Vilda B. Esplin

Garland/Beaver, UT - Vilda B. Esplin, 86, died May 24, 2010. She was born October 13, 1923, to Waldemar and Florence Nana Taylor Bowman in Colonial Dublan, Mexico. In addition to Mexico, Vilda lived in Cedar City, Beaver, and Garland, Utah. She enjoyed and loved the wonderful people from each community. She graduated from High School and attended college at the BAC in Cedar City. She was married and sealed to her Eternal Companion Grant M. Esplin in the Manti Temple on December 27, 1945, shortly after his discharge from the Military. They are the parents of two children. Vilda enjoyed her service in the community and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Most recently she was a volunteer at the Garland Elementary School and loved the little children. Her service in the church included callings as age group teacher for 10 years, Primary, Relief Society, Data Entry, Extraction, Sunday School Secretary, and Visiting Teaching Supervisor. She and her husband served as Missionaries on Temple Square which was one of the greatest times of their lives. They were called to serve in the St. George Temple where she served as an Ordinance Worker and Sealing Receptionist. Vilda enjoyed the Arts and loved to sing and dance. She was a fan of the Big Band era and would be found often listening and dancing to their music. Two of her favorite places were Black Canyon on the North Fork of the Virgin River and Zions Park. She always looked forward to the "Cousins" get together activities, rather it was an afternoon with lunch or a week in Mazatlan. These were moments she treasured. She loved to knit, and hundreds of little babies have graced her "booties". She and her husband enjoyed years of Study Club with special friends that enriched her life. Nothing could replace the "Friendly Home Evenings" with her neighborhood and the many wonderful quilts created by her quilting group. Vilda is survived by her daughters Carolyn Burk, Orem; Mary Ann Reggie Petersen, Penrose. Her Grandchildren she always said, "Grandkids are the greatest invention" Geoff Victoria Broadbent; Joel Mardi Broadbent; Sarah Mike Manago; Abe Broadbent; Charlie Broadbent; Eli Lauren Broadbent; R. Spencer Petersen; Jessica Ann Marie Gary Wilkinson. Her Great Grandchildren: Juliette and Jasmine Broadbent; Gray, Ridge, and Holden Grant Broadbent; Sophia Manago; Abbie Broadbent; and miracle dog Harley. Vilda could be found supporting her children and grandchildren in so many ways. She will always be looked upon as a great example of unconditional love. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Grant, Sister Afton Gurr, Brothers Ray Oberhansley and Bud Bowman. Funeral service will be held at the Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home 111 North 100 East, Tremonton, Friday, May 28, 2010 10:00 a.m. Family will meet friends at Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home on Thursday, May 29, 2010 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Interment and Graveside Service will take place around 5:30 p.m. on the 28th at the Cedar City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Missionary Funds of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are invited.