Minnie Kartchner Stratton

MINNIE KARTCHNER STRATTON, daughter of William Decatur Kartchner and Elizabeth Gale, was born December 26, 1870 in Overton, Nevada. The family moved to Panguitch, Utah and then to Snowflake, Arizona. Minnie often recalled the hardships the family endured. She told of grinding their own wheat, which was often scarce, to make biscuits each morning, sewing, and doing the washing by hand.

Minnie received a limited formal education but worked diligently through life to educate herself. When she was young, she was constantly singing while she was working. One day her father said, "Oh, Minnie, for goodness sake give us a rest." After she married and returned home he said, Minnie, it's been so lonesome. Sing us a song. I'll never get tired of your singing again."

In October 1886, Minnie married the neighbor across the street, William Ellis Stratton. They made the two-week trip by team to the St. George Temple. Their 54-years of married life would hold its challenges. Minnie and Ellis had 13 children but lost 5 of them in infancy. Minnie honored Ellis' two-year mission call by remaining home and caring for six young children.

Irene, Minnie's daughter and the 10th of the 13 children, wrote" "Mother was intelligent. Ordinarily, she was gentle and considerate in every relationship but she could be firm. No one could bring about unity and harmony in a family of varied personalities like she could. She was tender, loving, and had true compassion and charity for all."

There were hard times as the younger children were growing up brought about by scarcity of money, the economic depression, and the loss of life savings when the bank in Snowflake suddenly closed. For nearly fifteen years, the family took in boarders, 68 in all, to supplement the family income.

Irene continued, "Mother's life was that of a true pioneer. Sharing her substance was part of living. Many came to our door. Friend and stranger alike surrounded our table and partook of its goodness. Life was full of farming, cooking, children to get to school, ironing and washing, church work, family home evenings and singing together. Our parents worked together to accomplish the necessary tasks of each day. When sorrow came, hand-in-hand they comforted each other. Were were taught well in the gospel truths. Tithing and family prayer were never forgotten."

Irene described her mother as, "teaching patience because she was patient. She never shouted or lost her temple. She stressed honesty and square dealing."

Minnie served in the ward and stake Primary organization and for several years was the president of the Snowflake Ward Relief Society.

In 1940 when Ellis passed away, she did not realize that she would go on alone for 29 years more. During all those years, she lived with her daughter, Mabel and husband Jesse, in Mesa during the wintertime. She spent the summers in Snowflake moving every two or three weeks from one of her children's homes to another. It was always special for the grandchildren to have Grandma Stratton in their home. Into her advanced age, she would help with the dishes, she would sew, and be part of everything that was happening. She was pleasant, grateful for her blessings and never complained even though, due to macular degeneration, she was legally blind for many years. Her mind was quick and she had the ability to show a special personal interest in each one of her posterity. With her beautiful silver curly hair, her ready smile and a bright twinkle in her eye, we were proud that she was our Grandma.

Minnie kept a daily journal for over 30 years. Even after she couldn't see clearly, she was still writing in her journal. She wrote poetry and honored many with special poems on birthdays, other special occasions or just to give a word of encouragement or advice. One of her friends wrote a poem to Minnie, in return:

"Sweet winsome lady, cultured and elect,
So gentle in the things you say and do.
Of all the epigrams that could be framed,
The title "Ladyship" was coined for you."

Minnie passed away on December 24, 1969 - just two days before her 99th birthday. Her posterity of 366 - including 7 great-great-great grandchildren - at the time of her death called her blessed knowing how through the years they had been privileged to have her as their dear Grandma.

Irene, wrote on Minnie's passing, "She endured with faith and humility to the end. She discovered happiness in toil. She chartered the course for all of us to follow.