Viola Gittins Wright

Viola Gittins Wright, 76, died in Logan on Saturday, October 11, 2008. She was born on October 21, 1931 in Smithfield, Utah. She was the seventh child of Katie Louise Stone and Thomas Henry Gittins. She married Harold Dean Wright in Elko, Nevada on February 16, 1952. He preceded her in death. Viola was raised in Smithfield and in Lewiston where she learned the value of hard work being raised on the farm and working in the fields. She helped in growing and harvesting sugar beets, hay and grain and helped in the large orchards and gardens providing food for the large family. She received her education at Summit Elementary, Lewiston Elementary, Lewiston Jr. High and North Cache High School in Richmond. She worked as a nanny but the majority of her life was spent as a wife and homemaker. She had a great love for animals, particularly dogs, always having at least one and owned many many. They brought great joy to her life. Shortly after she was married, her and her husband, Dean, moved to Marion, Ohio where she spent the major part of her life. While she lived in Ohio, she took up golfing and received many trophies. After returning to Utah in their later life, they lived in Preston and surrounding areas. After Dean's death, she stayed in Preston until her mother became ill and then moved to Lewiston to give her mother care and support. She later moved to Richmond, Utah where she spent the remainder of her life. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she held many positions. She loved being a visiting teacher and the love and support of each of her partners. Those associations were dear to her heart. She also belonged to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and, also, loved her association with the sisters there. Many thanks to all who picked her up and helped her in being able to attend. She is survived by three sisters and two brothers: Melvin H. Gittins, St. George; Dora Asel Boman, Layton; Annetta LaMont, Preston; Odell Joy Gittins, Burley, ID; and Odean LaVar McCann, Smithfield; one sister-in-law, Ruth Gittins, Wellsville; many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews; and great grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Marjorie, her husband, her parents, five brothers and two sisters: James, Albert, Leland, Grace G. Gamble, Loyal, her twin sister, Violet and Paul; two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Franklin Cemetery in Franklin, Idaho. Friends and family may call from 1 to 1:30 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield prior to graveside services. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com . A special thank you is extended to Bishop Mick Stokes of the Richmond 1st Ward and the loving care from the Relief Society and especially her visiting teachers. Also, the staff at Access Home Health, especially Courtney and Steve and to Scott and the staff at Williamsburg for their help, love, support and endless patience. It is greatly appreciated.