Hearing Our Heritage

Royal Jay Swenson is a hardworking, thoughtful, and deeply spiritual man whose life has been shaped by service and love for his family. He was born on July 9th, 1933, in Pocatello and grew up on a small dry farm in Eastern Idaho. There he learned the value of hard work and responsibility at a young age. Jay developed a lifelong passion for agriculture and education, which led him to attend Brigham Young University and later Utah State. He met his wife, Ann at BYU, and the two were married in 1953. Shortly after, Jay was drafted into the Korean War and was deployed to Germany for 18 months.  The Swensons raised seven amazing children: Lynda, Jacquie, David, Michael, Sally, Ceci, and Jennifer. Together they navigated military service, frequent moves, and many of the various challenges of life. Throughout his career in agriculture and soil science, Jay was often at the forefront of new ideas and programs, while also serving diligently in the Church wherever his family lived. Jay is a faithful follower of Christ and that belief has shaped his entire life.

Ann Swenson is a strong, curious, and deeply faithful woman whose life has been shaped by resilience, service, and love for her family. She was born in 1933 in London, England, and grew up during World War II. Ann’s father was away for five years during the war. He had not been rescued at Dunkirk and then became a prisoner of war in Switzerland.  After the war, Ann immigrated with her family to Canada and later moved to Provo, Utah to attend BYU. She married her husband, Royal Jay Swenson, in 1953, and together they raised seven amazing children while navigating frequent moves, financial challenges, and everything in between. An avid lifelong learner, Ann returned to school later in life, earning two bachelor’s degrees, becoming a registered nurse, and completing a master’s degree in social work. She’s devoted her life to caring for others—as a mother, a nurse, and a temple worker for over thirty years—and is known for the deep, constant love she has always shown her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A devoted follower of Christ, Ann’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and creating a home where family has always come first.

Sandi Ross is a bright, beautiful, giving woman who has devoted her life to working hard and caring for her family. She grew up in Panguitch, Utah, where she enjoyed working on the farm with her dad and riding her horse, Bess. Her father tragically passed away when she was only fifteen years old, and their family moved to Salt Lake. Just before graduating high school, Sandi met and married Grant Duane Ross in 1961. Together, they raised three children, Kathy, Karla, and Kelly, and two of their seven grandchildren they owned and operated Sandi’s Drive-In in Richfield. Sandi eventually went on to work for Utah Power and sat on the executive board of the Union. She was the first female to do so and was on the board for twenty-five years. Sandi is a devout follower of Christ, and along with Duane, they visited fifty-three temples and served a temple mission to Lima, Peru.

Arlene Baldwin is a kind, loving, and resilient woman who has enjoyed a beautiful life full of rich experiences and close family ties. She’s no stranger to hardship, but no matter what she’s encountered, she’s met it with strength, optimism, and deep faith in Christ. She was born in Salt Lake City in 1931, right in the middle of the Great Depression. Her family had very little, but they made the most of what they had and shared a very strong bond. As the oldest child of six, Arlene took on responsibility early. She left high school halfway through her senior year so she could work and help give her younger siblings opportunities she didn’t have herself. At just 18 years old, Arlene met Byron Reed Baldwin while working at the Pronto Pup as a waitress. They married in 1950 and began building a wonderful life and family. Together hey raised five amazing children: Diane, Daryl, Dale, Donnie, and Deridee. Arlene was, and still is, a very involved mother, spending countless hours supporting her children in their many sports and activities, all while running the Rose Shop in Idaho Falls. Her home was busy and full of love. An accomplished artist, baker, knitter, and homemaker, Arlene has always shared her talents freely with others. Known affectionately as the “Candy Grandma”, she’s the heart of her family and a devoted matriarch to her five children, twenty grandchildren, fifty-one great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Throughout her life, Arlene has held fast to her faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Luana Merrell grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, as the fifth of eight Brimley children. At just sixteen years old, she lost her mother and stepped into the role of raising her younger siblings. From that point on, hers became a lifetime of devoted service and care for her family. After moving to Mesa, Arizona, Luana met her husband, Loren Vaughn Merrell, and together they raised eleven children. A gifted pianist, she has shared her love of music for decades and still teaches lessons at 94 years old. She is also passionate about sewing and crafting, talents she passed down to her family. Luana and her husband served a mission in El Salvador, teaching literacy and blessing countless lives. Later, she also served a single-sister mission in McAllen, Texas. Through every season of her life, Luana has built a legacy of faith, sacrifice, positivity, and love.

Paul Ervin is is a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He has lived a life full of grit, heart, and purpose. Born in Cincinnati in 1934, he grew up alongside three older sisters, spent his days playing baseball with friends, and working a miriad of different jobs. He stepped up early in life to help support his single mom, and eventually joined the Air Force. His time in the service took him to Texas, Alaska, and eventually to Madison, Wisconsin, where he met his wife, Francis.  Together, Paul and Fran built a beautiful life together. They raised two incredible daughters— both high-level swimmers. Paul has spent the majority of his career at the Department of Transportation where his knack for solving problems really shines. He’s lived in the same home since 1965, and even after losing his beloved Fran, Paul has stayed active, grounded, and full of stories worth telling.

Robert Borg has a lifetime of amazing stories. He grew up in Idaho Falls in a log cabin built by his Norwegian-born dad. From a young age, he developed a deep interest in Native American history and culture, which has lasted throughout his life. He also has a deep love for photography and Toyota Land Cruisers. A job fighting fires in Alaska led him to Boise, Idaho, where he met Vicki Young, who soon became his wife. Together, they have six amazing kids and 22 grandkids. Robert had a very successful 20-year career with UARCO and eventually started his own business, which he still owns today. His love for the gospel is very clear, and he lives what he believes by being a friend to the friendless and offering a hand to anyone in need.

Vicki Borg is a talented interior decorator, master seamstress, and passionate patriot. But even more importantly, she is a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Growing up the oldest child, she took it upon herself to set the example for her siblings of responsibility and faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, which has been the foundation for her life. She worked hard in her youth and eventually graduated from Boise State University. At just 18 years old, she met Robert Borg, and the two were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together, they have six amazing kids, 11 granddaughters, and 11 grandsons. Vicki spent her life raising those kids and creating a beautiful life at Borg Haven, their home of 50 years.

Gerda Dwyer has been through some of the most harrowing experiences in history. As a child, she lived through WWII in Germany. She experienced bombings, losing loved ones, starvation, and the constant terrors of war. Her stories illustrate the dangers of war and dictatorship but also her and her family’s bravery and resilience. After the war, Gerda left home, met and married an American GI, and immigrated to the US on a ship with a five-month-old baby. She became a single mother after her first marriage ended and worked hard to provide for her girls, Virginia and Suzanne. She later married Dr. Jacob H. Weis, who had been a contributor to the Manhattan project and worked alongside Dr. Oppenheimer on the first A-bomb.  After that marriage ended, she met and married Tom Dwyer, a kind and loving man to whom she was married for nearly 25 years. She worked for Hewlett-Packard for about 25 years as well, which eventually led her and her family to move to Boise, Idaho. She is a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loves her family more than anything. 

Stephanie Nye is a lovely, kind, intelligent woman. She grew up mainly overseas in many interesting places including Libya, Switzerland to attend boarding school, and Vietnam during the war. Eventually, Stephanie landed in Boise, Idaho, where she met and married her sweetheart Brent Nye, and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they have four wonderful kids who, in stark contrast to Stephanie‘s childhood, were all raised in their family home of nearly fifty years. Stephanie has spent her life serving and caring for others. She is patriotic, positive, and faithful.

You might know Neal Jones better as the Singing Grandpa, the viral, lovable, hymn-singing man from TikTok. But others know Neal as teacher, brother, friend, husband, and father. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Neal had an idyllic childhood full of playing sports with friends, attending church, and of course singing. He eventually made his way to Bob Jones University, which led him to a career in Christian education. His decision to attend Bob Jones also let him to meet his wonderful wife, Marsha. Together they have two lovely daughters.  Neal is kind and humble, and now spends his time sharing music and his beliefs with the world. 

Nancy Warren is an adventurous, hardworking, and caring woman. She was raised in Salt Lake City, where she had a childhood that she called a little rebellious, but a lot of fun.  That culminated in her eloping with her sweetheart, Kenny, when she was only 17 years old.  They shared over 60 years of marriage, and welcomed five kids into their family. She is an incredible mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She has enjoyed many different pursuits, activities, travels, and adventures. Nowadays, she suffers from blindness, but keeps a smile on her face and a fantastic sense of humor.  As I sat with her, she talked to me while knitting, which I found to be amazing. You may hear her knitting needles clack together throughout the interview.  She spent her life serving her family, those around her, and the Lord. Her love for life is contagious.

Bette Brown is a beautiful, caring, and selfless woman who has dedicated her life to raising her family and doing what is right. She has a lovely perspective on facing hard times, following the Lord, and loving others. Raised in Utah, she was surrounded by good friends and neighbors who helped her along the way. Later, she met and married her sweetheart, Doug, and together they had two children, Christi and Brian. They also played a significant role in helping to raise their twin nieces. Bette’s story is full of happiness and fond memories, which she recalls with gratitude.

Reta Oyler is an compassionate, caring, and Christlike woman. She has dedicated her life to helping those in need through her incredible nursing career and also as a missionary. Her greatest role, however, has been as wife and mother to her husband of 60 years and her seven amazing children. She was raised as a horse-riding, cheerleader in rural Idaho. She attended Weber College where she met Dick, who introduced her to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Since then, her focus has been on her family and the Lord as she worked as a labor and delivery nurse at night, raised her kids, served four faithful missions, and consistnetly worked in the temple- which she still does today.  

Dick Oyler is a dedicated saint, father, and husband. He was raised farming in Northern Utah where had many exciting and unique experiences as a boy. He also was taught, from an early age, that hard work would get you where you want to go. That later led him to attend college and dental school, serve a mission in New Zealand, and met and marry his incredible wife, Reta. Together they raised seven children and have now been married for 60 years. He spent his career working as a dentist which, along the way, led them to Samoa and later to Tonga as a missionary. He now serves as a sealer in the Meridian, Idaho Temple and continues to serve the Lord, as he has throughout his life. 

Maggie Olson is a creative, kind, loving mother and grandmother. She grew up in Marin County, California where she enjoyed being in nature and developing her artistry. She has lived many places, both for school and to help her kids and grandkids. She has many talents including storytelling, puppetry, clowning, face painting, design, drawing, painting, and making dream catchers. She is a selfless and giving believer in God. 

Darlene Robinson is a bright, positive, beautiful, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was raised in California and spent her summers waterskiing in Lake Tahoe with her brother and cousins. She attended BYU, became a dental hygienist, and eventually met her sweetheart, Gayle in California. Together they raised their three daughters while running a bus business. Darlene has had many wonderful and exciting adventures in her life, including her mission to the Philippines. Her story is full of positivity, as she is someone who sees the best in others, and whatever situation comes her way. 

Miriam and Dean Morrell have shared an amazing lif e and raised 6 fantastic kids. Their dream is to have “no empty chairs” when they get to the other side. Having an eternal family is what is most important to them. They had fairly different childhoods but both learned the value of hard work early on. They’ve lived all over the country, had some really hard times, and witnessed miracles along their way.

Norma Christiansen is an incredible, sharp, witty, kind, 101 year old woman.  She has spent her life in Wisconsin where she grew up as the only child of hardworking parents. She played the clarinet in the band and studied to become a teacher. She taught school for many years and worked as a school librarian. She met and married Eugene and together they raised their sons, Glen and Mark. She is a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who has taught her children that everyone pitches in to help.  Throughout her 101 years, Norma has seen many changes in the world and faces several personal challenges. She is an inspiration to those around her and remains an optimistic example to her loved ones. 

Margene Koller has had an amazing life full of adventure. She is an avid family historian with many fascinating stories from her heritage. She worked as a school teacher for many years before marrying her husband Frank. Together, they raised two children while moving all over the world. She's a positive, bright woman who has been close with the Lord her entire life.