Obituary: Doris Helen Alexander Grant Clawson Bird

Doris Helen Alexander Grant Clawson Bird 1915 ~ 2006 Doris Helen Alexander Grant Clawson Bird, lovingly known as "Alex," passed away peacefully on August 29, 2006, in Salt Lake City. Alex was born November 17, 1915 to Herbert Alexander Grant and Ruth Helen Darress in East Orange, New Jersey. She spent her youth in the East, graduating from East Orange High School. Alex graduated from the National Park Seminary (a finishing school) in Forest Glen, Maryland. Alex was interested in design and graduated from the McDowell School of Design in New York City. Alex went to work for Talon, Inc., a pioneer in the zipper industry, - "Made men modest and saved women from hooks/eyes and snaps." Alex married Orson Douglas Romney Clawson, "Doug," on April 19, 1940 in Maplewood, New Jersey. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 4, 1944. They had two great children, Suzanne Romney Clawson Bowers and Douglas "Duff" Grant Clawson and 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Doug preceded her in death on September 9, 1994. Alex was most active in the LDS Church, having such varied jobs as secretary and literature leader in both the ward and stake to genealogy teacher and researcher. Doug and Alex served as stake missionaries. Alex was a temple worker in the Jordan River Temple. While living in New York, Alex wrote a weekly column for the Deseret News about Utahns living in New York. After moving to Utah, Alex worked for the Utah Symphony under Wendell Ashton. Alex was active in the U of U Women's Club. Alex loved to paint, write and have parties. Alex married Richard Leo Bird, Jr., "Dick," on June 11, 1995. Together they stayed active with travel, church work and social groups. Alex enjoyed playing bridge. Alex is survived by her husband, Richard Bird, Salt Lake City. Her two children, Suzanne (Robert) Bowers and Douglas (Susan) Clawson, both Salt Lake City. Dick's children, Katharine (Fred) Evans, Salt Lake City; David (Karie) Bird, of Murray; and son-in-law Malcolm Hendry, Lafayette, CA. Her sister-in-law, Ruth Grant Soucek, Downington, PA; brothers-in-law, Scott Clawson, Salt Lake City; Richard Clawson, Provo; Grant (Irma) Clawson, Salt Lake City. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Alex was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Hebert Alexander Grant, Jr., one brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law. A special thank you to Whitney Sprunt for her loving and tender care. Thanks to Andrea Carroll and the staff of Rocky Mountain Hospice and all those that helped make Alex's final days happy and comfortable. Alex adored all of hers and Dick's families. There will be a viewing at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South, Monday, September 4, 2006 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2006, at the Monument Park 2nd Ward, 1005 South 2000 East, at 12:00 noon. There will be a viewing at the ward prior to the funeral from 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online condolences at www.larkinmortuary.com