TENNEY, R. LaGrand

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 11/02/2004 R. LaGrand Tenney, 93, died Oct. 29, 2004 at his home in Taylor. He was born and raised in Taylor and lived there most of his life. LaGrand graduated from Snowflake Union High School and 1929. He then attended Northern Arizona Teachers College, now Northern Arizona University, in Flagstaff. While attending college he worked in restaurants as a waiter and he milked cows at a dairy to pay his way through school. He received his Teacher's Certificate and he taught Elementary Education for a total of 31 years. He married Jocie Brimhall also of Taylor June 22, 1938 in the Mesa Temple. During World War II he left teaching to help with the war effort and worked as a brakeman on the Santa Fe Railroad to move war supplies for six years. LaGrand's teaching career was in Show Low for 21 years, Snowflake High School 1 year, and Taylor for 10 years. He was best known for the way he taught penmanship. He was a life long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various capacities including Scout Master and was the Ward Clerk for five different Bishops. LaGrand loved to sing and was in the Ward Choir from age 12 until he was 90 years old. He always grew a vegetable garden and he milked his own cows (three) until he was 89 years old. He loved his family and loved to see his posterity grow and serve others wherever they were. LaGrand is survived by his wife Jocie Brimhall Tenney of Taylor; four daughters, Linda (Corwin) Ellsworth of Mesa, Lorna (Lavell) Owens of Show Low, Myriel (Myrlon) Tenney of Woodruff, and Floramae (Dr. D. Eric) Tutt of Mesa; four sons, Tom (Catherine) Tenney of West Jordan, Utah, Reginald (Yevet) Tenney of Taylor, Mack (Kanani) Tenney of Taylor, and Ladd (Judie) Tenney of Snowflake; 66 grandchildren, 89 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 1, at the Taylor Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There will be a viewing held from 6-8 PM Sunday, October 31, 2004, at the Owens Mortuary in Snowflake and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery in Taylor. To send private condolences or to sign an online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.