Woman of faith was friend to many
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Sister Elisa Wirthlin was remembered as a woman of unshakable faith in God, a faithful and loving wife, mother and grandmother, and as a friend to those in need — whether they were in her ward or neighborhood or among the peoples of the world.
Family members, including her husband, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve, relatives, friends and admirers crowded the Salt Lake Bonneville Stake Center Aug. 21 for the funeral of Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, who died Aug. 16, 2006, in Salt Lake City at the age of 87. (Please see Church News, Aug. 19, 2006.)
With numerous family members, including her seven daughters and one son, present, Sister Wirthlin was honored by President Gordon B. Hinckley, who spoke during the proceedings, along with his counselors in the First Presidency, President Thomas S. Monson and President James E. Faust. Also offering remarks were Bishop Bradley H. Parker of the Bonneville 1st Ward; Rebecca W. Gerritsen, a daughter of Elder and Sister Wirthlin; and Joseph B. Wirthlin Jr., their son.
"Now this Church does many wonderful things," President Hinckley said, "but it does nothing more wonderful than the rearing of superior women. All over the Church, we see these wonderful, wonderful women. They come of a culture of the Church; they have faith and persistence, love in their hearts for others and the desire to do good and Elisa was among the very best of all of those who are reared as mothers in Zion. God bless her memory."
Continuing, President Hinckley said: "I speak today as one who perhaps knows more about the feelings of Joseph than anyone here. Two and a half years ago, I lost my beloved companion and I know all about it and what he will go through....
"To lose much-loved partners with whom one has long walked through sunshine and shadow is absolutely devastating. There is a consuming loneliness which increases in intensity and painfully gnaws at one's very soul. But in the quiet of the night a silent whisper is heard that says, 'All is well, all is well,' and that voice from out of the unknown brings peace, certainty, and unwavering assurance that death is not the end and life goes on. There's work to do and victories to be gained."
President Monson recalled working closely with Elder and Sister Wirthlin when Elder Wirthlin was serving as president of the Europe Area prior to his call to the Quorum of the Twelve in October 1986. President Monson also spoke of having traveled over much of the world with Elder and Sister Wirthlin. "What noble people," President Monson declared of Elder and Sister Wirthlin.
"All that we know and love about Elisa still exists," President Monson said. "I want the family and children to understand that she's just gone out ahead a little ways, but you honor her and you honor God. Be yoked together equally as family members."
Then, speaking to the children present, President Monson quoted from 3 John 1:4: "'I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.' Will you give her that blessing by walking in truth all the days of your lives and you'll be together. The Wirthlin family was meant to be a together family here and throughout eternity."
In his brief remarks, President Faust said: "This has been a great family, the Wirthlin family, and my privilege also to know their parents. Sister Elisa Wirthlin was a woman of great faith and character. Her greatest joy, I believe, was in raising up her children. Sister Faust and I have traveled over much of the earth with Elder and Sister Wirthlin and Elisa was always anxious to do her part and fulfill her responsibilities.
"I wish to express my admiration, love and respect in my association for the whole Wirthlin family. We pray that we will all emulate the wonderful characteristics of Elisa and Joseph."
Bishop Parker related how during a heartbreaking time for his family they received comfort and strength from Elder and Sister Wirthlin. "When all of the business and attention of our funeral hour passed, Sister Elisa Wirthlin for the past five years with quiet, consistent, perceptive kindness has attended to our family and has helped to lift us and comfort us and strengthen us."
Speaking of her parents' unity, Sister Gerritsen said: "Their marriage and relationship were an inspiration to all of us. They dearly loved each other and set the pattern of how a marriage should be. Mother was our father's rock and inspiration and, in turn, he was everything Mom could have ever wanted."
Saying his mother "left an indelible legacy of living the abundant life," Joseph B. Wirthlin Jr. described Sister Wirthlin as a lifelong learner and a student of the scriptures. Her testimony was simple, he said, adding that she would often say, "Do not complicate the simplicities of the gospel with questions that are not in harmony with simple truths."'
Music for the service was provided by members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; Wirthlin grandchildren, accompanied by five family members on violins, sang "Love One Another." Interment was at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
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