Memories and Stories

For our LISA BILLS LAMBERT~ Birthday born August 26, 1959

Lots of Special Memories ~ ~ ~ Written by mother, Shirley [Norma South] Bills

Lisa is the 2^ndof 6 children, and 2^ndgirl and born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania to Jay P. Bills  & Shirley S. Bills.  Shirley was born 10/15/35 in Malad City, Idaho and studied hard with good grades [not perfect], went to Utah State for one year, then back to Malad to work for 15 months as secretary/bookkeeper at Crowther’s Mill, then back to Utah State for one year, then married an engineer – Jay Bills – graduated with 2 Engineering degrees, then to Pittsburgh, PA to live for 6 years.   We have been active in the church all our lives – good experiences in small branches were we serve the Lord.

We have been blessed with Lisa - special child who has been obedient & studied very hard and had the desire to do well in everything she did.   She had medium blond thick hair with some natural curls – we have some wonderful pictures of her & Keith [16 months older] with long curls.  After many struggles with the very long hair, we decided to cut Lisa’s hair shorter until she could take care of it herself – by the time she was 10, it had grown very long and straight to her waist – she took care it herself - was independent and with 5 children born in 9 years – this was necessary.

When Lisa was one year ago, we took a vacation with Keith to visit maternal grandparents John & Norma South in Malad, Idaho - we have a picture of her sitting on Grandpa John’s lap to celebrate their birthdays – Lisa Aug. 26 & Grandpa John August 22 – which was John & Norma’s Anniversary.   Grandma Norma vividly remembered how her Sweet Little Lisa

‘rolled’ around [instead of walking] and how good she was to not to pull things out  - she would tell Lisa ‘no’ and she would mind.

She was not able & kept falling until she was 15 months old;  we finally went to a pediatrician  [had utilized a regular General Practitioner] and the new Dr. said her heels ‘turned in’ and she needed to wear a shoe with the ‘Thomas Heel’. It worked!  

Craig was born  April 1962, and in July we moved to Chillicothe, Ohio to work at ALCOA – about 25,000 people not too far from Kentucky – beautiful area – lived there 4 years in a small branch where Jay was Branch President with lots of challenges.   Jay bought Lisa a new blue girl’s bike for her 6^thbirthday.    Jay ran beside Lisa until she could ride easily.  We have a picture of Keith red boy’s bike, Lisa the blue girl’s bike, Craig on red tricycle, and Kevin in a walker [born in 1964].

The house we bought in Chillicothe had 1/2 acre with grass, fruit trees, big garden, in a cul-de-sac with roses in front.  I made Lisa beautiful long curtains with white background & pink shades of flowers. A dark green-painted old big rocker was enjoyed thoroughly.  She wandered away only one time and we were so afraid – even though we were in a housing development.   We went to at least 10 different homes until we found her – just got interested in visiting with another little girl.  When we got home, we talked to her for awhile to try to make her understand that she mustlet her know where she was at all time & and told her she needed a spanking, which she got.

David was my 4-year’s younger brother, very OCD + very good mind – Salutatorian & graduated from USU & was in Air Force in College & was a 2nd Lt.   David & wife Okrey South & one-year old John David moved to Wright Patterson Air Force in Dayton, Ohio for 2 years to earn his Master’s Degree & we moved to Chillicothe at the same time.  What a gift to have family live that close.  Our family took turns having Christmas and Thanksgiving at each others’ home.  We had a station wagon & in August of 1963 David/family drove with Shirley + 3 to visit John & Norma in Malad – of course, had the birthday dinner together.  Fun  Pictures.  

In 1963 David/Family then transferred to Los Angeles [for 4 years].  They were visiting Malad in 1965 match the same as Craig’s.  Wonderful picture of Grandparents & the grandchildren at that time sitting on the family’s front porch!  John & Norma South had been sealed in the Logan Temple in April & David was sealed the week we were trying to get to Malad and I was sealed to Mom/Dad the next week.  WONDERFUL experience – we have pictures & did get a good visit.

Shirley & children had a picnic at the “M” – up on the mountain above Malad & had a wonderful time walking – Grandma Norma remembered Lisa’s long braids ‘bouncing’ up/down.

In Ohio we bought a big tent, sleeping bags, small camp stove + propane tank, made a wooden box that fit in the back of the station wagon & put in plates, utensils & all items needed to go camping – which was SO much fun!  These items were used for decades!  When we moved from Lebanon we took all the camp supplies to Logan & stored them in Logan Feed & Seed store so each year we came to vacation in Utah & Idaho, we utilized all the camping supplies.  What a grand time we all had in the VW bus!  Really joyful!   

August 1966 ALCOA moved us to Lebanon, PA & we lived in the middle unit of a tri-plex home – 3 floors, 4 bedrooms, 1 + ½ bath – we enjoyed those 10 months there.  We were the only members of the church in Lebanon, so we drove 1- hour 1-way to Harrisburg, PA to the beautiful chapel across the street from the Susquehanna River [which flooded years later & ruined the beautiful chapel organ which had to be replaced].  Keith was baptized in the Harrisburg Chapel; I played the lovely organ that year.

At this time we were driving a lovely big station wagon, and we all enjoyed the trips to visit plates around Pennsylvania: Gettysburg, Hershey [Chocolate stores], Amish farms/homes/food.  We would always take a picnic & places to eat and so enjoyed the beautiful country is so full beautiful big green trees.  

Grandma Norma South came to by train and spent two weeks before/after Suzanne as born January 15, 1967 – she had scads of black hair – straight – like Craig’s.  Jay came home from her birth after 6am & just looked at Lisa and smiled/smiled/smiled ~ so knew Lisa got her Little Sister ! ! ! Such Joy !  This feeling of joy continued her whole life – Lisa’s 1^st

In April Jay 1967 Jay was told we being sent to Paramaribo, Surinam, South America.  WOW!  How Exciting !  SURALCO – Surinam Aluminum Company. We made few telephone calls at that time – so we wrote the grandparents the news – giving what information we had.   They were so concerned and afraid for us – But the Silly Bills Family was so excited & could hardly wait!

Due to going overseas, we all had to have a series of inoculations.   Lisa hated this & screamed and ran around the doctor’s office. We got the yellow fellow shots when we went to Philadelphia visited the Liberty Bell & saw other history places.  Suzanne could not have the shots until she was 6 months old, so got these when we got to Logan to visit family

When school was out in May, we designated bedrooms and would write items in large letters on paper. Most of our furniture would go into storage in Lebanon but the rest were identified:   Camp Equipment to go with & store in Logan.   Give Away.   Throw Away. The baby clothing + a bassinet we had for Suzanne was given away - of course we were not going to have any more children.   A big box was built which would go by ship to Paramaribo;  in it was the sewing machine & sewing material, toys/games, piano [necessity ! & all the music, baby crib & all kids clothing. 

We drove to Alcoa Pittsburgh office for Jay to get the final instru ctions.  Then drove south down to Nashville, Tennessee [saw Old Oprie House], Mississippi River & big boats [like those in Show Boat] – hot/hot/humid/mosquitoes, into Arkansas where we saw sharecropper cabins – look very similar to the cabins we saw in Paramaribo [hot weather so did not need to have insulation].  Drove into Texarkana & amazed at the big trees – and not too hot as it had high mountains.  THEN grove west & found TEXAS – so hot and dry as this was August, and could not keep the station wagon cool and finally shut it off, opened window – what an experience!

We trove to New Mexico – Carlsbad Caverns – cold & and magnificent & amazing – long walk and lots of people.  Visited Jay’s brother Reed & Family in Glendale, Arizona.  They had 6 children – 2 girls & 4 boys [the same as our family] and their big pool was wonderful!  Jane/oldest girl helped teach our children to drive.  

Then north to little Malad City, Idaho [2,000+ people] to see Grandpa John & Grandma Norma and treasured the treasured the visits – all visits included Aunt Margaret & Uncle Marvin Jones.    Margaret and Norma were 15 months apart in age, only the 2 sisters and they married within 2 months of each other.   Shirley was born in 1935 & David I 1939 - same year when John Marvin Jones was born. He had a hold in his heart and was made enough he could not go to school or play as other could go.  He finally died when he was only 13 – so tragic he was their only child.  Marvin died Margaret was 48 & the families always included Margaret in everything the family did.   At this writing of August 2013, she is still living at age 101 ! !  She and Jay and Shirley all live in the Oneida County Nursing Home in Malad, Idaho.

We were able to sell the great station wagon in Logan, told family good-bye.  We had reservations at Hotel Utah, but somehow the reservations had been goofed-up & so they put us in the top suites – bedrooms, kitchenette, living rooms and open the doors and walk around.  The bathrooms had gold-plated taps, etc.   We were happy the hotel goofed!   Suzanne sat on the floor or so she not get away.

August 11 we all few to New York City – spent the night in a motel – got on the airplane August 12 – on a Pam American Airlines, and waited/waited/waited – pilot had misread the schedule & the plant was late.  The passengers were sent to the ‘lounge’ & had soft drinks & looked at the airplanes coming in.  2 hours later we got back on.   We always had 2 seats in Row #1 – Jay & Shirley & a bassinet screw to the side of the header.  Lisa & Kevin Row #2 & Keith & Craig Row #3.  We used this set-up through all the trips so the older children would take care of the younger kids.   The airline stopped at Trinidad/Barbados, Georgetown, Guyana and then to Paramaribo, Surinam, South America – got in at 2am -  HOT HOT HOT = HUMID HUMID HUMID.  

SURALCO [Surinam Aluminum Company] had bought a plantation and built American-style homes – 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen & lining groom/dining room. – very adequate.  We had a ‘Maid’ – WOW – I was so spoiled  - An older woman, tall and slender.  She really loved to take care of Suzanne.   A ‘Care Package’  - sheets/pillows, tablecloths, plates/classes, cups, utensils, etc. were provided by SURALCO until our own items arrived from Lebanon in the huge box!  That took a few weeks.  

We were the ONLY members of the LDS church in the country.  We had been told about this by Theodore M. Burton from Church headquarters in Salt Lake and at that time boundary lines had not been drawn by the church - closest was Costa Rica, Central America [look at a map – a long way].  I was SO afraid of not having the courage to faithfully teach our beautiful children. While in Salt Lake before we left for New York City, we went into the LDS Distribution Center and bought the lessons books & pictures, etc. & music for Church Meetings. – and held Sunday School & Sacrament Meeting and Primary.  

While still living in Lebanon, I made Lisa ‘s white baptism dress; by this time, Keith was 9, Lisa almost 8, Craig 5 1/2, Kevin 4, Suzanne 6 months.  Jay had made contact with the Costa Rica  Mission Home for Jay to baptize Suzanne & on Saturday, August 26, 1967, we all gone into medium station wagon we bought a week before, and after asking Lisa if she wanted to have the baptism in a swimming pool or find a ‘creek’ – so off we went to find a creek.  Of course pictures were taken – deep enough to baptize.   We never did get the stains out from the vegetation.  We brought a picnic and had a wonderful time.   Lisa’s Baptism Certificate was in Spanish.  Many years later, someone mentioned to Lisa that the certificate could be retyped in English.  NO WAY! This was a very special experience.

We SO enjoyed the trips through the jungle and going to pick oranges [they were green] and pink grapefruit – so sweet. BUT we learned the hard way not to eat/drink too much as we got diarrhea.  We drove out to the dam and watched the boats loaded with the cases of soft drinks taken out into the jungle to the various towns.   Jay had the opportunity of going in the boats to the headwaters to repair some items.  [I had wanted to go with him, but knew that I would never be able to sit that long….and no place to go to the bathroom.]  What an opportunity to see this area and the people and how they lived – in wood-framed houses, cooked outside, etc.

We had to learn to drive on the left – had to get used to bicycles, motorcycles, horses/trailers – almost ran into some of these.  Finally got to the point I can get around easily.  All clothing was hand-made – by me or someone who sewed professionally who would measure the individual and cut out the material.   Wonderful material available - most fun thing to do was go to visit these stores.  

There were several Chinese grocery stores – best one was Chin Jin On – small store originally and as time went on and we bought almost exclusively from this man, the store was expanded.  Various Chinese items were beautiful & we bought some.  The best items were the frozen items that were brought in by ship from USA – turkey for Thanksgiving, head lettuce, leg of lamb, we were definitely spoiled.   

There was an open-air-market for vegetables but we made sure we did not eat meat  -  afraid of getting sick from flies.   Jay thought we should  buy a big bunch of bananas – did NOT realize that it probably would get ripe all at once – so could not eat them fast enough.  So when then on we bought a small bunch.   We had a heavy glass container for white sugar and another for brown sugar to keep the tops tightly shut because there were tiny sugar ants that enjoyed eating.  We enjoyed the brown sugar which keep moist, due to the humidity; in colder countries, brown sugar lumps.  

We had been told to buy a dehumidifier so the humidity would not ruin various items:  clothing, shoes, cameras, binoculars, pictures, slides, etc. Each day we had to empty the plastic container – about a gallon of water!  We used this for the 5 years we lived in Surinam & Jamaica.  

After 5 months, Jay was promoted to Chief Engineer and we were moved into a larger/nicer home, as befit his promotion.   A group of maintenance men took care of anything that needed to be fixed and a gardener, as well as a guard.. Outside was a carport and 2 rooms - a washer/dryer in one room [a hanging close line was outside] and the other was a maid’s room with table & chair.  She could have had a room to live there if she so desired – but she lived at her own home.   One time we needed to leave a message with her so we saw what it looked like from the inside.  The colors were bring on the walls – not brilliant, but nice. 

A School had been  was built with big open windows – so the air could get it & when it rained hard, school let out. A School Teacher [husband worked for SURALCO] did such a good job.  Keith was 9 1/5, Lisa 8, Craig 5 ½ & Kevin 3.  All the children had Halloween costumes & everyone had fun things to eat & marched around.  I made the costumes:  Keith was a red devil [red T-shirt, pajama bottoms, red cape, hat that tied on with devil ears.  Lisa’s was a clown suit.  Craig has a bear costume [made originally for my younger brother, Lamont].  There 25 families with most people having at least 3 children [some only one and we had 5]. 

One mother organized a Brownie Girls’ troop & I offered to help her; enjoyed working with it & Lisa had completed the 1^styear while we lived in Lebanon, PA, was in it the 2^ndyear.  The boys needed a Cub Scout Troop;  Shirley ran the  2nd Troop & one of the mothers helped.  I made sure that every item that was completed would aim toward a badge. Keith had completed year #1 in Lebanon & we worked on #2 – everyone earned badges!   The boys helped make wonderful worthwhile projects.  Year #3 was the 1^styear for Webelos – and Jay ran it, as was required. Jay contacted ALCOA construction office in Pittsburg, PA & told them we needed the Webelos supplies & on trip to Surinam, they stopped in a BSA office & brought down the books, yellow scarf, the merit badges, etc.  What a great two years to work with the scouts!  From that begin-ning Jay worked with scouting until Randall [our youngest son] completed his Eagle Scout – 16 years.  

We continued to hold our church meetings and held the Christmas program with Suzanne as the Baby Jesus, Keith [Joseph], Lisa [Mary], Craig & Kevin as shepherds.  Such fun to remember.  Such blessings to enjoy.

Lisa had a friend and were in her other’s homes.  One day the girl stepped on Lisa’s foot – got infection in it – she ended up wearing only sandals after that – what fun we had looking for & buying the sandals – found some in Jamaica that was SO CUTE & we bought some alike.

Don & Doris Draper were Protestant Missionaries and we are still sending a Christmas cards = 1967 – 20 13 – wow!  They had lots of board games, and we would have them come to each other’s homes for dinner.   When we left Surinam, they left to go to another assignment and they we bought the games from them.  This is how we got started doing the games – and when we are all together at Christmas – we still dig out games & remember the joy with that family.  From this good family we learned what true meaning of dedication.   Another Protestant family/3 children lived with the Indian Tribes and attended the American school ‘in town’ and lived with their family during vacations.

TO BE CONTINUED

And CONTINUED . . .

And CONTINUED ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘

And CONTINUED  

[Papa Jay is Happy about this]

Many HUGS from us both ! ! !! 

Lisa’s Lambert Legacy

            From the first day she entered the Lambert family Lisa has been a loyal friend, a pillar of strength, a righteous example, a source of music, a hard worker, an example of fortitude, and a joy to know.

            With good humor she endured a groom who was deathly ill at their wedding reception,

a honeymoon with a husband afflicted with poison oak, and our 8-year old daughter trying on her wedding dress before the open house in California.

            Our memory of their wedding day is that Ralph was fine through the temple ceremony and pictures on the temple grounds where the weather had  turned windy and stormy, but at the luncheon afterward he began to feel unwell and left early. By the time of the reception that evening Ralph was so ill that it was all he could do to put on his tux.  When Lisa arrived at the church for the reception in the evening she couldn’t find Ralph.  As time passed and tension mounted, friends and family began a search for him.  His brother Kevin found him in the men’s room lying on the floor in his tux and very ill.  Our physician brother-in-law said it seemed like the 24 hour flu. Reports from the male family members who came and went from the men’s room checking on him were that he spent the entire time of the wedding reception lying on the bathroom floor.

            Lisa took it all in stride and greeted the guests without Ralph, but got a little flustered when Ralph’s brother Kevin, who was best man, stood a little too close in the receiving line, and she had to keep explaining, “This is not my husband.  He’s lying on the bathroom floor sick.”

            At the end of the reception Ralph staggered out for a few pictures, but our memory is that he had to sit down while they were snapped. 

            To add insult to injury, some of Lisa girlfriends had decorated the car and sabotaged their suitcases.  Kevin and one of the bridesmaids drove the car to a carwash and washed it in their formal clothes.  When they returned to the church, they loaded Ralph in the passenger seat and followed Lisa while she drove to the hotel.  Kevin helped Lisa check in at the desk and then he and the bridesmaid helped her get Ralph and the luggage into the room.   We don’t know what transpired subsequently.

            With Ralph feeling better, they honeymooned down California’s Highway 1 on their way to the open house in Claremont.  When they saw a car in front of them run off the road and down an embankment, Ralph pulled over and ran down to see if he could help.  He gave what assistance he could, then they continued on their way.  Little did he realize that the bushes he had brushed against in the field were poison oak, so by the time they got to his parents’ house in Claremont, he was being treated for red itchy blisters on his skin.  Lisa stuck with her new husband through it all - and many subsequent gaffs and misfortunes over the years - with a patient sense of humor and a twinkle in her eye.

            One of our fond memories is of how kind Lisa was to our daughter April who hadn’t been able to go to Arizona for the wedding. April was enthralled with the beauty of the wedding dress that Lisa had made herself, and Lisa let her try it on. April was thrilled!

            Since we were the only other members of the Lambert family in California for many years, we were like surrogate grandparents for Ralph and Lisa’s children, driving from Fresno to attend blessings, baptisms, and sometimes to just hangout and visit.  Lisa always had yummy food for us to eat and lots of laughter to cheer us.

            We love you, Lisa, and are glad you are part of our family.

Roger and Sue Anne Lambert

Christmas letter from Bills Family to their friend and relatives:

Season Greetings from Suriname South America

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

    Surprise!  Those of you who have already received the news of our latest move will wonder what in the world we are doing here!  We spent last year in Lebanon, Pennsylvania where Jay helped construct a new rolling mill for Alcoa.  The end of July and the first part of August we vacationed in the west.  August 11 flew to New York City, stayed overnight and then on to South America, stopping at Barbados and Trinidad.  This flight on a big airplane was a first for all except Jay, who by now is a seasoned traveler on jets.  Surinam was called Dutch Guiana; we live in de capital city, Paramaribo 5° above the equator.

    Seeing another America on the streets is the exception here.  There are five groups of people – Creoles – 36% of the population, Hindustani or East Indian 33%, Indonesians 16%, Bushnegro3es and Amerindians 11%, Chinese 2%, Europeans and others 2%. We attend a Hindu religious ceremony which was fascinating.  We left with many questions and a better understanding of their religion.

    Weather is generally warm; we have yet to wear sweaters except in air-conditioned buildings.  During dry season – September and October, afternoons get uncomfortable, but it is raining now – like a faucet turned on.  When it stops the sun dries everything immediately.  The children love to play in the rain and they often do.  Humidity is high but our bodies are now acclimatized.

    When we arrived our refrigerator was filled with food and neighbors arrived to welcome us and to offer their help which was needed.  Shopping takes a lot of time; much different from the department stores and modern supermarkets of the states.  We purchase frozen meat and vegetables, lettuce, celery and ice cream that are shipped from the U.S. and buy locally all fish and the local vegetables and fruits are delicious.  Going to the market is very interesting. Canned food comes from U.S., Holland, Denmark, England, Ireland – a melting pot!  Some prices are comparable to U.S. but most are higher including gasoline – we drive a Volkswagen.

    Dutch is the official language which gives us an advantage since Jay spent two years in Holland on a mission for our Church.  He is teaching us basic words; Shirley can read it fairly well but speaking is another matter.  We feel more at home when we can read even store signs.  English is taught in their schools so most people can understand us.

    Jay is serving as Chief Engineer for the Construction Division of Suralco which is the local subsidiary of the Aluminum Company of America. Suralco is expanding their operations here in Surinam by adding a fifth refining unit, a dock facility to load alumina on ships, and other related projects.  This is the first refining unit that any of us had seen and therefore is proving to be quite a challenge.  An aluminum refining unit takes bauxite, which is the ore from which aluminum is made, and converts it to a white powder and called alumina.  Most of the alumina produced here will be shipped out through the dock although some of it will be retained for reduction into metallic aluminum in the smelter the company has here.  He plays golf each Saturday and is teaching himself to play the guitar – getting quite good at it.

    Shirley has a part-time maid and is thoroughly enjoying the freedom this gives her.  She takes a ballet/exercise class (measurements are smaller as a result), golf lessons, takes daily bicycle rides with Kevin and Suzanne in Dutch-made sets attached to the bicycle.  She is den mother for Cub Scouts (thank goodness for her assistant) .

    Keith, 9 1/2, is 4’10” tall and continues to grow tall so fast. He is a Cub Scout, has a mechanical mind like his father – very happy taking things apart.  He fulfills the role of “older brother” to a T, especially with Kevin and Suzanne. Anything to do with airplanes, space, trains – purely boy things, he loves.

    Lisa, I, is our young lady.  She is slender, dark blond, takes ballet lessons (only American in the class), loves piano, is a whiz at reading and is learning to sew.  She and Keith attend the American School here in Via Bella, which is the Suralco housing area.

    Craig, 5 1/2 , is tall and more slender than last year; looks just like Jay. He attends a Dutch kindergarten and learning Dutch songs; counts better in Dutch than English.  He is a “first-rate” helper and talks constantly.

    Kevin, 3, talks a streak, looks like Lisa, has a built-in motor (meaning who needs an engine in the house when we have him?) and loves stories read to him.  Hi is a “mother’s boy” still. The move seemed the hardest on him, as he didn’t want out of his mother’s sight.  Just fine now, though.

    Our newest addition, Suzanne, was born last January 14; looks like Craig and her daddy.  She is dark, fat, happy and about ready to walk.  The entire family dotes on this doll.

    We are the only members of the church here, so hold our own Junior Sunday School and Primary. We are enjoying the experience of teaching our children and are so thankful for the supplies provided by the church.  Our testimony meetings are just beautiful.  We miss associating with other members, but our appreciation for the church and its teaching have grown by leaps and bounds.  Each member of the family except Suzanne takes part in our services.  Each Sunday night we play Zion, a church game, with Keith and Lisa, and are amazed at their grasp of church doctrine.  We are spending much more time with the children than eve before so feel the move here was well worthwhile if only for that reason.

    We are  well, enjoying this experience and do hope this Christmas season finds each of you as happy as The Bills Household is. May God’s choicest blessings be yours. 

Christmas 1967

Kevin Bills

Lisa has been my big sister my whole lifeJ

I don’t have many recollections of our very young life but will let you know what I remember.  (ask Lisa.  One too many bumps on the head from all my miscreant adventures jumping out of trees and off the house).

I remember her getting very scared of the cockroaches that would come out of the tub drain while we lived in Kingston Jamaica.

Lisa had long dark hair and played piano.  She would play piano for our Sacrament meeting in our homes front room.

She and our mother took classes at the Jamaican Royal Conservatory of Music and I remember thinking that she had to be awesome if she took classes at a place with such a prestigious name.

Lisa screamed one time in our house in Benson in Cache Valley Utah and we ran in to find that a mouse had laid a litter of tiny pink, hairless babies in her sock drawer!!  We thought that was amazing.

Lisa took pity on me and my brother and was the only person with a drivers license that would take me to see Star Wars in 1977.  I was dying to see this movie, and I can imagine that she was bored to tears but that is always one of my favorite times with her.

She always played in the band and orchestra in high school and was someone who took the challenge to increase your talents literally.

I remember the car that she drove in high school was a Chevy Corvair that she named Corey the Corvair.  It was wrecked when she was T-boned by a pickup truck after she pulled out of the Cache Valley Mall parking lot. 

I remember being told that she had been in an accident and being VERY worried that she was ok. She had to have some glass taken out of her eye I believe and she also found glass in her sweater pocket and her pants cuffs but other than bumps and bruises she was uninjured. 

When she went on her mission to the Belgium Antwerp mission I remember thinking she was the coolest person I knew because she was going on a mission and was so brave and amazing and awesome!!

Lisa has always been the straightest arrow of all of the Billstribe 8 and when I was young and stupid, that was off-putting to me sometimes, but as I got older, (not more mature), I have relied so much on her strength and her unwillingness to bend to the world.

She and our mother went with me through the temple for the first time in Logan, UT before my mission and I was SOOOOO grateful to have her there to help and make me more comfortable with the brave new world that I was embarking into.

Lisa was there at the MTC with me and gave me the biggest hug to send me off.

When I returned from my mission and prepared to go to college, she was already almost done with school and I will always be grateful to her for the amount of time that I was able to spend with her at college.

I remember going to some of her concerts in college and just being amazed that this was my sister and she could play so many instruments.

She and her awesome roommates lived just above me in some off campus housing.  There were so many times when we relied on each other for support.  I would do the cleaning and maintenance on her car and she would let me borrow it until I could afford my own car.

I remember driving her Dodge Neon with her in it and popping the clutch to squeal the tires and laughing so hard when she yelled at me and said, those tires are new and you just wasted 5 dollars’ worth of tread!!!!!

Lisa was there when I needed to talk, but as importantly when I did not have my poop in a group, she was there to tell me that I was not living up to my potential and to get it together.  She did it very lovingly but firmly playing the part of sister and mother when needed, and friend above all.

Lisa could always see things that I could not see and her inner visionary was way ahead of me when she gave her full encouragement and support when I started to date my future wife.  Her joy and delight when Trina and I became engaged was such a help in reaffirming the right choices that I was making in my life.

Lisa and me have usually been very open and honest with each other and there have been times when we got after each other for being dorks, but there is always love and forgiveness that come from her that reminds me of our Savior.  Unconditional but tough love is what she brings to the table and I love her for it.

Lisa, you have always been a rock to my random wanderings and I will be forever grateful that you preceded me into this life so that I could lean on you and receive of your wisdom, kindness and light.

I love you for never being less than the best that is in you and for helping me to strive to be that kind of person as well.

Love you Eternally Sis!!!

Thank You

Memories of Lisa Bills Lambert, by Kevin Lambert (brother in law) Aug. 19, 2013

Lisa & Ralph meeting:

I first met Lisa Bills through a Country Western Dance class hosted by an LDS singles group in Tempe, Arizona in the mid to late 1980s before she met Ralph. An LDS singles group booked a vacation trip from Tempe, AZ to Long Beach, California to take a boat to Catalina Island for about 3 days.  Ralph had called Kevin a little before this trip and I told him about this trip.  As Ralph was doing some work temporarily in Los Angeles at the time, he wanted to join the fun.  Ralph met me at the boat dock in Long Beach.  Lisa and her younger sister were also among the group.  I don’t know if I introduced them on the boat journey over or shortly after arriving in Avalon on Catalina.  In any case, the 4 of us decided to rent a golf cart (they don’t want the tourists renting cars in the little town) to tour the town and the surrounding road along the edge of the hills.  We (or perhaps the Bills sisters) sang primary songs along part of the route.  I didn’t see much of Ralph the rest of the weekend, unless it was in a group including Lisa.

Lisa & Ralph’s wedding day:

After the wedding/sealing in the LDS, Mesa, Arizona temple in mid April there were photographs on the grounds followed by a wedding luncheon.  As I recall Ralph missed some of the meal or at least didn’t feel well and looked a bit pale.  We thought it was a case of nerves and exhaustion after all the preparations and travel.  That evening as we gathered for the reception at an LDS chapel in Tempe, no one had seen Ralph.  Lisa’s mom and others were quite concerned as several of us were sent in search of Ralph when photos were to taken in advance of the guests arriving.  We found Ralph in the men’s restroom, quite sick and weak and afraid to leave the conveniences of the bathroom in his condition.  Dr. Kim Bateman (Ralph’s brother in law) examined Ralph and concluded that he had a 24 hour flu.  So the wedding line up was arranged.  Lisa made sure that there was a large space between myself (the best man) and herself, so that no one would be confused that she had married me.  As guests came through the line, a very few got to visit briefly with Ralph in the hall.  Ralph came in for a few minutes for a few photos.

As the reception came to an end, the car was checked for their exit and Lisa found that some of her female friends and decorated it and put things in her suitcase.  I think that was the last straw at the end of a long and stressful day.  I (in my tux) and one of the maids of honor (in her special dress) took the car to a car wash the exterior and clean out whatever other foreign objects were attached to or inside the car.  Must have been an interesting sight to the observers at the car wash.

Back at the church Ralph was loaded in the passenger side seat with the back reclined and Lisa driving to the hotel in Scottsdale.  I and a bridesmaid followed them to make sure everything was OK with no further problems.  At some stop lights Ralph raised his arm in the car so that we knew he was OK.  Lisa and I went into the hotel to get the room key and then Lisa, I and the bridesmaid carried in their luggage and helped Ralph to the room.

By the next afternoon, when Lisa & Ralph opened many of their gifts, Ralph was present and doing a bit better.  Lisa was a real trooper!

The Honeymoon:

Lisa & Ralph drove from Tempe, AZ thru southern California and up the coast to their new home east of San Francisco.  But as with the wedding, the honeymoon was not to be without events that could later be recounted with humor, but perhaps not with humor when they happened.  Stopping at one curve in the coastal highway, a car came speeding around the curve, but didn’t make the bend and ran off the road and down a slope in a brushy area.  Ralph rushed down to help the people out of the car and make sure they were OK.  Without realizing it, Ralph had gone through a bunch of poison oak brush to which he was quite sensitive.  His skin started blistering on the honeymoon and was just healing a week or two later at the reception in Claremont, Calif. at the home of Ralph’s parents. At another stop along the coastal highway on their honeymoon, they were taking a photo of a very tall bridge when suddenly someone jumped off the bridge and between very rapid heart beats they thought they had a photo of a suicide attempt.  But to their relief, it was someone jumping off the bridge to catch the wind using a parasail/human kite!

The Claremont reception:

Ralph worked as a geologist and was frequently called to spend a few days in the field at remote locations.  A few days after their arrival in Northern California from their honeymoon, Ralph was called to a field assignment in central California, scheduled to end the day before the reception.  I think Lisa had already had enough of adventure by this time and was getting worried on Saturday morning when Ralph had not yet arrived in Claremont.  Ralph arrived shortly before the reception, having driven the distance from the field site.

Lisa’s adventure with Ralph began with meeting someone new on an island vacation (can’t get much more romantic than that), followed by a wedding day, receptions and a honeymoon full of surprises to be remembered!

 Samuel Lambert  I'm Lisa's nephew - the son of Ralph's brother.  Lisa and Ralph got married when I was a teenager, I think.

A memory I have of Lisa is that she was always thinking of creative ways for her children to learn.  I remember going to their house and they had large sheets of butcher paper taped up in on the walls and they were all part of a giant timeline of history.  Every time the children would read a book, they would add the book to the appropriate place in history, so you could see when in history each book took place.  It was neat even for me to see the book titles in relation to one another throughout history.

As I happen to be Lisa's favorite sister . . . . . . well I guess only sister - this better be good huh???  I actually have only scattered memories of growing up - not sure why, but can be very frustrating at times trying to remember the good times.

First of all, as Lisa and I are almost 8 years apart in age (2 brothers between us) - we didn't really grow up together.  I do remember slamming the door one time just to tick her off - I'm sure it worked!!!  Oh and she HATED to sleep in the same bed with me as I moved around so much I kicked her all night - can't imagine why she would find that annoying???

I tell people that if we weren't sisters and had those threads to tie us we probably would not even be friends for the fact that we are SO different - can't imagine that we grew up with the same parents.  

The trip that changed Lisa's life.  Living in Arizona (I was 20 at the time) Lisa and I lived in a townhouse together with two other girls that were close to Lisa's age - Mona and Kathryn.  We had a great time - I am sure they wanted to kick me out on more than one occasion, but they put up with me being immature.  Well, there was a single's ward trip to Catalina Island that all 4 of us wanted to go on - unfortunately Mona did not have the funds to go.  Kathryn and I were going to of course find a guy, Lisa was going to see the sights and have a relaxing and fun vacation.  One of the guys that lived in Arizona that was going on the trip was named Kevin Lambert.  He had a brother named Ralph that was from Los Angeles and he was going to meet us at Long Island and take the ferry over to Catalina Island with us and join us on the trip.  

Well, I would like to say "the rest is history" but let me tell you - that was the sweetest experience getting to see my sister all excited and the whole falling in love experience - priceless.  Needless to say Lisa found her prince charming and Kathryn and I just had fun!!!

The day that Lisa and Ralph got married also sticks out in my mind as poor Ralph was sick with the flu - other brides might have freaked out but not Lisa - she was such a trooper and explained why her groom was missing (he made three appearances for pictures and that was it - poor guy) - didn't phase her at all - of course I am sure she would have love to have him by her side to show off to everyone her new husband - but such is life.  

When I got the e-mail from Ralph that Lisa had breast cancer I had a little freak-out session (in fact I scared my son's friend and he made a quick exit) - I called our parents and me and my kids drove over there so we could cry on each other's shoulders.  I was truly scared for her and sure that she was going to die.  

The most amazing thing to me is that she doesn't let it get in her way - it's almost like a pesky fly - gets in the way - she waits to get past the "fog week" and then gets back on with her life and what needs to be done. 

I have actually been quite envious of her vast talents that I do not posess.  Top of the list is her ability to play the piano as well as most other musical instruments, she can sing beautifully, she can sew so well and also be able to correct something if there is a problem with it, she has taught piano lessons, she is an amazing mother and has raised (with the help of her sweetheart) some great kids.  I could go on and on, but I am sure that everyone is well aware of how amazing my sister is.  

When I found out she had the breast cancer in the other breast I had to wait a few days to call her since I didn't feel it would benefit her to me to be bawling on the phone to her - but dang it - when I called we did bawl together - knowing that we can't believe she has to go through this again.  But again, as before, she deals with it - gets over it and then takes care of what needs to be done and is always available for her kids and husband as well as church callings.  

I love my sister for the amazing person she is and the great example she has been to me in dealing with her trials!!!

Your sister for eternity,

Suzanne