Ezma Waagen

Ezma Waddoups Kimball Waagen

March 21, 1918 ~ February 6, 2009

A kind, gracious, lovely lady, Ezma Waagen, or Em as she like to be called, completed her life''s journey during the evening hours of February 6, 2009 at Avalon Care Center in Bountiful, Utah where she has been lovingly cared for during the past 17 months. Her almost 91 years have been filled with much joy. But, as we all know, we are not promised joy without some sorrow or peace without some pain. Our mother had her share of ups and downs but always minimized her pain and looked forward to the sun after the rain and the blue skies sent from above. She looked forward to the next days that would again be filled with hugs and laughter. She continually chose the laughter, the gratitude, and the happiness in celebrating life to the fullest. Her generosity, thoughtfulness and love have been a continued gift to all who knew her.

Em was born in Park City, Utah to Ezra and Ethel Waddoups. When she was two years old, she, her parents, sisters, Vella and Vanza, and brother, Jdell moved to Salt Lake City where she grew up. She spent her summers at the cabin in Lamb''s Canyon or at the Deseret Live Stock Ranch in Wyoming where she played and worked with grandparents, parents and lots of cousins.

Em graduated from East High School and attended BYU and the U of U. She worked and lived for a time in San Francisco before marrying Lester Kimball at the age of 24. He was killed during the Second World War. She supported her little daughter, LaVon, by being the best social worker imaginable and eventually retiring after a 20 year career in that field.

In 1948, Ezma was told of a childhood friend, Norman Waagen, who had lost his wife and daughter in a tragic accident. She, of course, befriended him and his three year old son, Jerry. They were married in October 1948 and had a 53 year long love affair until Norm died in 2001. Together, they had their own little daughter, Jolene. They have lived in Bountiful, Utah; Denver, Colorado; Beaverton, Oregon; Sequim, Washington; and Kaysville, Utah.

Friends were very valuable in the lives of Norm and Em. Em belonged to the Sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, for 63 years. Many friends have gone before her, but she still has a few very precious ones and 26 young great-grandchildren who thought she was a great, fun friend. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and her children, LaVon Barton (David), Dr. Gerald Waagen (Wendy), and Jolene Christiansen.

Em was loving and wise, giving and fair, witty and fun, and always a wonderful wife and mother. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Lindquist''s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 North Main. Friends and family may call Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary.

Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery.