Corrine Garrett wanted to be Home for Christmas. She has been granted her Wish.

Corrine Garrett spent 88 earthly years with us. Although she endured worldly type challenges, funeral speaker Jeff Sanders said "it did not define her as she chose to be happy". Present day youngins and new medical students have no idea what Polio was when many people, including President Roosevelt were hit with the crippling disease. Corrine accepted it and never complained about the gimp in her gallop. A special bike was built so one shorten leg could reach the peddles, and she was not going to be any different than brothers Joe and Ross. She snuck off to ride a horse, just like any kid would do in Nephi. She was BAD(Bound And Determined). Late in life, she was introduced to Dementia, but in the last three years, there was times when she continued to have that twinkle in her eye, and her mother's DNA would come out when she stared you straight in the eye; put her forefinger up towards you. Dementia or not, you knew she was giving you a nonverbal warning to watch your "P's and Q"s"! During her funeral, I felt the presence of heavenly hosts which filled the church. I cried, then felt gratitude for those who had the once in a lifetime opportunity to know Corrine Garrett, one who will be crowned with spiritual glory back Home. During her weekend earth experience, she was the proud caretaker of her mother, who eventually became bedridden, and the Garrett home was a gathering place for all on Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Ute Stampede. Friends who know the Garrett family are in fact Family. Caregivers are special people who love without reason. As a kid, Corrine attended dances, and if none of the local kids could figure out how to dance with her, two of her Uncles showed up as proud partners, lifting her up for the Juab County two step and pretend her father was the caller at the square dances at the North Ward. Rob & Erma guarded her like a pit-bull but Corrine had the feistiness of her mother and chose to go to work as that is the Garrett standard. At the funeral, not only family attended, but former Nephi City officials, who were there out of respect for Corrine, a former Nephi City Recorder. After the funeral, I ensured the proper covering of her earthly remains. They are in good company, next to two sisters; parents, great grandparents and an apple toss away from her favorite Uncles and grandparents, who were the ones that ensured a Silver Maple was planted there in 1891. Those people were special to Corrine, as she was born in their home, which still stands at the corner of 7th North and Main. Congratulations Corrine, You Have Your Christmas Wish And Your Wings. Stand Up And Be Crowned.

"Gangs" were organized in Nephi, Utah during the 1850's and still here.

In today's media world, we hear about the bad gangs. But today, we chose to focus on the good gangs we still have in Rural, America where people help people. Years ago, a gang could be a set of similar tools to operate devices. As a kid in the 1950's, television was a new viewing device and a gang of neighbor kids would toon in to a show called "Our Gang" which were a bunch of "Rascals" with names like "Alfalfa" and "Spanky". All for one and one for all is how we played Cowboys and Indians in the Ole Holler. I joined a gang called the "Boy Scouts of America", and we were dedicated to doing good to all mankind. A century ago, my mother and her pal gals referred to themselves as "The Gang" and their deeds were always honorable. When the Mormons trekked West to Utah in 1847, they were a gang until themselves and for self preservation. In the 1850's, along came the Tolley and Jones families which we highlight today, especially the Matriarch to the Tolley Family. She is Sarah Warren Tolley(born in 1825), the first wife of Wm. Fisher Tolley. Mr. Tolley was sought for help by Brigham Young, but little does history know it was Sarah who called the shots, and it was her who gave permission or directed her husband to take on three additional wives; informed him when he could assist Brother Brigham and when to stay home. He followed her directives. When you had dealings with Sarah's daughters, you better have good intentions. If you were going to pull the wool over one of Sarah's sons, you better expect a fist fight that will last beyond your mortal existence. They could out work and out play anybody across Juab County. It was only natural the locals chose Ross Tolley to be the town marshal of Nephi. First set of photos is of Sarah; then her and family member-Ed Gleason going for photo shots. Second set of photos show "The Tolley Girls" of Elizabeth, Susan, Jane, Emma and Maria. Then "The Tolley Boys" in the front row being Lee, Charles and Ross; back row being Claude, Unknown, Elmer and Rex. For fun, we threw in the third line of the Kendall dual(Maude); Jane Tolley Jones; Ed Jones; Lizzie Tolley Jones and her hand holder-Wm. Jones. Bringing up the bottom is Sam Jones, Will Jones, Ed Jones, Joe Jones, Louise Jones Broadhead, Maude Jones Kendall, Ellen Jones and we think the other is another Elizabeth Jones. Don't gang up on me if I am in error. Blame it on Sarah! Her photo kept following off my desk, and we have already submitted the original to the DUP Museum in Nephi. So there! If you don't like it, go find a Tolley girl or boy and do a fist-a-cuff with them. I told you so! Oh yeah, did not. Did too!

The Nephi City Christmas Light celebration is over and no frost bites at 15 degrees!

The first photo is The Times News ad showing the various events at last nights Christmas Light celebration at the Nephi City Park. The second photo is of the "Snow Maze To Nowhere". At the time it was made, we had no idea where it was leading or why. We later found out, as hundreds starting to line up for the Hayride, being pulled by two different wagons lead by beautiful and majestic monster horses. Welcome to Nephi, where horses still rein! Little kiddies jumped on board a smaller train wagon that pulled around the blocks. This was a first time event for Nephi as in years gone by, main street was shut down and parade entries were lighted up and went down to the City park. As there were no entries this year, a switch was made and it seemed to work with singing and dancing. Nevertheless I was somewhat disappointed as I acted the part, but went home with no ribbon for the worst Grinch this side of Nortonville. Oh well, there is always next year. Bah Humbug

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