Swallowed up

Last month my Grandpa Stones passed away.  Sure loved him.  As I sat listening to the service at the grave, I noticed to myself that nothing bad could be said of him.  I couldn't think of one negative thing I ever saw him do or say.  What a wonderful thing to leave as a legacy to your posterity.

This is the last time we saw Grandpa.  So glad little he got to meet Wade, and vice versa.

This is the first death I've really experienced of someone really close to me.  I mean I had 2 uncles pass in tragedies when I was about 12, and that was mostly scary to me, but I didn't know them well.  I do believe, however, I have since then realized that death is nothing to fear.  Even untimely death, although sad, does not bring complete despair.

Last week, upon reminiscing of the five years that have passed since I left as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I found my dear fellow missionary, whom I loved, Ryan Tauiliili had passed away on October 8 in a car accident.  He is the one next to me on the far left.

 He was truly a special person who really loved everyone and brought sunshine and laughter into every room he entered.  I will miss him, but I know he is thoroughly enjoying his time in his new residence.
As I read in the Book of Mormon a few days later, it tells of a people who were honest and righteous and diligent in following Jesus Christ.  It says of them (Alma 27:28),

 "They never did look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it."

Love that.  So grateful to know that.  Right, Wade??

 Boyce Rafeal Stones, 84 of Logan, Utah, passed away Saturday afternoon, Sept 24^th, 2011 at the Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center where he has resided for the last two and a half years.  He was born on Dec 20^th, 1926 in SLC, Utah to Genevieve and Horace W. Stones. 
      Boyce married Rada Tims on Aug 26, 1950 and their marriage was solemnized Dec 27^th, 1950 in the Logan LDS Temple.  Boyce and Rada are the proud parents of four children: Pamela Whicker, Tamra Stones, Terry Stones, and Jalyn Kelley.  Boyce was always devoted to his family.  The Family enjoyed many outings camping, snowmobiling or vacationing in Yellowstone. To finance these trips, he saved the vending machine money and once sold a truck to pay the cost of spending time with his family in the great outdoors.
      Boyce served honorably as a Corporal in the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1951.  In Dec 2000, he was honored for his military service and was awarded six medals: the Combat Infantry Badge, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the 50^th Anniversary Korean War Service Medal. 
      Boyce owned and operated Stones Texaco Station on the corner of 3^rd South and Main and will be remembered by the many patrons whose cars he serviced year after year.  He had a knack for coaxing extra life from vehicles that had lived past their prime.  He was also known for being quick to help and serve others in times of need. 
      Boyce is survived by his wife, Rada Tims Stones, and four children, Pamela (Glenn) Whicker, Tamra Stones, Terry (Laura) Stones, and Jalyn (Paul deceased) Kelley.  He is survived by his siblings William (Marilyn) Stones, and Themla (Norm) Winterbottom. He is also survived by his twelve grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.  He will be greatly missed by all those who loved him and called him friend. 
      Boyce’s family would like to give special thanks to the staff of the Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center for their loving and professional care.
      Graveside services will be held Saturday October 1^st, 2011, at 12:00 PM, at the Logan Cementary.   Arrangements for the service are being provided by Nelson Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sunshine Terrace Foundation, 248 W. 300 N. Logan, UT.