Manwills in May

Grandma Manwill invited us down to the family home for a reunion with my mother-in-law's siblings. With shade canopies, delicious potluck food, water balloons, and an open afternoon we were free to talk and play. Mom and Miss V were dressed twinner-style. Afterward, we even went to the nearby cemetery to see Mom's Dad's new headstone.

Grandpa Niles Manwill's headstone, with his son's (Randall's) headstone in the background

Grandpa Manwill's Funeral

Zak, V, and I had planned to go camping toward the end of the month, until we found out Zak's grandpa, Niles O. Manwill had passed away in a truck accident. We quickly decided to go with the Porters to the funeral. Zak's parents went down to stay with Grandma ahead of time, so for the first time in years, Zak and his siblings all rode in the same vehicle together, along with the new additions to the family. I met more of the Manwill cousins from around Central Valley and Illinois. Grandpa had requested all of the grandkids and spouses sing "I Am a Child of God" together as part of the funeral. Christian, Zak's brother, accompanied us on the accordion, an instrument which formerly belonged to Mom's brother, Randy, who passed away in a car accident at 17. Christian felt that was how Randy would be involved in the services.

Photos of Grandpa on display at his viewing.

I learned a lot about Grandpa by just looking at the photos on display Grandma brought for the viewing. Many people in the community came to honor and remember Grandpa, and shared some of their experiences with him. He was the man in the background, always helping, but never wanting the attention. (Maybe that's where Zak gets it.) Because of family members' roles as a state trooper and a sheriff, the community also stepped up with official escorts to the cemetery, where members of the National Guard also came to honor Grandpa. After the funeral we went to the luncheon, which the local women's Relief Society provided. V got her first taste of baked potato, and enjoyed her roll very much, even with no teeth to use. We returned to Grandma's house down the street from the church.

While down in Central, Mom and Dad showed us where Grandpa Porter grew up, and some places they used to go. I even picked up a Richfield High School shirt, (where Dad attended in the neighboring town). Because Mom and her siblings are spread across Utah and Illinois, they're not all together very often. This was a treat to come together and talk about Grandpa and growing up on the land where generations of family have lived. It still amazes me how in a small town all of Mom's and Dad's siblings found their spouses so close to home. I guess it didn't hurt that they had such a wonderful example of a loving, dedicated marriage in Niles and Glenna.

Daddy and Miss V cuddled in the living room for a much-needed nap.

Mom reunited with her best friend. The women in the family got roses from the flower arrangements.

Tony, Rod, Lori, and Teri (Mom) and their spouses Jenneka, Tina, Greg, and Wayne (Dad)

Niles O. Manwill

Zak's grandfather, on Mom's side, passed away.

Niles O. Manwill, 75, passed away June 23, 2014 on his mountain property at Accord Lakes from injuries sustained in an accident. He was born September 9, 1938 in Richfield to Burton C and Velma Holt Manwill. He married Glenna Hansen, July 19, 1957 in the Manti LDS Temple.Niles is a graduate of Richfield High School and served six years in the Utah National Guard. He was partnered in a collision repair shop for many years. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in various callings, including: bishopric member, Sunday School and Elder’s Quorum presidencies, and several years in the Scouting program. He also served with his wife on a full-time mission to Tulsa, Oklahoma.After retirement, Niles and Glenna split their time between their homes in Central Valley, St. George and their mountain property at Accord Lakes. He loved spending time with his family and going to their activities. He loved to travel....anywhere, but especially to wherever his family was.

Grandpa and Uncle Greg helping with Zak and his cousins

Grandpa and Grandma Manwill at Dad's university graduation, 

with Zak, Dad, and Mom

Grandpa and Grandma with their youngest son, Tony,

at the airport for his LDS mission, with Zak

Celebrating Cohen's high school graduation

The Porters and Manwills outside of the Logan LDS Temple
on our wedding day

Grandpa always helped, even if that meant cleaning the entire church gym.

Celebrating at Christian and Carrie's wedding luncheon