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March 28, 2024

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Astle & Hepworth
Hereditary Thyroid Cancer
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Life Story of John Francis Astle
Written by his sister, Sarah Astle Call

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To make a long story short, through plenty of hard work and the blessing of the Lord, that debt was paid. The president and the cashier of the bank had told John F. a number of times that he had done better than any of their customers for as they said, "It was one chance out of a hundred, to make good." At this critical time, when everything appeared dark, the sale of the ranch in Wyoming offered the only ray of hope from financial difficulties. A friend, John Anderson of Grover, became the new owner of the ranch, and although the real estate, buildings, hay, and some of the cattle were disposed of at a sacrifice, John F. was able to save his home in Providence. This brought a feeling of contentment that he was so greatly blessed. Although some of these trying experiences of the past were hard to undergo, yet such proved blessings in disguise. These trials meant courage, hard manual labor, and trust in the Lord.

Often had the road of life been very rugged and steep uphill to climb, but through faith and untiring efforts, the Lord was ever mindful of my brother, John F. It had ever been his desire to accomplish the good not only in a material way but in a spiritual way as well. It had been often quote that "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform." This same quotation proved true in the case of John F. which was indeed a great blessing to him.

It was in Austin, Texas, that he met a lady (Clara Holm Steen), a convert to the Church, who later became his wife. She has proved a loyal and devoted companion. At the close of the year of 1943, they were consulted in regards to both taking a mission. Each underwent a physical examination, but it was found that the wife had very high blood pressure. When she was interviewed by one of the authorities (Alma Sonne), his advice was to remain at home, and although John F. had passed the test successfully, he was advised to also stay at home and take care of his wife. This was a great disappointment, especially to John F. as he was so desirous for going on another mission. President Dunn then called John F. to labor in the Logan Stake as a missionary. In this, and in a previous mission in the Logan Stake, he labored seven years in all.

John F. Astle Family
John F. Astle Family
Back Row: John Francis Jr., Grace, Doretta,
Pearl, David
Front Row: Arstanie, John Francis, Elva, Agnes

The children are all married now with families of their own. A daughter, Klea Lauretta, wife of Joseph R. Baer of Providence, passed away November 1939 after several year of illness. She was the mother of seven children, but a son preceded in death while yet in infancy. During Klea's married life, she also mothered the six children of her husband, one of these, an infant. She was really a good mother to all of these children. Klea was the eldest daughter and when her mother died had taken full responsibility in caring for her father, brothers, and sisters. Her death was a sad blow to her loved ones.

Because of the strenuous labors on the farm, John F. decided to sell the Providence home. Now they are living in a lovely place under the shadows of the beautiful Temple where they hope to spend the rest of their declining years and devote part of their time to working in the House of the Lord, for their kindred dead. John F. has been greatly interested in promoting the Genealogical Research for his people. As to his general makeup, he is of a retiring nature, quiet and unassuming, yet businesslike and efficient in any undertaking. He was always a pillar of strength in his father's household, and especially so with his own large family who are all upright and good citizens, both in the church and in every day life.

John F. Astle
John F. Astle

It can be truthfully said, that while he was born of goodly parents, who endured the hardships and trials of pioneer life in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, John F., in a measure, carved his own life and made it what it is today. Wherever he had lived, he has been very generous financially with the Church, regarding tithes, offerings, and other donations. He has never refused any opportunity of working in the Church and enjoys those labors while in the service of the Lord. He attributes his success in life to being honest with God, to give Him the credit for all the blessings that came his way. The many experiences of the past have helped to a great extent to enrich his life and have greatly strengthened his testimony at to the truthfulness of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

He lived a long useful life to the age of 82 years. He passed away November 7, 1951, at his home in Logan, Utah. Funeral services were held in Providence First Ward, also a short service in Grover, Wyoming. He was buried in the Grover Cemetery beside his wife, Lauretta. He always loved Star Valley and carried many fond memories close to his heart.

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