Gwenaver Hall "Gwen" Longhurst

'Together Again' Gwenaver "Gwen" Hall Longhurst, 90, former Ogden resident, passed away April 26, 2013, at a hospital in Provo, Utah. She had recently been living at Summerfield Manor in Orem, Utah, since the passing of her husband in October 2012.

Gwen was born January 21, 1923, in Portage, Utah, to George Ellery Hall and Philene Jane Gibbs Hall. She spent her first four years in Portage until her family moved to Brigham City. When she was 15, her family moved to Shelley, Idaho, where she completed her high school education and met her future husband, Leonard Longhurst. They were married March 28, 1941, in the Logan LDS Temple. Shortly after they were married, Leonard was drafted into the Air Force, which took Gwen and Leonard many places throughout the United States.

After his discharge from the military, Gwen and Leonard made their home in Shelley, Idaho, where they started their family of four daughters: Jacqueline "Jackie," Linda, Shelia and Susan "Sue." They lived in Preston, Idaho, for a short time before moving to Rexburg where they finished raising their family.

In addition to being a wife and mother, Gwen also worked outside the home. She was a civilian employee on several Air Force bases while Leonard was in the military. While living in Shelley, she and Leonard co-owned and operated Myrt's Drive Inn Restaurant. After moving to Rexburg she worked many years at First Security Bank as their Operations Officer. She worked at Ricks College and, also, for many years at Rexburg Medical Center. She was a member of the Rexburg Business and Professional Women's Club.

She was an excellent seamstress and could sew almost anything, including all four of her daughters' wedding dresses. They always raised a beautiful garden and did a lot of canning in the fall.

After their retirement, Gwen and Leonard moved to Ogden, Utah, which was a central location between their children and extended family. They also spent 11 winters in Yuma, Arizona, where she loved playing cards, games and crafts in the clubhouse. She was an avid reader and a member of two book clubs. She also enjoyed playing sports while growing up, especially basketball, and she was a loyal Utah Jazz fan.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many positions, including Primary Teacher, Stake Young Women's Counselor and Relief Society President. Gwen was a great example of hard work, generosity, love and service to her family and everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Leonard Longhurst; her parents; a brother, Donald Lamar Hall; and sisters, Glaya Thorpe and Helen King.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Jackie and Bill Cushing of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Linda and Kent Wickham of Orem, Utah, Shelia Norman of Ogden, Utah, and Sue and Craig King of Nampa, Idaho; 16 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Canyon Hollows LDS Ward at 1550 Rushton Street, Ogden, Utah. Family will meet with friends one hour prior to the services. Interment will be at 3 p.m. at the Portage, Utah, Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.myers-mortuary.com.

Family Tribute