Sad news

We had some horrible news over the weekend. Linda's mom, Twila, passed away due to complications from a sudden illness. This was such a shock to all of us because even at the age of 79 she was so healthy and vibrant. She really was such a beautiful and loving woman. I wrote recently about visiting Capital Reef National Park where they have preserved the house she grew up in, and this makes me really want to go back again soon to see it! Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers! Especially her husband, Duane who isn't doing too well. Here is her obituary:

Twila G. Mattsson
Twila G. Mattsson 1929 ~ 2008 Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and best friend died on September 13, 2008 at St. Mark's Hospital due to complications from a sudden illness.Twila Gifford Mattsson was born on January 9, 1929 to Dewey and Pernellie Gifford in Salina, Utah at her grandmother's house. Twila grew up in Fruita, Utah on a pioneering homestead in what is now Capital Reef National Park. Her childhood home is known as the Historic Gifford Homestead, which just celebrated its 100-year centennial where she was featured and honored as one of the children who grew up in the home. She climbed the red rock hills, picked fruit, played in the Fremont River, rode horses and went to grade school in the little one-room schoolhouse in Fruita. She lived with her grandmother in Salina while she attended high school. She graduated from North Sevier High School in 1946 and worked as a waitress at Mom's Café in Salina. She married her soul mate and best friend, Duane J. Mattsson, on November 13, 1949. They resided in Salina until 1959, when they moved to Kearns, Utah, where they raised their family. In 1977 Twila and Duane built a cabin in Torrey, Utah. Their home was an award-winning showpiece with hundreds of flowers and a large garden and orchard. They opened their cabin to their family and friends and spent many happy years at the cabin with their children and grandchildren. Twila and Duane loved to travel and would spend a few months each year in Kauai with their daughter Katrina. They traveled to Europe, Alaska, Russia, Scandinavia and Mexico. Twila was an accomplished seamstress and created beautiful embroidery and needlework. She was always cooking delicious meals for her family and had many signature dishes that were the cornerstone of all family get-togethers. Twila was warm, loving, smart, funny, and was the heart of our family. She was generous with her time, love and wisdom. She was devoted to and loved being surrounded by her family. Her beautiful heart touched everyone she met. We cannot imagine our lives without her. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Duane Mattsson; daughters Linda (Ed) Blake, Katrina "Christy" Raphaell, Kelly (Rick) Valleley, and son, Lane Mattsson. She is also survived by her loving and devoted grandchildren Kincade (Janelle) Bauer, Simran Raphaell, Shanda (Jeramie) Wootton, Payton Valleley and Dahlia Valleley and her brothers Fay (Dessma) Gifford and Dale (Carolyn) Gifford, sister-in-law and dear friend Jean Gifford; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, brother Lloyd Gifford and grandson Gentry Bauer. Services will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Garner Funeral Home, 1001 East 11th Avenue, Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held from 11:30 to 1 before the services.