My name is Carol Pitcher Gregory. My parents were married on 24 Nov 1937 and were blessed with five children: Pauline, 24 Oct, 1938; Carol, 26 Dec 1939; Minnie, 21 Aug 1940, Jerry, 27 Sep 1942; and Lonny, 14 Jul 1944.

Because my siblings and were born so close together, there has always been a very strong bond. I have many fond memories of our short family life together. Mom and Daddy both suffered from poor health, but I never heard them complain. Daddy worked hard on the farm, which didn't help his heart and Mom's health worsened with each baby. But they worked hard and did the best they could.

I can remember Aunt Bessie and Aunt Vaudice coming in the spring and fall to go through the house top to bottom cleaning. Mom was always so grateful.

Just before I started 3rd grade, I caught my head in the grain elevator. It pulled all my hair out on the right side and got 5 stitches, so I started school with a big bandage wrapped around my head. Verden and Colleen Bowman and their family brought me a color book and crayons. I was so excited.

There was always lots of snow during the winter, not like now. One Valentine's Day there was a dance. Minnie, Pauline, and I were so upset cause we were snowed in so Daddy and Uncle Val hooked up the team to the sleigh and took us over the fields to school. We stayed at Aunt Rose's and Aunt Rosie's when the weather was bad. I can remember walking home sometimes too.

When I was in Junior High, I was a cheerleader and Minnie and I took baton lessons and marched during half time I at basketball games and in parades. I really loved marching I and still dream about being in a parade.

I started playing soft ball when I was twelve. Minnie, Pauline, and I would walk to ball practice and games. We had a really good team and we played on a commercial team. Carolyn Kent Robinson was the pitcher and was so fast. We won a trophy that summer and had lots of fun. I loved softball and played until I was 60.

When I was 15 Daddy's health got worse. I always thought he would get better, but he passed away in May 1956 at the young age of 50. The family though with Mom's health, she could not take care of us. I can still remember watching out the window as the Aunt's and Uncle's met to decide our fate. I cried and cried. I didn't think I could live without my family, but just before my junior year, I move to Richmond to live with Aunt Bessie, Uncle Frank, and their son, Curtis. Even though they were good and kind and caring, I thought my heart would break.

I met my husband Larry just before Daddy died. We dated for a year and a half and married in the Logan Temple the 11th of Oct 1957. Aunt Gladys and Aunt Jean brought Mom to the temple so she could witness the marriage. I was so surprised and thankful she could be there.

Mother lived at Sunshine Terrace for health reasons after staying with her side of the family for a while. After a valiant battle and much suffering, she left this frail existence to be with Daddy when my oldest daughter, Sherry, was 1.

Larry was good to my family. Minnie, Jerry and Lonny all came to live with us at one time or another. We lived in Preston, Idaho; Dayton, Idaho; and Brigham City, Utah; and Wellsville, Utah. Sherry and Vivian were born in Preston. We had just moved to Brigham when Vicki was born. We bought our first home in Wellsville when Sandie was born.

Larry's family was so good to me, just like my own. In fact, they sent my Brother Jerry on a mission in 1962. Larry was employed by Fife Rock Products for over 30 years. It was because of his work we moved to Tremonton, Utah in 1972.

My brother, Jerry, was killed in a traffic car wreck the 9th of August 1968. His wife, Jeanne Ann, was paralyzed from her neck down. What a sad time for our family.

Sherry, Vickie and Sandie all live within a few blocks of Larry and I, something I have enjoyed and been thankful for. I have 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

My youngest brother, Lonny, found out in the summer of 2001 that he had cancer. While being operated on, he had a stroke. Shirley, his wife, was so strong and worked so hard with him, but after a few months of struggle, he lost the battle and went to see Jerry and our parents the 16th of Dec 2001.

Just a few memories: Daddy had a beautiful voice. I can remember he and Darlene Pitcher (Uncle Harvey's daughter) singing "Star of the East" at Christmastime. He was very compassionate, we would go visit shut ins. There was an old broken-down organ upstarts and we would make Mom play for us. She played by ear and could sing alto to any song. I love to hear her laugh. We all laughed a lot, sand a lot, and loved a lot. I have a favorite saying that goes:

 When I count my blessings

The greatest of my joys,

Our parents gave us siblings,

Instead of rooms of toys.

After watching my Mom and how she dealt with poor health, I realize how I have a great debt to pay. She never complained. Was so loving and always there for me. Daddy taught me to love the beauties of the Earth and to stay close to Heavenly Father and my Savior.