Benjamin Austin Tolman

Thatcher-Penrose, UT - Benjamin Austin Tolman, 92, passed away peacefully the afternoon of September 15, 2010 at Willow Glen Nursing and Rehab in Brigham City. He was born on April 5, 1918 on the family farm in Thatcher, UT as the eldest son of Benjamin Hewitt Tolman III and Emily Louise Knowles Tolman. While being raised on the farm he enjoyed spending time working his father's team of horses or milking cows. Ben's education started in Thatcher and finished at Bear River High School. Later, in 1941, he served an honorable two-year LDS Western States mission. After his return from his mission and a year courtship, Ben married the love of his life Rosezella Payne on March 15, 1944 for time and all eternity in the Logan LDS Temple. Together they raised their children on the family dairy farm. He was also employed at the U&I Sugar Factory for many years and later worked at Thiokol as the head custodian where he retired in 1987. He remained an active member of the LDS church, serving many callings in the Thatcher-Penrose 2nd Ward and Tremonton South Stake. After his retirement he was called as a temple officiator in the Logan LDS Temple and was released in 1993 to care for Rosezella. She passed away October 12, 2001. Ben's warm heart, genuine smile and gentle blue eyes will be missed by all who were blessed with the opportunity to know him. His attitude toward joy found in the simple things in life will be remembered forever. He is survived by his children: Linda Kenneth Duncan of Sandy, UT, Pamela Gary Conger of Tell City, IN, Adrain Karen Tolman of Brigham City, UT, and Glade Debra Tolman of Thatcher, UT. His "little buddies and pals" will miss him dearly. Ben was a proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren and great grandfather of 20-1/2, 4 step-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Edward Joy Tolman of Burley, ID and sisters, Vonda Hess of Fielding, UT & Louise Joe Corbett of Tremonton, UT. Ben was warmly welcomed into the arms of his parents, his loving wife, Rosezella, his son, Lawrence Benny, five brothers, a sister, and two great-grandsons, Austin Cash Christensen and Ceth Kenneth Christensen. Ben's family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring staff at Willow Glenn Nursing and Rehab and Bristol Hospice. Your hospitality was greatly appreciated. Funeral services will be held Monday September 20, 2010 in the Thatcher Penrose 2nd Ward Chapel, located at 11475 West 10400 North, Thatcher, UT. Friends may call Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home, 111 North 100 East, Tremonton, UT and Monday from 9:30-10:40 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral services. Interment will be held at the Bothwell Valley View Cemetery.