"Tory" Elthura Raymond Merrill Gossner

"Tory" Elthura Raymond Merrill Gossner
SMITHFIELD, UTAH:
Tory, beloved great-great grandmother, great grandmother, grandmother, mother, wife,
sister and friend died Thursday, May 19, 2005 of causes incident to age while a resident at

Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center in Logan, Utah.

She was born 13 August 1908 in Smithfield, Utah, the first daughter and second child

in a family of five children to Julia Cantwell and Wallace Raymond. Her older brother, Wallace,

died at age 12, but she and her three younger brothers, Frank, Russell and James, grew up in the

family friendly town of Smithfield with many fond memories of relatives and numerous friends.

At age 14, the family joined her Dad in southern California for two years while he found

work in the construction business of that booming area. They returned to Smithfield to live and

Tory entered North Cache High School as a junior where she was active in extra curricular

activities such as drama, debate and cheerleading. She and three of her close friends became a

popular performing and singing group throughout the Valley called the "Sweet Sixteens." She

was selected as class valedictorian with a straight A record and also the Outstanding Girl

graduate for that year.

Following graduation she married Osmond Marriner Merrill in the Logan Temple. They

subsequently lived in Richmond, Idaho Falls, Logan and Smithfield while raising their three

children, Pat, Monte and Jimmy. After the children were out of elementary school, she was

asked to become a secretary for her uncle, James Kirkbride, who was serving as the

Superintendent of Schools for Cache County. That led to almost 30 years as the secretary at

North Cache High School and later at Sky View High School and again at the Superintendent's
Office. . In those schools, she became the "go to" person for all of the students who loved her

optimistic and cheerful personality, that she had all the answers, her genuine personnel and

business skills and that she could call each one of them by name and knew who their parents and

siblings were. This later trait she maintained well into her nineties.

She became a skilled homemaker and cook and her hands were never idle as she always

was quilting, knitting or sewing. She and Oz were steady workers in numerous ward and stake

callings throughout their 52 years of married life. Oz died in 1979 and in late 1980, she married

Edwin Gossner, Sr. a neighbor and long-time friend. They had seven wonderful years together

living in Smithfield and Mesa, Arizona and going on a number of enjoyable car and international

trips. Ed died in 1987 and she has lived in Logan since that time.

Tory was one of Heavenly Father's earthly angels as she "mothered" her own family and

everyone she came in contact with. She was tireless in her service to others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two grandchildren Richard Michaud and

Corey Mendenhall, brother Frank, son Jim, Oz and Ed and is survived by her daughter, Pat (Dick

Michaud) and Monte (Eunice Tidwell) and 13 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren and 21

great, great grandchildren and her two younger brothers Russ Raymond of Power, Montana and

Jim Raymond of Montpelier, Idaho.

Graveside services will be 11 :00 a.m. on Monday, May 23, 2005 in the Smithfield

Cemetery. Arrangements by Allen-Hall Mortuary.

The family wishes to thank Dr.Steven Salisbury, her primary care physician, the

wonderful staff of Terrace Grove and the special IHC Hospice staff led by nurse Anna.
Online condolences may be sent to the family and a guest book signed at www.allenmortuaries.net