Betty Stoker

Betty Lorraine Kesler Stoker 1930 ~ 2015

Betty Lorraine Kesler Stoker, 85, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father and her loving husband on Thursday, September 3, 2015 from natural causes. She was born on April 25, 1930 to Freda and George Kesler in Burley, Idaho. Mom's earlier years were spent in Declo, Idaho where her father ran a Texaco gas station. She had so many wonderful stories of helping the customers as they came in. She loved to buy a bottle of root beer, take some of her favorite peanuts and throw them in the bottle. They would sink to the bottom and she loved the taste at the end! She welcomed a little sister, Bonnie, when she was 5 years old.

Mother's family moved to a farm in Unity where another little sister joined the family. Mom was 15 when Georgia was born and both of them talk about being as close as a mother and daughter, rather than just sisters. Her mother was ill for a lot of these years and she was given many responsibilities doing all the cooking, tending of her sisters, housekeeping, as well as helping out on the farm when needed. Because of all this early training in homemaking skills, mom became very accomplished at keeping a home.

When she was about 13 she met a handsome young man at Church, who immediately became interested in her as well. This was the beginning of the love story of Lloyd Thomas Stoker and Betty Lorraine Kesler. They pretty much dated exclusively until the Christmas of their senior year, when our dad gave mom an engagement ring for Christmas. They married a few weeks after high school graduation on June 23rd, 1948.

Five children were born to them in the next 10 years.... Tom, Launa, Karen, Randal and Shari.

Most of their married years were spent in Twin Falls and Buhl, Idaho. Mother loved to decorate her home with the seasons. She had an eye for detail and knew how to make a house a warm home. She loved to grow beautiful flowers and had a garden which gave her lots of fruits and vegetables to can. She sewed many of our clothes, costumes, prom dresses, and matching Christmas pajamas, which continued through her grandchildren – often involving a lot of flannel and sewing hours!! Some of our greatest memories involve family trips to Disneyland, Canada, and visiting grandparents; as well as camping, fishing, and hunting trips. She was indeed a versatile woman!

Christmas because of our mother was a magical time. She LOVED planning the presents and imagining the joy of the gifts she was choosing. Often, in spite of a limited budget, she would also find the means to do a sub for Santa for those she knew needed her sweet giving spirit.

Mom loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was always a very important part of her life. Her testimony was strong and she had unshakable faith. She served in many of the Churches organizations, but one of her most favorite callings was Gospel Doctrine Teacher. She and our dad were able to serve 3 missions together: Nauvoo, Illinois, West Indies/Barbados, and finally Rochester, New York. These were a highlight in her life!

She cared well for our dad as his health failed, and he preceded her in death on the 22nd of June, 2008, the eve of their 60th wedding anniversary. She then spent her last years at the Legacy House of Taylorsville. She was a favorite of many for her happy countenance, joyful love of music, and sweet disposition. She battled dementia and we were saddened to see her memories taken and the difficulties that this disease brought to her, but she bore it with dignity and grace. We are as a family most graciously thankful for the love and care of our mother by the staff and the administration of Legacy House. It truly became her home.

She is survived by her 5 children: Thomas (Linda) Stoker of Olympia, Washington; Launa (Richard) Jaynes of Taylorsville, Utah; Karen Stoker of West Jordan, Utah; Randal (Carol) Stoker of Carmen, Idaho; and Shari (Kevin) Whitehead of Cedar City, Utah. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren; as well as both of her sisters, Bonnie (Alma) Jensen, Centerville; and Georgia (Richard Hudson) Perry, Utah.

She also leaves behind her beloved brothers and sisters in law: Ora (Homer, deceased) Whittier; Mike and Shirley Clark; Delores (Deloss, deceased) Stoker; Jean (Vaughn, deceased) Stoker; Lynn and Ruth Stoker; Carol (Burton, deceased) Satchwell; and Bob and Sharon Stoker. She also had many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd. where friends may visit with family Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m.

Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 N. Fairfield Road.