Another Pine Valley Picnic and Overnight Campout

An estimated 100 members of the B7 Ward family traveled to the Effie Beckstrom (West) campground in spectacular Pine Valley for what Bishop Eric called “my favorite social event of the year” on the weekend of August 20-21, 2021.  The ward’s traditional end-of-summer / back-to-school / respite from our triple-digit-heat activity included burgers, hot dog and corn-on-the-cob provided by the ward and salads, desserts and “other” dishes from members. 

 

Of course, the best part of the evening was the opportunity to socialize with longtime friends and neighbors and / or get better acquainted with some of our new ward member families.

 

As the moon came up in one of the most heavenly places in the Lord’s vineyard, those who were still there after everyone else had left for home, gathered for more conversation around a gas firepit (no fires allowed due to SoUT’s long and lingering drought) until the chill night air brought the party to an end.

 

On a beautiful clear blue Saturday morning – completely quiet except for an occasional “hoop and holler” from anyone of the dozen or more exuberant kids – those who elected to enjoy a few more hours in this peaceful setting had a delicious breakfast together before loading up and heading back to real life, including what is left of our hot, dry Dixie summer.

Til We Meet Again, Sister Arlene Thomas

Our beautiful Arlene Rae Jones Thomas, a member of the Bloomington 7^th Ward since 2007 following her marriage to Jess M. Thomas, passed into eternity in the early evening of Thursday, August 12, 2021 at the Washington State home of her daughter. She will truly be missed as she was not only a friend to all, but also a "gatherer" welcoming everyone into her circle of love.

 

Born in Hagerman, ID in January 1937, Arlene attended high school in The Dalles, OR where she was popular among her classmates, active in booster club, school leadership and was a majorette in the drum and bugle corps.   

 

In 1955, she married Danny Owens Jones (who proceeded her in death).  Together, as hairdressers and teachers of cosmetology, they founded the Astoria Beauty College in 1965, which went on to become nationally accredited.  Arlene had a passion for education and took great pride in the successes of her students, the majority of salon owners in Astoria and Clatsop County having received their education at Astoria Beauty College.

 

During 43 years in business, she received many awards and honors.  She was a past president of the Oregon Hairdressers Association, served on the boards of the Oregon Cosmetology Association, Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority Board of Cosmetology.  She would go on to create the curriculum used today in nearly all Oregon beauty colleges and had the honor to be inducted into the Oregon Hairdressers Hall of Fame.

 

At the same time, she was always active in her community.  She belonged to Zonta (an international service organization which advocates for women's rights for equality, education and an end to child marriage and gender-based violence) and Toastmasters, all while serving in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 

For all the differences she made in the lives of those around her, she considered her greatest accomplishment to be rearing her grandson Drew Jones. 

 

After Arlene and Jess moved to St. George, she continued to find joy in serving family and friends. She joined the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and was an enthusiastic leader of the Relief Society Book Club, while she also followed her passions of reading, health and nutrition.

 

Here are "Ways to show love, as Arlene saw it" 

*    Always respect others feelings and opinions

*    Go the extra mile to help others.  Be giving.

*    Be a good listener.  Be attentive.

*     Show empathy for others.

*    Always give praise and say thank you

*    Serve with a smile

*    Look for reasons to compliment

*    Find those things people are doing right

*    Speak kind words to each other

*    Be patient

 

She is survived by two sisters and a brother.  She also leaves behind three children Scott G. (Margaret) Jones, Marcy L. Goss, and Danene M. (David) Lethin and 8 grandchildren. She will also be missed by Jess’s six children, 25 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. 

 

Members of the ward as well as her neighbors and friends at the Vintage have been blessed to share a part of her life here on earth.  Please also know Jess's family assures us, "we will take very good care of Dad."