The Ganado Connection

What do these people have in common? And how did our Ganado History discover the connection?
Susan and Larnie Higgins


Elder Monte Higgins


The first photo is the temple wedding of Elder Wilcox's niece, Susan Cazier and her husband Larnie Higgins. They were kind enough to make a generous donation to help pay for the printing of our Ganado Branch History. Susie told us then, that her father-in-law had actually served in Ganado in 1962. So Elder Monte Higgins is Larnie's dad and photo #2.

Wow--That made Elder Higgins the earliest missionary that we knew about in this area. So I called him and did a phone interview about his experiences here. Even though we were just two days away from deadline, I was able to get at least a partial one page story in about his mission.

A few weeks later, he showed up on our doorstep here in Ganado. I guess his heart had pulled him back to the mission field and he was visiting former places he had worked. This was a wonderful opportunity for us to get acquainted with him. He and his wife now live in Alburquerque, and they have been called to serve as LDS family service missionaries in Gallup. So maybe he'll yet return to Ganado again in that capacity.

About a week after I had submitted the book to the publisher, we had a chance to speak in Sacrament meeting in Steamboat, our neighboring branch 20 miles west. While there, I mentioned about our history project, and told them the story of Monte Higgins, and how he and his companion had rented a hogan from Ida Yellowhair from Steamboat, in 1962 for $10.

Lucy Yellowhair Gorman


Two weeks later, Lucy Gorman from Steamboat showed up at our trailer, and asked to see Elder Higgins' photo. It was then we discovered that Lucy, a sister we dearly love, was none other than Ida Yellowhair's daughter!! We didn't know her maiden name so imagine our happiness to learn of her connection to Elder Higgins. She remembered Elder Higgins and his stay at their hogan. What a wonderful coincedence! We know Lucy well, as we helped teach her the temple preparation lessons last summer, and went with her to the Snowflake temple when she received her endowments. Truly Elijah blessed us with this special experience.

Had it not been for this research project, we would not have made those gospel connections, and now Lucy has Elder Higgins' address and phone number, and yet another wonderful reconnection will be made. How blessed we've been in doing this project.

And our connection:



This is the day we went with Lucy Yellowhair Gorman to the temple. The gospel is an important part of her life, and she isn't afraid to share her testimony. What a joy it's been to know her. And how thankful we are to the Higgins family for being a part of this history.

YouTube - Mormon Messages: The Blessings of the Temple

We've had the great joy of teaching three more choice children of our Heavenly Father about the temple and how to prepare to go there. We count this as a bonus blessing of serving a mission.
This is for Brother Yazzie, President and Sister White and Brother and Sister Clarke. We'll see you there soon.
YouTube - Mormon Messages: The Blessings of the Temple

More Tender Mercies from the Lord

There were many very interesting stories providing additional information and insight about the Ganado Branch, which I want to record before I forget them. I truly feel like the Lord blessed this project in many, many ways, and will yet bless those who participated, and who will read our history:

1) In the early stages of doing computer research (since we have no real library readily available) I discovered that one of Brigham Young's grandsons, Mahonri Young, best known as the sculptor of the Seagull Monument and This is the Place Monument, was also an early visitor to Ganado. BYU has several of his etchings, one called "Baling Hay at Ganado". After seeing it, I was pretty sure that it must have been done at next door at the Hubbell Trading Post. When I finally caught up with the curator, he confirmed that it was the back side of their big barn.

They still have the original hay baler there, which must now be at least 120 years old. Maybe in 1917, Mahonri was the first Mormon in Ganado, who knows... The BYU gave us permission to reprint. We have more of the details of that etching in the book.
2) In addition, Robert T. Barrett, one of BYU's artists, gave us permission to reprint his inspiring painting showing "the Hearts of the Children, turning to their Fathers. "

3) The Gallup Independent gave permission to use two of their articles about water development.
4. The LDS church also gave permission for us to reprint several photos, and articles.
All of these little details added to the interest, and hopefully the power of the story of Ganado. I so appreciated their willingness to share with us.


5. One of the first stories we learned when we arrived here in 2007, was about the Navajo family in Crystal, who provided a hogan where President Kimball could recover from his heart attacks. I later found that story via internet archive sites on LDSlibrary.com. My appreciation of his great effort and sacrifice in behalf of the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache people has grown immensely during the past 4 months I've worked on this project. What a huge debt we owe him.

6. One of Steve's nieces and her husband donated to our project about 2 days before I needed to have the copy in. She happened to mention that her father-in-law Monte Higgins had actually served a mission down here, working in Ganado, Steamboat, Kinlichee, & Wide Ruins. Because this was in 1962-63, it was one of the earliest dates of any missionary I had tracked down. I called him and did a phone interview. He shared wonderful, and very unique stories about his experience here: How a missionary band used to travel the reservation in a bright red "Mormon Show Bus" performing at fairs, carnivals, etc. In conjunction with the performers, came a 2nd bus with displays and dioramas of the Book of Mormon, which the missionaries discussed after the "show."
They also taught religion classes at the BIA schools. Kids had the choice of taking the courses from the Catholics, Presbyterians, Mennonites, or Mormons, once a week. From this experience came most of their converts...as well as the baptism of his future wife to be, who was a school teacher at Wide Ruins, which is about 20 miles south of here! That also was a unique story. Hope you get to read it.
I was thrilled to be able to add this story to our collection, even though it meant adding a full new page. Thanks, Higgins family.

7. After the proof sheets came back, we continued to do more editing, and kept sending changes up via e-mail. Carol Holland at the BYU press, was so accommodating, and never hollared at me once! I had to make at least 5 donor page changes, because we kept getting more money for the project! What a wonderful blessing that has been from the Lord --and from family and friends.

8. Last Thursday, our seminary supervisor, Milton Watts, was looking at the proof sheets, and commenting on the book. He eventually came to a page showing "two unidentified sister missionaries" and exclaimed, "This missionary is my sister-in-law Stella Thompson from Sheep Springs!" Of course, I had to add that correction in. That was pretty neat. Those are what I mean by the "tender mercies of the Lord." What a help!

9. Finally all the corrections were sent in, or so I thought. Then last Sunday, March 29, Sister Ludlam's son-in-law, Matt Nelson, was looking through our book, and pointed out on the missionary page, that I had some wrong names. As it turned out he had served in the Alberquerque Mission with several of the missionaries, though he had not worked in Ganado. I had thought this area had been in the Phoenix Mission during the 90's, but not so. Through his help I was able to find their mission site, and make many name changes, plus add more information about missionaries. I thought it was strange, when I had called the APM mission, and they didn't have any listing of some of the missionaries who I knew had served here. Now I know why, I was calling the wrong mission. I wish I had discovered it sooner, but I added in as much as I had room for, by changing the font size to a pt. 10. I'm so thankful that Matt spoke up.

I am sure, there are still many errors, and many unanswered questions, but at this point, this is the best I can do. Maybe Matt and his wife Kasandra, can do a Volume II some day!

Branch History Project Completed

Isn't that a beautiful cover for our branch history! It was designed by Ben Long, who is also from Blanding, but now lives here in Ganado. The photo was taken by former Sr. missionary Grace Klepacz. I think the two talents combined to create something truly awesome!

I feel like I've been tied to the computer for more than two months now, so if you've wondered where I've been...here's the scenario.
--In November I asked our branch president if he thought we could put together a branch history so we had a record of what had been done in the branch since it began... and he said, "Let's go for it."
Part of the journey of this project was to get participants to see where they'd been and where they were now now--sort of their spiritual journey. I wanted to help the branch discover new things about themselves, as well as the history of the church here in Ganado.

In the initial presentation I used President Eyring's quote: “Tonight and tomorrow night, you might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? I will do that. And then I will find a way to preserve that memory for the day that I, and those that I love, will need to remember how much God loves us and how much we need Him." Oct. 2007

I truly believe this has begun to happen, and that their stories, and the stories of the great work that President Kimball did on the reservation will open their eyes to how the desert is starting to bloom as a rose. I hoped that as members remembered and recorded those important spiritual experiences it would strengthen their resolve to endure to the end, and that it would also help others who are struggling.
On January 30 we had a big celebration dinner for all those who got their stories in on time. We had about 40 attend and had a delicious Chinese New Year dinner, which Sisters Dille and Smith helped us fix.


During the two months they were writing, I was doing research about missionary work here on the reservation --especially here in Ganado, The Placement program, and digging out information about our branch. I wish I'd had more time, but I pulled together as much as possible.

Financing the project.
When we found out how much the book was going to cost, I started praying for a way to get it done without going into debt for the next 6 months, and sent out this initial e-mail to family and friends:
It’s really a paradox that success sometimes creates problems. I hoped we’d have 20-25 stories come in from the Ganado Branch, and Elder Wilcox and I planned to pay for printing the book. I anticipated it would cost between $1000-$2000. During the past two months I’ve worked hard doing writing workshops, calling and encouraging, and visiting members in their home, helping them to write their stories. The result was that over 50 stories were submitted, and the book will be twice as big as anticipated, which of course is wonderful but it will cost more. The 1st printer’s bid came back Friday and it was over $7000. After I picked myself up off the floor, I began worrying how we could ever pay for it. Neither our branch, which only has a yearly budget of $900, nor the Stake had money to help us. And then I remembered the Savior saying, “Ask, and it will be given; knock and it shall opened.” So, I’m writing to ask for your help.

We can still come up with our original financial commitment, but we are asking for donations to help raise the balance. If you felt you could support this endeavor to help us publish these books to be used for reactivation, and retention in Ganado, we would welcome a donation of any size and consider it a great blessing. You can mail a check to Steve Wilcox at Box #681 Ganado , Az 86505 If you can help the missionary cause here on the reservation we thank you so much, and if you can’t, we still love and appreciate you. I’m completing layout this week, and taking it to a printer next week, so a prompt reply would be most advantageous.

Let me highlight a few things that have happened since we began this family history project in November:

1. I promised them that the Spirit of Elijah would help them find the information they would need for their family story, as well as for their ancestors. I’ve literally seen their hearts turn to their fathers, and to their children as they’ve written and researched. (Malachi 4:5-6)

2. Sister Nez was the first one to bring her story and photos in. Her mother was an early member joining the church in the 70’s; she just passed away in October. She wrote both her story and her mom’s.
In addition she contacted all her family finding wonderful photos of grandparents long gone which she was able to identify. This is the beginning of a great genealogical work for this sweet sister who suffers from Parkinson’s disease.

3. The Clarkes who were recently reactivated wrote their stories testifying of the Book of Mormon.
Both the mom and dad completed the book since coming back in July. (Incidentally, Brother Clarke just received the Melchizedek priesthood this month, and was put in as a counselor in the branch. Saturday we start the Temple Preparation Classes for them. What a joy to us!)

4. Another sister who has not been active for some time, wrote a wonderful story of the early years of the Ganado branch and her experiences in the Placement program. She provided most needed information about the early days of the branch. Many others who were on Placement also wrote fondly of these experiences.

5. Other sisters captured the experiences of growing up traditionally, and then showed how her life changed as they accepted the gospel.

6. Another sister, who isn’t even baptized yet, has been diligently writing, calling, and finding out information about her mother’s family, and has taken it clear back to the Long Walk. Her son Corey was baptized last April

7. One faithful sister showed in her sweet humble story how faithfully living the gospel and teaching it to your children can produce missionaries and temple marriages even here on the reservation. Last week and next her family will help her do the temple work for her parents.

8. Another sister who lost her 7 year old son last year told of her struggles with grief and how the Gospel has given her hope and reactivated her in the church.

9. Several people who overcame addictions wrote of their struggles and how the Gospel has given them strength to continue on.

10. A member of our Stake presidency wrote about what it was like being a missionary here in the 70’s. It is great having both a before and after picture of him!

11. Another sister told how her father was the one who donated land to the LDS church, so that a real chapel could finally be built. She has done temple work for four individuals in her family since writing her story! So the work moves on… no “unhallowed hand” can stop it.

I could tell more, but that’s the book’s job. I hope you know enough now that you have a glimpse of what these stories comprise of, and that you’ll want to help. Thank you for lettings us share this, Love, Elder and Sister Wilcox
What happened next:
The very next day after I sent this out, Sister Stubbs called and suggested I contact the BYU Press, telling me that they publish family stories. I did that and was relieved to find out their bid was half as much as the first printer. Already the burden seemed lighter.

That very week we received many e-mails and promises to help us on the project, and then the checks started coming in. We're not quite to our goal of $4500, but we have over $3500 and we know we can make up the difference, whatever that should be.

These wonderful donors have really eased the pressure of getting the book published, though there was still plenty of work to do. Not all of the stories were even typed. Many came and told their story to me and I typed them in. But most wrote their story, some even e-mailed it to me, which was a huge help. But universally, they brought wonderful photos. which I scanned. Many were old photos that had to be digitally repaired on Adobe photoshop. Nearly 500 photos were scanned, converted to B&W and many repaired. It took a lot of time just to do that! Needless to say, my eyes started giving me problems before the task was done. Thankfully the Lord has blessed me, and the task is completed, and the book is at the printers, and will hopefully be back before we leave.

We had a baptism Feb. 6. Even though we didn't teach Marden Kinlichee, we feel like she's one of our successes. In November we organized a seminary out-reach pizza social, and Liyah,who was going to seminary, invited her cousin Marden to come. Both Marden and her brother came to it. We had fun making pizzas, eating them, and playing games. We had about 20 people come.


The next Monday Marden came to seminary with Liyah, and has come every day since, only missing two times. So we've done a lot of teaching and encouraging. She also comes regularly to church every Sunday. Her dad usually brings her down The 2nd time to seminary, she asked what she would need to do to be baptized! Wow, can you imagine.

We asked the young elders to teach her after seminary. They also did one lesson at her home. She readily accepted the gospel, as was a very bright quick learner and was soon ready for baptism. Her dad is a member but her mother is Catholic and didn't want her to be baptized. The elders just hummed and haahed around, for a couple of weeks, waiting for Marden to talk to her mother, but she is so afraid of her, it never happened, even after we had a fast for her.

Finally, I couldn't stand it any more, and asked her if it were OK for us to go up and talk to her mother. I knew they were getting a new home, so I bought some home decorating books, and we took them up one Sunday afternoon about 3 weeks ago. We talked to her parents at that time, soliciting their permission for the baptism, which she did give, even though she kept saying, "She's already been baptized in the Catholic Church."

I had told Autumn about what was going on, and one of their young women had a similar experience, but finally was baptized right after Christmas. She hasked this young woman write to Marden, as well as the other 15 girls in their class. So Marden got those letters the day after her baptism. They were very inspirational to her.
They were especially helpful, as baptism day was a little sad. She had hoped her mom might come, but she didn't, so she had been crying all the way to the church, and was red eyed. But 3 of the kids from Seminary came, plus Corey, her dad, brother and grandparents, plus members of the branch. She had good support there. She was confirmed Feb. 7, but her dad didn't come in. Sometimes I wish I were two people, as there are just little things that need to be done, like calling and reminding, or inviting people which would smooth things out, but I can't do everything. We are happy we still get to work with her, in seminary, and hope she'll be a good strong member, and hopefully bring her Dad back to activity.

Some things are worth waiting for

We have been teaching a most wonderful young lady since July and yesterday, Jan. 24 she was baptized. Amber, who is 11 yrs old, and her parents have been faithfully making progress in the gospel since we first contacted them. Both Virgena and Richard were members, but had been inactive for many years. Neither were they married. So we had a lot of hurdles to surmount, and they had many things to change as well.

One by one those problems have been resolved, repented off, and corrected. They were married last month, and Richard prepared to be worthy to baptize Amber. Amber has been the one consistent shining light. Anyone would be thrilled to have such a wonderful daughter. She has been ready for baptism for several months, but waited patiently for her father to be able to baptize her. It was a thrill to see that happen yesterday.

Last Sunday all three of them were speakers in Sacrament meeting. Amber went first, and of course, she had never given a talk before to such a large group, but she did it with confidence and poise. She told about learning the gospel, and reading the Book of Mormon stories. She told the story of Lehi's dream and the tree of life. Then she shared her testimony. She did all of that without a single note. It was wonderful. She also told her parents several months ago that she wanted to be a missionary some day. I am sure this may happen, as they continue on God's path.

Both of her parents have completed either listening, and/or reading all of the Book of Mormon and we feel that this was a great impetus strengthening their testimonies. The Lord has truly blessed them and us.

Ganado Branch History Project

Yep, it's the English teacher coming out in me! I've asked the branch to write about their spiritual journey in life, and what they've learned from those experiences. Next Friday, Jan. 30 is their deadline, and I've had pretty good results with at least 6 early birds, who have their stories and photos in all ready. That is really encouraging.

As a reward for those meeting deadline, the sister missionaries are helping us put together a Chinese New Years buffet next Friday, and we'll all have a chance to share some of our experiences while enjoying great food.
Sister Dille ran a catering business for 40 years, so she is a Godsend in this endeavor, as I'm spending a lot of time writing, prodding, scanning, etc.

I gave the initial presentation about the project on the 5th Sunday in Nov. via a power point slide show. At the Christmas party, I did a shortened version of that, and was able to contact about 50 more new people. Then on the first of Jan. I pulled in all the ones who were at church, and presented it again during Sunday School class. I also gave two writing workshops, and then started going house to house doing the presentations to those I'd missed. I still haven't cornered everyone, but I gave it my best shot. If I hadn't had such a banged up knee we would have done a lot more. I hope the Holy Ghost will keep bugging them for me. I'm counting on that.
My goal is to get layout all done in Feb. and get it published in March, and have it ready to distribute before we leave in April. I hope it will be a valuabe treasure, and remind them about the things they need to "remember."

Chapters will include: Placement participants, Ganado branch memories, Ganado area information, Missionaries, and then family histories. I've been calling and e-mailing everyone I can track down who may have worked here over the past 30 years. The internet has also provided some amazing information. I even found an etching at the BYU art museum done my Mahonri Young entitled Baling Hay in Ganado. It was done in 1917, and I suspect it was sketched next door at the Hubbell trding post. There is an old hay baler there, that might have been the one in the pix. I've got a bit more research to do regarding that.

Also discovered that Steve Young made two separate trips down here to talk to kids at Ganado High School. Found out who all our past mission presidents were, one being the illustrious J Ballard Washburn from Page, Az who is a Blanding boy made good. For years he was a doctor at Page, Az but is especially remembered for his kindness to the Navajos, which is what I hope to be remembered for also. He is a great example. More later.. on this endeavor.

Monthly Fall: or "As the World Slips"

Yup, I did it again. It was just a month ago today, that I fell and cracked my ribs, then last Satuday on the 10th, I slipped on our icey steps and traumatized my left knee. Luckily, I had ahold of the railing, and didn't fall forward -- just landed hard with all my weight (of which is is plenty) on my left leg. Even though we were just leaving, I turned around and went right to bed, and my nice husband, packed my knee in snow (in a plastic bag) and he went to the baby shower alone. What a trooper!
I have fortunately been very blessed, and today (Tuesday, the swelling and most of the pain is gone, and it really feels pretty good. I may be back "Sweatin' to the Oldies" soon. I had just finished a near perfect week with Richard, and was feeling pretty motivated.

I am still having pretty painful hip pain on the left side, and broke down and went to a chiropractor today in Window Rock. He gave me several exercises to do, so I hope I am feeling nearly normal again by next week. I have a huge publishing project to pull together before we leave, and I need to be able to sit at the comptuer without pain. More about this in the next posting.

Tender mercies--daily blessings: Corey heads to College

Corey and his sister Nisha work on scholarship applications

It is amazing how often the Lord blessed us, in so many ways--big and little. One recent experience shows how his hand prepares and blesses his children. On January 5, Steve had a dental appointment in Blanding, and we also made arrangements to take Corey Wauneka up to CEU/San Juan Campus at the same time. We were to leave Sunday after church, so we could get there before dark.


You can see the kind of young man Corey is, by his friendly countenance.
That morning there was about 2 inches of new snow on the ground, and by the end of church there were 4 more inches. Go, or not?? That was the dilemma. I called the missionaries in Chinle, and they reported no snow storm there, so we felt roads would be clear once we dropped down past Chinle. That proved true, which was a great blessing. Who likes to travel on snow packed roads?!

Corey's mom and sister also went up with us. Just as we drove up to our home, Rob, Kathryn and Ethan met us, with fixings for a delicious turkey dinner. We had a great time visiting, eating and playing games. Boy, was there a lot of snow in Blanding, and it took forever for our house to warm up. We then went over to visit the Carrolls, as Bishop and Diane had generously consented to let Corey live with them this semester. We are so thankful for their kindness and hope it will be a good experience for all.

The next morning the Pincocks fed us a delicous full course breakfast at 7 AM, and got us off on a good start. Corey was first in line to finalize his registration, and Dennis Bradford gave him lots of good advice. Right across the hall he met with Pam Hosler, who squared him up with the last of the scholarships he needed to send off. By the time we got finished there, there were all kinds of kids lined up, up and down the hall. He quickly got in to see Charles Lyman next door, to get the loan for books, and his dorm refund. I'm so glad Charles had everything ready, and had already ordered the $500 book check, which came the very next day, so Corey was able to repay me for the books we got for him next.

Corey's family in Ganado, getting ready to head out to Blanding

It seemed like everything just fell into place that morning. He also got signed up for the computer lab, got a library ID card, met all except one of his teachers. He also met Terri Winder in the writing lab, Bob McPherson, Gail Glover, and the Institute president. He located all of his classes as well, and got to meet the nursing teachers. Nursing is his long range goal.

Then a great surprise, when we went to meet Silvia for lunch at the cafeteria, she had invited all of our home evening group, so we had a wonderful reunion with them during lunch. Luckily, Steve hadn't had to have deadening on his dental appointment, so he was even able to eat with us. Steve was also able to go visit is good friend Ardell Ostergaard. We next made a quick trip to the credit union to set up his account, and then to Alco, and then dropped Corey off at Carrolls, and were headed back to the Rez.

I felt so thankful all the way home, knowing Corey was in good hands, and that he felt excited and confident in starting his college career. I know his mom and sister were also relieved to see what a friendly, and helpful campus CEU/SJC is, and knowing he will have people to help him. We are so hopeful, that he will continue to grow in the gospel, and prepare to serve a mission. His patriarcal blessing is very direct about that goal. He is such a good person, and we hope the gospel light continues to rub off on his parents and siblings. He is the only member in his family. Our little branch is really going to miss his friendly smile and helpfulness but we know this is a good decision.

Tashina's Baptism

This picture shows Tashina Salabye with (L-R) Grandmother Mary Black Mountain, her mother Gayle, Nalli Gladys Jones, and Great Grandmother Lena Salaby seated. Her Great Uncle (grandfather) Ron Barlow and her Great Aunt Sarah drove down from Tintic, Utah for this special occassion. It was a wonderful baptism, with much teaching and sharing of testimony. We are so happy to finally see Tashina come into the Lord's church.