In Loving Memory of Lu Ann Staheli

This morning, I lost a dear friend of mine, Lu Ann Staheli, who was bravely fighting cancer for 8 months. So many emotions battle for space when I think of Lu Ann. My first encounter with Lu Ann was in 2001 when I attended a League of Utah Writers meeting at the Provo Library, and Lu Ann was the speaker that night. She had her two little boys with her, Kent & Chan, since her husband was out of town. They sat at the back of the room while their mother taught the class. At one point, when they became rambunctious (I think they were climbing beneath a table), Lu Ann excused herself, walked to the back of the classroom, asked them to behave, then walked to the front of the room and continued teaching without missing a beat.

A few months later, I was invited into a critique group by Annette Lyon. Lu Ann was a part of the group, and I remember being excited (and a little intimidated) at that fact. There are so many things I want to remember about Lu Ann and I wish I could thank her again and again. I have a book coming out in May called Bondage (book 1 of The Moses Chronicles), which I dedicated to her. She won't be able to see that dedication in person now, but I believe she knows how much she means to me.

Just a few of my memories of Lu Ann:

At critique group: "Where are we, Heather?" (I struggle with creating setting in my first drafts)

In a text when asking her whether or not I should take on a certain project: "No, you're better off working on what you already have planned. Stick to your plan. You know it's right."

When trying to decide if I should indie publish: She sent me links to books that I should read. She'd done her own research and had enough unpublished manuscripts that she decided to start putting them up for sale.

We spent time at critique group each week for over ten years. I can hear her laugh now. I can hear her making corrections to my manuscript as I write, "Um, Heather, people can't do that." Or the infamous proclamation that everyone around our table heard. "I don't buy this."

Her handwriting was neat and tidy. Her comments thoughtful. She was well-read, and I mean well-read. From non-fiction to middle grade, to thrillers, to historical tomes. We swapped books to read, we swapped manuscripts, we swapped ideas, and we swapped dreams.

Losing Lu Ann is difficult and continues to be difficult. There aren't many people I can call or text any time of the day for advice, or just to chat. Lu Ann was one of those people. She had many dreams. For her family, for her career, and even more dreams for when she retired. Lu Ann taught English for over 30 years and most recently she was the school librarian--a job she'd loved and had worked hard to get after earning her Master's Degree.

Lu Ann was one of my Senior Editors at Precision Editing Group and she mentored dozens and dozens of new writers over the years.

This is a picture of Lu Ann and I the year we both won Best of State. Me for fiction, Lu Ann for non-fiction. Ironically, I had also entered the non-fiction category, and Lu Ann beat me out. I could never be happier to lose.

Lu Ann has truly been a mentor and an integral part of my publishing journey. She's given me advice on manuscripts, agents, editors, and she's encouraged, uplifted, and helped me every step of the way.

Jeff Savage, a member of my critique group, set up a fund that goes directly to her family, that will help pay for her medical bills.

I'm also working to put out all of her indie published books onto paperback as well. This will continue her legacy, one in which she helped so many achieve their dreams. Lu Ann's Amazon author page is here.

Our critique group: Robison Wells, Annette Lyon, Michele Holmes, Lu Ann Staheli, Sarah Eden, Me, Jeff Savage

In Loving Memory

Today I'll be at the funeral of my grandmother (in-law). Even though she reached the age of 89 and spent the majority of her life, with the exception of the last couple of weeks, in excellent health, today is a sad day. It's also a day of joy in that my grandmother has completed her earthly journey, and, I believe, has lived a good life, fought the good fight, and came out victorious.

When my oldest child was born, both sets of his grandparents were living elsewhere, my parents in Israel, my in-laws in Hawaii. My husband and I lived a couple of streets away from great-Grandma and Grandpa Sjoblom (pronounced Show-blum). For the early part of my son's life, they were the grandparents he knew.

The obituary below sums up Grandma's life, but there are things that can never be fully described on paper. Her laughter, her humor, the scent of her perfume, the softness of her cheek, the way she always dressed to the nines, the stories she told, and "the loves" she gave her great-grandkids.

My six-year old said last night, "Why couldn't Grandma 'Shoulder' live until she was 90? Then we could keep visiting her." Agreed. But I thought of her husband, her siblings and her parents, all who have been waiting for many years to visit with her. The wait is finally over.








Marjorie Newbold Sjoblom 1922 ~ 2011
Our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend peacefully passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 from causes incident to age. Her passing was a sweet experience for all as her loved ones surrounded her and each took an opportunity to express their love and farewell. Marjorie was born January 17, 1922 to Charles Henry and Annie Ada Sadler Newbold in their Draper, Utah home. She was the youngest child of this wonderful family consisting of Verl Newbold, Eldred "Jeff" Newbold, Bernice Newbold Johnson, Ralph Joseph Newbold, Myrth Newbold Bills, Willis A. Newbold, and two other siblings who died in infancy. Her heritage, which included strong ties to pioneer roots, was very important to her. Mom's childhood and teen years were spent in Draper where she and her brother, Willis, were inseparable. They were both members of the Draper school band. Marjorie graduated from Jordan High School where she made friends easily throughout her school years, and many turned into lifelong friendships. She was a good student who participated in leadership roles and excelled in math and reading. She made learning her lifelong pursuit. She also enjoyed singing and loved the choir.

The Great Depression years had a profound impact on her. As a teenager, she worked at Rasmussen's Market. She learned the importance of hard work, frugality and effectively managing family financial affairs. She prided herself in always having a savings, being able to meet the family's financial obligations, and in paying her bills on time. She was never late on a single bill in all her years! Mom married her childhood sweetheart and fellow Jordan High Beetdigger, Boyd Robert (Bob) Sjoblom. Bob set several high school records in track and football, and Mom was always there to cheer him on. Their marriage took place in 1942 and was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on June 11, 1951. Prior to Bob's passing, they celebrated 57 years of marriage. Her family was the focus of her life. As the children married, Dad and Mom added a large family room with a fireplace for ongoing family gatherings. These were joyful times with good food, games and, most importantly, family bonding. Mom was a great cook. Her lemon pies and "melt in your mouth" rolls are still legendary. Sunday at Mom's included a tender roast beef dinner with the best gravy in the state. Every holiday and monthly birthday celebration was a memorable and joyful experience. Especially meaningful to her were Easter, Pioneer Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. These gatherings created family traditions which are still observed by her family which humbly began with two and presently totals over 100. Mom supported her children in their school activities and took joy in their accomplishments. She was especially proud that her three oldest daughters were all crowned Miss Draper.

As her children became older, she worked at Bowen's Dry Goods in Draper. She was reliable, honest and had a stellar work ethic. She loved associating with many wonderful customers. As the family grew and the children moved away, Mom was still always there to support them in times of grandchildren's birth, sickness and emergencies. Mom was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Draper 3rd and 7th Wards as a member of the Primary presidency, and in Relief Society and Sunday School organizations. She taught the same age group for over 20 years. Her Sunday School boys were special to her, as she was to them. Many of her former students continued to visit her on a regular basis to express their love and respect. Generously and compassionately, she quietly helped many in need. In later years, she and Dad served as ordinance workers in the Jordan River Temple. She was very supportive of her nine grandchildren who served honorable missions throughout the world. She was also able to see her three oldest great-grandsons (Dane, Cooper and Bo Smith) enter the Missionary Training Center and are currently serving in different parts of the world.

Mom is survived by five children: Becky Smith, American Fork, Utah; Margene "Jeanie" Moore (Lester), Draper, Utah; Judy Gay Bowthorpe (Dale), Midvale, Idaho; Boyd Eldred Sjoblom (Brenda), Draper, Utah; and Paula Bowthorpe (Michael), Sandy, Utah; 23 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, Bob (died December 16, 1999), parents, siblings, and grandson Damon Robert Moore. The family extends their deep gratitude to the staff and residents at The Wentworth in Draper, who loved her and cared for her as though she were their own. Also to the Eastridge 10th Branch Presidency and members, and the kind members of the Draper 7th Ward who provided warm friendships. We also appreciate the sensitive and nurturing care provided by Alta View Hospital's doctors, nurses and health group (hospice care) in her final hours. A very special thank you goes to Paula and her family for the continuous and loving care they gave to Mom in the past 11 years of her life. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Draper 7th Ward building located at 600 East 12300 South in Draper, Utah. A viewing will be held there prior to the funeral from 9:30-10:45 a.m. and also on Monday, February 14, 2011 from 6-8:00 p.m.at Goff Mortuary located at 8090 South State Street in Midvale, Utah. Internment will be at the Draper, Utah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to Primary Children's Medical Center. Condolences and memories may be expressed online to the family at www.goffmortuary.com