Eric, Me, Scott, Michelle, & Brad
As I grew up as a granddaughter to my Grandpa & Grandma Baldwin I think I gravitated to bonding with my Grandpa more because he was funny and loud. I was supported by both in many of the important events in my life such as: baptism, graduation, marriage and many other orchestral and choral events. Whenever I think of my Grandparents, I see my Grandpa standing out in front and my Grandma contentedly standing to the side smiling, happy for him to have the attention. She was the gentle, loving, & quiet service doer. I loved them both dearly for different reasons.
Yesterday I gathered with my family in Blackfoot, ID to celebrate and honor the life of my sweet Grandma Lila Vinette Lemmon Baldwin. I was surprised at the flood of emotions that surfaced for me. They didn't come only because of the loss I feel from my Grandma graduating from her earthly body, but I felt an overwhelming amount of gratitude for the wonderful (quiet) example my grandma was every 96 years of her life. She just lived what she believed and loved all of mankind. As I peered at her lifeless body and her temple recommend placed under her frail hand I was very proud! She didn't leave behind wealth and earthly treasures, but a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and enduring well to the end. I hope to become a parcel of the person my Grandma was able to became.
I had the unique opportunity to to sing with my brothers and sister and many of the 42 cousins at her funeral. We sang, "Families Can Be Together Forever." I pretty much lip synced the song because the words were ringing so true & loudly in my ears. The potential that we have for our eternal family is quite a bounteous gift from our Heavenly Father. As I contemplate the posterity that have come from one woman and one man – my grandparents, it is astounding! I find myself thinking of the time when I looked into the mirrors of the temple in the sealing room. As I think about looking to the future, envisioning my future posterity, then turning behind and looking to the past – my heritage, I find that I am beginning to understand the potential and grand design of the Plan that has been laid out for each of us. I feel so thankful to be born and raised to know of these truths and to understand the blessings that are possible as I aim to live together forever with my family.
We were encouraged as grandchildren to keep a journal – as much of my grandmothers life sketch came from her journal entries. We were also encouraged to look to the scriptures for all of the questions in our lives. The scripture 4 Nephi 1:15 was quoted and modified to fit our family, "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the [homes of the families of Frank & Lila Baldwin], because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of [the family members of Frank & Lila Baldwin]."
If we genuinely hope to live together in the eternities with our families, what better advice could we have received and what greater action could we use to honor our grandparents for the wonderful heritage for which we have been blessed?
Obituary Lila Lemmon Baldwin, 96
Lila Lemmon Baldwin, 96, of Rockford, Idaho passed away May 22, 2011 at her home.
She was born February 21, 1915 in Garfield, Idaho the youngest daughter of Washington Lemmon and Ida Ethel Hamilton.
Her early childhood was spent in Marysville, near Ashton, Idaho. In 1928, her father bought a large farm in Tyhee, Idaho. She graduated from LDS Seminary and from Pocatello High School in 1933.
On September 29, 1937 she married Franklin Reed Baldwin in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. The lived in Pocatello until 1947. They settled in Moreland where all of their children graduated from Snake River High School. In 1973 they moved to Rockford.
Service was her best attribute. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she served diligently in all of the Church auxiliaries. She and Frank served full-time missions to Calgary Canada; Nauvoo, Illinois and at the Salt Lake City Utah Family History Center.
She had a career with her sewing machine. She mastered making clothing so that she could add to the family income. She learned the art of custom drapery making in her home.
Lila knew how to milk a cow, make butter and kill a chicken. She always raised a garden – growing everything.
Lila is survived by one brother, Byron Lemmon of Bountiful, Utah; three sons, Paul Reed of Rockford, Stephen Lee (Pat) of Rexburg, Frank Lynn (Connie) of Riverton, Utah; three daughters, Serena (Max) Watt of Rockford, Marilyn (Bob) Kesler of Blackfoot and Joan (Blaine) Dance of Sandy Valley, Nevada; son-in-law, LuDell Evans of Blackfoot; 43 grandchildren, 101 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; daughter, Ruth Evans; six brothers, Guy, Melvin, Don, Verlon, Eugene and Weir; three sisters, Laura, Florence and Faye; one granddaughter; three great granddaughters.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at the Blackfoot West LDS Stake Center.
 silly girls – Lexi & Bridget |
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 Lex, Grant, & Bridget |
 Grace & Lily |
 Magan, Jeana, & I |
 Emily & Lex |
 Grandma & a few Grandkids |
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 Me & Dallen (he graduates this week from HS!!!) |
 The Sisters |
 Excited about their ride back to the church in a limo |
 First time for me inside of limo |
 Babes! |
Comments:
Anne said…
Jodi it sounds like a wonderful and emotional day full of mixed feelings. Your grandparents sound wonderful. It is not easy to say goodbye, however I too am grateful for the gospel knowledge that helps :).
Monday, May 30, 2011 7:06:32 AM
Michelle said…
Thanks for sharing-funerals are a great time to realize what our knowledge of the gospel really means.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011 8:43:52 AM