Rosalie Elvira Perry May
1859-1953
Virtuous Woman
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband can safely trust in her, so that he will have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hand to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of ildeness. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31)
Thus may be summed the life of: Rosalie Elvira Perry May, born February 15, 1859 at Three-mile Creek, later called Perry, Box Elder county, Utah, daughter of Henry Elijah and Elizabeth Zabriskie Perry. The 4th of 8 children, she is the last of the original Perry family.
Pioneering Family
Her parents came to Utah with a Mormon Pioneer Handcart Company and settling in an unbroken ilderness, the family knew all the vicissitudes, heart-aches and joys of pioneering. In these surroundings Rosalie grew to young womanhood, receiving her schooling at the little pioneer school which consisted mainly of learning the three R's. However, as with many pioneers, she somehow learned the many things which go into the making of a great lady.
While stories of crossing the plains and of the Indians were being told the young girl was helping her mother and learning to weave cloth, spin yarn, strip cane to be made into molasses. After Pres. Snow organized the United Order Rosalie had the experience of living that order. When the Primary was first organized she was called to be President in Perry, although she was very young at the time.
Early LifeAs a child she was baptized and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Before her marriage she cooked and did housework for others usually receiving as pay 50 cents per week perhaps a second hand dress or pair of shoes. But she was a happy person with a pleasing appearance and personality.
Jude Allen May
When young Jude Allen May, from Harper, son of James and Martha Allen May came courting he traveled horseback, 20 miles a trip. Having won his suit, they arranged with another couple and all traveled in a spring wagon to Salt Lake City where they were married in the Old Endowment House. (Dec. 22, 1881). She brought dignity and love and special nobility to her role of wife and mother. Thus was the springtime of her life.
Rockland Idaho
A year after their marriage the Mays moved to Rockland, Idaho where they homesteaded, remaining there 23 years. Their first baby did not long remain with them, death claimed her tiny form. When Elizabeth, the second baby was about 2 years old she was lost one day and as the frantic parents searched everywhere Rosalie finally saw the baby's bright red dress in the stream near the home and rescued the little girl from drowning.
Heaven on Earth
These were the summer years with the children coming and the busy days of training them and keeping the home and assisting her husband in making a livelihood for the family. Rosalie grew up with the idea that home is one's heaven on earth and such she always tried to make her home, to make a place where her husband and children loved to be, a haven from the stress of the world, there the family worked and laughed and played and prayed together.
Often on a warm afternoon Father May would carry a rocking chair down to what the family called "The Willows" where the mother could sit with the newest baby in the shade and rest while he cut willows and fashioned whistles for the older children. Thirteen children came to bless the home three of who died in infancy. For several years she served as Primary President while still living at Rockland.
Lovell, WyomingIn 1905 when the town of Lovell was in its infancy the May family moved here to make their permanent home. Bringing their household goods and driving teams and wagons they came by way of Yellowstone National Park. In 1906-08 the railroad was being built through the basin so the Jude found work there and the Rosalie cooked for the railroad workers in order to finance the building of their home. They were both ardent church workers and also took an active part in the life of the community.
Church Membership
Rosalie’s membership in the church was an integral part of her life. She was so firm in her testimony, so sincere in the manner in which she lived the teachings of the church she was and will be an inspiration to others to emulate her example. All her life a tithe-payer, when away from home she sent it to the family to pay for her. Last Sunday a granddaughter, Mary Jane Wilkerson, gave to the Bishop her grand-mother's last tithing. She served as Treasurer in the Relief Society organization and for many years was a Relief Society Visiting Teacher. Through her regard for this work and the dignity and warm-hearted friendliness she gave to it she taught many younger women of the ward the joy and worth of it. Her religion was a workable plan. She did not speak ill of any one. She felt that since one does not know what compulsions caused another to behave in certain ways it was right to leave his judgment to God.
Charity, a Way of Life
A mark of how she was held in the esteem of her associates was the title we all lovingly gave her of "Grandma May". The world was her neighbor. No one was ever turned away without receiving the comfort or help for which he hoped from her. In her book of poems is pasted these lines:
A friend is blue, a heart is sad.
Do not withhold your smile.
It may be all that's needed
To make a life worthwhile:
Grey skies grow blue, and storm clouds bright,
The sun is undefiled
And broken hearts are new again
Because somebody smiled.
Grandma May was always busy, always cheerful. Her flowers were for everyone to enjoy. Her salt rising bread was a special treat for which she was famous. She believed work a blessing and to her laziness was a sin.
Sincerity
She said sincerity is one of the most beautiful words in the language.
Also found in her book are these lines she liked:
You don't have to tell how you live each day
You don't have to say if you work or you play.
A tried, true barometer serves in the place.
However you live, it will show in your face.
The false, the deceit that you bear in your heart
Will not stay inside, where it first got a start,
For sinew and blood are a thin veil of lace;
What you wear in your heart you wear in your face.
If your life is unselfish, if for others you live,
For not what you get, but how much you can give;
If you live close to God, in his infinite grace,
You don't have to tell it, it shows in your face.
Neighbor and Friend
Once she wrote when life became hard and there was time for thought; she would get much good and comfort from these lines. She hoped this could be said of her at the close of her life and truly her life is so fulfilled:
To me honors or fame appeal not at all.
I covet no treasure or wealth manifold.
Flowers and tokens you may gladly withhold,
If only some day you can say at the end
"She was a neighbor, she was a friend".
Full Life
The autumn years were busy and full and rich, too. With the children grown and now establishing homes of their own, there was the increasing number of grandchildren to love. There was more time to devote to the church where she worked on various committees and helped in many ways. She was a member of a neighborhood quilting club. On the days when they gathered at the home to sew on a quilt how the stitches and chatter flew and here she had as much fun as anyone. The young daughters of club members often proudly displayed their hope chest quilts, showing off the beautiful stitches of "Grandma May". She had few of the conveniences and luxuries we so take for granted today, but she knew the real riches; the rich gifts of the mind and spirit.
Temple Work and gardening
The Mays spent several winters in doing temple work, and, oh, the joy they experienced in doing this great work. Each spring they returned happy in the knowledge of a service rendered, then raised their garden and prepared for the next winter and trip.
Life as a widow
Her life's companion was called to his eternal home August 7, 1946. Since then Grandma May has taken a trip to California to see the ocean, one to Arizona and four to Utah, visiting her family.
She never grew old in heart but as she once said winter does come to those of many years. So in the winter of life Grandma May was kept warmed at the hearth of her children's love. She visited one or another of her children and then when she was tired of visiting come home to Ralph and Gladys Wilkerson. Last February 15th she celebrated her 93rd birthday at the home of Oliver and Grace May, with 60 members of the family present.
Nine months ago she went to visit a daughter, Mrs. I.H. Tippetts, at Hurricane, Utah. Here she continued with her hobbies of crocheting and reading the papers and keeping up with the news of world and local affairs. It was stimulating to discuss current events with her because she was so alert and had her contributions to make.
IllnessOn December 10th a blood vessel broke in a leg resulting in a serious condition which confined her to her bed from December 13th until her death, caused by bronchitis, occurred on Monday, January 26, 1953 at 4:20 a.m. During all her illness she never complained and for each and every service she repaid with her special little smile and "Thank you".
Now her spirit transplanted... To some far fairer clime ... The angels left ajar the gate... The sweet fragrance of her soul... To waft back to us waiting... To meet again in a heavenly time.Grandma May is survived by 10 sons and daughters, Oliver C. May, Lovell; J. Hyrum May of Phoenix, Ariz.; Frank P. May, Caldwell, Idaho; Richard Morgan May, Delta, Utah; G. Allen May, Burlington; Mrs. I.H. Tippetts, Hurricane, Utah; Mrs. Nellie Grant, Layton, Utah; Mrs. W.A. Tippetts, Springville, Utah; Mrs. H.C. Tippetts, Provo, Utah;, Mrs. Ralph Wilkerson, Lovell, Wyo.; 68 grandchildren, 146 great grandchildren, 8 great, great grandchildren: A total of 233 living descendants. There are 7 sets of twins in the family; 2 grandchild sets, and 5 great grandchild sets.
There is so little we can say... So little we can do... When God had called a loved one home... Who means so much to you... When smiling eyes are closed in sleep... According to God's will... And that dear voice you loved to hear... Has suddenly grown still... But there are those who think of you... And those who always care... And who would help your heart to lift... The burden you must beat... And so this gentle message is... sincerely meant to be... A prayerful thought of fond regard... And heartfelt sympathy.
Her son Frank was unable to attend. He spent three days with her at Christmas time.
1859-1953
Virtuous Woman
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband can safely trust in her, so that he will have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hand to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of ildeness. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31)
Thus may be summed the life of: Rosalie Elvira Perry May, born February 15, 1859 at Three-mile Creek, later called Perry, Box Elder county, Utah, daughter of Henry Elijah and Elizabeth Zabriskie Perry. The 4th of 8 children, she is the last of the original Perry family.
Pioneering Family
Her parents came to Utah with a Mormon Pioneer Handcart Company and settling in an unbroken ilderness, the family knew all the vicissitudes, heart-aches and joys of pioneering. In these surroundings Rosalie grew to young womanhood, receiving her schooling at the little pioneer school which consisted mainly of learning the three R's. However, as with many pioneers, she somehow learned the many things which go into the making of a great lady.
While stories of crossing the plains and of the Indians were being told the young girl was helping her mother and learning to weave cloth, spin yarn, strip cane to be made into molasses. After Pres. Snow organized the United Order Rosalie had the experience of living that order. When the Primary was first organized she was called to be President in Perry, although she was very young at the time.
Early LifeAs a child she was baptized and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Before her marriage she cooked and did housework for others usually receiving as pay 50 cents per week perhaps a second hand dress or pair of shoes. But she was a happy person with a pleasing appearance and personality.
Jude Allen May
When young Jude Allen May, from Harper, son of James and Martha Allen May came courting he traveled horseback, 20 miles a trip. Having won his suit, they arranged with another couple and all traveled in a spring wagon to Salt Lake City where they were married in the Old Endowment House. (Dec. 22, 1881). She brought dignity and love and special nobility to her role of wife and mother. Thus was the springtime of her life.
Rockland Idaho
A year after their marriage the Mays moved to Rockland, Idaho where they homesteaded, remaining there 23 years. Their first baby did not long remain with them, death claimed her tiny form. When Elizabeth, the second baby was about 2 years old she was lost one day and as the frantic parents searched everywhere Rosalie finally saw the baby's bright red dress in the stream near the home and rescued the little girl from drowning.
Heaven on Earth
These were the summer years with the children coming and the busy days of training them and keeping the home and assisting her husband in making a livelihood for the family. Rosalie grew up with the idea that home is one's heaven on earth and such she always tried to make her home, to make a place where her husband and children loved to be, a haven from the stress of the world, there the family worked and laughed and played and prayed together.
Often on a warm afternoon Father May would carry a rocking chair down to what the family called "The Willows" where the mother could sit with the newest baby in the shade and rest while he cut willows and fashioned whistles for the older children. Thirteen children came to bless the home three of who died in infancy. For several years she served as Primary President while still living at Rockland.
Lovell, WyomingIn 1905 when the town of Lovell was in its infancy the May family moved here to make their permanent home. Bringing their household goods and driving teams and wagons they came by way of Yellowstone National Park. In 1906-08 the railroad was being built through the basin so the Jude found work there and the Rosalie cooked for the railroad workers in order to finance the building of their home. They were both ardent church workers and also took an active part in the life of the community.
Church Membership
Rosalie’s membership in the church was an integral part of her life. She was so firm in her testimony, so sincere in the manner in which she lived the teachings of the church she was and will be an inspiration to others to emulate her example. All her life a tithe-payer, when away from home she sent it to the family to pay for her. Last Sunday a granddaughter, Mary Jane Wilkerson, gave to the Bishop her grand-mother's last tithing. She served as Treasurer in the Relief Society organization and for many years was a Relief Society Visiting Teacher. Through her regard for this work and the dignity and warm-hearted friendliness she gave to it she taught many younger women of the ward the joy and worth of it. Her religion was a workable plan. She did not speak ill of any one. She felt that since one does not know what compulsions caused another to behave in certain ways it was right to leave his judgment to God.
Charity, a Way of Life
A mark of how she was held in the esteem of her associates was the title we all lovingly gave her of "Grandma May". The world was her neighbor. No one was ever turned away without receiving the comfort or help for which he hoped from her. In her book of poems is pasted these lines:
A friend is blue, a heart is sad.
Do not withhold your smile.
It may be all that's needed
To make a life worthwhile:
Grey skies grow blue, and storm clouds bright,
The sun is undefiled
And broken hearts are new again
Because somebody smiled.
Grandma May was always busy, always cheerful. Her flowers were for everyone to enjoy. Her salt rising bread was a special treat for which she was famous. She believed work a blessing and to her laziness was a sin.
Sincerity
She said sincerity is one of the most beautiful words in the language.
Also found in her book are these lines she liked:
You don't have to tell how you live each day
You don't have to say if you work or you play.
A tried, true barometer serves in the place.
However you live, it will show in your face.
The false, the deceit that you bear in your heart
Will not stay inside, where it first got a start,
For sinew and blood are a thin veil of lace;
What you wear in your heart you wear in your face.
If your life is unselfish, if for others you live,
For not what you get, but how much you can give;
If you live close to God, in his infinite grace,
You don't have to tell it, it shows in your face.
Neighbor and Friend
Once she wrote when life became hard and there was time for thought; she would get much good and comfort from these lines. She hoped this could be said of her at the close of her life and truly her life is so fulfilled:
To me honors or fame appeal not at all.
I covet no treasure or wealth manifold.
Flowers and tokens you may gladly withhold,
If only some day you can say at the end
"She was a neighbor, she was a friend".
Full Life
The autumn years were busy and full and rich, too. With the children grown and now establishing homes of their own, there was the increasing number of grandchildren to love. There was more time to devote to the church where she worked on various committees and helped in many ways. She was a member of a neighborhood quilting club. On the days when they gathered at the home to sew on a quilt how the stitches and chatter flew and here she had as much fun as anyone. The young daughters of club members often proudly displayed their hope chest quilts, showing off the beautiful stitches of "Grandma May". She had few of the conveniences and luxuries we so take for granted today, but she knew the real riches; the rich gifts of the mind and spirit.
Temple Work and gardening
The Mays spent several winters in doing temple work, and, oh, the joy they experienced in doing this great work. Each spring they returned happy in the knowledge of a service rendered, then raised their garden and prepared for the next winter and trip.
Life as a widow
Her life's companion was called to his eternal home August 7, 1946. Since then Grandma May has taken a trip to California to see the ocean, one to Arizona and four to Utah, visiting her family.
She never grew old in heart but as she once said winter does come to those of many years. So in the winter of life Grandma May was kept warmed at the hearth of her children's love. She visited one or another of her children and then when she was tired of visiting come home to Ralph and Gladys Wilkerson. Last February 15th she celebrated her 93rd birthday at the home of Oliver and Grace May, with 60 members of the family present.
Nine months ago she went to visit a daughter, Mrs. I.H. Tippetts, at Hurricane, Utah. Here she continued with her hobbies of crocheting and reading the papers and keeping up with the news of world and local affairs. It was stimulating to discuss current events with her because she was so alert and had her contributions to make.
IllnessOn December 10th a blood vessel broke in a leg resulting in a serious condition which confined her to her bed from December 13th until her death, caused by bronchitis, occurred on Monday, January 26, 1953 at 4:20 a.m. During all her illness she never complained and for each and every service she repaid with her special little smile and "Thank you".
Now her spirit transplanted... To some far fairer clime ... The angels left ajar the gate... The sweet fragrance of her soul... To waft back to us waiting... To meet again in a heavenly time.Grandma May is survived by 10 sons and daughters, Oliver C. May, Lovell; J. Hyrum May of Phoenix, Ariz.; Frank P. May, Caldwell, Idaho; Richard Morgan May, Delta, Utah; G. Allen May, Burlington; Mrs. I.H. Tippetts, Hurricane, Utah; Mrs. Nellie Grant, Layton, Utah; Mrs. W.A. Tippetts, Springville, Utah; Mrs. H.C. Tippetts, Provo, Utah;, Mrs. Ralph Wilkerson, Lovell, Wyo.; 68 grandchildren, 146 great grandchildren, 8 great, great grandchildren: A total of 233 living descendants. There are 7 sets of twins in the family; 2 grandchild sets, and 5 great grandchild sets.
There is so little we can say... So little we can do... When God had called a loved one home... Who means so much to you... When smiling eyes are closed in sleep... According to God's will... And that dear voice you loved to hear... Has suddenly grown still... But there are those who think of you... And those who always care... And who would help your heart to lift... The burden you must beat... And so this gentle message is... sincerely meant to be... A prayerful thought of fond regard... And heartfelt sympathy.
Her son Frank was unable to attend. He spent three days with her at Christmas time.
No comments:
Post a Comment