Elizabeth C. Tolman

Elizabeth C. Tolman, 78, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2011, at Quail Ridge Assisted Living Center in Pocatello, Idaho.

Beth was born April 20, 1933, to Edward H. Corbett and Maud Hayes Corbett in Bancroft, Idaho. The family moved to Salmon a year later when the Corbett family purchased the Shoup Ranch south of town.

Beth was raised on the Corbett Ranch, attending school in Salmon, including Salmon High School, where she played trumpet in the band. She graduated with the class of 1951.

Beth married James Rex Tolman on May 4, 1951, in Salmon, in the original Shoup Mansion. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 23, 1952.

Beth and Rex raised six children on their place, as well as dozens of boys and girls sent to the ranch, by their families, to learn how to work hard.

Beth was known for the hearty, delicious meals she provided for her family and work crews: meat and milk from the ranch, potatoes, corn and vegetables from Beth's own large and bountiful garden, and always followed by wonderful cakes or cookies for dessert.

Beth was an accomplished pianist who could play by ear, and accompany anyone in any key. She loved to play the piano and organ for church services, and her home was always filled with the sounds of music. Beth was a lifelong, faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and along with her musical callings, she served in stake and ward Relief Society and stake and ward Primary positions. Beth loved children and worked for many years as a Cub Scout den mother and a 4-H Club leader.

After her husband, Rex, passed away, Beth lived with her oldest daughter for two years, until ill health made it necessary for her to enter assisted living, first in Blackfoot and finally in Pocatello.

Beth is survived by five of her children, Jane Hjorth of Clearfield, Utah, Edward (Kathy) Tolman of Salmon, Janet (Ben) Forsgren of Stanley, Tim (Barb) Tolman of Salmon and Linette (John) Franson of Blackfoot; 28 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Tuana Gillespie of Spring Creek, Nev., and Edna Olsen of Salmon.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rex; her son, Michael C. Tolman; grandson, Caleb Edward Tolman; and great-granddaughter, Zoey Stephenson.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 17, at the Salmon Stake Center, under the auspices of the Salmon River Funeral Chapel, with Bishop John Smith officiating. A viewing for family and friends is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, June 16, at the Salmon River Funeral Chapel, 900 Mulkey St. The family will visit with friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Relief Society room of the Stake Center, just prior to services.

Burial will follow the services at Salmon Cemetery.