Let me tell you about my sister, Reva
Reva Knight was born on November 22, 192l, in Provo, Utah. She was the 6th
child, the 5th daughter of Adleen Farley and Leo James Knight. The family lived on
what was called, "The Meadowbrook Farm". All the children there were much loved but
each was very busy as they accepted and performed the tasks that maintained the farm..
Reva's responsibility was to watch over and care for her little brother, LaVell,
who was but two years younger than she. It was the beginning of a tender relationship
that lasted throughout her life..
It was here on the Meadowbrook that Reva learned the virtues that would shape her
life: KINDNESS, COURAGE, RESPONSIBILITY, FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY.
Little Reva probably got lost in this big family, especially when another child
named Colleen replaced her and LaVell as the babies of the family; ( They often teased
her, especially when playing Chinese Checkers and she could never understand why they
always won!)
So it was only natural that Reva would seek for attention. School gave her untold
possibilities.
In her journal Reva wrote:
I was kind of a stinker in school. One morning I got up and Myrtle's beautiful
diamond was on the wash basin. She had just got engaged and forgotten to put it on. So
I put it on and wore it to school. My teacher recognized it wasn't from the Five 'n Dime
store' and called home to tell my folks that I had it. MY teacher retrieved it and kept it
safe until the end of the day. Myrtle was pretty upset with me."
I love the story she tells of her second grade her teacher who read to the class a
fairy tale entitled, "One Eye, Two Eyes, and Three Eyes" a story of three sisters.
"At that time," Reva writes, " my grandmother was living with us. She was blind
and had a glass eye because of an infection that caused her eye to need to be removed.
I looked at that glass eye and put it between my two eyes right on my forehead and it
was exactly the same color. I thought I could surprise all those kids at school, so I put
tape on it and stuck to my forehead. My teacher looked at me and shook her finger. She
asked where I got that eye and I said, "Its my grandma's, but it matches mine."
Yes, there was a little bit of mischief in my dear sister---one who loved life--who
was always cheerful and optimistic. Oh how I remember Reva!
. . How I loved to watch her practice and sing with her ladies trio They were in
constant demand to sing at church gatherings or funerals. She was my inspiration!
I watched how she followed the example of her older sister, Myrtle,-- becoming
very adept at sewing and even designing. I recall one day when I was twelve that she
made me a beautiful yellow dress, hand embroidered . I wore it proudly wherever I went.
Early in my life I recognized in Reva the love and respect she bore for others--
especially for the elderly. How tenderly cared for my blind grandmother with whom she
slept and the feeling between them was mutual. When Reva needed a new long dress
Grandma wanted Reva to be clad in what she called an "Alice Blue Gown".,
In the end the fabric that was chosen was white; but they told grandma it was
blue. Little did she know that as she fingered the fabric, it would become the beautiful
blue dress she had imagined for her granddaughter.
Oh how I loved and admired my big sister! She was the epitome of youth and
beauty. She had a wonderful smile, lovely figure and legs like Betty Grable, a popular
movie star.
When grandma died, Reva and I became roommates. Our dear dad used to wake us up
each morning with a song for me and for Reva, For me it was, "Colleena Mae, you're as
lovely as the day etc." And for Reva,
" Come on my, "artist model", it's time to get up!"
Yes, she was a model for any artist-- but she was a role model for me .(and still is). I
marveled at the handsome young men who dated her, the gifts they brought her, and the
beautiful black fur chubby jacket she got from Santa Claus!
. I admired her pluck, her imagination She was spunky and independent but how proud I
was that she would represent our ward and become the Queen of the stake Gold and
Green Ball!
I'm sure you are all acquainted with her whirlwind romance--of meeting her
handsome prince charming, Lawrence Lynn at that G & G ball where he declared to his
brother, "That's the girl I'm going to marry!" Their first date was that very week.
Their second date in Salt Lake where she was going to Beauty School; and then they
wrote to each for the next 3 months---March, April and May.
In June, on their third date, he took her to lunch and surprised her with a
diamond ring. He then left for Wyoming and they were married on their fourth date, in
the S.L. temple the very next month!
Larry and Reva's married life had its ups and downs, like most marriages, but the
love they had for each other never waned.. Reva was a devoted, loving and loyal wife.
The Lynn home was soon filled with beautiful children--each adored and reared
in an atmosphere of love. One by one they came from heaven--Pat, Kathy, Karma,
David, Lori, Brian and Cheryl--seven beautiful spirit children of God !
For Reva, motherhood was a sacred trust and she gave the role all she had.
Oh how I remember the Lynn home! It was a haven to all who entered. Reva and
Larry were generous to everyone. And Reva-- she was a' hostess with the mostest'!
You could never leave her home without being warmed by her love, her delicious food,
her creative skills and, at length ,leaving with something you needed or admired.
Her creative skills multiplied. Oh my! The many dresses, quilts and outfits she
created, the many permanents she gave, and the loaves of bread she baked for her family
and for many others..
Reva served in the church in many callings, especially R.S. She possessed a
quiet faith, but one that motivated her to be dedicated in whatever she was asked to do.
As such she was the epitome of love, kindness, patience and service --to her calling, her
husband, her family, and to anyone else who needed her!
I remember Reva's devotion to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP.) She was
proud of her Knight lineage and she served willingly--She sometimes delighted the
women with a colorful book review. And like her mother, Adleen, I watched Reva
perform in an occasional dramatic role in the community.
I will always remember the love , respect and service she and Lawrence gave to
our parents in their later years--many times following special promptings of the spirit to
do so and finding ways to bring them comfort and joy.
I remember the many business trips Reva and Larry enjoyed traveling through
Europe and Hong Kong. sharing with us their different cultures. and fulfilling a promise
given her in her patriarchal blessing.
I remember their activity in the Kiora Club of New Zealand where Larry had
served as a missionary and and the hours they served in the American Legion
organization.
I think of Reva as being a bit like Scarlet O Hara from Gone With the Wind. She
once wrote: "I wasn't one to worry much because I always knew tomorrow was another
day." Yet inspite of that philosophy, Reva learned to live with the heartbreak many days
can bring.
-I remember well the loss of her baby, Lori; her son, Brian, her daughter, Cheryl
and her grandson, Zach. Each of these heavy burdens she bore quietly and bravely
Never one to feel sorry for herself, she accepted the trials that came with dignity and
faith--finding comfort and power in the Savior promises and in the eternal covenants she
had made long ago in a holy temple.
We have Reva's own testimony of the comfort she received after Lori's death:
She writes,
"One morning Lawrence said, Let's go down to Manti to the temple. As I sat there, the
seat next to me was empty. I had the warmest feeling all over that someone was sitting
next to me that I couldn't see. When that session was over, I was so relieved and felt so
blessed that I had a baby too perfect to stay and be tested in this world. The Lord must
have loved me to let me be her mother. I knew I would be with her again."
In 1998 Reva's sorrows deepened with the illness and death of her sweetheart,
Lawrence.. His last words to her were "Reva, I have loved you all my life."
For many women such personal tragedies would leave them bereft of purpose or
desire to live--but not Reva. She magnified the gift of charity as she 'beareth all things,
hopeth all things, endureth all things.'
I have watched her carry on for seventeen more years with the same undaunted
spirit, patience, courage and faith that has always been her hallmark..
I watched as she shared her home with her grandchildren. Her home became their
home where she gave them sustenance and sanctuary in a difficult world. She shared her
food, facilities, her love. They know who they are and many could tell you of their
gratitude for such a wonderful, caring grandmother!
I remember a soft hearted Reva who continued to serve her neighbors, family and
and her community:
I know of the many hours she spent watching over the Springville Art Gallery--
or served as a pink lady at the Utah Valley Hospital , receiving a gold pin for
20 years of service.
. ..or ministered as a faithful worker in a holy temple of God..
I personally feel a great debt of gratitude to Pat who, when life became too
difficult for Reva, reached out in generosity and love and took her to her home in Las
Vegas--a place where she has found love and support through the last years of her life,.
Reva and Pat have been a treasured team as they brought comfort to each other and to me
and my family and many others along the way.
Finally I remember one of Reva's fondest memories--that of her 50th wedding
anniversary. She said of it:
"It was a glorious occasion. All my children and grandchildren were there.
Lawrence told me then how much he loved me.
Oh, we made a lot of mistakes in our married life but getting married wasn't one of
I am so looking forward to his coming back to get me and to being with all my children
forever."
Bless you, dear sister, as you have reached that precious destination.
Thank you for touching our lives with goodness, beauty and faith.
May we all be worthy to be with you again in our Heavenly home!.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Reva's Passing
Saturday, October 10, 2015 in a calm, darkened room the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Radio station played softly. Reva's occasionally lifted her arm wrist first as if she was waving from a parade float. We wondered if she was waving goodbye to us or greeting others on the other side.
Kari Earl Short wrote this accurate description:
We had a very sacred experience getting to be there with Grandma all day today, and then listening to Dads blessing of release. Dad could not have put more Iove into the blessing. There was an immediate change in her breathing as Dad finished. As Katherine and I stayed at her bedside, I started massaging her hands with some lotion gently. As I held her worn, delicate hand in mine I thought to myself that I would do anything to have hands like hers before I leave this earth. Hands that comforted the sick, cooked delicious meals for the hungry, hands that tirelessly sewed both beautiful dresses and quilts to keep others warm. At last those beautiful hands, worn out in service to her family, friends, and community are still. A witness to what a life can be when lived with the kind of charity that through time was woven into her soul.
Shortly after son in law Robert Earl blessed Reva, her breathing changed as if to tell us she was moving on toward her heavenly goal. Around 9:00 pm her breathing changed again to more of a soft purr. As her breathing stopped we noticed the exact song playing she had chosen for her funeral, "Abide With Me; 'Tis Eventide." Thank God for a beautiful passing for His Blessed daughter Reva in the comfortable home of Karma Lynn and Robert Earl.
Kari Earl Short wrote this accurate description:
We had a very sacred experience getting to be there with Grandma all day today, and then listening to Dads blessing of release. Dad could not have put more Iove into the blessing. There was an immediate change in her breathing as Dad finished. As Katherine and I stayed at her bedside, I started massaging her hands with some lotion gently. As I held her worn, delicate hand in mine I thought to myself that I would do anything to have hands like hers before I leave this earth. Hands that comforted the sick, cooked delicious meals for the hungry, hands that tirelessly sewed both beautiful dresses and quilts to keep others warm. At last those beautiful hands, worn out in service to her family, friends, and community are still. A witness to what a life can be when lived with the kind of charity that through time was woven into her soul.
Shortly after son in law Robert Earl blessed Reva, her breathing changed as if to tell us she was moving on toward her heavenly goal. Around 9:00 pm her breathing changed again to more of a soft purr. As her breathing stopped we noticed the exact song playing she had chosen for her funeral, "Abide With Me; 'Tis Eventide." Thank God for a beautiful passing for His Blessed daughter Reva in the comfortable home of Karma Lynn and Robert Earl.
Holy Ghost, Influence for Good
Written by Reva
The Holy Ghost has always been an influence for good in my life, especially in times of sorrow.
I am reminded of my patriarchal blessing which states that there would be times in my life when sorrow and distress would come to me (which is the common lot of all). I was promised that the Lord would comfort me at those times and I would have the power to carry on. I know that the Lord knows me and He won't give me any more trials that I can bear.
We can all be of good cheer, knowing that we came to this earth life when the gospel was in its fullness. With my heritage I was taught and given the knowledge of a true and living God so I have always tried to put my faith in Him.
The Lord has surely not withheld blessings from me. He has given me and my husband, Larry, a great family. In addition he has provided many opportunities to learn, to serve others, to enjoy good health and the blessings of many choice friends. Also in recent years, I had had the desire and privilege to work in the temple, His holy house.
All these things bring peace of mind and a burning testimony of the truth of the gospel. My constant prayer is that I can follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and to remember that not my will is to be done, but that of my Father in Heaven.
Reva
The Holy Ghost has always been an influence for good in my life, especially in times of sorrow.
I am reminded of my patriarchal blessing which states that there would be times in my life when sorrow and distress would come to me (which is the common lot of all). I was promised that the Lord would comfort me at those times and I would have the power to carry on. I know that the Lord knows me and He won't give me any more trials that I can bear.
We can all be of good cheer, knowing that we came to this earth life when the gospel was in its fullness. With my heritage I was taught and given the knowledge of a true and living God so I have always tried to put my faith in Him.
The Lord has surely not withheld blessings from me. He has given me and my husband, Larry, a great family. In addition he has provided many opportunities to learn, to serve others, to enjoy good health and the blessings of many choice friends. Also in recent years, I had had the desire and privilege to work in the temple, His holy house.
All these things bring peace of mind and a burning testimony of the truth of the gospel. My constant prayer is that I can follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and to remember that not my will is to be done, but that of my Father in Heaven.
Reva
Funeral Details
REVA KNIGHT LYNN
11/22/21-10/10/15
Reva was born in Provo, UT to Leo James Knight and Adleen
Farley Knight, sixth of eight children. Married to Lawrence Lynn and lived in
Springville most of their married life. Active in church and community, volunteering
and giving service. She never made a batch of bread without sharing. Reva was
preceded in death by her beloved Lawrence, daughters Cheryl and Lori and son
Brian. Survived by Sister Colleen Dinsdale, children Patricia Groesbeck,
Katherine Lynn, Karma (Robert) Earl, David (Sharon) Lynn, 22 grandchildren and
53 great-grandchildren.
Friday, Oct 16, 6-8:00pm Viewing at Walker Sanderson
Funeral Home, 85 E 300 S, Provo, UT 84606 (801) 373-6668
Saturday, Oct 17, Viewing 9:30-10:30am, Service 11:00am at
Springville 5th Ward Chapel, 698 Kolob Circle, Springville
Interment at Evergreen Cemetery, 1900 South 400 E, Springville
Defining My Own Faith - Lori Lynn, 1959
Little Lori Lynn was born December 1958 and went to Heaven in February, 1959. From Reva's diary:
"I wasn't one to worry much because I always knew tomorrow was another day. I was happily married, although there were some trying times when Lawrence was in the army. He always returned safe though. Later on, the first real challenge I had to face was when I had a little girl named Lori. She came seven weeks early and she slept all the time. She didn't even cry, but rather a sweet little way of humming when she was hungry. By the time Lori was two months old I had nursed her from just four pounds to eight pounds.
One day I noticed her forehead growing and I rushed her across the street to the doctor's office. He said it looked like she had water on the brain ...it was too serious a problem for him. I took her to Salt Lake to the best neurosurgeon. I stayed up there for a week with students taking tests on her. I came in one morning to the doctor shouting at one of the students "Why did you shave her head when she isn't going to live anyway?" That was the first time I heard she wasn't going to make it. I felt so overwhelmed with this sick baby. I had five other children that needed me to be taking care of them. The next day I woke up with a bad cold and Lawrence told me he would stay with Lori today so I could take care of myself. As he went in to see Lori, she opened her eyes and put her little hand on his and died. In a way that saved me from having to see her leave.
For a while, every morning my breasts will be filled with milk and would cry. One morning Lawrence said "Let's go down to Manti to the temple." As I sat there, the seat next to me was empty.
I had the warmest feeling all over that someone was sitting next to me that I couldn't see. When that session was over, I was so relieved and felt so blessed that I had a baby too perfect to stay and be tested in this world. The Lord must have loved me to let me be her mother. I knew I would be with her again. This was one of three or four disappointing deaths that strengthened my faith and testimony.
Reva with precious Lori.
Written after Lawrence's passing:
Not everything was sad in my life. Lawrence and I traveled all through Europe, Hong Kong, Panama Canal, New Zealand, etc and saw many different cultures. After we had been married fifty years we had the most glorious gold wedding celebration. All my children and grandchildren were there. Lawrence told me how much he loved me. We made a lot of mistakes in our married life but getting married wasn't one of them. I am looking forward to him coming back to get me and being with all my children forever.
"I wasn't one to worry much because I always knew tomorrow was another day. I was happily married, although there were some trying times when Lawrence was in the army. He always returned safe though. Later on, the first real challenge I had to face was when I had a little girl named Lori. She came seven weeks early and she slept all the time. She didn't even cry, but rather a sweet little way of humming when she was hungry. By the time Lori was two months old I had nursed her from just four pounds to eight pounds.
One day I noticed her forehead growing and I rushed her across the street to the doctor's office. He said it looked like she had water on the brain ...it was too serious a problem for him. I took her to Salt Lake to the best neurosurgeon. I stayed up there for a week with students taking tests on her. I came in one morning to the doctor shouting at one of the students "Why did you shave her head when she isn't going to live anyway?" That was the first time I heard she wasn't going to make it. I felt so overwhelmed with this sick baby. I had five other children that needed me to be taking care of them. The next day I woke up with a bad cold and Lawrence told me he would stay with Lori today so I could take care of myself. As he went in to see Lori, she opened her eyes and put her little hand on his and died. In a way that saved me from having to see her leave.
For a while, every morning my breasts will be filled with milk and would cry. One morning Lawrence said "Let's go down to Manti to the temple." As I sat there, the seat next to me was empty.
I had the warmest feeling all over that someone was sitting next to me that I couldn't see. When that session was over, I was so relieved and felt so blessed that I had a baby too perfect to stay and be tested in this world. The Lord must have loved me to let me be her mother. I knew I would be with her again. This was one of three or four disappointing deaths that strengthened my faith and testimony.
Reva with precious Lori.
Written after Lawrence's passing:
Not everything was sad in my life. Lawrence and I traveled all through Europe, Hong Kong, Panama Canal, New Zealand, etc and saw many different cultures. After we had been married fifty years we had the most glorious gold wedding celebration. All my children and grandchildren were there. Lawrence told me how much he loved me. We made a lot of mistakes in our married life but getting married wasn't one of them. I am looking forward to him coming back to get me and being with all my children forever.
Brian James Lawrence Lynn - 1961
Brian was born on a lucky day April 11, 1961. Not sure how much or which middle name (James or Lawrence) he actually has on his birth certificate. It was amazing to think the big guy actually started as a 4-1/2 pound baby. We remember the little heated isolet kept in Reva's bedroom until he grew big enough to manufacture his own heat. Dave was happy to finally have a brother to share all the doting.
Brian was mechanically inclined. As a 4 year old in Casper, Wyoming he walked in with a visitors license plate he removed and handed it to the guest - "Here" (said with a w - Hewr.")
Mom called him her little "Oliver" because he looked so much like the little blond boy in the musical. The other nickname we remember is "Barney Google with the Goo Goo Googly Eyes,"
Brian loved Studebakers. He rebuilt two before he got his own drivers license and worked on many more. He loved motorcycles and being creative. He built cement walls around Reva's yard, added stained glass to her kitchen cabinets, actually embroidered a mountain scene.
We all agree a girlfriend who called him a "Gentle Giant."
He was tender hearted and spent hours and hours helping others. Brian left us too soon April 26, 1992.
 |
| Reva holding little blond baby Brian |
Brian was mechanically inclined. As a 4 year old in Casper, Wyoming he walked in with a visitors license plate he removed and handed it to the guest - "Here" (said with a w - Hewr.")
Mom called him her little "Oliver" because he looked so much like the little blond boy in the musical. The other nickname we remember is "Barney Google with the Goo Goo Googly Eyes,"
Brian loved Studebakers. He rebuilt two before he got his own drivers license and worked on many more. He loved motorcycles and being creative. He built cement walls around Reva's yard, added stained glass to her kitchen cabinets, actually embroidered a mountain scene.
We all agree a girlfriend who called him a "Gentle Giant."
Cheryl Noel 1953
Dad took Reva to the hospital on December 24, 1953. He came home to tell us we had a baby sister. We all called her Cheryl Noel because she was a Christmas baby. Daddy woke Pat later to ask where the dolls were hidden and got her out of bed to help him. The next day they bought a miniature tree to take to Reva in the old Hughes Memorial Hospital in Spanish Fork.
Cheryl was an angel from the beginning. She loved us despite the teasing from her older brother and sisters. She had beautiful skin that would tan easily in the sun so we told her we got her from the Indians. It's interesting because we heard Reva was teased the very same way. Grandma Knight called Reva her "Cocoa Baby."
Cheryl was taken from us early February 21, 1997 and we all miss her so much. She learned quickly from Reva and always shared what she had. Everyone thought she was their best friend because she treated everyone as if they were. So many people loved Cheryl, we had to delay her funeral over an hour to allow people to continue the viewing and tell her goodbye. Reva will love being with her children once more.
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| Cheryl (bottom center) Kathy, Karma and Knight cousins |
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| Cheryl's 13th birthday |
Cheryl was taken from us early February 21, 1997 and we all miss her so much. She learned quickly from Reva and always shared what she had. Everyone thought she was their best friend because she treated everyone as if they were. So many people loved Cheryl, we had to delay her funeral over an hour to allow people to continue the viewing and tell her goodbye. Reva will love being with her children once more.
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| Reva with some of her great grandkids - including Cheryl's |
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