meet the 2026 DUP queens

Charlene Rex Taylor Herbert was born in Randolph, Utah to Charles William and Reta Moss Rex. Lydia Ann Cook Porter is Charlene’s great great grandmother. Lydia was a woman of deep faith, extreme courage, and very obedient to the prophet’s counsel to go west. Lydia crossed the plains with a handcart, no husband and 4 children, including a 6-week-old baby. The status of single parent was very difficult at times. She was an example of enduring through good times and bad times, always caring for others. Charlene is the mother of 5 children, 18 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. With her family living close by, Charlene enjoys and supports all their church, school, dance, music, rodeo and sports activities. They enjoy each other and any plans follow the motto, “Don’t leave town without grandma!” When the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints decided to renovate the Ogden Temple, the decision created the need to change the location of the Weber County Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum. It was necessary to empty the museum, pack each artifact, and store them for several years. Charlene was privileged to be part of the group given this tremendous task. It was rewarding when in 2012 every artifact was unpacked and arranged in the beautiful museum we enjoy today. Charlene has been a docent - giving tours of the museum and been involved with the July 24th celebration at the museum. Charlene joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 1999 and is a member of Camp Golden in the Weber North Center Company. She has served as the Company President 2 times and the Camp Captain 2 times and continues as the Company 1st Vice President. Charlene has served as the Stake and Ward Primary President and the Stake Financial Auditor. She has been a teacher in all the organizations, including Temple Preparation and Teacher Training and is a Temple Ordinance Worker.

DaLane Ryan Miller was born to Ernest J. Ryan and Lucille Ryan in Salt Lake City, Utah. Andrew Jackson Allen, named after President of the United States Andrew Jackson-who was a personal friend of the family- is DaLane’s pioneer ancestor. Andrew was born in Somerset, Kentucky in 1818. In 1841 Andrew married Delilah Andrews and eleven children were born to them. He married a second wife, and they had five sons together. DaLane’s grandfather, John Wilford Allen, was their 3rd son. Andrew went to Nauvoo in 1844, wanting to meet the Prophet Joseph Smith, see the Nauvoo Temple and be baptized. The Prophet had been murdered a few days earlier and the city was in mourning, so he returned home. In 1845 Elders were sent through the country notifying the Saints that the Church had agreed to leave the city of Nauvoo and migrate west to the wilderness. When Andrew heard the news, the Spirit prompted him to gather with the Saints. After selling his possessions for what he could get, Andrew and his family traveled to Nauvoo, where Andrew and Delilah were baptized in February 1846. Andrew was generous in helping incoming pioneers, sending his team and wagon as far as 200 miles to lend aid. In 1851 he gave a new $20 gold piece, made of California gold, which had been made by the saints and inscribed with the all- seeing eye “Holiness to the Lord”, to go towards a fund to help the emigration of the poor saints from England. In 1857 he went with a company of pioneers to help keep Johnston’s Army out of the valley. Andrew Jackson Allen died in July 1884 after being gored by a bull at his home in Draper. DaLane was married to Thomas “Tom” J Miller and is a widow. They have 6 caring, active children, 25 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren. They are a close-knit family. DaLane and Tom served 2 full-time missions-1 to the Polynesian Cultural Center, 1 to the Real Estate Department at the Church Office Building, and a 6 ½ year part-time LDS Mission. DaLane has been a Relief Society President, Primary President, teacher, chorister and Visiting Teacher in her ward. DaLane joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 1971. She is a member of Camp College Heights, Weber Far South Center Company. She has been the Weber Far South Company President, Camp Captain and served on the Weber County DUP Museum Board.

Linda Barker Brown was one of the first babies born 30 September 1946, at the brand-new St. Benedict’s Hospital in Ogden, Utah to Verle and Rubie Barker. She has 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Harriet Heath Marler and husband Allen joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1845. Allen died of cholera, as they were making the 1800-mile trip up the Mississippi River. Within one month 3 of their daughters also died. Harriet soon gave birth to a baby girl who also died. Harriet continued to Zion with her surviving 5 children in the James Lake Company, arriving in Salt Lake 2 October 1850. They were one of the earliest settling families in Pleasant Grove. Their first home is now the DUP Museum in Pleasant Grove. Harriet’s parents were Adolph Heath and Julie Ann Myers. Harriet died on 23 December 1869, in North Ogden. Linda spent most of her life in North Ogden, growing up in a two-story house next to the North Ogden post office and the Barker Service Station. Her Dad was a partner in the Quality Dairy business and delivered milk in Ogden. The post office became a place where people could pick up dry cleaning, buy milk from Quality Dairy and mail a package! She graduated from the “Real” Weber High School on 12th Street, Weber State College and the University of Utah where she earned a master’s degree. Linda taught English and later became a principal at Dee Elementary and Horace Mann Schools in Ogden. She continues as a reading tutor. Linda is married to David L. Brown. They enjoy their children and 5 grandchildren! Linda has been a teacher and served in presidencies in the organizations of the Church. For several years Linda was a service missionary at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City, which she enjoyed. Linda joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 2013. She is a member of the Myrtle Ririe Barker Camp, Weber North East Company. Linda is Myrtle Ririe Barker’s granddaughter and enjoys meetings with her 2 sisters, a cousin and other members of the Camp. Linda has been the Camp Captain 3 times and gives many of the lessons. History and DUP were very important to grandmother Myrtle Ririe Baker and to Linda.

Linda Holmes Fulmer, daughter of William Chantery and Dorothy Hodson Holmes, was born in Ogden, Utah. Linda’s great-grandmother, Ruth Ware Hodson, was born in England on February 16, 1840, and was the youngest of 13 children. She was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on March 23, 1851, at the age of 11. She left her home in England at the age of 15 to come to America, with her parents and 5 other family members. In Liverpool, the family boarded the ship “Helios”. During the night, it foundered. They had to go back to shore and wait a month until they could board the “Charles Buck”. The journey took 8 weeks and food ran short. The ship landed in New Orleans and the Richard Ballentyne Company of 403 Saints traveled up the Mississippi. Because of the lack of food crossing the ocean, Ruth’s father died and was buried in a hewn-out tree trunk in Kansas. Ruth and her remaining family members left for the Salt Lake Valley with little money and few provisions. Ruth said she “walked every step of the way, even waded all the streams except for the Green River, the waters of which were too high”, arriving in 1855. Ruth lived in Kaysville for a few years until she married William Hodson and settled in Marriott, Weber County, where she lived for 76 years until her death. They built their home on 12th Street—the home is still standing and is now the home of the Ogden Nature Center. Ruth had 11 children, 5 who died very young. She was a strong member of the LDS Church. Ruth died at age 91 and is buried in the Ogden Cemetery. Linda was married to Harlan Fulmer and is a widow. She is the mother of 8 children and counts 32 grandchildren and 51 great grandchildren in her family. All 8 children live close by, and a majority of the grandchildren also, making supporting their activities a high priority and a delight. Linda has a large extended family and enjoys spending time with her siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins. Her group of cousins often gather to share memories, pictures, and history. Linda worked for the Department of Treasury, IRS, for over 30 years. Most of these years were in managerial positions, directing the activities of providing personnel and payroll services to IRS employees. For the last ten years, Linda was a Senior Manager, one of four in the United States, providing payroll services to over 105,000 IRS employees. Service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is important to Linda. She has been a Relief Society President, Visiting Teacher, Ministering Sister and a Resource Specialist. Linda joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 2006, and is a member of Camp Wilson 55, Weber West Company. She has been the 1st Vice President on the Executive Board of the Weber County DUP Museum for the last 5 years. Linda has also served as the Weber West Company President and Camp Captain. Linda is involved in all the activities at the Museum. The Fall Bazaar, Gift Shop and the Museum files benefit from her planning and organizing skills! Linda loves learning about our pioneer ancestors and associating with the wonderful DUP Daughters.

Royalty Crowning Ceremony (2026)

Marti Clayson introduces Linda Fulmer

introducing queen Linda Brown

2026 royalty in front of the log cabin

Linda Brown

Charlene Herbert

DaLane Miller

Linda Fulmer

the 2026 royalty in front of the DUP museum

Linda Fulmer

Charlene Herbert

Linda Brown

DaLane Miller

24th of July Celebration (2025)

Riding in the parade

meet and greet outside the cabin

entertainment

activities

costumed characters

and don't forget the free sugar cookies and lemonade! Visiting the museum after the parade is a 24th of July tradition for many people. This year we had 377 visitors sign the guest book.

Annual Ogden Pioneer Days Devotional (2025)

Brad Wilcox was the guest speaker at the Ogden Tabernacle for the Ogden Pioneer Days Devotional held on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 6 pm. Brad Wilcox is a professor at Brigham Young University and currently serves as the First Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a popular speaker and author. He is proud of his pioneer ancestors and grateful for their sacrifices. Our lovely DUP royalty were there along with the rodeo queens to celebrate our pioneer heritage.

DUP Royalty (2025)

Folks gathered on the lawn under the shady trees next to the DUP museum to hear the announcement of the 4 queens:

Mary Christine Schauer Cornelsen Mary Christine Schauer Cornelsen was born to Maurice Lyle Schauer and Neoma Florine Sanders in Palo Alto, California. Moses Martin Sanders, Mary's pioneer ancestor, joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after being a Baptist minister in Georgia, USA. Moses and his family knew members of the church and the Prophet Joseph Smith. Moses helped in building the Kirtland Temple. Moses had a horse, a beautiful black stallion of high spirit, named "Joe Duncan" -after the Governor of the State of Illinois. Moses' wife was afraid of Joe and none of the family could handle him when Moses was away. The Prophet Joseph heard about the problem Joe caused in the Sanders family and went to see Moses and talked with him about Joe. Moses listened to the Prophet and was promised that if Moses would give Joe to the Prophet, Joe would not hurt him or be a problem. Moses did give Joe to Joseph Smith and was blessed by the Prophet, so that Moses would never go without needs for his family then, or for generations to come. Mary is married to Gary Dean Cornelsen and has 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She has helped raise her daughter's 2 daughters and enjoys being involved with all of her grand and great grandchildren. Mary and Gary served as Bishop's Storehouse missionaries for 2 years, meeting and helping many members of the community with challenging circumstances. She provided food and other resources with a smile, and even played Mrs. Santa during the holidays! Mary has served as a Primary and youth Sunday School teacher, Relief Society secretary, ward librarian and temple worker. She has also served as a Relief Society Counselor at Avamere at Mountain Ridge Senior Living Center, and a ward preparedness leader. Sewing, hand embroidery, crocheting and crafting are some of Mary's hobbies. She also enjoys reading, gardening and shopping for antiques and clothes.

Norma Champneys Love Norma was born in Ogden, Utah to Thomas DeRay Champneys and Florence Hart Champneys. Jeffrey Dinsdale is Norma's pioneer ancestor. Jeffrey and his wife Alice Rushton joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in England. Jeffrey Dinsdale crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1849 and worked in New Orleans and St. Louis to earn enough money to send for his family. His family arrived in 1849 and in 1852 the family crossed the plains to join the Saints in the Salt Lake Valley. Moving to Kaysville, then to Ogden to buy property on lower 17th Street, Jeffry grew fruit and vegetables for the Ogden community and his family. Hard work, determination and endurance brought not only fruit and vegetables on many acres of land, but a tough and determined posterity. At the age of 2 years old, Norma met an old "stranger" in bib overalls at her grandma's house. He was Mather Issac Dinsdale, age 90, Norma's great grandpa. She sat on his lap, while he sang nursery songs-a tender reminder of the one year old daughter he had lost. Norma is a graduate of Ben Lomond High School . She earned a Batchelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. A teacher for 30 years in the Ogden and Weber School Districts, Norma received Teacher of the Year and Science Teacher of the Year for Northern Utah awards. Norma was married to LeMar Love. She has 3 children with 2 still living, 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Time with them is the best! Norma served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She teaches Primary and attends the Ogden Temple. Norma joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers and is a member of Camp Sage, in the Weber South Company. She served as Camp Captain and is the Museum Moments specialist on the Company Board. Volunteering is important to Norma. From PTA when her children were in school and Boy Scouts of America, on the District level, to tutoring students and serving lunch at the Ogden Senior Center, she is engaged in helping others. Gardening, creative projects, friends and DUP are things that Norma enjoys!

Joyce Julander Larsson Joyce was born to parents, Odell and Ora Julander in Ames, Iowa. Joyce is the proud great great granddaughter of Anson Perry Winsor. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints in 1842. He was a bodyguard for Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, and came west with the saints in 1845. He miraculously cured his wife of Cholera on the plains, when many were dying of the disease. Brigham Young promised Anson that if he lived the commandments, his flour bin would never be empty. He shared his flour with others, and when it looked like there wasn't enough for another day-there always was. He built and managed Pipe Spring, called Winsor Castle, in Fredonia, Arizona, which is now a national monument. Married to Gary P. Larsson, Joyce is the mother of 4 children, 16 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. The family gathers for Sunday dinner once a month. Joyce and Gary taught their family values and responsibility. They lived in 4 different states TOY and enjoy traveling together. Joyce joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 2000. She is a member of Camp Sarah Jane Taylor in the Weber North West Company. She has been the Camp Captain, Camp Outreach Leader, Camp and Company Secretary and Company President. As a valued teacher, Joyce has taught Primary, youth, Gospel Doctrine and Genealogy classes. She has also served as YW president and Stake Relief Society President. Joyce has served her community on the Beautification Committee, Float Committee and the History and Heritage Committee. She has received the Governor's Heritage Award. Joyce values being involved with wonderful friends. Her hobbies include gardening-she is a Master Gardener, reading and writing-especially poetry. Joyce is interested in space and enjoys pictures from the Webb telescope! She enjoys time spent at the family cabin in Cache County and their mountain property in Monroe.

Janet Elizabeth Piepgrass Janet Elizabeth Piepgrass was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Eugene Duerden Piepgrass and Virginia Jennie Thomson. Richard Duerden and Sarah Ann Starkey are Janet's pioneer ancestors and came to Utah in 1868 in the last covered wagon group. Richard and Sarah were from Lancashire, England and were the parents of 9 children, 3 babies who died shortly after birth. They eventually settled in Woods Cross (later Bountiful}.They owned the first store, the first telephone and the first safe, from the Duerden's store, in the area. The residents in the area had such high regard for the Duerden's, they would often store their cash in the store safe. Janet is the Duerden's great granddaughter. Her father, Eugene Duerden Piepgrass, remembered his grandparents and loved them deeply. Janet is a widow, with no children. She has 4 sisters and 1 adopted grandson and lives with 1 sister, a niece and a great-nephew. They are all remarkably close and have lots of fun adventures. Their favorite activity--going out to lunch! Janet joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in Kent, Washington in 2007. She has served as the Camp 1st Vice Captain, Camp Historian and Company Historian. Janet is an active participant in organizations representing U.S. Military Veterans. She is a member of the Golden Spike Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, American Legion, and the Cold War Victory Foundation. She is also active in Animal Rescue.

DUP Queens with their Company Presidents:

Joyce Larsson is from Weber North West Company with Debbie Hohosh as President

Norma Love is from Weber South Company with Marti Clayson as President

Mary Cornelsen is from Weber Far South Company with Shanna Tobin as President

Janet Piepgrass is from Weber Roy Company with Paula Eddington as President.

At the conclusion of the event, assorted cookies and water bottles were served for refreshments.

Announcing DUP Royalty (2024)

Marti Clayson, DUP Museum President, welcomes everyone under the shady trees on the lawn next to the museum to hear the announcement of this year's Royalty.

Jolene Thomas, President of the Weber Far South West Company announces their queen:

 Marilyn Briem Blakeley

Marilyn Briem Blakeley was born in 1934, in Ogden, Utah. She is a daughter of Leland Jesse Briem and Edity Ivy Gidney. In 1953, Marilyn married LuJean "Luke" Blakeley. She is the mother of 2 children and has 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, whom she loves dearly!

Education is important to Marilyn. She graduated from Weber State University at age 58. At age 74, Marilyn graduated from Utah State University with a master's degree. She celebrated her academic success by skydiving into the Ogden High School Football Stadium, at age 74!

Marilyn joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 2004. She is a member of Camp Sunbonnet in the Weber Far South West Company, where she has served as the Parliamentarian and Lesson Leader.

Marilyn has volunteered assisting elementary school students with their reading skills. She also hosts an annual Pirate Party for neighborhood children. She has served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, teacher in Primary and Young Women's classes, Meetinghouse Librarian, and Ogden Temple Receptionist. Marilyn has used her writing skills to write and direct a Roadshow - a short, humorous play, starring the residents of Harrison Regent Senior Living. Marilyn was responsible for three scenes in the "Walk with Christ" presentation.

Marilyn Briem Blakeley's pioneer ancestor is George Gidney, who was born and raised in Sharrington, Norfolk, England. When he was 22 years old, he and his father immigrated to America. George crossed the plains in 1860 with the Daniel Robinson Handcart Company. President Brigham Young assigned him to assist in building the new settlement of Brigham City, Utah. He became a great and generous landowner. He had two wives - Elizabeth Sarll, the mother of 9 children, and Emma Rand, the mother of 6. George Gidney died of pneumonia at age 66, in 1905.

Trudy Pehrson, President of the Weber North Company, announces their queen: 

Heather Marie Bartholomew Neilson

Heather was born two and a half months early on February 14, 1972, in Napa, California to John and Debra Bartholomew. Her parents moved a lot with work opportunities, including Salt Lake City; Lewiston, Utah; Roswell, New Mexico; Harwood, Texas; Kearney, Missouri; Weston, Idaho; Logan, Utah, and Ogden. Heather and her husband Paul have lived in Pleasant View for 28 years.

Heather graduated from Logan High School and attended Utah State University with a major in Interior Design. She started photography in 1995 and has not put the camera down since! Heather enjoys getting out in Nature and meeting new people by taking their photos.

Heather and Paul Neilson were sealed in the Logan Temple in 1992. They have four children, two girls and two boys. She has loved being a stay-at-home Mom, with a side hobby business!

Heather joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 20089 and is a member of Camp Evergreen in Weber North Company. She has served as a Camp Captain, vice-captain, historian, and on the Company board as a vice-captain and social media expert. She feels that there is a new younger generation interested in pioneer history and is excited about the future of DUP!

Heather volunteered on the Weber County Holiday Festival planning committee for the entire 5 years that it ran and has wonderful memories from serving as their photographer. She is the legal guardian for her brother who has autism and assists her autistic nephew.

Heather has been an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints her entire life. She has served in various positions in the Primary, Relief Society and Young Women's organizations. She has also served as a Cub Scout leader and loved supporting her four children who worked summers at Scout Camp.

James Henry Rollins, Heather's pioneer ancestor, was born in Lima, New York in 1816. When James was a boy, his father, John Porter Rollins, died in a shipwreck on Lake Erie while transporting cattle. His mother, Keziah Van Benthusysen Rollins, took James and his two sisters to Ohio to live with her brother and his wife. Her brother, Sydney Gilbert, was the co-owner of the Whitney store. James began working at the store at an early age and was asked to be a clerk as a teen. He was always willing to serve when needed and learned new skills, such as stonecutting for the Nauvoo Temple. His first wife was Eveline Chrissy Walker and they had 10 children. His second wife was Hannah Hulme and they had 13 children. In 1847 James was asked to stay in Council Bluffs and raise crops for pioneers leaving the next seasons. He came to the Salt Lake Valley in 1848 with the Willard Richards Company. James was appointed to settle in San Bernardino and served as the District Attorney. He later returned to Utah, settling in Minersville in Southern Utah, where he was called to be the Bishop of the Lower Beaver Ward. James was elected to the Utah Territorial House of Representatives in 1867. Later in his life he moved to Lyman, Wyoming to be close to family and died there in 1899.

Joyce Schmitt, President of the Weber North East Company, announces their queen:

Catherine Joan Eskelsen Anderson

Catherine Eskelsen Anderson was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho in 1958, the daughter of Virginia Elizabeth Bird and Richard Morrison Eskelsen. Three other children - sister Kim and brothers Todd and Dan - were also born into the family.

Catherine graduated from Box Elder High School in Brigham City. She then went on to graduate from Utah State University with a degree in Home Economics and Consumer Education. Catherine taught in Utah schools in the Wayne, Uintah, Box Elder, Weber, and Ogden City School Districts. She taught Home Economics, Special Education, and English as a Second Language, retiring from Ogden High School in 2013. She then went on to teach another year at the Utah Military Academy. 

Catherine married Vic Harold Anderson in Ogden, Utah. They are the parents of Emily Catherine, Sarah Vee, and Kyle. Vic passed away in 2018. The family shared summers at Lake Powell, skiing, camping, and snowmobiling at Yellowstone National Park. Catherine saw 44 states in the United States and parts of Canada and Mexico, riding on the back of Vic's motorcycle! Two sons-in-law and four granddaughters have been added to the family. Family continues to be the most important part of Catherine's life.

Catherine is a member of Camp Segio Lily, Weber Noerth East Company, in Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She has been the 2nd Vice President, historian, lesson leader, and outreach coordinator in her Camp.

Catherine volunteers as a Weber Master Gardener and a blood platelet donor.

Catherine has served as the Relief Society President of her ward for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was also a Sunday school teacher, in the Young Women's Presidency, and a Temple Work and Family History Specialist.

Annora Coleman Boden, Catherine's ancestor, was born at Pontypool, South Wales in 1828. She was the daughter of James and Mary Coleman. When her father died, leaving her mother with five small children, and living in poor circumstances, Annora went to work early in her life. As a young girl, she worked in a confectionary store, where people made their own candy. Annora learned to make candy as she worked. Annora married James Boden, eventually becoming the mother of eleven children. James and Annora came to Utah in 1868, traveling by ox teams and wagons. A baby boy was born while crossing the plains. He lived for twelve days and was buried on the plains. Husband James became ill as they crossed the plains, becoming worse as they traveled. He died the day after they reached Salt Lake City. Annora joined other family members already living in Brigham City, earning money for her children by making candy and doing any other work that she could get. When her daughters got old enough to help, Anora operated a hotel in Brigham City. Well-known for her hospitality, Annora died in 1899.

Linda Fulmer, President of the Weber West Company, announces their queen:

LaDee Everton Eastland Jensen

LaDee Everton Eastland Jensen, a daughter of Walter Cecil Everton and Arda Roberts Everton, was born in Brigham City in 1939. LaDee lived in Brigham City until her marriage to Howard Fred Eastland in 1960. Howard and LaDee adopted three children: Russ, Ron, and Lisa. After living in Washington state, California, and several places in Utah, the family settled in Roy, Utah. In 1989 their youngest son, Ron, died serving an LDS mission in LaPaz, Bolivia. Later Howard and LaDee divorced.

LaDee worked as a secretary at the University of Washington for 3 years and Weber State University for 22 years. She retired in 2005. Go Wildcats!

LaDee has served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as ward and stake Relief Society President and various other callings in the Primary and Young Women's organizations. After retiring, LaDee served a full-time LDS mission as a senior sister in Santa Rosa, California. Upon returning home, LaDee met her sweetheart Gale Richard Jensen. They married in 2008. Gale and LaDee enjoyed serving in the Church together as hosts at the LDS Conference Center for 6 years and traveling. Gale died in December 2023. Combined, Gale and LaDee have a wonderful family of 7 children, 13 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

LaDee enjoys taking piano lessons, baking bread to take to people, and recently organized a Cousin Reunion!

LaDee joined Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 2000 and is a member of Camp Honey Bee, Weber West Company. She has served as the company President, Camp Captain, and several other positions.

Gwen (Winnifred) Lloyd Roberts Evans, LaDee’s ancestor, was born in 1823 in LLanbrothanshire, North Wales to John Lloyd and Catherine Evans Lloyd. She came to the United States with her 1st husband- Daniel Roberts and 4 small children in 1850. Her husband and 1 child died of cholera and were buried on the bank of the Mississippi River. Gwen did not know the language or anyone, but with her remaining 3 children she traveled to and spent the winter of 1851 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Going from there to Council Bluffs, Iowa, in the spring Gwen fitted out an ox team and wagon and crossed the plains to the Utah Territory. As they came into the valley, they were met by some Welsh friends with melons and other supplies. When Gwen got to Salt Lake City, a man asked her to marry him. When she refused, he made her pay for the supplies he had given her. In 1853 she married Captain David R. Evans at Brigham City, Utah. He died in 1861 leaving Gwen with a family of 8 children. Four years later the two youngest children died and were buried in the same grave. Gwen moved to Malad, Idaho in 1871 and lived there the rest of her life. Gwen died in 1909 in Malad, Idaho at age 86 and was buried in Brigham City, Utah.

Our lovely ladies, the 2024 DUP Royalty

Posing by the museum:

Standing next to the Miles Goodyear's cabin:

Marilyn

Catherine

LaDee

Heather

At the conclusion of the crowning, refreshments were served: brownies and ice cream with water bottles on ice in the horse's watering trough!