Courtesy lds.org
Sister Marjorie P. Hinckley places a rose on the grave of Hyrum Smith. She is assisted by Dr. Joyce Shireman, Joseph Smith Historic Site coordinator for the Community of Christ. Sister Hinckley passed away on April 6, 2004.

Revered women of God: Sister Hinckley

The wives of General Authorities impact society

by Ritch Woffinden WOF99001@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Within the past year three great women have passed through the veil and into the beyond: Sisters Marjorie Pay Hinckley, Ruby Haight and Dantzel Nelson. They will be missed and have given us a legacy to follow. As we remember the lives of these women, it can help us better our own.

Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley was born on Nov. 23, 1911, in Nephi, Utah. She was the first child of Phillip LeRoy and Georgetta Paxman Pay. As a young girl she was taught by her mother that the best husband for her would be one who loves the Lord. Marjorie met a young man with that qualification living right across the street from her family home. She and Gordon B. Hinckley were married on April 29, 1937, in the Salt Lake Temple.

She was the mother of five children: Kathleen, Richard, Virginia, Clark and Jane. Marjorie was an energetic mother and made good use of humor to settle many of life’s difficulties. She was often heard to say, “The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it.” Marjorie loved being a mother and delighted in every moment with her children.

An avid reader, Marjorie encouraged her children to gain knowledge by studying and reading. She was a student of the scriptures and often used the words of ancient and latter-day prophets to teach and inspire others, according to lds.org.

A dedicated student of the lives of her ancestors, Marjorie delighted in the opportunity to share stories of their faith and devotion taken from her research and the research of others. Searching for family names in genealogical facilities was a major part of her life.

Marjorie Hinckley was recognized numerous times. She received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Utah Valley State College, an honorary doctoral degree in Christian Service from BYU, and the distinguished Service to Humanity Award in 1998.

She also received the Freedom Festival Award in 1997 and the Exemplary Womanhood Award in 1996, according to www.lds.org.

Sister Dantzel White Nelson was born February 17, 1926 on the family farm in Perry, Utah, to LeRoy Davis White and Maude Clark White.

Dantzel graduated as the “Outstanding Senior Girl” at Box Elder High School in nearby Brigham City, and then attended the University of Utah on scholarship, according to www.lds.org.

She met her husband Russell M. Nelson when both of them were cast members in a Broadway-bound musical, Hayfoot, Strawfoot. They dated for three years, then married August 31, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple, according to www.lds.org.

She was the mother of nine daughters: Marsha, Wendy, Gloria, Brenda, Sylvia, Emily, Laurie, Rosalie, Marjorie and one son, Russell.

Though family concerns and issues occupied Dantzel’s life as she tutored her houseful of children, she took time to serve in the community and in Church.

Always involved in the educational activities of her children, Dantzel participated in PTA service in the schools. She was also a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for twenty years.

Sister Ruby Olson Haight was born April 28, 1910 to parents of Scandinavian heritage in Fairview, Utah. She was the youngest of 11 children.

Ruby enjoyed school and loved studying history and the Spanish language.

She was involved in music classes and worked to develop her outstanding alto singing voice.

While attending the University of Utah, she met a young man, David B. Haight, at a school dance. They began dating and were married on September 4, 1930 in the Salt Lake Temple, according to www.lds.org.

She had three children; David, Robert and Karen. Ruby’s life always focused on her husband, her family and her desire to serve others. With the philosophy that “as you lift others, you lift yourself,” she freely gave of herself to serve in her community.

In her ward, she held leadership positions in Primary, Young Women’s, and the Relief Society organization and in other areas where her numerous talents were utilized, according to www.lds.org.