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FORGET ME NOT:   AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF  
BETTY BURTON STOHL

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  Betty was very generous with her time and leadership, as seen here as
  she works for the American Cancer Society, 1976.  
  Click photo for large image 

 

   Betty with the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of
   Latter-day Saints: President Ezra Taft Benson, Thomas S. Monson,
   and Gordon B. Hinckley, 1987.  Click photo for large image 

In March of 1976 we were called to be the Directors of church hosting for the entire Church including Washington D.C. at that time. Clark was set apart by Elder Gordon B. Hinckley and I by Elder Bruce R. McConkie, with two of the most beautiful and promising blessings I have ever heard. Clark’s close friend, Wendell Ashton, head of the Department of Communication for the Church, actually sat shedding tears.

  Betty and Clark as Church Hosts, 1987. Click photo for large image 

We served in this position for twelve years after serving as members of the Hosting Committee for a year under Stanley and Oma Wagstaff until Brother Wagstaff’s death. We asked to be released after Clark’s health problems made it necessary, even though President Hinckley always told us we were to stay as long as he did. At the conclusion of our service, we were hosted at a luncheon provided by President Hinckley, a reception at the Lion House, and a great Dinner at BYU given by the Y hosting staff. We received many gifts and flowers and cards.
    While hosting we had many exciting experiences with U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and George Bush, accompanied by their wives, Mrs. Reagan, Mrs. Ford, and my favorite, Mrs. Bush. Also we hosted the Queen of Thailand, and I accompanied her nearly everywhere she went, including BYU for a visit, and the Osmond Studio where the Princess, who was with her, played the guitar with Donny. It was exciting to ride with her and her Lady in Waiting in a fleet of limousines headed with a fleet of police cars. We arrived in Provo in about 25 minutes because of the sirens of the police.

We met many Ambassadors, Dukes and Duchesses, and Lords and Ladies and the International Chiefs of Police, for whom we had a dinner for 500 from all over the world. We also had the Tabernacle Choir perform for them. They were colorful in their native robes and dress. The National Indian Congress, the first astronauts in space, and many large conventions were some of the groups we hosted, with the help of a wonderful hosting committee.

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