June Slade was born on 13. Jun. 1919 at Red Mesa, La Plata County, Colorado. She was the daughter of
James McGraw Slade and
Agnes Burnham. June Slade married
Alonzo LeGrand Brinkerhoff, son of
Alonzo Riley Brinkerhoff and
Louisa Anderson, on 20. Sep. 1950. June Slade died on 7. May. 2008 at age 88.
June Slade Brinkerhoff
In the late evening hours of May 7, 2008, while in the company of those she held most dear, June Slade Brinkerhoff, laid down her weary head, took a deep breath and embarked on the next phase of her celestial journey. It is not hard to imagine that she was in the company of her eternal companion, Alonzo LeGrand Brinkerhoff, who had gone on before to prepare a place for her.
June Slade was born Friday the 13th of June, hence her name, in Red Mesa, Colorado, in 1919 to James McGaw Slade and Agnes Burnham. She was the youngest of 10.
Education was a priority for June. Even as her health worsened she could be found with a book in hand or nearby. She would devour the paper and then take on the crossword puzzle. As a child she endeavored on long walks in the Colorado countryside just to reach school. She successfully completed her course of study at Fort Lewis College in Colorado. This never ending thirst for knowledge was instilled in her four children who all graduated from college with degrees, her daughters receiving Masters degrees.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a great part of her life from birth. A third generation member of the church, she was proud of her pioneer heritage. As a great granddaughter of Amanda Barnes Smith, she knew and understood the great heritage that she came from and all of its attending responsibilities. As a young adult she answered the call of her Savior and served a mission in the northwest. This great example of service led to 2 sons and one daughter, 2 granddaughters and six grandsons to serve full time missions, with more to come. Granny's always had a great story to tell about her missionaries. Her pride in them was evident.
She and her eternal companion and husband of thirty nine years, Alonzo LeGrand Brinkerhoff ensured that the really important things of life were always in their home- unconditional love, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a strong work ethic. There was always much to be done and long after the children were in bed and LeGrand was out with the herd, the sound of scissors and a sewing machine could be heard long into the night. Many a young girl owned one-of-a-kind June Brinkerhoff doll clothes. Many young brides were wed in one-of-a-kind June Brinkerhoff wedding gowns. To those in town who knew, if you wanted the best in custom tailoring you went to June Brinkerhoff. Her artistry with a needle and thread were not limited to just sewing but cross stitch, knitting, crotcheting and other handiwork.
June's voice was a thing of beauty. She sang with a group of young mothers who became known as the Melody Moms. They sang far and wide and were known for their talent. It wasn't until her health absolutely failed that she stopped singing other than in church and to her grandbabies and great grandbabies.
The streets of St. George are now safer as a red hatted, red caped, red gloved Granny in her hot Jazzy will no longer be fearless in her iron horse. God speed mom, Grandma, Granny, and best mother-in-law in the world. Till we meet again on those celestial shores.
June Slade Brinkerhoff is survived by her four children; Colleen B. Hatch, Alonzo
LeGrand Jr., Sharlene B. Ho-mer, James Dennis and their spouses; 19 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 12, 2008, at 11:00 a.m., at the St. George East Stake Center, 449 S. 300 E., St. George, Utah. Viewings will be held Sunday night from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street in St. George, and again from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday morning prior to services at the stake center. Interment will take place in the St. George City Cemetery.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, UT (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to offer their condolences at www.spilsbury mortuary.com.
Saint George Spectrum May 11, 2008.