Lydia Osguthorpe Stillman
1909 ~ 2008
Lydia Osguthorpe Stillman was born January 9, 1909 in the tranquil community of East Millcreek, Utah, to Mary Luella Russell and Joseph Osguthorpe, whose parents had pioneered the area. She was the middle child in a family of nine. As a family, they enjoyed their home beside beautiful East Mill Creek. This was not only a joyful spot for family picnics and recreation, but was also a source of income. Her father cut logs to be processed into construction lumber at one of the mills on the Creek.Lydia began her education at the Sherman School, to which she was bused in a horse-drawn school wagon. The family then moved to St. Anthony, Idaho, where Lydia continued her education. She won spelling bees and became Queen of the May, and was elected freshman class president. Her family returned to the East Mill Creek area, where she attended Granite High School, and participated in drama and honed her skills as a violinist. After graduation, she attended LDS Junior College for a year, and then attended the University of Utah, from which she earned a degree in elementary education. As a respected and loved educator, she then devoted the remainder of her life to teaching in school settings, as a private tutor, and in church assignments. Lydia was renowned for her loving and inspired instruction to the children of the LDS faith, and for serving as a dedicated Junior Sunday School Coordinator and Primary teacher for over 40 years.
On January 13, 1932, Lydia married Tilden B. Stillman, whom she had known since the second grade. Their marriage was later solemnized in the LDS temple. Together they raised five children at the Stillman homestead on Wasatch Boulevard, which recently became the site of the Upper District Millcreek Park. Lydia blessed their family with love, service, Gospel training and industry. Her skills as a seamstress, cook and gardener blessed their home immensely. She was the ultimate matriarch beloved and cherished by the five children whose good fortune it was to call her "Mother." Lydia also assisted Tilden in his sheep ranching business. After his death, in 1976, she continued to manage the family ranch into her 86th year. In addition to ranching, Lydia served as the general partner of Stillman Seven, a family partnership, and as Chairman of the Board of La Bathtique, Inc., a family business.
To the joy of her family, Lydia lived to celebrate her 99th birthday. Her life span bridged the horse-and-buggy era to the jet age and beyond. She departed this life on March 3, 2008 surrounded by her loving family.
Lydia was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and each of her Osguthorpe siblings: Luella, Ida, Martha, Vere, Erwin, Elma, Selena and Ivan. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Joyce S. and Max Eliason; Jeane S. Ashton; Larry B. and Liane Stillman; Shonnie S. and Larry Hays; Michele S. and John Gaetz. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 30 great-grand-children, one great-great-grand-child, a brother-in-law, Pershing James, and many nieces and
nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 12 noon at the Mt. Olympus North Stake chapel, 4176 S. Adonis Dr. Friends will be received by Lydia's family on Friday, March 7, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Dr., and at the Stake Center one hour prior to services. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.