Deanna Mae PRATT (KIMBALL) [Parents] 1, 2, 3 was born 4, 5 on 26 May 1943 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, USA. She died 6 on 29 Dec 2010 in Logan, Cache, Utah, USA. She was buried 6, 7, 8 on 07 Jan 2011 in Whitney Cemetery, Whitney, Franklin, Idaho,United States of America. Deanna married Clifford Hazen EDWARDS. There were other parents.
Deanna was adopted 9 in 1996 in Utah, USA.
BIOGRAPHY: For biography, see her extensive personal journals, as well as those of other family members.!B Birth certificate (RF); LDS Membership records (RF). 426 S. 800 E. is address.
BIRTH: The actual address she was born at was 426 S. 800 E. in Salt Lake. This is now torn down.
MARRIAGE: Marriage certificate (RF).EDUCATION:
-BA: Utah State University, Logan, Utah.OCCUPATION/JOBS:
- Singer/Composer
- WriterMY LIFE’S STORY
by Deanna Kimball
My Family
From the moment I arrived here, up through each of my 17 years, life has been full of many activities, interests, and the joys and sorrows that enrich life and give it meaning. This meaning starts very early in life, usually in the home. Basic attitudes and beliefs of each individual find their foundation in the home from parents and family members. Consequently, I’ll begin my own story in my home.
I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1943, and I was the sixth of my Mother’s eight children. When I was very young, my Father left the Church (LDS), and joined another group he thought to be right. Many conflicts followed and my Mother and Father were divorced. When she remarried, she brought us back into the Church and my two oldest brothers remained with my Father.
My step-father tried to accept us as his own children after we were adopted, but because we were not his own children, and because of the adjustments that needed to be made by both parents, there was a great deal of arguing between them. One particular argument I woke up one night and overheard, and it stressed quite plainly on my young mind that he was resentful and was not ready to take over a large family. I felt that he was not my real father and did not accept us as his own children, even though he tried. His nature was both gentle and violent, and his moos were very unpredictable. Again a break occurred. While they were married they hd two children. He was diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic, an illness we were ill prepared to cope with. I was glad when they were divorced. I was around 8 or 9 then.
Many people have asked me how it feels to come from a broken home, since people often make the mistake of connecting juvenile delinquency with broken homes. I have always felt that a broken home can either tear down confidence and character, or build them up. It has increased my determination to succeed, and to make the right choice in marriage, since I believe that love is eternal, and the family unit should be inseparable. However, I don’t exactly look upon our family unit, or our regard for one another as a “broken one” because we, as brothers and sisters, have always been close. We understand individual problems, and do not resent each other.
The bright side of our family life has been the dominant ones, and our family activities and associations have done much to shape my life. (Insert description of brothers and sisters.) We have often gathered at my Mother’s knee to hear bed-time stories. She has become a symbol of strength to me in overcoming any past mistakes she has made, and courage in the way that she has worked, not only to support us, but to guide our lives in a way that would be pleasing to God, and would bring us happiness in life. Often, we have participated in family hours, singing, listening to good lessons, displaying our various talents in speech or song, and enjoying refreshments.
My childhood was spent in Salt Lake, West Jordan, and Bear Lake. I remember many happy hours playing in the haystack, perching on a limb in an apple tree munching apples and reading books, playing hide-and-go-seek in the State Capital building, or sitting in a field of dandelions making chins. My best girl friend in West Jordan had long red pigtails which I admired very much. I was very chagrined one day when Mother cut off my own long blond hair, (after I had previously hacked out some burs for fear of getting spanked.) I wanted long red hair like hers. (Insert West Jordan memories)
We grew used to both city and country life, and I grew to love the tall, impressive buildings and large neighborhoods, as well as the meadows and majestic mountains.
I especially loved the beautiful view from my window in Bear Lake. I often sat by the window at night and watched the moon rises slowly over the shimmering, glassy lake. This was the setting for many of my fantastic dreams. I used to meed a handsome prince out on the lawn, and we often rowed across the lake in a canoe, or just talked. This fair-tale age was good form e because it helped me develop self-confidence, and imagination. AT this age many young people feel inferior, or they feel a need for individuality, and the enjoyment of reading, or using their imagination can contribute to their personality development. However, the child should have other hobbies, and join the wholesome activities with other children to balance his personality.
I remember many childhood experiences but I can only touch upon the highlights. My early years in school were very enjoyable. My sister and I attended school in Salt Lake, and we enjoyed the companionship of many children, and the encouragement of good teachers. When we moved o Bear Lake we went to a small school where only one classroom was used for three grades. Because it was such a small community it was hard to adjust because of the rough treatment and language of he other children in school. After a few years my Mother wanted very much to move to Logan, because she felt we would have more opportunities there. After many unsuccessful attempts we borrowed a truck and moved to Logan. We were veery happy afterwards about that decision.
At first I felt the same uncertainly and lack of confidence in school, and missed a few of my close friends in Bear Lake, but my teacher encouraged me to sing, take part in class, and gave me a part in the district play, Hansel and Gretel. The summer after the 6th grade I took an art class, and participated in the college summer play of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs directed by Dr. York who visited Logan for the summer.
Junior high school found me gaining more self-confidence, and more interest in activities. A student from India, going to USU, met our family through a fireside he spoke at, and helped me in developing my talents, and emphasizing scholarship. During junior high school a lovely girl moved into our ward from Wyoming and we instantly made friends. We spent many happy hours together, talking about our problems and interests, sewing on a class project, or just watching TV and eating her mother’s chocolate cake. I’d have felt quite lost when she moved had not my cousin moved from Salt Lake to go to school with us.
My ninth grade year was a busy and happy one. I had a lead in our school operetta Mississippi Melody, and sang at our graduation exercises. I especially relied upon my seminary teachers for guidance and advice. I have always been fortunate enough to enjoy good student-teacher relationships in school. When one of my teachers wrote, “Take advantage of your school and church functions and someday you will be one of our leaders,” I began to wake up to my responsibilities and capabilities.
With this undeserved, but encouraging complement, I entered high school and began the busiest three years, and the happiest three years of my life. In high school I began working on the school paper, I joined the Red Cross Club, and became a staff worker on the school magazine. I participated in assemblies, and received a part in one of the most outstanding productions ever seen in Logan at he high school called, The King and I. My older sister had a major role in this production.
In my junior year I had a minor lead which was hilarious. I was an Indian called, Mrs. Yellow Foot. This was quite different from the graceful Siamese wife I had been the year before, but my girlfriend and I consoled each other when she received a part equally ridiculous. We had fun with our parts, but were determined to do even better the next year. Annie Get Your Gun was the operetta we did that year. Also that year I became a member of the Logan High Sponsor Corps, becoming Art and Writing Editor of the school magazine, and receiving honorable mention in the art exhibit at Agathon. That summer my girlfriend and I sang in the Summer Theater at USU and got to know the troop of dancers who came from New York to be in it.
In my senior year I was besieged by activities. WE were happy when we found Logan High was going to present South Pacific that year. Karen, my singing partner, wanted the lead of Nellie. Our friend, Nancy wanted Liat, and I wanted Bloody Mary. Our big moment came when all three of us got these parts, and this was also one of he best productions Logan High has ever put on. We sang on may USU programs, school assemblies, Senior Hits, and in the school choir, the Chauntairs. I have also begun singing with another talented girl who plays guitar.
We have a very beautiful campus as school. Giant weeping willow trees hand swaying branches over the lazy river, and beyond the bridge stretches our foot-ball field. When I leave I will remember my first day there when I struggled to get to classes in sheer confusion, my first formal dance–our homecoming dance and the game we won that year, the drills we worked on, and the decorations for the Junior Prom, the seminary activities and the many friendships enjoyed. I will always remember the night we went to three dances at three schools on graduation night last year. It still seems quite impossible that I will be the ones to graduate this year.
My ReligionI believe that the most important, basic guide in later life, is religion. We learn from our parents and families in early life, but as we begin to think for ourselves ands make decisions, religion enters the picture of life as a vital force for good.
I began to sense this vital force when I was very young, but religious doctrines were conflicting because of the differing opinions of my parents. I never wavered in my testimony of the L.D.S. Church, but in our religious discussions with both parents I gained a good knowledge of the principles, and the importance of religion in the lives of everyone.
In my early life I had, what I believed to be a testimony of the gospel, but as I grew older I began to think of religion as an actual application to a better way of life. Now that I am still older, religion is vital to the achievement of success in life’s goals, and points the way to new and higher goals., Religious activity has always been very important to me, and has given life the beautiful meaning that it has. My favorite job is being the MIA chorister. Though this job I have taught many young people through lesson and song. One outstanding event was the production of This is My Father’s World. First, I helped direct this production on a stake basis, and later I was asked to participate in the church-wide production in which 2,500 young people from all over the Church would be participating. Thousands of leaders spent many hours preparing for his production in the MIA June Conference for 1960. Crawford Gates, and many wonderful directors will always remain in my memory. The most beautiful part came when trumpets and organ combined in the processional march. We had been singing many songs from others countries, with suburb lighting, costuming, and dancing, and he climax came when the lights flooded on in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, and flags from ninety world nations began to pour from every door of the tabernacle, lining he balcony and aisles. Like a great wave the audience rose as we softly sang, “This is my Father’s world, Oh, let me never forget, that though the wrong seem oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.”
To complete the inspiring festival which brought tears to eyes of thousands we sang, High On the Mountain Top. As applause thundered through the tabernacle, I could hear more than applause. I could hear she deep cry for peace in the hearts of audience members. I could sense a basic human longing for unity, a love for one another which would be hard to express. As the audience evacuated the tabernacle to make way for other thousands waiting for our next performance, they carried with them the hope, peace, and faith we sang of.
I also enjoyed working in Junior Sunday School as chorister. Children have such faith and love that they are very responsive, impressionable, and easy to teach.
I enjoyed being a camp leader in the Logan canyon last summer. I have spent many hours in the mountains. They symbolize strength as they tower in calm majesty, ands I sense that same strength when I am there. I especially remembered the summer we climbed the Crimson Trail. We rested when we reached the summit, and I felt very small as I looked across the wide canyon, and drank the fresh breeze which carried with the flagrance of pine and sage. I always managed to return with an odd assortment of wild flowers.
I really grew to love our Seminary classes and activities. Our testimony meeting at our pin banquet was the mot inspiring I have ever attended. As gradation drew near, we began making preparations for our Red Letter Day; the day when all the graduating seminary students met from other schools to become acquainted. This was an unforgettable day for me because I met a swell guy, who was the President of the North Cache Seminary, who has become a very dear friend.
At the present time we are working in MIA on the musical production of Promised Valley.Associates and World Friends
As far as social relationships, many people have influenced my life. In my friendships with both fellows and girls, I have gained much from conversing with them and exchanging ideas and opinions. At an early age, however, my circle of friends went beyond the United states into the mosques and cities of Iran, the country of India, the green vales of Norway, the crowded streets of Hong Kong, and the rapidly changing country of Israel. Each pen pal could write English and each added to my knowledge of their country. Through their friendships, I have learned to understand other peoples not of our race of faith, and have become acquainted with their customs.
We have learned songs in different languages, and have sung on many international assemblies sand programs. Last June we sang at a large banquet for the Ambassador of Iran. The cook, who previously cooked in the King’s palace in Iran, was wonderful, and he planned and cooked the banquet for the three hundred people in attendance. They used long tables in the Union Building Ballroom, Persian carpets, and beautiful plants. After the main meal they passed out baskets of every kind of fruit imaginable. I could never quite get used to their food however. My first introduction to this food was several years ago when Pat Pendse, the Indian student, invited our family to dinner at his home. He carefully prepared a spicy Indian dinner, and I think half of my meal was spent drinking cold water!
Before the Ambassador left Logan, President Chase (President of USU) invited us to eat another Persian dinner at their home. Ambassador Zahedi was serving the food, and when he plopped a raw egg on top of my rice I had to ask, slightly embarrassed, if I cold please have rice without the egg! My sister was more tactful, however, and gulped down her food; rice, egg, and all.Interests and Hobbies
Music is sone of my favorite hobbies because I feel that sit is essential to every home, and that it can inspire our lives in enriching ways. I enjoy playing he guitar and piano. I could not describe even one-tenth of the experiences I have enjoyed because of music.
My first solo before a group was at the age of three with, Up, Up in the Sky. When SI took my first train ride I sang My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean in the car that held the sign, Quiet Please. At the age of five I sang the song A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes for a children’s radio program which became my youthful theme song. I began singing at the age of twelve in public, and I haves been doing so ever since.
My interest in art was inspired by the beautiful things around me. Whenever I go for a walk and see a beautiful landscape I want to capture it on a canvas. When SI look, smell, or listen with keen concentration it is surprising how much more I am aware of than I ever was before. It is very fresh and delightful, and adds to my surroundings. I had a lot of fun when I tackled my first big project—the temple. At 6:00 in the evenings during the summer months I’d sit under a tree and paint. I ended up with green paint on my nose, some new friends, an appreciation of the beauty of the temple—and a terrible painting that was out of perspective. Right now I am working on a painting for my brother’s wedding. I usually give away most of my paintings as gifts.
My interest in composition was also a result of my desire to create. My first poem went like this:
You are the Mother that fixes my hair
You wash it and then the dirt is no longer there.
You are the best Mother that I’ll ever know
You helped me and tended me so I would grow.
I’ve improved a little since then, however, and have several poems published in the National Anthology of high School Poetry. My story entitled She Was His Mother, was recently accepted for publication and will appear in some future issue of he Improvement Era.
My PhilosophyBasically, my philosophy is this: “As a man thinketh, so is he.” Our whole lives are founded upon this principle. What we are to be, we are not becoming, because what we are today is a result of what we have nourished and grown in our hearts and minds. Too often, we blame our present character and condition on circumstance, rather than our thoughts, when actually, circumstances grow out of thought. Therefore, we can control our own surroundings. When we think beautiful thoughts our characters are bound to become beautiful. If we have this key, we can open any door to happiness ands success.
There are three things I believe should be developed in every heat. They are: understanding, forgiveness, and love.
If we understand the mistakes and problems of others we are better able to understand our own, and those of our children, and learn from those mistakes.
Second, if we learn that forgiveness is not just a word that appears in the Bible, and that it pertains directly to us, our minds will blossom into a more mature state and we an rid our hearts of resentment. We will have more hope that others will forgive us of our own mistakes also.
The third, and most important, is love. If we love, the ordinary things of life turn golden with beauty. Happiness emanates from those who love. When we love others the whole earth become bound with a tie stronger than life itself.
We do not understand how important these things are until we see the sorrow where they do not exist. A few weeks ago a tragic thing happened to a family of a boy in my class in school. His father, in a fit of anger, shot and killed his mother, and then killed himself. This may be an extreme example but when it happens only a few blocks from where you live, it becomes of vital importance. It has made me realize if we acted this way in our family we would all be in a constant state of turmoil.
If he mind is strong, the individual is strong. When the individual is strong, the family unit is strong. The strength of the nation depends upon the strength of the family unit, and the strong nation makes a strong world.
We should all take a few minutes each day to think, to be grateful, and to see where life has taught us through sorrow or joy. I was impressed with a poem I read in the Improvement Era which expresses thanks:
My thanks comes easily when my fortunes rise,
And my will is king
And all he world seems my estate
My thanks comes easily such times—but wait.
Let me reflect upon those thanks I owe
But which I find express themselves less fluently.
Today, lest me remember to give thanks
Not only for he sunlight
But for those darker hours that teach me fortitude.
Let me profess, today a grateful heart,
Not merely for successes I may know,
But as truly for those failures that teach humility.
Let me express gratitude for all those petty inner conflicts,
Which, once resolved, breed new serenity,
And for those small distressing fears that have their ways
Of building hope.
Let me breathe appreciation for all those poignant slights
That teach me thoughtfulness,
The wrongs that teach me fairness,
And for each violated trust that leaves loyalty
And its lesson.
And let me not forget today to whisper thanks for these;
The contempt that teaches pity, the tear that teaches joy,
The pain that teaches mercy,
And the loneliness that teaches love.
So, now let me reflect upon these thanks I owe,
And let my thanks come easily today.Goals
As for my goals, I know that I have a responsibility to set, and reach them. One autumn day, when I was bout eight, I saw a big, beautiful red clump of trees in the distant hills. “How far away are those trees?” I asked a neighbor boy.
“Oh, several miles,” he replied.
Without telling anyone I was going I decided to go pick some of those red leaves for Halloween, and I started up the lane. the sun began to get warmer and the trail harder to follow. Instead of watching the trail I kept my eyes on the red bushes, and eventually the trail disappeared entirely. After several hours of climbing fences and scratching my legs on sage brush, I reached my bushes. When I walked in through the tall tree-like clumps I discovered a bright pink fairyland inside. Pink leaves covered the ground and I sat down in awe in the middle of them. After I’d gathered the leaves my return trip was destined to be even harder. I couldn’t retrace my steps because I’d lost the trail, and with the added burden of leaves I wandered over many unknown trails before I fund the one leading home. I returned hot, tired, hungry, and yet happy in the late afternoon to a worried Mother.
Without realizing it I hd discovered that once we set our goals we certainly have to be willing to work for them to reach them.
In our class in MIA we have a standard which expresses my own goals:
I, standing at the threshold of life, see before me rich treasures which may be mine for the seeking. As I pursue my quest, I must choose wisely, that the treasures I seek will be of lasting worth. I will seek wisdom and an understanding heart that I may walk humbly, live valiantly, and progress eternally. Thus, I will seek to enrich my life with all things virtuous and lovely that I may find “joy unspeakable here and eternal happiness hereafter.”
In ten days I will receive my diploma and I plan to attend school at USU, with Elementary Education as my major. This is a field where I can use all my interests in a good cause—teaching children.
My master philosophy is this: “The intrinsic purpose of mortality lies in the beautifying of men’s souls, so live each moment of life to its fullest degree.”
