Silva Ann Lovell Harris was born in a little adobe house on the lot where her parent's home now stands on the 16th of January, 1891. She was the fourth of twelve children welcomed into the John E. Lovell and Harriet J. Lyman home. There were eight girls and four boys. Two of the boys, twins, died in infancy and all the rest grew to adulthood: Mamie, Hattie, Stanley, Silva, Belva, Gene, Lulu, Clark, Nell and Angelyn. What love and happiness, growth and development echoed through that small home, blessed with so many to enjoy each others companionship.
As Stanley was the only boy for so long, there was need of extra help on the farm and it fell to Silva's lot to do this. There were many things she could do: getting the cows from the pasture, riding the mower and dump rake, helping with barnyard chores and working in the garden.
I, Margaret Roper, well remember John Lovell's gardens, such straight even rows of vegetables in many shades of green, so well cared for, for weeds were just not tolerated.
I am sure of Silva's love of the good brown earth and the pleasures she derived in seeing things grow, began back during those years when she helped her father and Stanley on the farm.
When Silva was a baby, Edith Lyman, who was the only child of Uncle Fred and Aunt Ann, often borrowed Silva, made dresses for her, and begged that Aunt Harriet could just as well give her to them. "You have so many and I need a baby sister." Silva often expressed her gratitude in later years that her parents had no children to spare for she would have felt cheated had she missed those precious years when they grew up together in love and companionship.
Silva was baptized by her uncle, Anthony Christensen, in the creek just above town on the 18th day of August, 1899, and was confirmed that same day by Peter Anderson. This was always an important day in Silva's life for she had a strong testimony and love of the Gospel and delighted in her membership in the church.
The John Lovell family soon outgrew their small adobe home and sent to live with Grandmother Caroline E. Lyman. Her house was in the middle of the block between Peterson's and Lovell's. The gate was by the wild rose bush which is still there. Grandmother shared her home with them, reserving one room for herself. Silva remembered what a privilege it was to sleep with grandma for she has personally known the Prophet Joseph and loved to tell stories about him and also the pioneers crossing the plains.
After attending school and graduating from the eighth grade here in Oak City, it was a real event in her young life to go to Salt Lake to live with her sister, Mamie, and attend the L.D.S. High School. After two and one half years of study at the L.D.S. High School, she transferred to the Keyster Sewing School for six months and all of her sisters were envious of the things she made. She became ill at this time with what was diagnosed as ulcers of the stomach. She spent some time n the hospital and was put in a cast. This was a very discouraging time in Silva's life for even though she had been promised that she would get well and be a Mother in Israel, she almost doubted if it could come true.
As soon as she was able, she came back home and into the sunshine and helped her father with a garden. They has the lot here in town planted to onions. She kept strict accounts of all that she made to be sure that she paid an honest tithing. She always bore testimony that the paying of this tithing brought added blessings for soon she was appointed post-mistress, a position which she held for some time.
Alice Dean, of Beaver, came up here to teach school and Silva asked and received permission from her parents to take Alice into their home to board, if she (Silva) would help with the work. They became very dear friends and it was on one of the visits when Silva went to visit Alice, at Beaver, that she met Earl - he realized that she was what he had been looking for.
Later he rode his horse from Beaver to Oak City to look at land, he said, but we know that he really came to see Silva. After he joined the army, Silva went to visit him at Camp Kerney, California.
They became engaged by correspondence. Later, he went overseas and upon his return, the marriage date was not set because they were waiting for Stanley to return also as they had planned a double wedding.
So in July, 1919, Earl and Silva, and Stanley and Louisa went to Manti in Lovell's Ford and were married. The ceremonies were performed by Lewis Anderson. They were joined By Belva and Jeff and they then started on their honeymoon, ran out of gas, broke a hub, camped on a lawn, and were nearly eaten by mosquitoes. And at the end of the third day, they finally reached Fish Lake.
Their first home was in Delta over the track south of Mercer's Drug. They lived there three years and Earl worked in the sugar factory. Then they moved to Oak City and lived in part of the house her father had built on the lot where she was born. It was about 1926 when they bought their present home.
I remember well how happy Silva was to move into Uncle Fred and Aunt Ann's house and you all know of the many years of happiness that they had there together.
They have seven gifted and capable children: Shirley, a graduate nurse played a very important part in getting our West Millard Hospital, married John DeLapp and lives in Sutherland; Grant flew a Navy plane during World War II, teaches school in Spanish Fork and married Helen Jones; Keith, a jeweler at Fisher-Smith Jewelry, a welder at Geneva School, a member of the Army Air Corps, married Ida Mae Route and lives in Provo; Gene with the beautiful voice, served on a mission in Japan, taught school in Hawaii and Provo and married Tom Kennedy and lives in Madison, Wisconsin; Marion died at the age of four after a short illness; Don has filled a mission in the North West and presently is going to vocational school at Provo; Diane, one of my first-grade students, graduated from the BYU, married Elzo Porter, and lives in Olympia, Washington.
Silva has always been active in the church. She served as a secretary to Millie Lyman and a counselor to Alice D. Anderson in the stake M.I.A. She especially enjoyed her work in the Relief Society, where she served as the theology class leader, counselor, president, and historian. She taught the theology lessons on the Book of Mormon for six years, the first Tuesday in each month, and never missed a class. She had been asked to be president of the Relief Society, but it was not until this special training - the teaching of the studying of the Book of Mormon, that she had confidence enough in herself to accept this important challenge. She served for two years faithfully and diligently. She even learned how to drive the car to help her with her responsibilities and justly was proud of this accomplishment at age 66. Later on, she became historian and compiled a brief history of the Relief Society presidents and bishops of our ward. Don made the cover for the historical record and I hope that you all get the opportunity to read it.
One of her greatest pleasures was to work in her garden, where the onions, lettuce, and radishes grew, beside zinnias and astors and the rhubarb by the chrysanthemums. Her many friends always share the bounties of her green thumb. She was the first to raise raspberries enough to be enjoyed by her friends far and near.
Her twenty four grandchildren were the crowning glory of her life. She knew how to reach each of their hearts. They eagerly waited their time to come running in. "Grandpa, where's Grandma?" "I don't know," Earl answered. "Did you look in the garden?" "Oh yes," she replied, "there's a woman out there but it isn't Grandma for she isn't singing."
The last illness came so suddenly that neither Silva nor the family had time to realize how serious it might be, before she became locked in the prison of pain. Her faith and prayers brought relief and comfort to all. Among her last words was a testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ. The hymns you heard today are the ones which have given her comfort and hope during her illness.
The Lord saw fit to release her prison doors of suffering January 11th [1964] at 5:03 p.m., just five days prior to her 73rd birthday.
Silva was quiet, unassuming among the meek of the earth. She believed, as did Peter, that "you should add to your faith, virtue; and to your virtue, knowledge; and to your knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience." Patient people are gentle, understanding, thoughtful and kind. She was all of these things. She also possessed a calmness that helped her bear the everyday trials which build up strength to meet and handle the big problems when they come along. She practiced self-control, which is one of the important aspects of patience. She was long-suffering and never complained and would say as she did to me, "This isn't for long." Someone has wisely said, "Patience strengthens the spirit, sweetens the temper, stifles anger, extinguishes envy, subdues pride, bridles the tongue, and restrains the hand." Silva knew patience and patience brought peace to her soul.
May this same patience bring peace to you, her family, and to all of us. May we not hurry so fast that we cannot enjoy this world that she loved so much. May we keep her sweet spirit with us always and may you, her family, always remember the love, harmony and concern for each other which existed in the home of your parents and pattern your homes after it.
-source: Compiled and given at the funeral of Silva Ann Lovell Harris by Margaret W. Roper
Obituary:
Silvia A. L. Harris
OAK CITY, Millard County - Mrs. Silvia Ann Lovell Harris, 72, Oak City, died Saturday [January 11, 1964], 5 p.m., at her home after a long illness. Born Jan. 16, 1891, Oak City, to John E. and Harriet J. Lyman Lovell. Married to Earl T. Harris July 9, 1919, Manti Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President of Oak City Relief Society; prior to death compiled History of Oak City Relief Society. Survivors: husband; sons, daughters, Grant, Spanish Fork; Keith, Provo; Don, Oak City; Mrs. Tom (Gene) Kennedy, Madison, Wis; Mrs. Elzo (Diane) Porter, Olympia, Wash; 22 grandchildren; brother, sisters, Clark and Lulu Lovell, both Oak City; Mrs. Malen (Angelyn) Mecham, Tropic, Garfield County; Mrs. Eugene (Gene) Gardner, Mrs. Jeff (Belva) Jones, both Delta. Funeral Tuesday, 1 p.m., Oak City LDS Ward Chapel, where friends call Tuesday, 11 a.m. until services. Burial, Oak City Cemetery.
-source: Deseret News and Telegram, Monday, January 13, 1964, page 12B
As Stanley was the only boy for so long, there was need of extra help on the farm and it fell to Silva's lot to do this. There were many things she could do: getting the cows from the pasture, riding the mower and dump rake, helping with barnyard chores and working in the garden.
I, Margaret Roper, well remember John Lovell's gardens, such straight even rows of vegetables in many shades of green, so well cared for, for weeds were just not tolerated.
I am sure of Silva's love of the good brown earth and the pleasures she derived in seeing things grow, began back during those years when she helped her father and Stanley on the farm.
When Silva was a baby, Edith Lyman, who was the only child of Uncle Fred and Aunt Ann, often borrowed Silva, made dresses for her, and begged that Aunt Harriet could just as well give her to them. "You have so many and I need a baby sister." Silva often expressed her gratitude in later years that her parents had no children to spare for she would have felt cheated had she missed those precious years when they grew up together in love and companionship.
Silva was baptized by her uncle, Anthony Christensen, in the creek just above town on the 18th day of August, 1899, and was confirmed that same day by Peter Anderson. This was always an important day in Silva's life for she had a strong testimony and love of the Gospel and delighted in her membership in the church.
The John Lovell family soon outgrew their small adobe home and sent to live with Grandmother Caroline E. Lyman. Her house was in the middle of the block between Peterson's and Lovell's. The gate was by the wild rose bush which is still there. Grandmother shared her home with them, reserving one room for herself. Silva remembered what a privilege it was to sleep with grandma for she has personally known the Prophet Joseph and loved to tell stories about him and also the pioneers crossing the plains.
After attending school and graduating from the eighth grade here in Oak City, it was a real event in her young life to go to Salt Lake to live with her sister, Mamie, and attend the L.D.S. High School. After two and one half years of study at the L.D.S. High School, she transferred to the Keyster Sewing School for six months and all of her sisters were envious of the things she made. She became ill at this time with what was diagnosed as ulcers of the stomach. She spent some time n the hospital and was put in a cast. This was a very discouraging time in Silva's life for even though she had been promised that she would get well and be a Mother in Israel, she almost doubted if it could come true.
As soon as she was able, she came back home and into the sunshine and helped her father with a garden. They has the lot here in town planted to onions. She kept strict accounts of all that she made to be sure that she paid an honest tithing. She always bore testimony that the paying of this tithing brought added blessings for soon she was appointed post-mistress, a position which she held for some time.
Alice Dean, of Beaver, came up here to teach school and Silva asked and received permission from her parents to take Alice into their home to board, if she (Silva) would help with the work. They became very dear friends and it was on one of the visits when Silva went to visit Alice, at Beaver, that she met Earl - he realized that she was what he had been looking for.
Later he rode his horse from Beaver to Oak City to look at land, he said, but we know that he really came to see Silva. After he joined the army, Silva went to visit him at Camp Kerney, California.
They became engaged by correspondence. Later, he went overseas and upon his return, the marriage date was not set because they were waiting for Stanley to return also as they had planned a double wedding.
So in July, 1919, Earl and Silva, and Stanley and Louisa went to Manti in Lovell's Ford and were married. The ceremonies were performed by Lewis Anderson. They were joined By Belva and Jeff and they then started on their honeymoon, ran out of gas, broke a hub, camped on a lawn, and were nearly eaten by mosquitoes. And at the end of the third day, they finally reached Fish Lake.
Their first home was in Delta over the track south of Mercer's Drug. They lived there three years and Earl worked in the sugar factory. Then they moved to Oak City and lived in part of the house her father had built on the lot where she was born. It was about 1926 when they bought their present home.
I remember well how happy Silva was to move into Uncle Fred and Aunt Ann's house and you all know of the many years of happiness that they had there together.
They have seven gifted and capable children: Shirley, a graduate nurse played a very important part in getting our West Millard Hospital, married John DeLapp and lives in Sutherland; Grant flew a Navy plane during World War II, teaches school in Spanish Fork and married Helen Jones; Keith, a jeweler at Fisher-Smith Jewelry, a welder at Geneva School, a member of the Army Air Corps, married Ida Mae Route and lives in Provo; Gene with the beautiful voice, served on a mission in Japan, taught school in Hawaii and Provo and married Tom Kennedy and lives in Madison, Wisconsin; Marion died at the age of four after a short illness; Don has filled a mission in the North West and presently is going to vocational school at Provo; Diane, one of my first-grade students, graduated from the BYU, married Elzo Porter, and lives in Olympia, Washington.
Silva has always been active in the church. She served as a secretary to Millie Lyman and a counselor to Alice D. Anderson in the stake M.I.A. She especially enjoyed her work in the Relief Society, where she served as the theology class leader, counselor, president, and historian. She taught the theology lessons on the Book of Mormon for six years, the first Tuesday in each month, and never missed a class. She had been asked to be president of the Relief Society, but it was not until this special training - the teaching of the studying of the Book of Mormon, that she had confidence enough in herself to accept this important challenge. She served for two years faithfully and diligently. She even learned how to drive the car to help her with her responsibilities and justly was proud of this accomplishment at age 66. Later on, she became historian and compiled a brief history of the Relief Society presidents and bishops of our ward. Don made the cover for the historical record and I hope that you all get the opportunity to read it.
One of her greatest pleasures was to work in her garden, where the onions, lettuce, and radishes grew, beside zinnias and astors and the rhubarb by the chrysanthemums. Her many friends always share the bounties of her green thumb. She was the first to raise raspberries enough to be enjoyed by her friends far and near.
Her twenty four grandchildren were the crowning glory of her life. She knew how to reach each of their hearts. They eagerly waited their time to come running in. "Grandpa, where's Grandma?" "I don't know," Earl answered. "Did you look in the garden?" "Oh yes," she replied, "there's a woman out there but it isn't Grandma for she isn't singing."
The last illness came so suddenly that neither Silva nor the family had time to realize how serious it might be, before she became locked in the prison of pain. Her faith and prayers brought relief and comfort to all. Among her last words was a testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ. The hymns you heard today are the ones which have given her comfort and hope during her illness.
The Lord saw fit to release her prison doors of suffering January 11th [1964] at 5:03 p.m., just five days prior to her 73rd birthday.
Silva was quiet, unassuming among the meek of the earth. She believed, as did Peter, that "you should add to your faith, virtue; and to your virtue, knowledge; and to your knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience." Patient people are gentle, understanding, thoughtful and kind. She was all of these things. She also possessed a calmness that helped her bear the everyday trials which build up strength to meet and handle the big problems when they come along. She practiced self-control, which is one of the important aspects of patience. She was long-suffering and never complained and would say as she did to me, "This isn't for long." Someone has wisely said, "Patience strengthens the spirit, sweetens the temper, stifles anger, extinguishes envy, subdues pride, bridles the tongue, and restrains the hand." Silva knew patience and patience brought peace to her soul.
May this same patience bring peace to you, her family, and to all of us. May we not hurry so fast that we cannot enjoy this world that she loved so much. May we keep her sweet spirit with us always and may you, her family, always remember the love, harmony and concern for each other which existed in the home of your parents and pattern your homes after it.
-source: Compiled and given at the funeral of Silva Ann Lovell Harris by Margaret W. Roper
Obituary:
Silvia A. L. Harris
OAK CITY, Millard County - Mrs. Silvia Ann Lovell Harris, 72, Oak City, died Saturday [January 11, 1964], 5 p.m., at her home after a long illness. Born Jan. 16, 1891, Oak City, to John E. and Harriet J. Lyman Lovell. Married to Earl T. Harris July 9, 1919, Manti Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President of Oak City Relief Society; prior to death compiled History of Oak City Relief Society. Survivors: husband; sons, daughters, Grant, Spanish Fork; Keith, Provo; Don, Oak City; Mrs. Tom (Gene) Kennedy, Madison, Wis; Mrs. Elzo (Diane) Porter, Olympia, Wash; 22 grandchildren; brother, sisters, Clark and Lulu Lovell, both Oak City; Mrs. Malen (Angelyn) Mecham, Tropic, Garfield County; Mrs. Eugene (Gene) Gardner, Mrs. Jeff (Belva) Jones, both Delta. Funeral Tuesday, 1 p.m., Oak City LDS Ward Chapel, where friends call Tuesday, 11 a.m. until services. Burial, Oak City Cemetery.
-source: Deseret News and Telegram, Monday, January 13, 1964, page 12B
Silva Ann Lovell Harris was born in a little adobe house on the lot where her parent's home now stands on the 16th of January, 1891. She was the fourth of twelve children welcomed into the John E. Lovell and Harriet J. Lyman home. There were eight girls and four boys. Two of the boys, twins, died in infancy and all the rest grew to adulthood: Mamie, Hattie, Stanley, Silva, Belva, Gene, Lulu, Clark, Nell and Angelyn. What love and happiness, growth and development echoed through that small home, blessed with so many to enjoy each others companionship.
As Stanley was the only boy for so long, there was need of extra help on the farm and it fell to Silva's lot to do this. There were many things she could do: getting the cows from the pasture, riding the mower and dump rake, helping with barnyard chores and working in the garden.
I, Margaret Roper, well remember John Lovell's gardens, such straight even rows of vegetables in many shades of green, so well cared for, for weeds were just not tolerated.
I am sure of Silva's love of the good brown earth and the pleasures she derived in seeing things grow, began back during those years when she helped her father and Stanley on the farm.
When Silva was a baby, Edith Lyman, who was the only child of Uncle Fred and Aunt Ann, often borrowed Silva, made dresses for her, and begged that Aunt Harriet could just as well give her to them. "You have so many and I need a baby sister." Silva often expressed her gratitude in later years that her parents had no children to spare for she would have felt cheated had she missed those precious years when they grew up together in love and companionship.
Silva was baptized by her uncle, Anthony Christensen, in the creek just above town on the 18th day of August, 1899, and was confirmed that same day by Peter Anderson. This was always an important day in Silva's life for she had a strong testimony and love of the Gospel and delighted in her membership in the church.
The John Lovell family soon outgrew their small adobe home and sent to live with Grandmother Caroline E. Lyman. Her house was in the middle of the block between Peterson's and Lovell's. The gate was by the wild rose bush which is still there. Grandmother shared her home with them, reserving one room for herself. Silva remembered what a privilege it was to sleep with grandma for she has personally known the Prophet Joseph and loved to tell stories about him and also the pioneers crossing the plains.
After attending school and graduating from the eighth grade here in Oak City, it was a real event in her young life to go to Salt Lake to live with her sister, Mamie, and attend the L.D.S. High School. After two and one half years of study at the L.D.S. High School, she transferred to the Keyster Sewing School for six months and all of her sisters were envious of the things she made. She became ill at this time with what was diagnosed as ulcers of the stomach. She spent some time n the hospital and was put in a cast. This was a very discouraging time in Silva's life for even though she had been promised that she would get well and be a Mother in Israel, she almost doubted if it could come true.
As soon as she was able, she came back home and into the sunshine and helped her father with a garden. They has the lot here in town planted to onions. She kept strict accounts of all that she made to be sure that she paid an honest tithing. She always bore testimony that the paying of this tithing brought added blessings for soon she was appointed post-mistress, a position which she held for some time.
Alice Dean, of Beaver, came up here to teach school and Silva asked and received permission from her parents to take Alice into their home to board, if she (Silva) would help with the work. They became very dear friends and it was on one of the visits when Silva went to visit Alice, at Beaver, that she met Earl - he realized that she was what he had been looking for.
Later he rode his horse from Beaver to Oak City to look at land, he said, but we know that he really came to see Silva. After he joined the army, Silva went to visit him at Camp Kerney, California.
They became engaged by correspondence. Later, he went overseas and upon his return, the marriage date was not set because they were waiting for Stanley to return also as they had planned a double wedding.
So in July, 1919, Earl and Silva, and Stanley and Louisa went to Manti in Lovell's Ford and were married. The ceremonies were performed by Lewis Anderson. They were joined By Belva and Jeff and they then started on their honeymoon, ran out of gas, broke a hub, camped on a lawn, and were nearly eaten by mosquitoes. And at the end of the third day, they finally reached Fish Lake.
Their first home was in Delta over the track south of Mercer's Drug. They lived there three years and Earl worked in the sugar factory. Then they moved to Oak City and lived in part of the house her father had built on the lot where she was born. It was about 1926 when they bought their present home.
I remember well how happy Silva was to move into Uncle Fred and Aunt Ann's house and you all know of the many years of happiness that they had there together.
They have seven gifted and capable children: Shirley, a graduate nurse played a very important part in getting our West Millard Hospital, married John DeLapp and lives in Sutherland; Grant flew a Navy plane during World War II, teaches school in Spanish Fork and married Helen Jones; Keith, a jeweler at Fisher-Smith Jewelry, a welder at Geneva School, a member of the Army Air Corps, married Ida Mae Route and lives in Provo; Gene with the beautiful voice, served on a mission in Japan, taught school in Hawaii and Provo and married Tom Kennedy and lives in Madison, Wisconsin; Marion died at the age of four after a short illness; Don has filled a mission in the North West and presently is going to vocational school at Provo; Diane, one of my first-grade students, graduated from the BYU, married Elzo Porter, and lives in Olympia, Washington.
Silva has always been active in the church. She served as a secretary to Millie Lyman and a counselor to Alice D. Anderson in the stake M.I.A. She especially enjoyed her work in the Relief Society, where she served as the theology class leader, counselor, president, and historian. She taught the theology lessons on the Book of Mormon for six years, the first Tuesday in each month, and never missed a class. She had been asked to be president of the Relief Society, but it was not until this special training - the teaching of the studying of the Book of Mormon, that she had confidence enough in herself to accept this important challenge. She served for two years faithfully and diligently. She even learned how to drive the car to help her with her responsibilities and justly was proud of this accomplishment at age 66. Later on, she became historian and compiled a brief history of the Relief Society presidents and bishops of our ward. Don made the cover for the historical record and I hope that you all get the opportunity to read it.
One of her greatest pleasures was to work in her garden, where the onions, lettuce, and radishes grew, beside zinnias and astors and the rhubarb by the chrysanthemums. Her many friends always share the bounties of her green thumb. She was the first to raise raspberries enough to be enjoyed by her friends far and near.
Her twenty four grandchildren were the crowning glory of her life. She knew how to reach each of their hearts. They eagerly waited their time to come running in. "Grandpa, where's Grandma?" "I don't know," Earl answered. "Did you look in the garden?" "Oh yes," she replied, "there's a woman out there but it isn't Grandma for she isn't singing."
The last illness came so suddenly that neither Silva nor the family had time to realize how serious it might be, before she became locked in the prison of pain. Her faith and prayers brought relief and comfort to all. Among her last words was a testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ. The hymns you heard today are the ones which have given her comfort and hope during her illness.
The Lord saw fit to release her prison doors of suffering January 11th [1964] at 5:03 p.m., just five days prior to her 73rd birthday.
Silva was quiet, unassuming among the meek of the earth. She believed, as did Peter, that "you should add to your faith, virtue; and to your virtue, knowledge; and to your knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience." Patient people are gentle, understanding, thoughtful and kind. She was all of these things. She also possessed a calmness that helped her bear the everyday trials which build up strength to meet and handle the big problems when they come along. She practiced self-control, which is one of the important aspects of patience. She was long-suffering and never complained and would say as she did to me, "This isn't for long." Someone has wisely said, "Patience strengthens the spirit, sweetens the temper, stifles anger, extinguishes envy, subdues pride, bridles the tongue, and restrains the hand." Silva knew patience and patience brought peace to her soul.
May this same patience bring peace to you, her family, and to all of us. May we not hurry so fast that we cannot enjoy this world that she loved so much. May we keep her sweet spirit with us always and may you, her family, always remember the love, harmony and concern for each other which existed in the home of your parents and pattern your homes after it.
-source: Compiled and given at the funeral of Silva Ann Lovell Harris by Margaret W. Roper
Obituary:
Silvia A. L. Harris
OAK CITY, Millard County - Mrs. Silvia Ann Lovell Harris, 72, Oak City, died Saturday [January 11, 1964], 5 p.m., at her home after a long illness. Born Jan. 16, 1891, Oak City, to John E. and Harriet J. Lyman Lovell. Married to Earl T. Harris July 9, 1919, Manti Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President of Oak City Relief Society; prior to death compiled History of Oak City Relief Society. Survivors: husband; sons, daughters, Grant, Spanish Fork; Keith, Provo; Don, Oak City; Mrs. Tom (Gene) Kennedy, Madison, Wis; Mrs. Elzo (Diane) Porter, Olympia, Wash; 22 grandchildren; brother, sisters, Clark and Lulu Lovell, both Oak City; Mrs. Malen (Angelyn) Mecham, Tropic, Garfield County; Mrs. Eugene (Gene) Gardner, Mrs. Jeff (Belva) Jones, both Delta. Funeral Tuesday, 1 p.m., Oak City LDS Ward Chapel, where friends call Tuesday, 11 a.m. until services. Burial, Oak City Cemetery.
-source: Deseret News and Telegram, Monday, January 13, 1964, page 12B
As Stanley was the only boy for so long, there was need of extra help on the farm and it fell to Silva's lot to do this. There were many things she could do: getting the cows from the pasture, riding the mower and dump rake, helping with barnyard chores and working in the garden.
I, Margaret Roper, well remember John Lovell's gardens, such straight even rows of vegetables in many shades of green, so well cared for, for weeds were just not tolerated.
I am sure of Silva's love of the good brown earth and the pleasures she derived in seeing things grow, began back during those years when she helped her father and Stanley on the farm.
When Silva was a baby, Edith Lyman, who was the only child of Uncle Fred and Aunt Ann, often borrowed Silva, made dresses for her, and begged that Aunt Harriet could just as well give her to them. "You have so many and I need a baby sister." Silva often expressed her gratitude in later years that her parents had no children to spare for she would have felt cheated had she missed those precious years when they grew up together in love and companionship.
Silva was baptized by her uncle, Anthony Christensen, in the creek just above town on the 18th day of August, 1899, and was confirmed that same day by Peter Anderson. This was always an important day in Silva's life for she had a strong testimony and love of the Gospel and delighted in her membership in the church.
The John Lovell family soon outgrew their small adobe home and sent to live with Grandmother Caroline E. Lyman. Her house was in the middle of the block between Peterson's and Lovell's. The gate was by the wild rose bush which is still there. Grandmother shared her home with them, reserving one room for herself. Silva remembered what a privilege it was to sleep with grandma for she has personally known the Prophet Joseph and loved to tell stories about him and also the pioneers crossing the plains.
After attending school and graduating from the eighth grade here in Oak City, it was a real event in her young life to go to Salt Lake to live with her sister, Mamie, and attend the L.D.S. High School. After two and one half years of study at the L.D.S. High School, she transferred to the Keyster Sewing School for six months and all of her sisters were envious of the things she made. She became ill at this time with what was diagnosed as ulcers of the stomach. She spent some time n the hospital and was put in a cast. This was a very discouraging time in Silva's life for even though she had been promised that she would get well and be a Mother in Israel, she almost doubted if it could come true.
As soon as she was able, she came back home and into the sunshine and helped her father with a garden. They has the lot here in town planted to onions. She kept strict accounts of all that she made to be sure that she paid an honest tithing. She always bore testimony that the paying of this tithing brought added blessings for soon she was appointed post-mistress, a position which she held for some time.
Alice Dean, of Beaver, came up here to teach school and Silva asked and received permission from her parents to take Alice into their home to board, if she (Silva) would help with the work. They became very dear friends and it was on one of the visits when Silva went to visit Alice, at Beaver, that she met Earl - he realized that she was what he had been looking for.
Later he rode his horse from Beaver to Oak City to look at land, he said, but we know that he really came to see Silva. After he joined the army, Silva went to visit him at Camp Kerney, California.
They became engaged by correspondence. Later, he went overseas and upon his return, the marriage date was not set because they were waiting for Stanley to return also as they had planned a double wedding.
So in July, 1919, Earl and Silva, and Stanley and Louisa went to Manti in Lovell's Ford and were married. The ceremonies were performed by Lewis Anderson. They were joined By Belva and Jeff and they then started on their honeymoon, ran out of gas, broke a hub, camped on a lawn, and were nearly eaten by mosquitoes. And at the end of the third day, they finally reached Fish Lake.
Their first home was in Delta over the track south of Mercer's Drug. They lived there three years and Earl worked in the sugar factory. Then they moved to Oak City and lived in part of the house her father had built on the lot where she was born. It was about 1926 when they bought their present home.
I remember well how happy Silva was to move into Uncle Fred and Aunt Ann's house and you all know of the many years of happiness that they had there together.
They have seven gifted and capable children: Shirley, a graduate nurse played a very important part in getting our West Millard Hospital, married John DeLapp and lives in Sutherland; Grant flew a Navy plane during World War II, teaches school in Spanish Fork and married Helen Jones; Keith, a jeweler at Fisher-Smith Jewelry, a welder at Geneva School, a member of the Army Air Corps, married Ida Mae Route and lives in Provo; Gene with the beautiful voice, served on a mission in Japan, taught school in Hawaii and Provo and married Tom Kennedy and lives in Madison, Wisconsin; Marion died at the age of four after a short illness; Don has filled a mission in the North West and presently is going to vocational school at Provo; Diane, one of my first-grade students, graduated from the BYU, married Elzo Porter, and lives in Olympia, Washington.
Silva has always been active in the church. She served as a secretary to Millie Lyman and a counselor to Alice D. Anderson in the stake M.I.A. She especially enjoyed her work in the Relief Society, where she served as the theology class leader, counselor, president, and historian. She taught the theology lessons on the Book of Mormon for six years, the first Tuesday in each month, and never missed a class. She had been asked to be president of the Relief Society, but it was not until this special training - the teaching of the studying of the Book of Mormon, that she had confidence enough in herself to accept this important challenge. She served for two years faithfully and diligently. She even learned how to drive the car to help her with her responsibilities and justly was proud of this accomplishment at age 66. Later on, she became historian and compiled a brief history of the Relief Society presidents and bishops of our ward. Don made the cover for the historical record and I hope that you all get the opportunity to read it.
One of her greatest pleasures was to work in her garden, where the onions, lettuce, and radishes grew, beside zinnias and astors and the rhubarb by the chrysanthemums. Her many friends always share the bounties of her green thumb. She was the first to raise raspberries enough to be enjoyed by her friends far and near.
Her twenty four grandchildren were the crowning glory of her life. She knew how to reach each of their hearts. They eagerly waited their time to come running in. "Grandpa, where's Grandma?" "I don't know," Earl answered. "Did you look in the garden?" "Oh yes," she replied, "there's a woman out there but it isn't Grandma for she isn't singing."
The last illness came so suddenly that neither Silva nor the family had time to realize how serious it might be, before she became locked in the prison of pain. Her faith and prayers brought relief and comfort to all. Among her last words was a testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ. The hymns you heard today are the ones which have given her comfort and hope during her illness.
The Lord saw fit to release her prison doors of suffering January 11th [1964] at 5:03 p.m., just five days prior to her 73rd birthday.
Silva was quiet, unassuming among the meek of the earth. She believed, as did Peter, that "you should add to your faith, virtue; and to your virtue, knowledge; and to your knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience." Patient people are gentle, understanding, thoughtful and kind. She was all of these things. She also possessed a calmness that helped her bear the everyday trials which build up strength to meet and handle the big problems when they come along. She practiced self-control, which is one of the important aspects of patience. She was long-suffering and never complained and would say as she did to me, "This isn't for long." Someone has wisely said, "Patience strengthens the spirit, sweetens the temper, stifles anger, extinguishes envy, subdues pride, bridles the tongue, and restrains the hand." Silva knew patience and patience brought peace to her soul.
May this same patience bring peace to you, her family, and to all of us. May we not hurry so fast that we cannot enjoy this world that she loved so much. May we keep her sweet spirit with us always and may you, her family, always remember the love, harmony and concern for each other which existed in the home of your parents and pattern your homes after it.
-source: Compiled and given at the funeral of Silva Ann Lovell Harris by Margaret W. Roper
Obituary:
Silvia A. L. Harris
OAK CITY, Millard County - Mrs. Silvia Ann Lovell Harris, 72, Oak City, died Saturday [January 11, 1964], 5 p.m., at her home after a long illness. Born Jan. 16, 1891, Oak City, to John E. and Harriet J. Lyman Lovell. Married to Earl T. Harris July 9, 1919, Manti Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President of Oak City Relief Society; prior to death compiled History of Oak City Relief Society. Survivors: husband; sons, daughters, Grant, Spanish Fork; Keith, Provo; Don, Oak City; Mrs. Tom (Gene) Kennedy, Madison, Wis; Mrs. Elzo (Diane) Porter, Olympia, Wash; 22 grandchildren; brother, sisters, Clark and Lulu Lovell, both Oak City; Mrs. Malen (Angelyn) Mecham, Tropic, Garfield County; Mrs. Eugene (Gene) Gardner, Mrs. Jeff (Belva) Jones, both Delta. Funeral Tuesday, 1 p.m., Oak City LDS Ward Chapel, where friends call Tuesday, 11 a.m. until services. Burial, Oak City Cemetery.
-source: Deseret News and Telegram, Monday, January 13, 1964, page 12B
Family Members
Siblings
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Mamie Ely Lovell Lovell
1884–1942
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Hattie May Lovell
1886–1933
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Stanley Walter Lovell
1888–1940
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Belva Lovell Jones
1893–1975
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Gene Lovell Gardner
1896–1964
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Edward Lovell
1899–1899
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Platte Lovell
1899–1899
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Lulu Lovell
1900–1977
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Clark Lyman Lovell
1902–1985
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Nell Lovell Barlow
1905–1957
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Angelyn Lovell Mecham
1909–1982
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