Edith and Kendrick Marry

Edith and Kendrick Harward

Edith and Kendrick Harward were married 29 March 1934 in the Manti LDS Temple. Her parents accompanied them to the temple. Edith said, "It was a glorious day." She had bought a new dress for the special day, but later made it over into something she felt was more useful.

The couple was married during the depression years. Their best friends Blaine and Amy Curtis did not have money to purchase a wedding gift but decided to give them a case of fruit they had bottled. Edith and Ken claimed this really saved their lives.


Edith recorded, "We cleaned up Ken's Grandpa Harding's old house in Aurora, Utah and rented it to live in. It had some old furniture in it, but no floor coverings. Some of the windows were broken out but we put some flour sacks up to the windows, and it was just wonderful. We were as happy as if it had been a mansion. Little by little we got it fixed up so it wasn't at all bad."



Edith and Kendrick had three children born to them while living in this house: Gaylord 1936, Shanna 1938 and Warren 1940. Edith said, "We had just a little heater in the living room of our house, and it got so cold in the winter that I had to put nightcaps on the children to keep their ears warm, and the water basin would be frozen in the morning.

When Edith's parents moved to Provo from Aurora, she and Kendrick bought their home. Two more children were born to them: Saundra 1943 and Roger 1948.

Kendrick was made bishop of the Aurora ward in 1942 and mostly raised turkeys for a living. His asthma got so bad at that time. The couple decided that Ken would go to work with his brother Ritch at his Firestone store in Richfield, Utah. After this change, they built a nice home in Richfield and moved into it in November of 1950.


Edith and Kendrick lost their little Roger on his third birthday 21 March 1951 when he was accidentally backed over with a truck. Two more daughters were added to their family after this: DeAnn 1952 and Marie 1957.

Edith filled callings in almost every position a woman can hold in the Church. Twice as Relief Society president, Young Women MIA president, Jr. Sunday School coordinator, theology instructor and other positions in the stake. She also gave unselfishly in civic service opportunities such as the Richfield Study Club and other culture clubs in Richfield, She served as president of the State Women's Auxillary of League of Cities and Towns.

My grandmother will always be remembered for her kindness, smile and unconditional love. She was never one to call attention to herself. In fact when her sons Gaylord and Warren built a tree house in their backyard tree and a neighbor boy built a fire inside of it, she called the fire department and asked them to come quickly to put out the fire and please not blow the siren.

Family traditions were important to Grandma. She planned family gatherings for any holiday. Turkey was always on the menu and her house smelled so good. At Christmas she always spent probably a good part of a year making nightgowns and pajama for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marci and Cassy Eppich

Edith's family at Christmas (note the red nightgowns and blue pajamas)

Edith and Kendrick continued to serve their family and church even in their later years. They were called on a mission to be directors of the Los Angeles Temple Visitor Center. After their return, Edith was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Those of us who knew her believe she just worked until she wore herself out.

All of her children and posterity look up to her and are pleased to be part of her family. Edith passed away 3 February 1991 leaving a large family.