Grandma Sibyl's Temple

One of the things that I remember about Grandma Sibyl is the wonderful opportunity we had to take her to the temple every Tuesday and Thursday. Sometimes I would take her on the way to work, sometimes, I would take her with Eli. She would pass an American flag and ask Eli to look at it and see it wave. He was a smart learner and respond to her in the same way. "See that flag, Grandma Sibyl. See it wave." We enjoyed these trips. Soon the Jordan River Temple became known as Grandma Sibyl's Temple.
Eli had a hard time watching her go in because he would want to go with her. We told him that he could go to the temple when he was 12. One afternoon, not to long later, I summoned the child to pick her up at the temple with me and he promptly responded, "I am twelve." I am grateful to her that she instilled the joy of temple work into the hearts of my little one so early.
Today, I went to the that temple and I thought of her often, especially since I was wearing a white pair of shoes she gave me and was carrying the temple case I inherited from Grandpa. My thoughts turned to her frequently as I have developed feet problems and how she had problems with her legs from the time she was 14 until she died. I am truly inspired by her strength. With all that pain, she had five children, kept her house orderly, invited several general authorities to her home, served two missions and traveled Europe, Australia and much of South America. I know she was in more pain than she let on as she didn't complain much.
During the session, my thoughts turned to the time I went through for the first time and had the honor of having Grandma Sibyl as my guide. She came up to me and told me I was beautiful. I was missing her and a kind stranger repeated those same words. I knew she was close.
She loved working at the temple and the people working there loved her. During the time she worked there, she trained many people who went on to work at the Oquirrh Mountain temple and the Draper Temple. I find peace knowing that she will continue the work where she is.

Pink might be a new Christmas color.

Even though this blog is supposed to be all about Harris and Sibyl Mortensen, I wanted to try and sneak in a picture of Kurt's Grandchild, Riley Mary Koyle and tie it to a memory of Grandma Sibyl. She had this tree (as seen in the pictures below with Amy, Kellan, Jenifer and Eli) that was beautifully color coordinated and pink. The tree itself was white and all of the ornaments on the tree had to be pink and even the Christmas tree skirt and lights were pink. Many of the ornaments were made by her daughter, Marsha, except for the one on Riley's tummy. Jenifer made this ornament and used to always tease her because the tree wasn't in the traditional Christmas colors of red and green. This year, I will hang this ornament on my tree and think of Grandma Sibyl.

Another 8th!

The Kurt Mortensen Family used to tease Sibyl about her impeccable memory. She would remember everyone's birthday and send a card every year. We would tease her that she didn't really remember the birthday, because everyone's birthday was on the 8th of the month. Of her grandchildren, there is Jenifer's on June 8th, Katie on October 8th, Cody on July 8th and a great-grandchild Corwin on December 8th. Well, this past month, she would have had her eighth great-grand grandchild born on October 8th. Born of Jenifer and Jared Koyle, Riley is Kurt's sixth grandchild and her name is Riley Mary Koyle. Mary after Mary Sibyl Mortensen.

81 Years Young

Sibyl Mortensen would be 81 years old today.
Happy Birthday Sibyl!
We will always remember your smile and love for all those around you.

Wonderful Comments about Sibyl from Facebook

FROM VALARIE FRANK - WAS VALARIE MANLEY
I am so sorry to hear about that! I remember your mother well - she was always so kind and a true example of a woman of God. She was always cheerful during our conversations and I enjoyed being in her presence very much. May blessings and peace be upon you and your family at this time. I remember your dad as well - a giant in my books - I learned a lot from him during my early days in the church (he was Stake President at the time). I'm certain that they are together and are happy. Still, her presence will be missed.

FROM DIANE MERRIL
I've remembered many of the kindnessess your Mom shared with me and my family in former years. She has always been one of my heroes. She was a great example of a wonderful woman. She will be missed.

FROM JOYCE WILSON
Oh how we miss good, strong women when they are gone. I feel privileged to know her when she was here. Her influence lingers on.

FROM BONNIE BELL
So sorry to hear that. She was a marvelous woman. If she had to go, I'm gld she went the way she would want to go - quick. And so grateful for the plan of salvation! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

FROM CHARLENE WELSH
Jack and I send our thoughts and prayers with you and your family. We loved your mom!

SHIRLEE WILTON
Marcia we heard about your Mom yesterday.... She was a wonderful woman! She will be missed my us all. I hope you are doing OK.... it is so hard to be without our Moms.

DELENE MORTENSEN
Love you Marcia. Wish I could be there. So many special memories of your parents together and our families enjoying each other. I remember the silly songs and all of the laughter. Take care.((((HUGS)))

ALLYSON JOHNSON
I am so sorry to hear this she was a wonderful lady and have missed seeing her since she moved to Utah. You are right she is happy to be with your Dad she talked about that special day when they would be reunited. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sibyl and Harris' Posterity

Back Row r to l: Harris Mortensen, Gena Jacob, Kurt Mortensen.
Front Row r to l: Marcia Bales, MaryJo Campbell

Welcome to the World!

As soon as Eli Koyle was born, I called my house to see if anyone there would want to visit the new baby. Grandma Sibyl answered the phone and rushed to the hospital without telling anyone she was going. She was Eli's first visitor and welcomed him to the world so warmly.
Sibyl loved Eli and he loved "Bibyl" as he called her. Over the years, Eli and her shared many wonderful moments of playing with blocks, catching pillows and trying to get each other with the pick-up stick.