Vera Aleen Olsen Stratford

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Vera Aleen Olsen Stratford, 90, passed away peacefully at her home Saturday, October 29, 2011.

Mother was born in College Ward, Utah on March 22, 1921 to Mary Louise Aeschbacher and Alma L. Olsen. She was the twelfth of thirteen children. She grew up on a farm and worked in the fields with her siblings. She graduated from Cache County High School in Hyrum in 1939.

After high school, Mom worked as a seamstress for Logan & Cache Knitting Company. She later worked as a telephone operator at Mountain Bell. She said this was her favorite job. In 1941 she and her sister moved to Ogden and worked at the Ogden Arsenal. They frequently attended the Saturday evening dances where she enjoyed wearing her high heels.

On January 1, 1943 she met Francis "Frank" Stratford through a blind date. After a brief courtship, they were married on October 27, 1943 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Dad was a member of the Army Air Corps. They were stationed in Santa Ana and Merced, CA, Mesa and Chandler, AZ, Pullman and Spokane, WA and Sparta, WI during their 3 1/2 years in the service. Upon his release, they settled in Wilson, where they happily spent the rest of their days. Dad passed away June 25, 1995.

Mom enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom to her daughter and three sons. She loved working in her yard, trying new recipes, playing games, football, dancing, sewing, handicrafts, quilting and was an avid Utah Jazz fan. She was very creative. She made many quilts and works of needlepoint and counted cross stitch that have beautified the lives of many people. She enjoyed her weekly quilting activity with the friends in her ward. Her homemade Christmas chocolates were always a treat for those of us on the receiving end!

She enjoyed a rich association with her "club friends" that extended over 60 years.

Mom served in many callings in the LDS Church, including Stake Gleaner president, Primary secretary and visiting teacher. She was the behind-the-scenes support to her husband, as he served for over 18 years in Church leadership.

Mother is survived by a sister, Lorna Jones, one daughter, Aleene (Melvin) Peterson, three sons, Ronald (Maggie) Stratford, Kevin (Becky) Stratford, and Kent (Jan) Stratford, 24 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

We wish to thank all those who have helped with her care, especially Dr. Glen Biddulph, who lovingly cared for her for many years, and all the special hospice workers and in home care nurses who cared for her.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 3rd at 11 a.m. at the LDS Windsor Ward Chapel, located at 3285 West 2550 South, West Haven.

The family will meet with friends on Wednesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South and Thursday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. .

Interment, West Weber Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Vera requested that donations be sent to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund or General Temple Patron Assistance Fund.