Life of Marion Estella Trone Thatcher

Written by Herself

On 10 November 1919, in Salt Lake City, Utah,  a baby daughter was born to Guy Raymond Trone and Estella Pearl Wilkinson.  Guy, the son of Jacob Trone and Alice Rebecca Osmun, born 11 September 1883, at Reddington, North Ampton Co. Pennsylvania.  The letter “H” was dropped from Throne.  Estella Pearl Wilkinson, Daughter of Joseph Wilkinson and Marth Ann Mills, born 30 September 1880 at Hoytsville, Summit County, Utah.

My Mother died 11 November 1919, at the L.D.S. Hospital, Salt Lake, Utah.  My Grandma Wilkinson took care of the family until I was 8 months old.  Her health failed and I went to live with my Aunt Martha Mills.

I was blessed 4 January 1920 by George S. Ashton.  My first name came from a very Dear Friend of my Mothers; my second, is that of my Mothers.  I have one sister and five brothers: Oscar Jacob, 31 October 1907 and died 28 May 1916; Zella Rebecca, 14 June 1910; Elmer LeRoy, 10 July 1912; Leslie Paul, 12 May 1914; and Russell Valentine, 14 February 1916.

I have always considered it a most fortunate privilege that I was allowed to live with my Aunt Martha.  I had opportunities offered me that my own brothers and sisters missed.  The Prized possession is the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, instilled in my heart from youth.

Truly Aunt Martha became a wonderful Mother, and her good husband, Albert, a Dear loving Father.  Her children, Grace, Emma and Fay that I grew up with, I love as if they were blood sisters.  Our Home was Happy.  Even so, my very wise Aunt never let me lose track of my own father, brothers and sister.  Allowing me to see them vacations, week ends, or other times when I wanted to.  She was always considerate of my feelings.

My childhood was spent on the farm.  I learned to work and many other things; however, not all of the time was spend working, may are the good times we spent as a family.  At the age of five I had to wear glasses.

My schooling commenced in the year 1924 at Hoytsville, Utah; the second year at Laffayette School in Salt Lake.  My third and remaining grades in Hoytsville.  During my fifth grade, I was made Editor-in-chief of our school news paper.  I was active in Drama and Music.  I was baptized in the Weber River, 4 August 1928, confirmed by following day.

My adolescent years with filled with 4H Club activities.  I participated in both sewing and cooking, acting as secretary in one,  and reporter in the other.  I won ribbons in both County and State Fairs.  My Junior High and High School days were spent in North Summit High at Coalville, Utah.  I was active in chorus, orchestra, speech and drama.  Also was an active member of the Girl’s Pep Club.  25 May I graduated from Junior High.  I graduated from the Latter Day Saint’s Seminary 25 May 1937.  The North Summit High Graduation too place 28 May 1937.

During the summer months I took my first job away from home, doing house-work and tending children for $5.00 a week.  I chose house-work because it took no costume or special clothes, and no boarding costs.  Therefore, all my money was saved for school tuition.  I attended the State Agriculture College in the fall of 1937.  I was fortunate enough to get a job on National Youth Administration at $10.20 a month to help me keep in school. 

 ‘Twas during my college years that I learned the Blessing of paying my Tithing.  One Particular incident occurred after working all summer; I had enough money for my tuition, but tithing would make me short.  Naturally I was tempted, but because of my teachings I paid my tithing.  Before leaving for school, through the mail, I received a $60.00 inheritance from my uncle; my share of Grandma Wilkinsons Estate.

 I took classes at the L.D.S. Institute of Learning, it was there I met W. E. Thatcher.  We were married 10 May 1940, in L.D.S. Temple, S.L.Ut.  We began our house keeping in a remodeled apartment, that Everett had on 3^rd North and 3^rd East in Logan, Utah.  Later moving to Trailertown, where he built our fist home of two rooms.

 Waiting for our first born filled us with much anxiety, preparing for the great day. 3 March 1941 Lester Don Thatcher was born, Logan Utah. He brought much happiness and responsibility. We moved to Ogden, Utah.  28 August 1942 a lovely daughter came to bless our home in Ogden, Utah.  Leo Everett, born 28 January 1945 and Robert Ernest, 15 February 1849, Ogden Utah.  Due to construction jobs in both Oregon and Washington, we moved our home to Oregon, busing a new home in Portland, Oregon.  After a lapse of 7 years the Lord blessed us with more lovely children, Ann, 12 October 1954; Joy, 24 March 1956 and David, 18 September 1957, Oregon.

 I have been an active worker in the Church in nearly all Organizations.  Sec. Sunday School 1936; Sec. M.I.A. and Primary 1950-52, -1956-7. President M.I.A. 1952-3; Class Leader in all years between.  In 1956 I won a seal of approval for the excellent way my Primary Books are kept.  I enjoy the work, have much Faith and strong Testimony of the Gospel.