Our dear, gentle mother, Erma Taysom Hinckley, age 91, passed away at her home November 30, 2000. She was born in beautiful Star Valley, WY July 28, 1909 in the little town of Afton. She was the daughter of Jessie McBride and Abram D. Taysom. Mother claimed to be the most blessed woman in the world with her greatest blessings being her family and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In her youth, mother was an accomplished pianist and played for both school and community events. She served as a stake organist for many years. She was an outstanding school teacher in Star Valley. She adored the little ones who made up her classes, many of whom remember her affectionately.During 1933-34, Mother served a full time mission for the LDS Church in the Northwestern States. There she met her beloved Arza A. Hinckley. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple June 26, 1935. For fifty-seven years, she was her companion's greatest inspiration and support. Together, they created a beautiful and loving home for two sons and six daughters. From 1966-69, Mother accompanied Father as he presided over the Alaskan-Canadian Mission. She loved the great missionaries, and felt honored with their sweet remembrances through the years. Mother's many talents include her intuitive ability to be a gracious hostess. She was a skilled cook and an excellent seamstress. She loved crocheting, and created hundreds of items which she generously shared with others. She was an avid reader and always kept up on current events. She spent many years in genealogical research and in writing family histories. She served the church in many capacities, but was an especially gifted gospel teacher. She delighted in the scriptures. Her family will always be grateful for her example of faith and courage. She was a wise and cultured woman whose greatest talent was to love, nurture and serve her husband, children and grandchildren. She was loved by them and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children, Jessie (Don) Milligan, Alonzo (Stephanie) Hinckley, JoAnn (Earle) Peirce, Harold (Diane) Hinckley, Jean (Rex) Howell, Susan (John) Thomas, Louise (Richard) Crosby, Kay (Ned) Cannon; 48 grandchildren; 69 great-grandchildren; sister, Wyla T. Ames; brothers, Wayne P. Taysom and Lloyd P. Taysom. She was preceded in death by her sweetheart, Arza, and has anticipated their reunion. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Boyd and Verl Taysom; a sister, Louise T. Roos; and an infant grandson, Steven Peirce. We, her children, wish to express our gratitude for the kindnesses that have most recently been shown our mother.