Elva Alberta Terry Lambert

BURLEY – Our dear wife, mother, and grandmother, Elva Alberta Terry Lambert, age 90, of Burley, peacefully passed away at her home on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012.

Elva was born on March 15, 1922, to Walter and Mabel Herbst Terry in Buhl, Idaho. She grew up the second of five children with siblings, Mildred, Vivian, Velma, and Walter Leon. Elva spent most of her childhood in Jerome and graduated from Jerome High School in 1940. Elva attended Albion State Normal School from 1940-1942, where she earned her teaching certificate. She taught third grade at Oakley Elementary and Miller School in Burley. It was while teaching at Miller School in February 1946, that she met the love of her life, Joseph Prestwich Lambert, who was on leave from the U.S. Army and on his way to Korea. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on Oct. 3, 1946. Joe has been a wonderful example of unconditional and Christlike love and service as he has supported and cherished Elva through the years.

Joe and Elva were blessed with their first child, Gary, in July 1948, while living in Burley. They moved to Seattle, Washington, in October 1948, where Gordon, Joan, and Karen were later born. After making their home in Seattle for several years, they moved back to Burley in January 1954, where their next four children, Debra, Jon, Wendy, and Marsha were added to the family. They have resided in Burley since that time.

Elva has always been a very active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Primary and Relief Society organizations in various callings. She was a very faithful visiting teacher, fulfilling her calling until her last days. Elva and Joe served an LDS mission together in 1986-87 to Colfax, Washington. They also were workers in the Boise Temple for ten years.

Elva was a very talented woman, always using those talents to quietly serve and uplift others. She returned to teaching part-time and taught kindergarten for several years at Leona Carlson’s, Catherine Thaxton’s, and Springdale Kindergartens. Elva also loved music and had fond memories of her years as a member of the Sweet Adelines.

Elva is loved and survived by her husband, Joseph Lambert of Burley; her children, Gordon (Carol) Lambert of South Jordan, Utah, Joan (Tom) Johnson of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Karen Erickson of Sandy, Utah, Debra (Von) Gibby of Burley, Jon (Joan) Lambert of El Dorado Hills, California, Wendy (Kody) Thurston of Phoenix, Arizona, and Marsha (Tony) Hughes of Oro Valley, Arizona. She is also survived by stepdaughters, Judy White of Seattle, Washington, and Carol (Wendell) Gadd of Springville, Utah. She is a beloved grandma to 41 grandchildren, Heather, Ryan, Rick and Jenny (Lambert); William (Carey), Andrew, Benjamin and Emily (Johnson), Dustin and Jason (Erickson); Hyrum, Chantille, Sarah, Collette, Devon and Talia (Gibby); Jami, Heidi, Joey, Nathan, and Quinn (Lambert); Jacob, Lindsay, Jacey, Tanner, Parker and Paige (Thurston); Todd, Trey, Halie, Tate and Savannah (Hughes); Tracy (Rein) and Shannon (White); and Michelle, Amy, Dayna, Katie, David and Molly (Gadd). Elva also has 66 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are, Leon of Roseville, California, Vivian Lee of San Dimas, California, Velma Barlow of Orem, Utah, and Joe’s brother, Paul (Marie) Lambert of Burley. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Elva.

She was preceded in death by, and is now enjoying a beautiful reunion with, her parents; her firstborn son, Gary, who died as a small toddler; her sister, Mildred Westfall; and a grandson, Christopher Johnson.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at the Burley LDS West Stake Center, 2420 Parke Ave., with Bishop Matt Cook officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church.