The nine, from cities throughout Davis County, were honored at the annual Mothers of the Year luncheon held at the Wight House Friday; and, as in years past, there were tears and chuckles and plenty of inspiration to go around.
Clipper publisher Gail Stahle welcomed the mothers, saluting them and telling them they had done “so much for society.”
The mayor of each city introduced their city’s mother of the year, sharing heartwarming stories of each mother’s accomplishments before the mothers responded.
Several mayors echoed the sentiments of Bountiful’s Mayor Joe Johnson, who said, “The greatest moment of being mayor is closing the door and reading the nominees,” sent in by relatives and friends.
He then introduced Bountiful’s mother Vicki Hess, a woman he said, “deserves (the honor) more than anyone will ever know.
Hess raised nine children, and now has 23 grandchildren.
Centerville’s Mayor Ron Russell said by honoring his city’s Mother of the Year, Debbie Randall, the city “was honoring all nominated.”
She told the audience, she always wanted to be the Kool-Aid mom who served punch and cookies to all her children’s friends.
Farmington’s Mother of the Year, Karen Redd, was unable to attend, but Mayor Scott Harbertson described her as a “strong woman with a strong family.”
Fruit Heights’ Mayor Todd Stevenson said the Mothers of the Year contest was his favorite thing about being mayor. He choked up as he described the city’s mother, Reta Parker Felt, who has been through many trials and tribulations in her life, but has managed to survive and thrive.
Felt spoke of the importance of family support, but said she felt more comfortable working behind the scenes.
Kaysville’s Mother of the Year, Sharon Dansie was introduced by Mayor Neka Roundy. She also has had more than her share of trials, having been diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago.
She said she was shocked her son nominated her as Mother of the Year and said she couldn’t have done it without her husband.
North Salt Mayor Shanna Schaefermeyer said that as she was reading the nominations for the Mother of the Year from her city, Betty Holmes “really stood out.” Holmes, not only raised seven children and raised a granddaughter from the time she was six years old, but also was instrumental in creating the Special Needs Mutual for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She said she works better behind the scenes.
South Weber’s Mayor Brent Petersen introduced Ann Thornley, the city’s Mother of the Year, a woman who has managed to deal with the health issues of two daughters and her own, Through it all, she served as PTA president and as a Safe Schools aide.
Thornley said that everyone has to overcome things, adding there must be 200 other moms in South Weber who deserve the honor more.
West Bountiful Mayor James Behunin described his city’s mother, Bea Marsden as an “institution in the community.”
An immigrant from Ireland, Marsden regaled the audience by sharing how she disciplined her children.
Woods Cross Mayor Kent Parry said the best description for his city’s Mother of the Year, Vicki Hinckley, was nominated by her daughter Megan, who said, “She loves, cares and serves.”
Even though her children are grown, Hinckley still serves at Woods Cross High School and as the city’s Youth Council advisor.
mwilliams@davisclipper.com
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