We returned to Virden to bring Jay back to the valley he loved on June 2nd, 2011 for his final resting place.
We always enjoy returning to the old LDS Chapel in Virden where there are so many memories.
I am standing in front of the old Virden School filled with memories. I took our children on a tour of the important landmarks in their Dad's life growing up in Virden.
I showed our grandchildren the home where Jay's parents lived when I first came into the family.
Marlene was baptized by her Dad in this canal at the back of their home. Jay was also baptized here.
All that remains of their home at the end of the lane is this tree where the home once stood.
We brought our little girls back to visit their grandparents in this home. We had them stand at the front door and we hid while they came to the door so they only saw our cute little girls.
I enjoyed sharing my memories with my daughters.
I was happy for the opportunity to share my memories with my children and grandchildren.
I am sure this old home in Virden would have lots to tell us if it could talk.
I enjoy the peace and quiet in Virden.
Great games of basketball and volley ball were played in the gym at the school.
The playground sits waiting for children to come and play.
This is the lunch room at the school where Jay and his classmates had a hot lunch every day.
I took more pictures of the Virden School.
The building housed both the elementary and high school.
Another verse of Jay's poem says, "So many things to think about, In our beautiful valley dear"
Historical events and happenings bring memories --oh so clear."
There were only nine students in Jay's high school graduating class. They were all top achievers and won lots of awards at State Meets.
"Great crops of cotton, corn, cows, and kids" were grown in the Virden valley.
I enjoyed in the early morning walking up and down the streets of Virden.
Some of the residents of Virden have a new business raising llamas.
My early morning walk was very peaceful and made me feel close to my sweetheart.
Jay ends his poem written for Virden's 75th birthday by saying, "Yes, this is a beautiful valley, And has been over the years,"
"But the greatest beauty we have seen, Without a doubt, my dears"
"Is the beauty of her people, Blessed by God above. Physically, yes, but most of all, Endowed with the beauty of love"
I am happy that my children and grandchildren could feel the beauty of Virden.
We all felt closer to our Dad here in the beautiful valley of Virden.
Virden hasn't changed much through the years.
Jay first brought me to Virden 52 years ago.
I loved it then and I love it now.
Jay's family homesteaded this area during his childhood. All tht remains of this home is the cement foundation that you can see.
Jay in his poem said, "So the beautiful valley of Virden, Sheltered in the hills, Nurtured many a choice event, With thrills and chills and spills."
Uncle Orson and Aunt Edna lived in this home.
More from Jay's poem, "Oh, beautiful valley of Virden, Sheltered in these hills, We love you
we remember you--Your name our memory fills."
"We're thankful you have touched our lives, May you be ever blessed-- Our wonderful, lovely valley-- You are just--the best!"
Jay loved Steeple Rock.
Joann gave her Dad a painting of Steeple Rock that for years has hung over his desk.
I plan to return often to the beautiful valley of Virden.
Ray, Kenneth, Rauna, Joann and I stayed for the Ray and Verna Richardson Family Reunion on June 3, 2011 held at the old Virden Chapel which is now a Family Reunion Center.
Kenneth and Rauna's families also were with us to enjoy the day. Early in the morning I walked the streets of Virden thinking of my sweetheart and his life growing up in this little community.
I found that what I enjoyed most was talking to Jay's oldest brother about Jay's childhood and experiences from his life.
I showed them the posters we had from our display at his services in Mesa.
I spent most of the day at the cemetery where I felt close to Jay, my sweetheart for 52 years.
Jorth gave us a tour of Virden and recounted experiences that happened at each location.
I was happy to learn that I included most of the things he talked about in the tour I gave our children before some of them left.
Jorth reminds me so much of Jay. Jorth said that Jay was the "wind beneath his wings" to encourage him on to accomplish good things in his life.
We again visited their last home in Virden before Jay's Dad died and his Mother moved to Mesa.
The canal runs back of their home.
After the tour our family went to the Franklin Cemetery to visit the graves of Grandpa and Grandma Richardson.
We took pictures of the graves with the dates of their birth and death.
We enjoyed being together and sharing the memories of these great people.
Buried next to them is the grave of Jay's brother who died when he was 15 months old.
Charles brought a buggy and handcart to the reunion to give the children rides.
Andy liked riding in this little train.
He wanted me to take his picture.
Peggy shows us their twin grandchildren.
Terry and Cathy gave us a DVD with lots of family pictures that we will cherish.
We had lots of good food at the Reunion.
We enjoyed visiting with our relatives.
Some of the young adults enjoyed volleyball and ultimate frisbee.
Charles and Sue were at the reunion.
Elaine's children came from Fruitland for the reunion.
Rauna planned and conducted a fun game of Jeopardy that everyone enjoyed playing. Joann helped keep score for the different teams.
It was fun to see what we knew about the original Richardson family and to learn more about them. She had the categories of music, accidents, school, sports, weddings, professions, Virden and surroundings, missions and hobbies to choose from for different points.
Kenneth sang his Dad's poem set to music, "Hoe Your Row Clean" at the talent show.
I am happy that he was able to share this with Jay's extended family.
As a special request Kenneth also quoted one of his Dad's favorite poems, "Burning Desire" or better known as "The Cookie Monster".
Thank you Kenneth for your contributions from our family to the program.
I am grateful for the family members that enjoyed the Richardson Reunion with me. We left late Friday night to return home.
We got back to Mesa in time for me to tell my BYU Grandchildren goodbye and to have prayer with them before they drove back up to Utah.
