Posted on: Franklin Co. Id Obits Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Id/FranklinObits/262 Surname: Croshaw, Poole, Swainston ------------------------- The Idaho State Journal 01-10-2001 Our beautiful mother left this earth on January 4, 2001, at the age of 93. She lived her life with love and devotion. She endured to the end with grace and dignity. The third of seven children, Arvilla Poole was born May 5, 1907, to Thomas Alexander Poole and Mary Elizabeth Swainston Poole in Whitney, Idaho. She enjoyed her childhood years with three sisters and three brothers: Cora Jane Poole Newbold, Jessie Poole Westerberg, and Mildred Poole Cole, Clifford Poole, Clair Poole and Horace Poole, who died in infancy. She is survived in her birth family by her sister, Mildred, and numerous nieces and nephews. She attended schools in Bancroft and Preston, Idaho,and graduated valedictorian from Preston High School. At an early age, Arvilla exhibited musical and scholarly talents, which she generously shared throughout her life. She received her teaching certificate from the University of Idaho Southern Branch (now ISU), and taught school for five years in Winder and Oxf ord, Idaho. With only two years of formal training, she became an accomplished pianist and organist. As a young woman, she played with a dance band and provided accompaniment for silent movies. She taught piano for many years, and continued to play and perform until the last year of her life. During the 1930s and 1940s, she conducted a male chorus that became a popular performing group in southeastern Idaho and northern Utah. She was a ward chorister for 46 years, persuading many to learn difficult music that most would not have attempted without her guidance. Many owe their musical training to her. Arvilla married George Vernal Croshaw on June 19, 1929, in the LDS Logan, Utah temple. They established their home in Pocatello, where they lovingly raised five children: Verna Lee Johnston, Mary Lou (Porter) Sutton, Arva Lynn (Stan) Spicer, George V. (Karla) Croshaw Jr., and David K. (Debby) Croshaw. Together they constructed two homes with Arvilla as architect, and Vernal as contractor. Their lives revolved around family and church, and they served both tirelessly. They were temple officiators at the Idaho Falls temple for 14 years, and spent 18 months in Edson, Alberta, Canada, as full-time missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Arvilla was a spiritual giant, maintaining her never-wavering faith in God and his purpose for his children throughout her life. She delighted in studying and discussing the gospel of Jesus Christ, and she shared her knowledge and testimony in both word and deed. Arvilla was, in her heart of hearts, a mother. Her children and great-grandchildren were her great joy. She dedicated her earthly existence to their fulfillment, giving freely of all she had. Knowing her mortal life was nearing its end, her dilemma was wanting to join her husband, who preceded her in death 18 years ago, and her dear parents and three brothers and two sisters, and many other loved ones who were waiting for her on the other side, and also wanting to stay with the children who longed to keep her with them. In the end, she left her example as sustenance to her children and her sweet spirit as inspiration to her 27 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 13, 2001, at 11 a.m. at the Alameda LDS First Ward Chapel, located on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Walnut Street, with Bishop Bart Reed officiating. Interment will be in the Oxford, Idaho Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening, Jan. 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church.