Josephine Morrell Wadsworth

Josephine Morrell Wadsworth

Josephine (Jodie) Morrell Wadsworth passed away August 6, 2011, shortly after celebrating her 98th birthday.

Jodie was born July 28, 1913, in Logan, Utah, to Joseph P. Morrell and Ada England Morrell, the third of seven children. She had fond memories of her childhood growing up on Center Street, her friends, and Logan High School. On September 30, 1936, she married C. Douglas Wadsworth in the Logan Temple. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a district ranger in Utah and Wyoming. They bought a motel in West Yellowstone, MT, which she ran for 17 summers. She worked hard and taught her children the value of working together as a family. After Doug retired, they returned to their beloved Logan, Utah. Jodie finally fulfilled her wish to travel, taking trips through North America and to many different countries. Doug and Jodie were married for 51years that were filled with many happy memories. Doug passed away December 1, 1987.

Education was always important to Jodie. Because of the Depression, she had to drop out of college and go to work. Years later at the age of 56 she graduated from Utah State University from the College of Social Sciences. Because of her high academic achievement, she was awarded membership in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Jodie found joy in her family and in serving others. She enjoyed quilting and doing genealogy. She wrote and helped organize many family histories that are family treasures today. Up until the end of her life, she loved singing hymns, especially those that were upbeat such as “There Is Sunshine in My Soul,” and “Have I Done Any Good in the World Today.” She amazed everyone by being able to recite Longfellow’s “The Children’s Hour,” a poem she memorized in third grade. Jodie had a wonderful sense of humor that left people laughing and smiling.

Jodie was always a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many positions including Relief Society president, Primary president, MIA counselor, and teacher. She was a member of the Eliza R. Snow Camp of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Looking back on her life, she said, “I’m so glad I don’t have any regrets about my life. We always went to church and made the best of what we had.” She counted her blessings every day.

Jodie and Doug are the parents of five children: Steven D. (Arlene), Fresno, CA; Joan (Von Taylor), Providence; Brent M. (Pat), Smithfield; Reid F. (Lori), Logan; and Don J. (Becky), Logan. They have 19 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is survived by all and a sister Helen (Henry B. Shelton).

Jodie’s family expresses their love and appreciation to all those who helped care for her in such a kind and loving way. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the L.D.S. Perpetual Education Fund or Humanitarian Fund.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 13, 2011 in the Allen-Hall Mortuary Chapel, 34 East Center Street in Logan. A viewing will be held prior to services at the mortuary from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net