Sister Monson Passes Away

Only moments before seeing the news that Frances Monson had passed away this morning at the age of 86, I was telling a friend that my wife and children mean more to me than anything.

Sister Frances Beverly Monson is the wife of Thomas S. Monson, the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Since Sister Frances is a fellow Utah Ute, I want to share this part of the statement from the Church Public Affairs statement about her passing:

She grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah as a child of the Great Depression where she learned the value of hard work and thrift, which served her well throughout her life. She graduated from East High School and the University of Utah where she excelled in math and science. When asked why she enrolled in these difficult classes she replied with a twinkle in her eye, “… because that is where all the cute boys were.” Frances was also an accomplished pianist and was often seen playing tennis in Liberty Park during her teenage years. Later, she worked in the accounting department of a large department store to help pay for her college education.

My own lack of math and science skills must explain my looks. 🙂

I hope and pray for peace and comfort for the Monson family on this day. Times like these can be emotional and stressful, as they are for all us when a loved one dies.

May the memories of a strong and smart woman bring smiles along with the tears.