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My mother contacted Scarlet Fever from one of my father's nieces. As a result she went into labor early. I was so small they made me an incubator out of a shoebox, which was placed in my Grandmother Dunn's gas oven.
When I was four years old, the family moved to Soldier Summit, Utah. My mother told me about how deep the snow was. They dug tunnels to get around. At this time, our family consisted of my parents, a brother, Bud, and a baby sister, Lucille.
In the summer of 1929, my father was transferred to Grand Junction, Colorado, where we lived until June 1936. While we lived in Grand Junction four more children were born: Renee, 13 Nov 1929; Francis, 16 Sept 1931; Geraldine, 15 Jan. 1933 and John, 28 Oct. 1934. My childhood was a very happy one with parents who had time to do things with us. My father's job required us to do a lot of moving. He was a Traveling Storekeeper on the railroad. This required him to travel to other terminals to check on other storehouses. Other places in Colorado where we lived were Salida, Durango, Alamosa and Pueblo. We would be there about six months, then back to Grand Junction. As a result of this, I attended many schools. I always said every time we had to move I was never going to marry a railroad man because I wanted my kids to be able to stay home and have friends.
I don't remember having any girls to play with. There were only boys in our neighborhood so I grew up a tomboy playing ball, digging tunnels and playing war games.
Every Summer while we lived in Grand Junction, we would travel by train to Salt Lake, then one of my dad's brothers would take us to Heber where we children and our mother would spend the month of July. Mother's sisters would come to Heber also with their children. The sisters and Grandma Sessions would make quilts for the coming winter and the kids would tear rug rags and thread needles. We were always at grandmas for the Fourth of July. This was a big day. We would go to town and watch the big parade. Most of my cousins were also there and we would have a great time playing and getting reacquainted. The highlight of my summers in Heber was we got to go to the Mormon Church. We had never found one in Grand Junction, as all our neighbors were Catholic. I went to church with them. We moved to a new home and our new neighbor was a Mormon. The first Sunday I went with our neighbor they announced they would have a baptism the next Sunday. I think I ran the twelve blocks home to ask if I could be baptized. I was baptized 8 October 1933 in the swimming pool at the YMCA by Roy F. Kohler and confirmed by T.W. Gardner.
We were a very happy family, doing many things together. Money was very scarce but we always had the necessary things.
In May 1936, we again moved, this time to Salt Lake City, Utah. This was to be our last move so my parents bought their first home. We had always rented until now. On 21 July 1936 Joan was born. She was my pride and joy. We quit going to Heber for the Month of July but we children were allowed to ride the train to Heber several times a year. I spent many happy times in Heber. Uncle Ervin was my best buddy. He always took me with him and his friends. In May 1938 Grandpa Sessions died. This was very hard on me as Grandpa and I spent a lot of time together. I was the only one who could buy cheese strong enough for him. We both liked it so strong it could get up and walk.
You guessed it, in October 1938 my dad was again transferred, this time to Helper, Utah. Because school had just started and the job was only temporary, we stayed in Salt Lake to finish the school year. But in the spring Mr. Greenstreet died and the position was given to my dad. In June 1939, we moved to Helper. My parents sold their home and rented one in Martin. Martin is two miles from Helper so they had to buy a car. This was my dad's first car. It was a used Studebaker.
I attended Carbon High School and graduated May 29,1941. Soon after graduation I traveled to San Francisco, Ca., to live with mothers sister, Rose Lefler, to tend her boys and look for a job. December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed and my parents wanted me to come home. At this time, my father got me a job working on the railroad. As all the young men had gone to war, they hired women to do their jobs. It was while I was working here, that I was introduced to an Engineer, Ray Anderton. We soon started dating and were married 30 September 1943 in Salt Lake. Ray had a seven-year old son, Ray Dee, who came to live with us. We started married life in a trailer park owned by the government, south of Helper. In the spring, my father told us about a home that was for sale on Ridgeway Street. We went to look at it and bought it.
April 22,1944, Marilyn was born in Price, Utah. My mother had a bad heart and the birth of this baby was too much for her. Ray's grandmother Nunley, who raised him, died the 27th of May. While we were in EIsanore, Utah, to bury her, I got word my mother had passed away on June 1,1994. She was buried June 4,1944 at Helper.
Marilyn came to live with Ray and I when she was five days old. She lived with us until she married. Daddy came every day to visit with her. I had quit my job so I could be free to tend her and spend time with my mother, as she never got out of bed after Marilyn was born.
We were blessed with our first child, a daughter, 18th February 1945, Phyllis Mae. She was a very good baby. She had to be, as Marilyn already walked and thought she could take care of the new baby.
Life was very hard for my father after my mother's death. They had always done everything together. He tried very hard to keep the family together and did a good job of it, but his grief was too much and his ulcers kept getting worse. The 1st of November 1946, Ray and I took him to Salt Lake to Saint Marks Hospital, where he died 8 November 1946. He was buried 13 November 1946 in Helper.
On July 22, 1948, we were blessed with twin daughters, LaRae and LaRayne. When they were two weeks old I hemorrhaged. The Dr. did not think I would live until morning, but they decided to take me to the Hospital in Price. When the doctor and Ray left the room, I saw my Parents standing by my bed. My father spoke to me and told me not to be afraid. I would be all right. He then gave me a blessing and told me my work here was not finished. I thought it had just been a dream but when I arrived at the hospital the doctors were surprised. I did not need a transfusion. I was in bed for several weeks before I could again take care of my children. But I know it was the Lord that took care of me.
In June 1949, my sister, Lucille, passed away in Orem, Utah, at the home of mother's sister, Vilda Bridget. Lucille had been in bad health most of her life with a bad heart. She was married to Rex Mair at the time of her death. She was buried in Helper next to our parents.
In October 1949, Ray could no longer work in Helper so the 15th of October we moved to Sevier County. We rented a home in Vermillion. This was the beginning of a new life for us. The first winter I was so unhappy I would have done anything to move back to Helper. This is when a friend , Pearl Colby, came into my life. To this day, she and Duane are still dear to us. She spent a lot of time at our home, but was very good to our children and a great help to me, as the twins were sick a lot this first winter. She also taught me to drive.
As a girl, I was active in the church but after I married I no longer went to church, but the people in Vermillion would not let us stay inactive. I served as a Counselor in the Relief Society, Primary President. I worked in the MIA as activity Counselor and as Sunday School, Relief Society and MIA Secretary, sometimes holding more than one position at a time as our ward was so small. I also served on the Primary Stake Board.
Ray had still not become very active because of his work, but in 1951 he was asked to be a member of the Sunday School Presidency. This started a life of activity. He served in two Bishoprics, on three High Councils, Stake Sunday School President, Ward Clerk and Scofield Branch President. He received the Priesthood in 1951. This was a great blessing to our home, I had never lived in a home where the Priesthood was held and what a difference it can make.
In 1950, my Sister, Joan, came to live with us. I had hurt my leg and she came to help with the girls. She lived with us until she married in 1955. She married Robert Jensen Day 6 February 1955. They have five children: Rusty, Jimmy, Linda, Pat and Gary.
In November 1954, my greatest desire was fulfilled when on the 10th of November 1954, we took our three girls and Ray Dee to the Manti Temple and were sealed for time and eternity. Marilyn was already sealed to our parents.
In 1951, I was hired as the Bus driver, transporting the children from Vermillion to Sigurd to school about three miles each way. I used my own car as the bus. I was the bus driver for seven years. At this time, they closed the Sigurd School and our children were taken to Richfield.
While Living in Vermillion, I also was very active in PTA, servng as Sigurd President, Secretary and room mother for all my girls. I was Vice President and President of Sevier PTA Council.
At this time, I also became active in the Boy Scout Program, serving in many positions. I worked with the scouts for a total of 35 years.
In November 1954, Ray Dee enlisted in the Marines. Ray and I did not want him to go in the service but he wanted to enlist before he was drafted. While stationed in Maryland, he met a WAC, Veda Gavin, and they were married 30 November 1956. Ray Dee served with the Marines for 22 years. They have three children, Rita, Beckey and Ray Jr.
In July 1960, Grandma Sessions, Aunt Rose Lefler and I made a trip to Victor, Idaho. We were able to get some genealogy, also we attended the Idaho Falls Temple.
In 1961, I decided to go back to school. I took a bookkeeping class from a friend of Rays, Max Marq. When I finished the class he found me a job at the Richfield Commercial Bank, in Richfield. I was employed there until we moved in June 1966.
Marilyn graduated from High School in May 1962 and started school at Henger Business School. She became engaged to Richard Blake in April 1963 and was married 30 June 1963 and moved to Moundsville, West Virginia, where she still lives. She has four children: Cindy, Anita, Richard and Katerina.
Phyllis graduated from High School in May 1964. That fall she moved to Cedar City, Utah, where she attended college.
On December 4th 1963, tragedy struck when Grandma Sessions fell down her cellar steps and was killed. She was buried on December 7, 1963, at Heber City, Utah. This was a great loss to me as I depended on her for advice and help, after the loss of my parents.
LaRayne married Dean Hartle on 2 June 1966. They had one daughter, Leisa. In 1969 LaRayne and Dean were divorced and she married Neil Heilesen. They have four daughters: Michelle, Angie, Nancy and Billie.
On 15th September 1968, Phyllis gave birth to a son, Shane. At this time she and Shane came to live with us. Phyllis returned to Salt Lake to go back to college. Shane remained with us until she graduated in June 1971.
In June 1968, I again went to work, this time at Walker Bank in Price, Utah. I worked there until August of 1972. At this time we made a trip to West Virginia to visit Marilyn. Phyllis and Shane traveled with us. When we returned home, I again, went back to school. This time to Carbon College, to take nursing class, something I had always wanted to do.
The first part of October, Phyllis became very ill and was admitted to L.D.S. Hospital. She was diagnosed with Cancer. She passed away 27 October 1972 and was buried October 31, 1972, in Helper. As her wish was that we take Shane to raise, I did not return to school.
In November 1972, LaRae , John and son Garth moved to Price. It was good to have them live that close. It helped both Shane and I as it was very lonely after Phyllis's death.
In December 1972, I went back to work, this time at Utah Power and Light. With LaRae here to tend Shane I felt it would help me to get over the loss of Phyllis. I worked there until May 1976.
In 1973 we adopted Shane and took him to the Manti Tcmple to be sealed to us. At this time, we also did Phyllis's work.
Dick & Marilyn were blessed with a daughter, Katrina, on January 1, 1973. As Marilyn was not able to come home for Phyllis's funeral, she was having a bad time being so far from family, so in April LaRae, Garth, Shane and I made a trip to West Virginia to visit. It was a bad time of year and we had storm both ways. LaRae said she did not know you could drive across country and back and never see the sun.
With Shane in School, I again became interested in PTA, this time as Secretary at Price Elementary School. I then became Secretary on the Carbon Council, then as Regional Rep. from Carbon on the Utah State Board. In 1978 I was given a Life Membership from the State Board for my involvement with the youth.
On 15 October 1973, LaRae and John were blessed with a Daughter, Shauna Rae, Edwards. In April 1974, John and LaRae were divorced and she moved to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It was really lonesome without the grandchildren. LaRae married Robert Wilcox 14 November 1974 in Glenwood Springs. That December Ray, Shane and I went by train to visit them and spend Christmas.
On 23 August 1974, LaRayne and Neal were blessed with daughter number four, Nancy Racale.
In 1975, LaRue and Bob moved back to Price and bought them a home. On 23 November 1975, a son, Eric Lee, was born at Price. LaRae and Bob were divorced in 1977. At this time she started working for Headstart as a bus driver, later as a Counselor.
In June 1976, we flew to Hawaii to attend the Lions International Convention. We took Shane with us. We were gone 11 days and traveled on four of the Islands, went to a Luau. Went swimming in the ocean and did many other things. It was a dream come true.
On 25 August 1976, LaRayne and Neal were blessed with their fifth daughter. They decided if they could not get a boy, they would give her a boy's name, Billie Jo.
In 1978, LaRayne and Neal were divorced. She and the five girls moved to Price where she went to work for Headstart as a teacher aid.
In January 1979, Ray retired from the railroad after 43 years of service. In June 1979, he was elected District Governor of the Lions. In July, we flew to Montreal, Canada for the International Convention. We also toured Canada with the Lions from Utah. As we had left Shane home in August, we took him and Garth to Yellowstone Park and to Anaconda, Montana to visit with my brother, John and his family.
In October 1980, LaRae married Ray Cook in Las Vegas, Nevada. LaRayne married Max Davis in Heber December 1980.
In September 1981, I was asked to join the Pink Ladies at Castleview Hospital. This is something I really enjoy doing. I have served as Treasurer four different terms of two years, three years as Vice President and at present in 1999, I am serving as President.
In 1983 Ray and I were called to be the Managers of the Bishops Storehouse. This was issued as a mission call by the First Presidency. Until this time they had a paid manager. We served in this calling three years and six mouths when we were issued a release.
In December 1983, Ray was called to be Branch President of the Scofield Branch. This was a calling we both enjoyed because it was a small Branch and reminded us of the Vermillion Ward where we became active. He was released December 1986.
Shane graduated from High School in June 1986. He attended one year at College of Eastern Utah. He moved to Salt Lake in June 1987, to attend ITC. With Shane gone, Ray and I were alone for the first time since we were married in 1943. We always had a child living with us, Ray Dee through Shane.
While living in Salt Lake, Shane met and married Machelle Elsnor. They were married 23 June 1991 at Machelle's parents, Tim and Vonda Elsnor, by Raymond Sessions.
In July 1991, Shane accepted a position in Phoenix, AZ. They made their home there for 18 months. In December, Ray and I traveled to Phoenix to spend Christmas with them. When the company he had worked for in Salt Lake offered him his job back, he accepted. They were glad to be back in Utah.
In December 1992, Ray was having trouble with his heart. On December 27, 1992, I took him to Provo, Utah, where he was admitted to Utah Valley Hospital. He had a valve 90% closed but the doctor did not dare to operate on him because he was overweight and not in too good of condition. They sent us home on December 24 with a suitcase of pills, and orders to loose weight.
On September 23, 1993, our children had a reception for our 50th wedding anniversary. All of our children were able to be there. There were also many relatives and friends there from all over the country.
On December 27, 1993, Ray was operated on at Utah Valley Hospital. The operation went better than the doctor expected. We know it was because of the blessing Bishop Garth Nielson gave him before we left home.
In the spring of 1944, two of La Rae's children were married: Shauna Rae to Ryan Hadlock and Garth to Michelle Baker.
In July 1994, Ray and I went with La Rae and her husband, Ray, to attend Marilyn's daughter, Katrina's wedding. We also traveled to Tennessee to visit Ray's cousin, Mattie Russell and her husband. We also went to Nauvoo, Illinois. We were gone two weeks and had a very good time.
September 11, 1994, Shauna Rae gave birth to a daughter, LeiJai Hadlock. In October 1995, Shauna and Ryan were divorced and Shauna moved to Price. She went to work at the Care Center working nights and I tended LeiJai. We had her every night and most of the day. She thought she lived here and only went home to visit her mother. In 1997, Shauna moved to Roosevelt to live by her parents. It was very lonesome with out LeiJai.
In June 1996, Marilyn came home and she, Joan and I drove to Long Beach, Ca. to visit Geraldine. Renee and John met us there. This was the first time we had all been together in fifty years. The five sisters spent three days together visiting Disney Land, Knotts Berry Farm and the ocean.
Geraldine died 9 November 1996, fifty years and one day after daddy. She was buried November 13, 1996, at Helper, Utah. All the brothers and sisters were there.
In June 1997, Ray and I traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to visit Ray Dee and Veda. We traveled on Amtrack. Marilyn and her grandson came to spend a week also. While we were there, Rita Rae and her husband came to spend a few days. We had a very good visit with all.
Marilyn and a grandson again came home and we made a trip to Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon. We also visited with her friend Dian Colby in Laverkin, Utah, and Four Corner Monument.
On December 17, 1998, Shane and Michelle were blessed with a daughter, Savanna Mary Anderton. She was born in Salt Lake City. We traveled to the hospital to welcome her. This makes 12 grandchildren. We also have 9 Great Granddaughters.
[This History was written in March 1999 by Cathaleen Dunn Anderton]