From the Life of President Spencer W. Kimball

Adapted from Edward L. Kimball and Andrew E. Kimball Jr., Spencer W. Kimball (1977), 31, 33, 46–49 and Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, xvi, xvii, 21–22.

Spencer’s Mother

Illustrations by Sal Velluto and Eugenio Mattozzi

As a child, Spencer loved spending time with his mother, Olive. After school, the first thing he did was to find out if she was home.

Spencer: Ma! Ma! Ma!

Olive: Yes, Spencer, what do you need?

Spencer: Nothing.

Spencer’s mother taught him important gospel principles.

Spencer: Where are we going, Ma?

Olive: To Bishop Zundel’s house.

Spencer: Why are we taking eggs?

Olive: Do you remember when I asked you to gather the eggs and set aside one for every ten? These eggs that you set aside are our tithing.

Spencer’s mother taught Spencer to work hard. He had perfect school attendance, and he rushed home at lunchtime to do chores.

Olive: When you’ve finished feeding the cows, horses, and pigs, I’ll have your lunch ready for you.

Spencer: Yes, Ma!

Spencer wrote in his journal, “I just liked being with Ma.” He liked going for rides in the buggy with her and sitting next to her in church.

When Spencer was 11 years old, his mother became ill and died. He was very sad and prayed earnestly to receive comfort from the Holy Ghost.

He never forgot his mother and kept her picture in his copy of the Pearl of Great Price. All his life he tried to follow her righteous and cheerful example.