Gwen Johnson Raymond

McCammon - Ceann, Anita and Carla began a new chapter in life May 14, 2008 with the loss of their dear mother Gwen Johnson Raymond of McCammon. After a few long months, then a quick decline in health, Gwen quietly passed from her mortal journey of 90 years while at the home of her daughter in Garland, Utah.

Gwen began her earthly sojourn in Arimo, Idaho August 7, 1917 with her parents Heber Francis and Edna Caroline Shepard Johnson. School days were spent in Arimo where she graduated from Arimo High School. She also graduated from the Southern Branch of Idaho (ISU) in Pocatello, Idaho and the Albion Normal School with a life time teaching certificate. She taught grades 1-3 in Bancroft, Arimo and McCammon, Idaho for the span of 39 years. Many of her students have remained a special part of her life.

Gwen met Cedric (Ted) Odell Raymond at a Gold and Green Ball in McCammon. On November 13, 1940 they were sealed in the Logan, Utah temple. They began their lives together in a two room basement home in McCammon. Just shy of 5 years of genuine devotion and support of one another, Ted passed away October 29, 1945. Thus began the challenge of raising and supporting three little daughters by herself. Hard work became her means of meeting the challenges of life. If our mother had a hobby it would be labeled WORK.

Gwen was a dedicated and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She accepted and magnified every calling she received, which were many and varied. She served an LDS mission in the Spokane, Washington area and several years as a temple ordinance worker in the Idaho Falls temple. She enjoyed temple and church history tours, temple attendance, family history, her vegetable and flower gardens, cross-word puzzles and visiting with friends. A highlight of her life was a trip to Sweden with her sister Carolyn to visit with relatives. Her life resonated her testimony and love of the gospel, the love of her family, and service to others.

Gwen is survived by her daughters Ceann (Jerry) Larsen of Moses Lake, Washington, Anita (Arlon) Bennett of Garland, Utah and Carla Richardson of Idaho Falls, Idaho; nine grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister Carolyn Call and son-in-law Gary Richardson.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday May 21, 2008 at the McCammon L.D.S. Stake Center at 12 noon with Bishop Roger Morris of the Mountain View Ward officiating. Interment will be in the Norton Cemetery, McCammon, Idaho. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Stake Center and on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to services.