love god love people
Roselyn Woodward Slade embodied both of these to a degree most of us can only hope. She was all
in” as a disciple of Jesus Christ, demonstrating her faith through hands worn from a lifetime of charity
and selfless love.
An indomitable spirit filled with pioneer grit, Roselyn faced the adventures life presented her with
humility and a twinkle in her eye, navigating her way with relentless optimism. Blessed with curiosity,
Ingenuity and discerning empathy, she went about seeking to lift, build and serve throughout her long
life.
The heart of a healer and the capability of a spring robin, Roselyn’s spirit remains with her children
and grandchildren through those traits they are blessed to inherit or have learned from. The joys of her
life, found in the Lord, her family, her identical twin and best friend, Marilyn, a good history book, the
vibrant autumn season, hiking a mountain trail, the color blue, wild sego lilies, fascinating rocks, fresh
grape juice, garden vegetables, applesauce spice cake, artistic expression, a joyful bike ride,
comforting oatmeal raisin cookies, planning family gatherings, and collecting heroic pioneer stories
will continue to keep her vibrant memory alive.
Not only was she gifted the key to her beloved hometown of Kaysville, Utah, as their Unsung Hero, in
2005, Roselyn’s dedication to doing the Lord’s work assuredly earned her a key to heaven as well.
From her countless hours of genealogical work, temple work and many years spent in nursing, we have
no doubt she was embraced and celebrated by a grateful army of angels as she departed this life for the
next.
What higher praise can be said of a life well-lived?
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Robert Lewis Woodward and Loretta Thompson Woodward on July
13, 1927, Roselyn entered the world alongside her best friend and identical twin sister, Marilyn.
Younger sister, Ruth, added to a bright and happy threesome two years later. During the difficult years
of the The Great Depression, Roselyn moved twelve times before the age of 12, starting in Montana
and finally settling on Coatsville Avenue, Salt Lake City, where she attended Irving Junior High and
then South High School graduating at age 16 in 1944.
Resourceful from an early age, Roselyn and Marilyn began their first jobs following graduation as
display workers at Aurbach’s department store and then clerk typists at Hill Air Force Base. By the end
of 1944 the twins were enrolled in the US Cadet Nurse Corps earning their nursing certificates and
then going on to graduate from the University of Utah’s Nursing School in 1947. Over the years,
Roselyn’s time in nursing took her to Iron County Hospital, Budge Hospital, Salt Lake General
Hospital and McKay Dee Hospital, (as Head Nurse of Pediatrics) including training nurses at Weber
State College.
During the summer of 1949, on the summit of Mount Timpanogos, she met her sweetheart Curtis
William Slade, who, following a three-year church mission to Brazil, would marry her in the Salt Lake
City LDs temple on November 6, 1952, to be sealed for time and all eternity. Seven months before her
marriage to Curtis, Roselyn’s father, Robert passed away.
In 1953, their first child, Kathleen (Layne Hofer), was born followed by Keith (Karen) in 1954, Janalee
(Dave Green) in 1956, Neal (Elaine) in 1957 and Doug (Terresa) in 1962. Caring for five children
under the age of 9 yrs. called upon her pioneer spirit and creativity in spades. After an almost 10 year
gap, Russell (Darcie) was born in 1971, followed by Amy (Terrill Lemke) in 1972. In 1976, Roselyn
welcomed her first grandchild. Her posterity now boasts 30 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
We cherish her role as Mother higher than any other. In 1980 her mother, Loretta, passed away
followed by her eternal companion, Curtis, in 2005.
Roselyn always carried a deep joy for serving others and especially loved family history work. Her
Passion for research and genealogy led her to hold many positions within the local Daughters of Utah
Pioneers, Mormon Battalion, and Kaysville/Layton Historical Society organizations. In 2005, she was
awarded the Unsung Hero of Kaysville for her extensive work within these organizations. In addition
to these, Roselyn served in many callings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
including secretary within the Relief Society and Librarian.
Her favorite scripture exemplifies her life well:
“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope,
and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of
Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have life eternal.” 2 Nephi 31:20
You did it Mom! You endured it well. Thank you for shining a perfect brightness of hope and charity
as a beacon for us to follow. Until we meet again, we love you. Xoxoxo
The family would like to thank Apple Tree Assisted Living and Whisper Cove Assisted Living &
Memory Care for their kindness and dedicated care of Roselyn and her twin, Marilyn, over the last six
years. We’d especially like to thank Ashley, Taylor, and Jaye, from Canyon Hospice for loving and
taking care of our dear mother so well.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 5, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Kaysville, 13th Ward Chapel,
875 E. 200 N., Kaysville, Utah. Friends may visit the family from 12:00 to 1:30 pm at the church
prior to the service.
Interment-Kaysville City Cemetery.
Published by Lindquist Mortuary – Kaysville on Aug. 3, 2022.
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