Obituary: Francis Rawlins James Pyne

Francis Rawlins James Pyne 1925 ~ 2006 Loving wife, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Francis Rawlins James Pyne, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, April 12, 2006, surrounded by her loving husband and family at the age of 81, after a lifetime of accomplishments and service. Francis was born on January 6, 1925, to George Webb and Leah Rawlins James in Paradise, Utah, the 10th of 13 children. There she spent her entire childhood, raised on a farm, together with her other 12 loving brothers and sisters. They were not rich in monetary items, but as a family, rich in love and happiness. She graduated from Cache Valley High School. A beautiful young lady that loved to dance. On November 2, 1942, she married her loving husband, Gerald Crandall Pyne, and was later sealed, February 14, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple. They recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. During World War II she lived in Pensacola, Florida and briefly in Oklahoma while accompanying her husband in the armed forces, and has lived all her life in Orem. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many organizations; a visiting teacher, presidencies, and a loving Primary teacher for 20 years. She worked for Alpine School District in the school lunch program as a worker. Everyone enjoyed her vivacious smile, her double helpings and enormous chocolate chip cookies. She was a volunteer for the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center Pink Ladies Auxiliary and Pink Shop. She also managed the Utah Valley Medical Center Snack Bar for many years and retired. She was a devoted mother and supportive wife and expressed that motherhood was her greatest blessing. She enjoyed nothing more than being with those she loved most - HER FAMILY. She served usually quietly and in the background. Her great love and willingness to serve always thinking of others more than herself. She was a blessing in the lives of her children and all she touched. We can still see mom lifting and holding a great-grandchild in her arms and on her lap. Giving another kiss and another hug of encouragement to one of her grandchildren, and her laugh, and incredible smile to see and hear that robin sing. The incredible annual "wiener roast" on the farm of cut pruning limbs was one of mom's favorite things to do. We will miss her always for her sunshine and her smile and her awesome potato salad. "Thanks for all the beautiful memories, mom." She gave a lifetime of service to her husband, children and to her Heavenly Father. Her children were always considered, "Her Jewels." Through all of her suffering she showed great courage, patience, endurance and exceeding faith. Her influence for good was felt in the way she treated others with love and dignity. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is the last surviving of her 13 brothers and sisters, Bill, Bessie, Leon and LeRoy (twins), Ken, Merlin and Melvin (twins), Lee, Reed, Don, Winona and LaVar James. Gerald and Francis have four children all four of whom still survive: (Richard) and Judy Backus Randy and (Marcia) Pyne Kim and (Kathy) Pyne (Joel) and Trina Warner. From two people that fell in love also came 20 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Francis will be held under the direction of Walker Sanderson Funeral Home of Orem. The funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2006, at the Orem Cascade Stake Center, 481 East Center, Orem. A viewing will be held for family and friends Friday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Stake Center and from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Interment will be held in the Orem City Cemetery. The family would like to express gratitude to the Hospice care from Ericka and Jason.