Banida, Idaho - - - - Carma L. Geddes
Carma Larson Geddes left her lifelong home in Banida on November 24, 2012 surrounded by her husband and children, with her most precious collection of grandchildren and great-grandchildren all close by.
Carma was born in Banida on January 27, 1928 to her Swedish immigrant parents Harold Axel Larson and Elin Cecilia Ringblom Larson and a family that included 10 brothers and sisters. While many aspects of their Swedish heritage were maintained, the Larson family was proud to accept and transition to dry farming and democracy. As a young child she often stayed in Ogden with her older sister Karin, who was a housekeeper for the Eccles family. Those visits allowed her to become friends with childhood entertainer and movie star Shirley Temple.
She was educated at the Banida School and graduated from Preston High School with the class of 1946. With money being so scarce, she worked as a waitress at Merrill's CafAC. in Preston's Burnham Hotel to help support her family's financial needs.
Immediately after graduating from high school, she moved to Ogden, Utah and worked at the Navy Supply Depot. She received requests and processed orders to maintain ships engaged in World War II.
Soon after the war ended, on May 21, 1947 she married Robert C. Geddes in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. Robert had just returned from service in the U.S. Army and the Merchant Marines. They made their first home in Banida in a rented 3 room home that included amenities of cold running water and an outhouse.
To this union of 65 years, four children were added to the family: Pamela, Kenneth, Robert L. and Daryl. This family was taught the value of working together and enjoyed the small town farming lifestyle that was provided. Robert returned to Utah State University and completed his education. This challenge was supported by Carma, who often engaged in University level projects doing many of the assignments and ensuring that Robert was prepared to pass the tests. .
Carma's life was spent providing service to her family, her neighbors and others that often found their way to the Geddes home. There was never anyone turned away who needed help. Food became the standard of care for those who visited, were in need, worked on the farm or just passing through. Carma cared for her aging parents, in-laws and family members at all levels of need.
As a son-in-law and daughters-in-law arrived, soon to be followed by grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, there was always plenty of love to share. Each one has had no doubt that they were in fact the most favorite grand or great grandchild.
Carma played an active role in the training of new parents, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She has rocked and walked grandbabies a million miles and prepared countless wonderful meals. Carma supported Robert's interest in politics and served as a substitute member of the Idaho House of Representative on several occasions. When not serving in that capacity, she accepted the role of Chief of Staff to her State Representative husband. She was a natural leader and became influential in organizing legislator's wives to engage in service projects, temple excursions and quilting sessions.
She held and served in virtually every church capacity possible and was faithful in each and every calling. She demonstrated great faith, enjoyed teaching, temple work and providing service to those in need.
She is survived by her husband Robert C. Geddes (Banida), Pamela and Douglas Thornock (Preston), Kenneth and Shauna (Banida), Robert L. and Tammy (Meridian), Daryl and Marilyn (Banida), 20 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister Marlene (Frank) Bagley, of Salt Lake City, UT; a brother Gary (Afton) Larson, of Roseburg, OR; and a sister Sharon (Tracy) Baxter, of Rigby, ID. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers Ariel, Gene Elvin, and Glen, and three sisters Alice, Helen, and Karen.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Winder Ward LDS Chapel with Bishop Alan Atkinson conducting. A viewing will be held on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East in Preston and Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church in Winder. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com