Cover photo for Imogene Roberts Wood's Obituary
Imogene Roberts Wood Profile Photo

Imogene Roberts Wood

July 22, 1918 — August 23, 2013

Imogene Roberts Wood

Imogene Roberts Wood lived a life complete. She was a mother, gardener, chef, nurturer, world traveler, sportswoman and artist. Each of these elements blended into her life in a way that make this little farm girl from Layton, Utah, a most remarkable woman. Born Monday, July 22, 1918 in Layton, Utah, she LIVED 95 years, passing away on Friday, August 23, 2013 in Logan, Utah. She died from causes incident to old age. As the youngest child of Walton Anthony Roberts and Olive Elizabeth Corbridge she was given a name meaning "last born". After attending Layton schools Imogene graduated Davis High School in 1936 and Utah State Agricultural College in 1939 with a teaching certificate in elementary education. Her degree was never used professionally except in the remarkable way she raised and educated her children and the refinement evident in her life by all who crossed her path. While attending Utah State Agricultural College, she met and fell in love with James Harlan Wood of Taber, Alberta. They married June 28,1939, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Due to factors of World War II they returned to Jim's hometown in Alberta, Canada. She bore their first son Robert Harlan in Lethbridge in 1940. Jim's employ in the Canadian sugar industry had the young family move between Winnipeg, Manitoba, then Picture Butte, Alberta. In 1944 they welcomed their second son Harold Steven, also born in Lethbridge. After the War ended in 1945 the family returned to Logan, Utah, so Jim could finish his degree in Agronomy. In 1947 he took a position with Utah Idaho Sugar Company. Imo dutifully moved the family to Idaho Falls. Here they welcomed their beautiful red-headed daughter Geral in 1948. The family enjoyed the outdoors and on weekends took advantage of the natural bounty of Idaho rivers and mountains. Imogene embraced fishing and hunting because of her husband's love of these activities. Later she took up skiing and golfing for the same reasons. Following a transfer to Rexburg, Idaho, a son Roger Scot was born in 1950. In 1954 the family accepted an assignment with Pres. Truman's "Point Four Program" (now USAID) providing agricultural assistance and education to the country and people of Iran. Here Imogene began her life as a world traveler, a path that led her and her flock to live in Iran, India, Uganda, and Bolivia. Everywhere she went Imogene learned enough local language to establish friendships and navigate the local markets. Often in primitive locations her home was known to be orderly, hospitably inviting and nurturing. Harlan Jerry, another son, was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1955. While raising this young family Imogene was actively involved with each of the church congregations with whom she had opportunity to live. In many parts of the world they were pioneer members and enjoyed befriending people of all faiths to build bridges of peace and understanding. Imogene's compassionate nature was manifest often in these settings in nations where stark poverty was so evident. She and Jim were lifelong members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission in the Chile Concepcion Mission in 1983 - 1984 where she became proficient in Spanish. Imogene enjoyed traveling and consequently had a wide array of friends around the world with whom she maintained contact. In addition to being an artful home-maker she enjoyed golfing and skiing well into her 80's; winning a gold medal for golf in the National Senior Games. Imogene did not drive the ball very far, but it was always straight and in the middle of the fairway, a good analogy for the way she lived her life. Consistent morals and an understanding ear allowed Imogene to be a nurturer to thousands. She was a craft maker and artist. Each of her 15 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren have a quilt made by her hands. While in India she learned the art of Batik. The paintings she made now hang in the homes of friends and family all around the world. Every Christmas season she would turn her industry to a craft of sugar and chocolate and the boxes of Imogene's Christmas Candy became an eagerly anticipated part of the holidays. She was known for her delicious meals augmented with home-canned preserves, pickles, breads and rolls. Some of her grand-daughters put together a recipe book called "Grandma's Favorite Recipes" which is treasured by her whole posterity. By the time Imogene and Jim moved to Logan, Utah, in 1976 she had lived in 35 different homes, making each a place of beauty, physical and spiritual safety, and welcome. She has lived in four different homes here in Logan. She lived longest in the 22nd Ward where she was beloved as the neighborhood grandmother. She also lived in the 43rd Ward and was an honored neighbor to many in the Summerfield Senior Housing Association. She was a longtime member of the Logan Country Club. She also was actively involved in Red Cross in the Cache Valley, attended many Sons of Utah Pioneer events in support of her husband Jim, and was active in the International Student Wives Association providing years of service and fellowship to foreign student wives whom she loved and had frequently in her home. She also enjoyed association with the USU Emeriti, faithfully attending events and activities until age prevented her from doing so her final two years. In her later years she kept herself busy with knitting and handwork; producing beautiful afghans, sweaters, quilts, and hardy dishcloths appreciated by all who were gifted one. Imogene was preceded in death by her daughter Geral in 1959, her spouse James Harlan Wood in 1995, her parents, all of her seven siblings, and a great grandson Aaron Egbert. She is survived by her son Robert (Jacky) of Boise, Idaho, Steven (Onalee) of Highland, Utah, Roger (Hildegard) of Munich, Germany, Harlan of Munich, Germany, and by 15 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren. Burial services have been arranged through SereniCare of Providence UT. Her obituary may be viewed at the following website: http://www.serenicare.com/obituaries/imogene-roberts-wood/ A celebration of life and a memorial service is scheduled for September 21, 2013 at the North Logan Stake Center, 2750 North 800 East, Logan, Utah, 84341. This will be open to extended family members and friends from the various neighborhoods/wards that Imogene has lived in. An International buffet and fellowship will proceed at 5 PM followed by a Memorial Service at 6:00PM. Fellowship will continue after the service with a taste of Imogene's sweets recipes. A fitting celebration for a life well lived.
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