Gayla Aldyth Seward

Rare are those who truly leave every person they touch better for the meeting. Gayla Aldyth Seward was such a one. Gayla never met a person she could not speak to, never found a wound she could not soothe, and never faced a problem she could not overcome with grace. She loved her family, her friends, her cat, her life. Mom was the one who taught us that while tears are sometimes necessary, laughter is better, and a smile can get you through many things you think you will not survive. She was the epitome of a classy lady. Perhaps heaven needed a bit more polish a€" as she was called back during the wee hours of Thursday, September 18, 2008, after a typically busy day filled with love, laughter and service.

Gayla was born October 21, 1935 in Brigham City, Utah to Ordice Pierce and Orson DeVeril Larsen. Though she had no siblings, she was loved by a large family of aunts, uncles, cousins and an adoring grandmother.

She married Albert E. Held on September 17, 1955 and they had two daughters, Lesa and Trena. Gayla took the responsibility of raising these girls after their divorce.

A graduate of Ogden High School, Gayla attended Weber State College where she earned her Associates Degree in Design. She worked in the industry for 40 years, leaving beautiful spaces in her wake.

As an endowed member of the LDS Church, Gayla fulfilled many callings, bringing her smile and talents to each of these. She was active in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, enjoyed swimming at the Ogden Athletic Club, participated in a dinner group for single women, and thoroughly enjoyed traveling and "gabbing" and "playing" with her many friends and with her family.

She is survived by two daughters, Lesa (Dave) Hales and Trena Held; five grandchildren, Heidi (Josh) Nilson, Tracy (Jeff) Torghele, Chris Hales, Cari (Dustin) McLaughlin and Kati Held; and four great-grandchildren, Max Nilson, Ty Torghele, Mika Nilson and Hayden McLaughlin.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 25th at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

Friends and family may call Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary.

Interment, Lindquist''s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

To say that she will be missed is to demonstrate that for some things there are no adequate words.

In Gayla''s honor, the family asks that you shoulder another''s burden.

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com /stop