The Gospel of Jesus Christ was taken to the green verdant hills of England in the year of 1837. It wasn't long before two certain families, with the blood of Israel strong in their veins heard and accepted the restored message. Desiring to associate and live among those who shared the same beliefs and hoping to better their financial positions, both families came to Utah as pioneers about the middle of the nineteenth century.

Thus, with his parent Thomas Etherington came to the New World and Sarah Wheeler came to the promised land with her parents, but unknown then by Thomas Etherington. The institution of marriage was entered into by those two people. They were tillers of the soil in the community of Slaterville and later moved to West Weber in Weber County.

Laura May Etherington was born to this couple, June 2, 1873. It was not until one year later, June 3, 1874 she was christened at West Weber. She was taught the religion of her parents during her early years and on her eighth birthday, June 2, 1881 was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by her George E. Hunter.

Laura May attended the public schools whenever it was possible, so naturally learned to cipher, read and write. She participated in Church activities during the process of maturation from adolescence to adulthood. During the summer months for several years it was her lot to go with other members of the family into the mountains with the dairy cows to milk and to take butter from cream skimmed from the milk.

On January 20, 1897 when she was 23 years of age, she married Joseph Blanch. They were later endowed at the Salt Lake Temple. They made their home in West Weber and tilled the soil for their livelihood.

Laura May Etherington Blanch was been a chosen mother in Israel. During her childbearing period, she gave bodies to nine spirits and reared them all to maturity. Her life has been full of activity. Her children were taught righteousness from her words and actions. She desired the advancement of truth and did her part by sending three sons into the mission field. Many of her hours have been spent in religious meetings and Relief Society work. She has been associated with the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers for several years. Though she has enjoyed only fair health, her life has been full of service to her fellowman and through this service has received much happiness.

On February 14, 1942, Laura May Etherington Blanch completed her mission on this earth to dwell with her loved ones who preceded her in death.

Submitted by Eliza Blanch Wagstaff, a daughter.

Source:

In The Bend Of The River

History Of West Weber 1859-1976