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Picola Wood

Jul. 28, 1930 - Jun. 14, 2022

Date of Service: Jun. 21, 2022

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BURLEY – Picola Grant Hatch Wood departed this life on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, surrounded by loving family while residing at the home of her daughter, Ann Harper.

Picola was born the tenth of 11 children on July 28, 1930, in Glenwoodville, Alberta, Canada, to Leo Rufus Hatch and Jemmima Grant. The family moved to West Bountiful in 1936, then to Bluffdale, Utah, in 1942, where she graduated from Jordan High School in 1948.

From a young age, she studied voice and piano from various teachers, some becoming cherished mentors to whom she remained close for many years. In 1948 she attended Brigham Young University, where she met her beloved Elden Leigh Wood while they were both rehearsing for an upcoming opera. They were married on June 6, 1949, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Picola served in a variety of callings in the church. She was adored by the Primary children, who she taught to love music. They loved her because she first loved them. For more than 70 years, she taught piano and voice lessons to thousands of students, young and old, many at no charge. Always striving to be a better teacher, she took voice lessons privately over the years.

Following her marriage to Elden and while expecting their second baby, Picola supported her husband and family while he served for over 2 ½ years in France as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The subsequent six missions would not separate them again as they served as a family in Charleroi, Belgium; the West Indies as mission presidents; Bordeaux, France (serving in Lyon); Bern, Switzerland; Accra, Ghana, West Africa; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. They gave nearly 16 years of their lives to full-time service to the Lord worldwide. In addition, they served in the Boise Idaho and Twin Falls Idaho Temples for over 12 years.

Picola assisted Elden multiple times as the vocal and drama coach for some of the Burley High School musicals. She organized the Burley Music Festival, prepared countless student participants who won many awards and was a long-time member of local, state, and national music educator organizations. She organized hour-long programs for the Festival of Trees each year and provided music for multiple civic organizations. She was also a long-time member of a Burley book club for which she offered twice-yearly musical programs. She gave her students and family countless opportunities to learn and grow through these performances. With her husband, she was the owner of the Burley Music Store for over 25 years before selling it to Welch Music. In short, Picola’s and Elden’s musical contributions to the Mini-Cassia community simply cannot be measured. As one former student said, “Elden and Picola could have gone anywhere—they were that good. But they chose to come to little old Burley, Idaho, and gift the community with the sound of music.”

But as profound as were Picola’s and Elden’s musical gifts to the community, her greatest gift was her unconditional love for everyone she met. She exemplified a true Christian life by loving and serving the less fortunate, the downtrodden, the discouraged, and the wanderer. She was a one-of-a-kind woman. She held nothing in reserve and gave every ounce of her heart and soul to the very end. Burley, Idaho, was changed forever when she and Elden moved here in 1966 and will never be quite the same now that she has moved on to her eternal sphere of glory.

We express sincere appreciation to the expert and loving care of hospice workers from Horizon Health, members of both the Burley 7th and 3rd wards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the unfailing tender service of her daughter, Ann Harper, who for months and years cared for Picola and Elden until their passing.

Picola is survived by her six children, Alan Roy Wood, Ann Leigh Harper (Teague), Janine Wood Green, Renée Packer (Stephen), Claire Lynne Prigmore (Steve), and Lucie Grant Gibbons (Barry); 43 grandchildren; 157 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elden; one grandson, Seth Teague Harper; and all ten of her siblings.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 21, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Burley 7th Ward, located at 2200 Oakley Ave., in Burley, with Bishop Eric Pierce officiating. Burial will follow at Gem Memorial Gardens in Burley.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, June 20, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, prior to the service, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/hPiEQ8LVwAw.

Condolences for Picola Wood

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From D. Kim Croft:

I'm so sorry to hear of Picola's passing. I first met Elden and Picola in the music store. Being from across the river, I hadn't known them - but I feel like we became good friends. The end of my sophomore year of high school (I was at Minico, across the river), I learned Minico would be mounting a production of Fiddler on the Roof. Wanting to get to know some of the song, I went to the store to purchase the vocal selections. Picola told me, "I'll sell you this volume, but I don't think you'll be happy until you have the complete vocal score." So I had her order it. And she was absolutely correct.

Then, when I started my education at BYU, I began to study organ with Parley Belnap. Asking about my background, he asked if I knew his good friends, Elden and Picola Wood . . .

Both Picola and Elden were wonderful folks - and I will never forget them.

From Debra Pettingill Barlow:

Picola (and Elden) have been my wonderful friends for the past 40 years. Yes, I was with them in my high school years but did not get close to them until I began working in the school district. After a time my heart would leap whenever I would see them, especially when they would leave and return from their many missions. I loved working with them in their musical world. I always thought they were younger than they were because of all of their service they rendered. I feel so bad that we were unable to attend the viewing or funeral (also because of friendships with their children) because of family obligations but we have watched the service which was beautiful. I love Picola dearly. I am so happy she has reunited with her beloved Elden.

From Michelle Andersen:

I loved both Eldon and Picola, We have been neighbors for that past 6 years.
Teaching my grandkids to play a piano and vocal lessons. Ann played a big part in her parents care. Eveery family member made a difference. Picola never had a dull moment Big family with all involved in her life. God bless your family at this time. Eldon had his arms wide open.

From Kendalyn Harris:

Hello my good friend Aaron and Alan, Hope you guys are doing well. I wish all the best for you. I'm sorry to hear about your Grandma but what a wonderful life it sounds like she has lived. You guys are all awesome!

From Cozette Keyes:

The most beautiful sound I ever heard...Picola Picola Picola Picola...All the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word...Picola Picola Picola Picola Picola Picola Picola. I once met a girl named Picola. And suddenly my life would never be the same again...Picola, Iv'e just heard a song by Picola, and suddenly i found how wonderful a sound can be! Picola..say it loud and theres music playing, Say it soft and it's almost like praying..Picola..we'll never forget our Picola...The most beautiful sound i ever heard.....Picola.... Picola ..Thankyou for your MUSIC AND your LOVE ....We've been blest to know YOU.. We LOVE YOU and we'll MISS YOU...We know you are just going on another mission, God be with You till we meet again. sincerely Cozette Keye and families

From Kathryn Hall. :

I want you to know how much I admired and loved Picola. She did so much for so many. As well I have admired the daughters and Allen. You have done so much to bring joy with your music. I will miss seeing all of you.

From Carole Dayley:

I enjoyed associating with Picola in the book club. She was such an amazingly talented person.

From Gavin Ishmael:

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Sister Wood was an absolute angel to me as well as many others when I served my mission. She often related faith promoting experiences which I still remember today. It is through her that I gained a greater appreciation for classical music. I also learned to be kinder to others. She will be greatly missed.

From Kim Green:

As I reflect back on your life and see what you have accomplished, I'm simply amazed! You have lived your life as a true disciple of Jesus Christ and I can't help but think that when you were received in the loving arms of Jesus, you heard these words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." For you have freely given so much and blessed so many lives, including family, friends, students and complete strangers. Thank you Picola for the many kindnesses and cherished memories and for all that you have done for our family. You're a grand lady and will be missed by your many friends and family. With love, honor and respect I will always remember you and look forward to the day when we will meet again. I love you, thank you, you were always so kind to me.

From James Teela:

I am one that most my life I watched Picola from the outside. I was in her presence but a few times, however, her influence and example spread into my life and influenced me for good. She is a true disciple of Christ and her living her life in away no one could mistaken it was such an example. She is definitely one that will be recorded in the heavens as one of those that were the salt of the earth. Many so close to her will miss her but because of her example in service and dedication in living a Christ like life they will feel more peace and love then sorrow. Thank you Aunt Picola for being you so well, a true daughter of God, knew it and lived it.

From Beth and Phil Hoggan:

One of the grandest Ladies I've known! Thank you Aunt Picola for your beauty and grace. Thank you for your inspiring example along with Uncle Elden. You two are the reason we keep serving missions. We figure if they can do it, so can we. We'll have to compare notes once we join you. I love you to the moon and back. See you sometime later.

From Sherri Holloman:

What a beautiful soul Heaven has gained! I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Piccola personally, but I know her daughter Janine very well. The Apple doesn’t far fall from the tree! Janine has shared with me the biography she wrote about her amazing parents Piccola and Elden! They were truly a great blessing to so many. Please accept my deepest sympathy to the whole family. We often sorrow here on earth, but what rejoicing must be taking place in heaven this day!

From Angelique Phipps:

I was one of Picola’s vocal students. I loved hearing her stories of her missions and living abroad. She inspired me to have grace and proper pronunciation in performing. I went on to sing in many cover bands for some years. I am so grateful and blessed that I could be mentored by her.

From Heidi Lyman (Joye Simpson's Daughter):

Thinking of your family at this time. I loved Eldon as my music teacher in school and Picola was my piano teacher for a short time, I was probably one of her least musical students which is why it was only a short time, but she was so kind and encouraging!

From Carolina Gonzales:

Mrs. Wood was my piano teacher and voice teacher for my whole childhood and teenage life. When she took time out for mission work I had to take lessons from others and it was miserable. I remember how excited I would be when my parents said she returned! She was my mentor and a trusted adult who loved me and looked out for me. With her guidance, I prepared college auditions in voice and piano. Because she believed in me, I believed in myself. I have since received advanced degrees in music and became a music teacher and have taught thousands of students. I am forever grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Wood for their molding of my music career. They unlocked doors for me and I in turn, unlock doors for others. What a loss for this world losing her. Heaven has a beautiful new voice in the choirs of angels. Her love for everyone will just keep growing until we meet again. My sincere condolences to all her family as they grieve the loss. I will be praying for you.

From Brian Muir:

I will always be grateful for her dedication to music. She was an amazing voice teacher and an exemplary human being.

From Kathi Weekes:

Picola touched so many lives in the very best of ways. We are saddened at her passing. We are grateful we had the chance to know her. We share in your sorrows. Thanks for sharing her with the world. She will be missed by many.
Bill & Kathi Weekes

From Kelly Peterson :

Beautiful lady!! Inside and out!

From Karen Manning Hines:

Sorry for the loss of Picola, she always treated me so kind and always told me she loved me. she said she loved Gene and treated all of our children as her own grandchildren. I am forever greatful. Love you too Picola.

From Crystal Hobza:

Miss Picola was my voice teacher when I was in high school (eons ago). I loved her so much. She really helped me grow musically. I will always admire her dedication to music and remember her when I sing.

From Guy and Lyn Ann Arnell :

We will miss our sweet Picola. To the entire family we send our love and prayers. Our girl’s can play the piano because of your sweet mother.

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