and women. Members not of our faith seem to think nothing of it. Terrorists, thieves, murderers, etc. are filling the earth. Bless our dear missionaries who are trying their best to teach them good principles and morals. Politics have just gone out of reason. Our nation is supposed to hang by a thread and it is almost there. Some of our freedoms have become not free but very costly. With the group that is running it can hang us any day. Hillary Clinton, Borrack Obama, and John McCain. I believe McCain knows more about running the government than the other two but sometimes he lies. But so do they. It is really a bad deal. The only Mormon stepped out of the races. Too bad. Even nonmembers said they wo0uld have voted for Mitt Romney."
Tell about the changes you have seen in your lifetime. Society in general, technology, fashion, morality, politics, etc.
"Great changes have been made in all of those things. Women wear strapless clothes, short short shorts, showing as much of their body they can. It's terrible. Society used to be such that if a member of your family was doing something they shouldn't, they were talked to freely by your friends. Everyone helped everyone. Technology has flourished. Television, internet, computers, copy machine, microwave, funny cars. Cell phones in every color and what it can do. Young women and young me in the Concho Branch are dressing very modest and appropriately. It's nice to see. In the schools that have dormitories they are for girls and boys, men and women. Members not of our faith seem to think nothing of it. Terrorists, thieves, murderers, etc. are filling the earth. Bless our dear missionaries who are trying their best to teach them good principles and morals. Politics have just gone out of reason. Our nation is supposed to hang by a thread and it is almost there. Some of our freedoms have become not free but very costly. With the group that is running it can hang us any day. Hillary Clinton, Borrack Obama, and John McCain. I believe McCain knows more about running the government than the other two but sometimes he lies. But so do they. It is really a bad deal. The only Mormon stepped out of the races. Too bad. Even nonmembers said they wo0uld have voted for Mitt Romney."
Life Story--Mother--Grandma Anna
Written May 24, 2008
Describe your mother.
"This is about the 5th time this has been asked, but I will tell you there never was, nor never will be, a mother to 16 children and be so patient, kind, helpful, hard worker, and I know her election was made sure before she left this earth.
Describe your mother.
"This is about the 5th time this has been asked, but I will tell you there never was, nor never will be, a mother to 16 children and be so patient, kind, helpful, hard worker, and I know her election was made sure before she left this earth.
Life Story--Favorite Games--Grandma Anna
Written 24 May 2008
Tell about favorite games you play.
I don't play any games now. Years ago I played shuffle board as Bills partner and I don't think anyone ever beat us. After I had my heart surgeon tell me to play solitaire because my brain could start functioning again. I have never gambled nor will I ever. But some times I play it on the computer to relax and charge my brain up again.
Tell about favorite games you play.
I don't play any games now. Years ago I played shuffle board as Bills partner and I don't think anyone ever beat us. After I had my heart surgeon tell me to play solitaire because my brain could start functioning again. I have never gambled nor will I ever. But some times I play it on the computer to relax and charge my brain up again.
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